Latest results from the Arvedi ISP technology and prospects for the new ISP-ECR technology

摘要

In 1992 the first European mini-mill for flat products based on thin slabs was started at Arvedi's steel plant in Cremona, Italy, using the ISP (In-line Strip Production) technology. The design capacity of this single line plant was about 500000 t/a. Much effort has been dedicated to improving quality and productivity. In 2002, 840000 t of hot rolled coils were produced. The average casting sequence comprises 11 heats and more than 40 percent of the total production in gauges < 1.5 mm is accounted for by consistent rolling of mild steel in the 1.0 mm gauge and a width of 1250 mm (full table width). A wide variety of steel grades are manufactured, including low, medium and high carbon (up to 0.75 percent), HSLA with Nb, V and Ti, boron grades, weathering, alloyed and peritectic steels. This paper also presents results of material tests by various European research institutes as well as SEN clogging rates, roll consumption and cobble figures. Studies are being carried out with a view to reaching a total production of up to 950000 t/a in the next two years with one 115 t EAF and a single line, the same steel grades and gauge mix. On the basis of this experience and the specific benefits of the ISP technology, the idea for a new endless process will be presented. This ISP-ECR process will be able to produce a gauge of 0.7 mm on the full table width with characteristics comparable with those of cold rolled material. New multi-phase strip materials such as Dual Phase (DP), TRIP and even TWIP-type steel grades with specifics of high elongation and tensile strength properties are likely to be produced by this process as a response to the current requirements of the car in-dustry.