- ABB Flow Control Mold for thick slab casting will help produce cleaner steel faster and at lower cost, as part of the Hazira plant expansion project in Gujarat state
- ABB technology is unique to the market and will provide simultaneous mold stirring and braking on new thick slab caster supplied by Danieli
- Surface and internal defects can be reduced by at least 50 percent using the equipment that generates three independent magnetic fields
ABB has won an order to supply its Flow Control Mold (FC Mold G3) electromagnetic stirrer technology for a new thick slab caster at ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India’s (AM/NS India) flagship steel plant in Hazira, located on the west coast of India in Gujarat state.
AM/NS India, a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, two of the world’s leading steelmakers is expanding steel capacity at the plant from the current 9 million tons per annum (MTPA) to 15 MTPA.
ABB will provide two FC Mold G3 coil units to be installed on a new two strand slab caster being supplied by Danieli. The technology will improve end-product quality, productivity and cost efficiency at the plant.
ABB FC Mold is a unique technology for all speeds of conventional slab casting. It provides simultaneous mold-stirring and braking from one fixed position via three independent magnetic fields to control meniscus flow speed and dampen fluctuations. It also minimizes downward flow to allow gas bubbles to float to the surface instead of being trapped in the solidifying steel.
Two FC Mold G3 systems will be installed on a new two strand continuous caster for production of thick slabs at AMNS’ Hazira plant. Image AdobeStock 
The FC Mold has been shown to reduce surface and internal defects by at least 50 per cent and lower reject ratio by up to 80 per cent. Image ABB 
FC Mold provides simultaneous mold-stirring and braking from one fixed position via three independent magnetic fields. Image ABB
“ABB FC Mold G3 is the most advanced and well-established technology of its kind for continuous slab casting and is proven to deliver measurable process improvements for casters operating at all speeds, whether for upgrades or for new installations as at Hazira,” said Zaeim Mehraban, Global Head of Sales for Metallurgy at ABB. “Conditions in the near-meniscus area are crucial to determining end-product quality. The FC Mold has been shown to reduce surface and internal defects by at least 50 per cent and lower reject ratio by up to 80 per cent, significantly improving productivity, resource efficiency and overall operating costs.”
Results from more than 40 installations worldwide show that ABB’s FC Mold consistently improves surface and internal quality, can allow for a higher casting speed and typically provides a return on investment within one year.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/processautomation
