ArcelorMittal’s Tubarao unit, located in the metropolitan region of Vitoria, Brazil, is a key player in special steel plate production in Latin America. Recently, SMS group completed the revamp of the suspension system and tendons for Converter 2 at the Tubarao facility, one of Brazil’s three largest converters.
The converter, which now features an optimized tendon suspension system, had originally been supplied and installed by SMS group in 1999. SMS’s extensive knowledge of the plant was crucial for the successful execution of the complex, high-precision work, ensuring the plant’s integrity was maintained throughout.
To meet the customer’s specific needs and minimize shutdown time, SMS developed a solution that included detailed engineering to simplify the installation of the new suspension system.
Techniques like cryogenics to freeze parts and the use of strand jacks were employed to ensure safety, quality, and speed during installation. SMS also increased precision with lifting frames manufactured in its own Brazilian workshop.
