Siemens Metals Technologies won an order from German company Aluminium Norf (Alunorf) to supply automation and drives systems to expand and modernize the hot rolling mill no. 1 in the company’s Neuss Plant. The aim of the project is to increase the production capacity. The conversion work will be performed in several stages, and should be completed by the start of 2016.
Siemens will be supplying a synchronous motor with a non-salient pole rotor for the last rolling stand, which is currently equipped with a DC motor, and an induction motor for the coiler. As well as installing Sinamics SM150 medium voltage converters, Siemens will also handle the entire dismantling and reassembly work, as well as the commissioning of the electrical components. The DC motor from the last rolling stand will be overhauled in a Siemens workshop, re-assembled and then used again in the new rolling stand. Alunorf will supply the automation hardware required for the new rolling stand, while Siemens will make the necessary adaptations to the software.
The modernization work will be performed during scheduled plant shutdowns to avoid additional production losses. The solution proposed by Siemens will ensure that existing components and systems can be used again to the greatest possible extent.