Hertwich installs a fully automated batch homogenizing plant for rolling slabs at AMAG
As part of its rolling mill extension, AMAG is also increasing its homogenizing capacity. In 2014 und 2016 three new Hertwich batch homogenizing furnaces have been commissioned. Two more furnaces have already been ordered and will be commissioned at the end of 2016 and early in 2017.
The batch homogenizing unit, designed and supplied by Hertwich Engineering is notable for its integrated data processing and the fully automated operation. The five new homogenizing furnaces, each having a capacity of 200 tonnes, will be combined together to one complex.
On the support table of the rolling slab store each rolling slab is identified by storing its batch and rolling slab number to the system. All other information is provided by Hertwich MES. A stacking crane transports the slabs to a weighing station where they are measured and weighed.
In accordance with the production programme specified by MES, the stacking crane fully automatically transports the slabs from the store to the central stacking machine. For best heat transfer, the individual layers are separated by spacers. Spacers are taken from a magazine and positioned individually on the slab surfaces by the automatic spacer handling system.
A charging car takes up the stack, moves it in front of whichever unit has been chosen and transports the complete stack into the furnace. The individual heat treatment parameters, which are controlled with high precision, are stored in the control system.At the end of the holding time the charging car transfers the homogenized material directly to the air-cooling station. Depending on the alloy range processed, some of these are made in an open, and some in a closed design. The closed cooling stations are particularly required for high-alloyed materials, for which a low cooling rate or a complex cooling regime is required.
After the cooling process the stacks are discharged by the charging car and transferred back into store. By use of the stacking crane they are destacked and either returned to the store or sent ahead for further processing.
Hertwich Engineering, a company of the SMS group is renowned for its future-oriented, energy saving technologies and outstanding service in aluminium casthouse. The company is active worldwide with design, supply, construction and commissioning of special machinery and equipment for the Aluminium industry. Hertwich is competent for supplying complete Al-casthouse on a turnkey basis (one-stop-shopping). The product range comprises melting equipment for aluminium scrap, conti and batch homogenizing plants, sawing plants, horizontal and vertical casting machines and quality inspection stations, etc. To stay ahead Hertwich relies on its own R&D and proprietary know-how. For 50 years, the advanced technology has revolutionized the industry and the company maintains its worldwide lead.