SMS group has successfully upgraded the automation system of Hot Strip Mill No. 1 at PT Krakatau Steel Persero (PTKS) in Cilegon, Indonesia, marking a key milestone with the production of the first sellable coil. This achievement signals PTKS’s return to the Indonesian market as a HRC producer after a prolonged production halt.
Initially launched as a recovery plan for damaged drive and automation cabinets in the finishing mill, the project evolved into a comprehensive automation system upgrade. Instead of replacing only the affected components, PTKS opted for next-generation automation technology across the entire hot strip mill. However, the existing DC drives for sections like the slab sizing press, roughing mill, and down coiler were retained, with SMS ensuring seamless integration between the new automation system and the legacy drive technology.
At the heart of the upgrade is SMS group’s advanced X-Pact process automation technology, which enhances control, diagnostics, and performance. The system incorporates SMS Level 1 and Level 2 automation within the X-Pact ProBAS platform, featuring embedded controllers for improved connectivity and open interfaces. Additionally, SMS developed Sinamics DC drives with Simotion-based control software to optimize production efficiency and quality.
The upgrade includes key process models such as X-Pact Pass Schedule Calculation for roughing and finishing stands and X-Pact Cooling Section Control for automated strip cooling. The X-Pact Profile, Contour, and Flatness model ensures precise thickness and flatness tolerances, enabling high-quality, diverse products.
With an annual capacity of 2.4 mln tons, the mill produces a wide range of steel grades, including general structural steels, tubes, pipes, and automotive materials. It can handle thicknesses from 1.8 to 25 mm and widths from 600 to 2,080 mm.