BatchAnnealingModernizationatCaliforniaSteelIndustries.PDFVIP

Batch Annealing Modernization at California Steel Industries THIS ARTICLE AVAILABLE ONLINE WWW.STEELTECHNOLOGY.ORG In the mid-1960s and early 1970s, as U.S. Numerous safety features for both hydrogen cold roll sheet producers were building 5- and natural gas were incorporated into the stand sheet cold reduction mills, many base, furnace and control systems. Stringent added batch annealing facilities in California NOx emission targets were met using order to process the additional the best available control technology. Savings California Steel cold reduction throughput. Often of 50% or more in electricity and natural gas these facilities consisted of a 4- consumption were welcomed in a time of price Industries faced the stack-per-operating-base configu- and supply volatility in California utilities. ration, which led to handling and choice of whether equipment efficiencies. Background With these units being in service Integrated mills began constructing the next to repair, replace in- 30+ years, operators must now con- generation of hot strip mills in the 1960s. sider whether to continue to repair, These