Elexis strip stabilization for Thyssenkrupp Steel hot-dip coating line

The new special and tailor-made version of the EMG eMass electromagnetic strip stabilization system from Elexis for the hot-dip coating line at Thyssenkrupp Steel helps to stabilize the steel strip as it leaves the zinc pot so that it can be kept as straight and vibration-free as possible in the blow-off nozzle. This results in a very uniform coating thickness across the width and length of the strip, which increases production efficiency by saving resources and improving surface coating quality. There are situations where a standard solution will not work. In far fewer than 10% of the 80 or so EMG eMass installations worldwide, the design team from the EMG Metals business unit therefore had to reach into their bag of tricks.

On the FBA 5 production line in Kreuztal-Eichen, the EMG eMass system was installed under an existing mobile pre-cooler due to the limited space available. With a height adjustment of over 2 meters, the EMG eMass is positioned closely above the height-adjustable blow-off nozzle, but can also be lifted to a higher position if required to allow access to the nozzle lips during system operation. During regular system shutdowns, EMG eMass is moved out of the system in this upper position, suspended below the pre-cooler, to make room for changing the nozzle arrangement. During the project planning phase, however, the 3D modeling showed that the movement of the large bottom roller out of the zinc bath was hindered by the interfering edges of the EMG eMass system. To overcome this challenge, the design team designed the two halves of the EMG eMass to open like butterfly wings. Thanks to this unique feature, the system can also be lowered to a maintenance position close to the ground. The innovative design not only takes into account the spatial conditions, but also contributes to the total weight of the system, which amounts to an impressive 8 tons.