The second billet transfer system installed by the Pittini Group
As part of the Sustainable Steel investment plan in 2021, the Pittini Group installed the first hot billet transfer system at Acciaierie di Verona. The positive impact on the plant in terms of productivity, simplified logistics and reduced emissions has driven the decision to replicate the experience at Ferriere Nord.
In 2023, a new automatic hot billet transfer system was successfully installed and commissioned at the production site in Osoppo. The solution includes a downward conveyor with an underground roller track leading out of the casting slab, an elevator followed by an overhead transfer station, automatic trolleys for the movement of the billet pack to the furnace loading area, and the complete replacement of the loading ripper for the high-temperature process management.
The construction of the system
Given the complexity of the project, the system was planned and implemented in two macro-phases: first, the construction works and the excavation for the installation of the roller track connecting the casting area to the rolling mill section were executed; in the next phase, the remaining construction work in the furnace loading area was also completed and all the machinery was installed. After an initial testing and set-up process to achieve the expected performance, the installation became fully operational.
The benefits
Hot loading has yielded several benefits. One is that the billets now enter the rolling mill at a much higher and more efficient temperature than was possible before the new system. The higher billet temperature reduces methane consumption in the reheating furnace by 50%, which in turn lowers processing costs as well as the CO2 and NOX emissions to the atmosphere. Automated handling of high-temperature billets also reduces the need to use overhead cranes, improving workplace safety.