The new continuous galvanizing line (CGL) produces hot-dip galvanized (GI) or zinc-aluminum-magnesium (ZM) coated flat steel of the highest strength, that is in line with the automotive industry’s latest needs.
Scope of supply were the following components:
- Direct-fired furnace (DFF) with pre-oxidation functions
- High-temperature radiant tube (RT)
- Annealing and soaking sections
- Advanced ultra-rapid cooling and partitioning sections
- After-pot cooling (APC)
- Post-treatment section, as part of a new galvanizing line to produce 3rd-generation Advanced High-Strength Steel
The delivery also includes a sustainable ANDRITZ solution for a heat recovery system that will use hot exhaust gases from the furnace to heat the air needed for the drying process in the coating section.
CHALLENGES RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING
At the kick-off meeting, the customer reduced the timeline even further and set a new target. The execution team faced numerous major challenges: COVID-19 restrictions in Europe, a complete two-month shutdown in Shanghai, shortages of electrical components, the explosion of logistics costs, the Ukraine war with all its consequences in terms of delivery delays, and an increase in the price of nickel. However, the commitment of the project team on both sides to overcome the common difficulties charactarised the execution phase and welded the team together.
MID-DECEMBER, 2022: INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING
The installation of the galvanizing line furnace was progressing steadily. Our common goal was to complete the installation and start to dry out the furnace by mid-December 2022. Jürgen Ziemendorff, President of ANDRITZ Metals France, visited the worksite and was very pleased by the flexibility and team spirit shown in overcoming problems as well as by the dedication of the VAMA and ANDRITZ on-site teams. Our team continued to push the project forward to achieve the envisaged start-up date of December 30th, 2022.
JANUARY 3, 2023: AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE - THE FIRST COIL
Only 19 months after the contract was signed, the team has succeeded in reaching this very important milestone in the project. The first coil was produced January 3rd, 2023 despite the delivery and site installation challenges resulting from material escalation, logistics disruptions, and COVID-19 lockdowns.
