JSW Steel USA to enhance slab casting infra at Ohio Plant in partnership with Primetals Technologies
Primetals Technologies and JSW Steel USA have entered into an agreement to upgrade the slab casting infrastructure at its Mingo Junction, Ohio, plant, a press release said.
The project encompasses steelmaking, secondary metallurgy, and continuous casting processes, the project is expected to enable JSW Steel USA to produce a wider range of sophisticated slab steels to diversify its product portfolio for additional markets, according to the release.
Work on the project has begun and is scheduled for completion in second half of 2025.
Installing largest vacuum tank degasser in North America Primetals Technologies will install a 230-metric-ton vacuum tank degasser (VTD) with a dry mechanical vacuum pump system.
This will be North America’s largest twin station vacuum tank degasser (VTD), allowing JSW Steel USA to produce cleaner steel and reduce levels of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulfur in different process steps.
“JSW Steel USA wanted to install this VTD at their existing Mingo Junction site with significant footprint and height restrictions,” said Joerg Buttler, Head of Upstream Business for Primetals Technologies USA. “Working closely with JSW’s Mingo team, we were able to create a custom design that worked for the space, budget, and metallurgical targets.”
The VTD design includes all the mechanical and electrical equipment for the plant, including the mechanical dry pumps, vacuum filters, and dust catcher.
It includes integrating new material handling technologies, associated auxiliary systems, metallurgical process model, and complete Level 1 and Level 2 automation systems.
“We look forward to the successful completion of these upgrades to strengthen our service capabilities and meet the growing needs of the renewable energy and infrastructure markets while in line with the Build America - Buy America Act (BABAA),” said Jonathan Shank, Chief Operating Officer of JSW Steel USA - Mingo Junction. “The project will strengthen our commitment to sustainability while providing additional momentum for growth by widening our product portfolio.”
For the 2-strand continuous caster upgrade, the project scope includes key mechanical equipment, Level 1 automation for strand No. 2, a complete Level 2 automation system, and the mold monitoring system Mold Expert.
Moreover, JSW Steel USA has signed up for a long-term software subscription model, based on a software as a service (SaaS) concept.
Primetals Technologies successfully minimized the downtime for revamping a continuous slab caster to just 30 days, a remarkable achievement compared to the usual several-month shutdown.
By preserving the concrete foundations and strand supporting structure, the project avoided time-consuming demolition work. The introduction of a specially designed adapter solution for the new strand containment further contributed to the efficient timeline.
Additionally, the implementation of Smart Segment, a patented continuous bending and straightening process, allows for online and remote adjustments of the roll-gap at one of the strands.
This strand is dedicated to producing high-quality API grades and plates for the US market. Advanced mathematical models developed by Primetals Technologies in the design phase optimize the caster to eliminate the risk of unsteady mold level bulging.
JSW Steel USA's new slab caster features advanced technology, including Dynacs 3D for real-time temperature monitoring and control during secondary cooling.
The caster is equipped with DynaGap Soft Reduction 3D for improved operator control and better internal quality. DynaGap, a user-friendly strand-guide system, also allows for effortless roll gap adjustments.
Key facts about the new vacuum tank degasser include being a twin-type vacuum degasser with a capacity of 230 million tons and major equipment like a vacuum filter, dust catcher, and dry mechanical pumps.
The slab caster's specifications include thicknesses from 228.6 to 304.8 millimeters, widths from 991 to 2,032 millimeters, a radius of 10.5 meters, and a metallurgical length of 26.45 meters.
JSW Steel USA's automation systems subscription model ensures regular updates and remote support, making it compatible with the latest technology and allowing for seamless integration of new functions while shifting from capital investments to annual operating expenses.
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