Modernization of copper mill

In January 2010, ABB received an order from Luvata Sweden AB in Finspång to upgrade its copper mill with new control and drive systems. The reason for the upgrade was to achieve more energy savings by improving the power factor. After the modernization, the mill is expected to roll copper sheets between 0.8 and 0.08 mm more efficiently with less scrap and downtime but with better quality.

ABB’s new control system has replaced the functions in the old PLC, IUC computer and analog circuits. With a new operator interface, the new control system has greatly improved the operator’s working environment. It is the first time ABB has delivered an ISU (IGBT SUPPLY UNIT) rectifier in an AC multi drive configuration that both compensates for reactive power and delivers active power to the frequency inverter drives.

With this solution, the total power from the network will be greatly reduced, and energy savings will be achieved as a result of active power compensation and common power for the drives, which work in regenerative and motoring mode. The new engineering tools for control and drive systems make it easy for the customer to fine-tune the mill in the most efficient way.

• DC converter with new power electronics and digital control
• Transformer and AC-multi drive line up for active reactive power compensation and AC drives
• Motors
• New ABB control system, 800 x A
• New operator interface
• New system for edging control
• Engineering tools for the control and drive
• Service agreement

ABB successfully modernized the mill during very limited downtime thanks to good cooperation between ABB and Luvata. Before downtime started, ABB’s people made a detailed time schedule for the entire mill stoppage together with the customer. For the customer, it was important that the mill not be down any longer than necessary, simply because it was highly occupied for production.

Facts about Luvata Sweden AB in Finspång

Luvata Sweden AB in Finspång, which is about 180 km southwest of Stockholm, mainly manufactures coolers for heavy vehicles. The copper mill was founded during the 17th century. Its customers are mainly active in the automobile industry.