A comprehensive process optimization and quality control solution from Primetals Technologies was recently implemented by Brazilian steelmaker Gerdau at the No. 3 continuous slab caster at its integrated steel plant in Ouro Branco, Brazil.
Under a software subscription model, virtualized servers run the new systems. Primetals Technologies assures regular updates and support for the newly installed systems, keeping the process optimization solutions up to date. The Primetals Technologies team has greatly expanded its subscription offering over the past year, with a broad portfolio of software subscriptions.
Control through expert systems
At its Ouro Branco site, Gerdau operates three continuous slab casters. At slab caster No. 3, the old Level-2 automation has now been replaced by CC Optimizer, a process optimization solution from Primetals Technologies. In addition, several expert systems will control and optimize parts of the plant.
Automatic control of the casting speed, condition monitoring of the secondary cooling system and early detection of breakouts, among others, offer new solutions to old problems. Automated quality assessments and rapid failure analyses based on long-term production data are made possible by a fully integrated quality control system.
Fast response times
All of Gerdau's servers will be virtualized with this project. The necessary hardware, including operating systems, is managed in a central data center. This solution enables lifecycle management of the server infrastructure, ensures rapid scaling of services and shortens the IT team's response time.
With a 121-year history, Gerdau is the largest steel producer in Brazil and one of the leading producers of long steel in North and South America. Gerdau is also one of the world's most important suppliers of specialty steels. The company operates in nine countries and produces steel for agriculture, automotive, construction, trade, energy, industry and mining.
