Swiss power and automation technology group ABB has won an order valued at $23 million to provide integrated automation systems and related services to modernize the plate mill at the Rourkela steel plant in Orissa, India.
Owned and operated by the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), the plant produces a wide range of steel products including flat, tubular and coated steel.
According to an ABB release, the plant currently has the capacity to produce two million metric tons of hot metal, with 1.7 million metric tons of saleable steel each year. ABB's integrated automation solution will improve the energy efficiency and productivity of the finishing section of the plate mill.
ABB will provide engineering, system design, installation and commissioning, and other related services for the project. The scope of supply also includes an automation system based on ABB's Extended Automation System 800xA integrated with drives that utilize Direct Torque Control, motors, and other electrical equipment to maximize productivity and equipment reliability in the plate mill, as well as optimize its energy use, to help it to run efficiently and profitably.
SMS Siemag AG will supply the mechanicals for the project, and will work closely with ABB on the project execution.