First operational results from the 3.2 m ultrawide VAI slab caster at IPSCO Mobile/Alabama

摘要

The successful strategy of IPSCO Steel Inc. to produce high quality plates based on EAF steel making with approx. 100 percent scrap input encouraged IPSCO to invest in a second mini-mill in the USA. The concept is based on a medium thickness Slab caster hot connected to a combined Plate/Steckel mill. From experience IPSCO is convinced that the caster is the decisive part in with respect to production and quality. IPSCO decided to place the contract to VAI for the meltshop and the caster. Location for the new mill is Mobile/Alabama which started up in January of 2001. The outstanding challenge for the medium slab caster is the ultra large product width up to 3125 mm (123"). The caster is therefore equipped with the most advanced technological packages to ensure high quality of slabs. The product mix includes medium carbon grades as well as peritectic and micro alloyed pipe grades.