Sequenced changeover yields system upgrade without production downtime

摘要

Recently, with the help of a consulting engineering firm and system integrator, a major Midwest steel producer successfully upgraded the main blast furnace and stove control system with no interruption in overall blast furnace or stove control system operations. The challenge was to create a transition plan and minimal-risk implementation (with no impact to production or product quality) with zero production outages, improved technology with future expansion capabilities, improved process controls, enhanced operator interface, significant improvements to system reliability, and stringent budgetary guidelines.