TISCO, the renowned stainless steel manufacturer, located in Taiyuan, China, embarked on a massive modernization project in 2020 to upgrade their hot rolling mill for stainless steel plates. This ambitious endeavor aimed to meet the increasing global demand for stainless steel, a vital material across various industries like medical engineering, shipbuilding, and aerospace. As their trusted partner in this endeavor, Rösler undertook the colossal task of constructing the most extensive vertical shot blast machine in their history.
Taiyuan Iron and Steel Group Co., Ltd. (TISCO), a subsidiary of China Baowu Steel Group Corporation Limited, is a global steel giant known for producing high-quality steel products. Their project’s objective was to automate the entire production line, with a critical focus on the shot blasting and pickling system. The demanding specifications included processing stainless steel plates up to 4,100 mm in length, 160 mm in thickness, and weighing a maximum of 35 tons, all while achieving high precision and throughput.
To meet these stringent requirements, Rösler engineers devised an innovative solution: a system that combined two identical shot blast machines, sequentially processing the steel plates with different blast media. Each machine boasted twelve Gamma 400G turbines, delivering 37 kW of power per turbine. This arrangement ensured even coverage of the plates, despite their significant width. With a media throughput of 12,000 kg/minute per machine, they far exceeded standard shot blast machines, presenting a wear protection challenge that was overcome with manganese steel construction and replaceable wear plates.
For applications requiring a higher surface roughness, each machine could operate independently at a reduced plate transport speed of 4 m/minute, equipped with a high-performance blow-off system to prevent media spillage. The robust design of the machines, capable of handling up to four tons per running meter, was accompanied by extensive dimensions—17 meters in length and 14 meters in height, positioned within a 2.5-meter-deep pit.
To facilitate maintenance, the machines featured four inspection platforms at different levels, easily accessible via stairways. The shot blast system’s fully automatic operation was ensured through a level 2 control system, providing essential process data and enabling precise control over plate types, surface roughness, and finishing values.
The colossal vertical shot blasting system, designed and built in Germany, was shipped to China in 21 containers and installed by Rösler service engineers amidst strict travel restrictions and quarantine regulations. The commissioning was a success, impressing both TISCO and Rösler with seamless cooperation and outstanding results. TISCO is now poised to solidify its position as a leading global stainless steel manufacturer, thanks to this remarkable shot blasting system from Germany.
