Siemens VAI Metals Technologies received orders to modernize electric arc furnaces (EAFs) for both the Saudi Iron and Steel Co. (Hadeed) and Outokumpu Oy, a Finnish steel producer. Both plants will be equipped with a new hydraulic system that will reportedly improve the efficiency, availability, and productivity of the furnaces.
The orders are worth several million euros. The projects are scheduled to be finished in the fall of 2010 and by the end of 2011, respectively.
EAF No. 1 in Hadeed's steel works in Al-Jubail and EAF No. 1 in Outokumpu's stainless steel works in Tornio will each be fitted with a new hydraulic system, lifting columns for the carbon electrodes, and current-conducting electrode arms. An integrated automation solution based on Simatic S7 will also be installed in the Al-Jubail works.
Siemens Al-Khobar, the Saudi subsidiary, will handle the migration of the current process control system.
The modernized hydraulic system will shorten the melting times of the furnaces, increasing efficiency and productivity and reducing operating costs, according to Siemens. EAF No. 1 in Outokumpo's Tornio works will also be equipped with a new gantry cover to bring it up to a similar technical level as EAF No. 2, which had been previously supplied by Siemens VAI.
Outokumpu, based in Espoo, Finland, is one of the world's leading producers of stainless steels. The company features what it says is the world's only fully integrated production chain for stainless steels, which includes chromium mining in Kemi and the ferrochromium and stainless steel works in Tornio.
Hadeed is a company of Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC). It produces long and flat steel products, primarily for the construction and petroleum industries, and also for the production of pipes and domestic appliances. The steelworks in Al-Jubail is the company's largest production plant.
The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is a leading international supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. The Sector comprises six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 207,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal year 2009 total sales of approximately €35 billion.
The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. With around 31,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Solutions posted sales of €6.8 billion in fiscal year 2009.