Sandvik’s RULLUGN 125 is a massive furnace that is the nerve center of their business. It churns out tons of high-alloy stainless steel, used for razors, knives and other metal products, round the clock. To retain their competitive edge, Sandvik wanted to upgrade the decades' old relay-controlled furnace with latest technologies. ABB’s solution included ten highly efficient DCT880 drives, combined with a PLC AC500 control system.
The system is backed by the ABB Ability™ Operations Data Management zenon software solution. This secure data management platform seamlessly connects machines, infrastructure and production assets. By collecting and analyzing data, customers gain valuable insights into their production so they can optimize processes, improve quality and save energy.
Screens near the furnace and at the plant’s main office display critical parameters such as temperature, gas and water flow. This data provides operators a clear picture of furnace atmosphere so they can make adjustments and improve flow.
We also find collecting all of the data, including energy consumption, very useful,” says Torbjörn Pettersson, Sandvik automation engineer. “And, in the event of a malfunction, we have the data to help us make the right decisions. Digitalization is one of Sandvik's focus areas and ABB Ability™ zenon is a vital solution to ensure we remain competitive.
“While Sandvik has long preferred ABB drives and PLCs, we know that the zenon based software solution was new to them,” says Christopher Hausmanns, ABB Ability™ Operations Data Management zenon global product manager. “I’m pleased to know that our solution is helping the plant boost production and optimizing the furnace’s energy consumption.”
ABB’s experience with energy efficient modernization solutions in DC drive systems was significant in implementing the project. The drives, PLC and ABB Ability™ zenon combined to give Sandvik stable control of the critical production furnace.
