Sheet Ingot Casting Improvements at TRIMET Essen

摘要

It is a reality that operating 'world best practice' technology will not necessarily guarantee achieving 'nameplate' capabilities. Fully automated 'hands-free' sheet ingot casting is the goal of Trimet Essen, as it is for others in the industry. TRIMET has nonetheless demonstrated sustained improvements with its existing DC casting technology. Operation of existing plant to highest capability is necessary not only for best process results, but also to attract investment capital. This paper describes a number of steps taken to improve casting safety, pit recoveries, ingot quality and throughput, this last indicator by reducing the number of false start-ups. Additionally, the adopted measures represent necessary foundations for the transition to 'hands-free' casting.