The slab pusher furnace 2 in the rolling mill of Dillinger Hüttenwerke (Dillinger) was successfully converted. What may sound unspectacular actually brings far-reaching benefits. After successfully completing the investment of €26 million, Dillinger will be able to produce even more “super heavy” sheets more sustainably.
“We can now heat the 600-millimeter slabs cast on the CC 6 continuous caster – currently the thickest in the world – directly in the pusher furnace. This means a significant increase in capacity compared to the previous process in the shuttle kiln,” says Dr. Peter Maagh, Director of Technology and Production.
Improved availability
This increases the availability of large, heavy sheets, which is an advantage for customers. With these, weld seams can be saved and, thanks to more efficient production, more offshore foundations can ultimately be produced and installed. The modernization of the slab impact furnace, as well as the new edge milling machine for the delivery of “fabricated” offshore wind sheets, is one of a number of investments in the offshore wind market that are currently being planned and implemented at Dillinger.
“Offshore wind is a growth market in which we, as market leader, want to participate significantly. With our technology, our innovative products and our service for customers, we are a strong driving force for the energy transition. This is also part of our future responsibility, which we take on in the spirit of Pure Steel +,” explains CEO Stefan Rauber.
Scheduled renovation
The conversion of the slab pusher furnace 2 in the Dillinger rolling mill was completed on schedule in exactly three months, despite extensive work, including the machine foundations. In addition to increasing slab thickness and weight, the modernized furnace saves 750 MWh of electrical energy annually, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 250 households.
