Siemens receives Final Acceptance Certificate for sinter plant – Order from Dragon Steel for a second sinter plant now under implementation

Linz, Austria, Siemens VAI Metals Technologies GmbH received the Final Acceptance Certificate (FAC) from Dragon Steel Corporation (Dragon Steel) following the successful start-up and fulfillment of the guarantee performance figures of Sinter Plant No. 1. The plant incorporates the latest sintering technologies to ensure a high and constant sinter quality, low operating costs and a minimum environmental impact. Sinter Plant No. 2, with a larger production capacity, is currently being constructed and is scheduled to commence operations in October 2012.

At Dragon Steel, located in the harbor of Taichung in Taiwan, Phase 1 of a new greenfield integrated iron and steel works was recently completed. This industrial complex, for which Siemens VAI designed and supplied a new sinter plant, a blast furnace with a inner volume exceeding 3,200 m3 and a two 2-strand slab caster, is capable of producing 5.2 million tons of high-quality slabs per year.

The sinter plant, which has a surface area of 248 m2, produces in excess of 7,440 tons (nominal capacity) of sinter per day, or more than 2.4million tons of sinter per year. A wide range of innovative technological packages and systems are installed in the sinter plant at Dragon Steel. This is the basis for reliable production operations, high plant performance and exceptional product quality.

The Intensive Mixing and Granulation System, comprised of an intensive mixer and a granulation drum, processes 100% of the sinter raw materials, including residuals recycled from the steelworks. Thanks to the high homogeneity of the sinter raw mix produced by the system, there is no need for raw material blending beds at Dragon Steel. This considerably reduces the size of the raw material storage and handling areas.

Segregation of the raw mix into larger- and smaller-sized particles is made possible by the Twin-Layer Charging System. The initial layer of coarser particles of the sinter raw mix is first deposited onto the sinter bed. This is followed by the charging of a second layer of smaller-sized particles, including an increased portion of the solid-fuel content. This simple and practical solution significantly improves the permeability of the sinter bed, leads to an improved fuel efficiency and supports an intensive and uniform ignition of the sinter layer. The Twin-Layer Charging System was installed for the first time in the world at Dragon Steel.

The Selective Waste Gas Recirculation system recirculates approximately 30% to 40% of the waste gas emitted from the sinter strand back to the process. This reduces the volume of waste gas requiring treatment in the downstream gas-cleaning facilities. Consequently, the size – and thus the related investment costs – of the electrostatic precipitator, and the desulfurization and denitrification systems at Dragon Steel could be reduced.

Another innovation highlight is the installed Level 2 Sinter VAiron automation system, which includes a number of closed-loop control modules and an expert system. On the basis of raw-material and sinter analyses, the entire sintering process, from the raw-mix composition, process control – related to the return-fines ratio, coke ratio, burn-through point and basicity calculation, etc. – up to the finished sinter product, is completely optimized. This leads to improved and consistent product quality, decreased coke rates and lower production costs.

Siemens VAI is currently installing a second sinter plant (Sinter Plant No. 2) at Dragon Steel. The suction area of the sinter strand will be 387 m2, allowing a sinter output of approximately 3.8 million tons per year. The plant will be equipped with the same technologies and systems that are installed in Sinter Plant No. 1.

Dragon Steel Corporation is a subsidiary company of China Steel Corporation, the largest steel producer in Taiwan.

Further information about solutions for steel works, rolling mills and processing lines can be found at: http://www.siemens.com/metals

A photograph supplements this press release. Please see: http://www.industry.siemens.com/data/presse/pics/IIS201012842.jpg

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 204,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal year 2010 total sales of approximately €34.9 billion. http://www.siemens.com/industry

The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world’s leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. A wide-ranging portfolio of environmental solutions helps industrial companies to use energy, water and equipment efficiently, reduce emissions and comply with environmental guidelines. With around 29,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Solutions posted sales of €6.0 billion in fiscal year 2010. www.siemens.com/industry-solutions

Reference Number: IIS201012842e