Chinese steelmaker Angang Ltd. has issued the Final Acceptance Certificate (FAC) to Primetals Technologies for completing a major automation upgrade at its 3.8-meter plate mill in Bayuquan, Liaoning province.
Primetals supplied and implemented comprehensive Level 1 and 2 automation systems, a process camera system, and a new human-machine interface (HMI). The modernization allows Angang to produce advanced steel grades, including high-performance X60MO subsea pipeline steel, which requires exceptional shape and surface quality. The new systems also enable improved flatness, profile control, and the production of thinner plates down to five millimeters.
Following the upgrade, Angang plans to expand its product range with additional high-value steel grades. The company chose Primetals Technologies based on successful collaborations in previous modernization projects, including upgrades at its 4.3-meter and 5-meter plate mills.
With an annual capacity of 1.4 mln tons, the Bayuquan mill produces medium-thick plates and specialty steels in thicknesses from 5 to 50 millimeters and widths from 1,450 to 3,600 millimeters.
Angang Ltd. is part of Anshan Iron and Steel Group, one of China’s largest state-owned steel producers, with an annual capacity of 39 mln tons of crude steel. The group is a domestic leader in rail and ship plate production and exports to over 60 countries and regions.