Primetals Technologies and JSW Steel USA have forged a partnership to enhance the slab casting infrastructure at the Mingo Junction facility in Ohio. This initiative spans steelmaking, secondary metallurgy, and continuous casting processes. Anticipated outcomes of the project include empowering JSW Steel USA to manufacture a broader spectrum of advanced slab steels.
Primetals Technologies specializes in engineering, plant building, and lifecycle services for the metals industry. With a legacy spanning decade, the company excels in providing advanced solutions for steel production, casting, and rolling processes.
JSW Steel USA, a subsidiary of JSW Group, is one of the major players in the American steel industry. Operating advanced facilities, the company is recognized for its technological innovation, sustainable practices, and high-quality steel production.
Installing a 230-metric-ton vacuum tank degasser (VTD) equipped with a dry mechanical vacuum pump system, Primetals Technologies is set to establish North America’s largest twin station VTD. This technological advancement at JSW Steel USA’s Mingo Junction site aims to enhance steel production by minimizing carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulfur levels across various process stages.
Overcoming challenges posed by limited footprint and height constraints at the existing site, Joerg Buttler, Head of Upstream Business for Primetals Technologies USA, collaborated closely with JSW’s Mingo team to devise a tailored design that aligns with spatial, financial, and metallurgical objectives.
The VTD design encompasses the entire array of mechanical and electrical apparatus for the plant, encompassing mechanical dry pumps, vacuum filters, and a dust catcher. It involves the incorporation of advanced material handling technologies, accompanying auxiliary systems, a metallurgical process model, and the implementation of comprehensive Level 1 and Level 2 automation systems.
“We eagerly anticipate the successful completion of these upgrades to enhance our service capabilities and address the escalating demands of the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors, all while adhering to the guidelines of the Build America – Buy America Act,” said Jonathan Shank, Chief Operating Officer of JSW Steel USA. “This undertaking will fortify our dedication to sustainability, simultaneously propelling growth through the expansion of our product portfolio.”
The 2-strand continuous caster upgrade project encompasses essential mechanical equipment, Level 1 automation for strand No. 2, a comprehensive Level 2 automation system, and the Mold Expert monitoring system. JSW Steel USA has committed to a long-term software subscription model under a Software as a Service (SaaS) concept.
The innovative strand containment involves a specially designed adapter solution, reducing the need for time-consuming demolition. The dedicated strand, utilizing the patented Smart Segment continuous bending and straightening process, enables online and remote roll-gap adjustments.
This strand focuses on producing high-quality API grades and plates for the US market. Advanced mathematical models, developed by Primetals Technologies, optimize the caster design in the early stages to mitigate the risk of unsteady mold level bulging.
Accurate monitoring of temperatures within a continuously cast strand is crucial for optimizing secondary cooling of slabs. Dynacs 3D facilitates real-time temperature adjustments, ensuring precise control of the cooling process and calculating the point of final strand solidification.
The caster is also equipped with DynaGap Soft Reduction 3D, enhancing operator control during slab solidification and improving internal quality by minimizing center segregation. This dynamic strand-guide system allows operators to easily adjust the roll gap with a simple button press.