Tokyo Steel Tahara, part of Japan’s biggest EAF steel producer and with the largest Electric Furnace in the world, grants final acceptance of the AMI SmartFurnace® System installation.
After a project finalized in the Kyushu plant, Tokyo Steel confirmed the successful evaluation and final acceptance of the AMI EAF Optimization System in their 420 ton, 256 MVA DC Electric Arc Furnace at Tahara works producing hot coils, as part of continuous improvement in their still new installation.
This particular SmartFurnace® system project began in late 2020, and was effectively concluded and accepted on March 2021 after designing, manufacturing, installation, commissioning and an evaluation made over a continuous operation period. The installation in the ultra high power Twin Cathode DC EAF with continuous scrap feeding included the DigitARC® PX3 Electrode Regulator, the SmartARC® Electrical Energy Optimization System, and the Continuous Scrap Feeding Module controlling the raw material conveyor. The guaranteed goals that were proven at the end of the evaluation were the increase of the Power Input and the decrease of flicker levels, a double challenge derived from the furnace size and the network conditions in the Tahara geographic area. Additional benefits were also obtained in Power On Time due to an efficient use of electrical energy, with the dynamic control of the electrical profiles and raw material input of the SmartFurnace® technology
The unexpected challenge of the global COVID crisis forced both Tokyo Steel and AMI to adapt the project execution format, extensively relying on remote access and the constant support of the Tokyo Steel team on site. As such, the first ever remote Kick Off Meeting for an AMI project of this kind was carried out, as well the continuous adjustment, tuning and monitoring of the furnace supported remotely by the AMI project team from locations in Japan, North America and Europe, an ongoing cooperation that aims to continuously improve the operation.
In the words of Fernando Martinez, Vice president of AMI, “The ongoing collaboration with the Tokyo Steel and the AMI installation in this particular EAF, with the complexity not only of the project itself but in a period of worldwide uncertainty sets a milestone for our company. AMI recognizes and greatly appreciates the strong commitment of Tokyo Steel during this project, and their trust in our technology. This is the first step in what we hope is a close cooperation from now on with the Tokyo Steel group.”
