Austrian company Voestalpine Stahl GmbH is embarking on a large-scale modernization of the laminar cooling line at the hot rolling mill in Linz, where up to 5 million tons of products are produced annually. The implementation of the new system is being carried out in collaboration with Primetals Technologies and aims to strengthen Voestalpine’s position as a leader in the flat steel market in Europe.
This is reported by Finway
Modern Technologies for Innovative Steel Production
The main objective of the modernization is to enhance the capacity and flexibility of the cooling equipment, allowing it to meet modern quality standards, especially in the production of high-strength and high-quality steel. The system will also take into account the needs of future developments in steel products with improved performance characteristics.
The project includes the installation of state-of-the-art laminar cooling headers and valves with precise water flow control capabilities, ensuring monitoring of the cooling process along the entire length of the metal strip. Additionally, the side guides of the roller table, water knives, and the cross-spray system will be upgraded, contributing to even greater accuracy and efficiency in production.
Benefits of the Updated System for the Steel Industry
The installation of modern headers will allow the equipment to operate in both soft and intensive cooling modes on a single production line. The system will automatically record the individual flow characteristics for each valve, enabling a uniform and controlled cooling profile across the width and length of the strip. This will ensure a balanced thermal flow between the upper and lower surfaces of the metal and create conditions for the production of innovative steel grades, including products for the automotive industry.
“The modernization is expected to provide a uniform and controlled cooling profile across the width and length of the strip, as well as a balanced thermal flow between the upper and lower surfaces. This will create conditions for the release of new high-performance steel grades, particularly for the automotive sector.”
The implementation of the project is scheduled for planned production stoppages lasting about 10 days in 2027–2028. This approach will minimize the impact on the production process and ensure continuity of product supply to the company’s customers.