Siemens develops converter suspension system with improved design: Simetal Conlink 2.0 offers maximum robustness with minimum space requirements

With the newly developed Simetal Conlink 2.0, Siemens Metals Technologies offers steelmakers an especially robust converter suspension system with minimum space requirements. Eight links arranged in optimized positions connect the converter vessel to the trunnion ring. This ensures uniform support for the vessel at each of the suspension points. At the same time, stress caused by heat-induced deformation is avoided almost entirely. Thanks to its simple design, the system is reliable and maintenance-free. Simetal Conlink 2.0 is an improved version of the time-tested converter suspension system of Siemens.

Converter vessels are subjected to high thermal stress during operation. The consequences are heat expansion and deformation that must be compensated by the converter suspension system. In the Simetal Conlink 2.0 design, the vessel is attached to the trunnion ring with four vertically and horizontally mounted connecting elements (links). Because of the link arrangement, the suspension is 100% statically determined in spite of the flexibility of the links. The system ensures uniform distribution of the load across all positions of the vessel. Each of the links is mounted underneath the trunnion ring, where they are within the protected zone. This simplifies assembly and increases service life. The patented positioning of the links is the result of development that optimizes uniform distribution and minimum space requirements during swivel movement of the converter.

The patented H-shaped links allow simple installation, on-site welding is not required. All vertical and horizontal links are identical, which shortens the manufacturing time and simplifies spare parts management. The Simetal Conlink 2.0 system is completely maintenance-free throughout its entire service life.

Further information about solutions for steel works, rolling mills and processing lines is available at http://www.siemens.com/metals

A photo supplements this press release. Please see: http://www.siemens.com/mt-picture/IMT201210298
(The new Simetal Conlink 2.0 converter suspension system of Siemens)

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the world’s leading supplier of innovative and environmentally friendly products and solutions for industrial customers. With end-to-end automation technology and industrial software, solid vertical-market expertise, and technology-based services, the Sector enhances its customers’ productivity, efficiency, and flexibility. With a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, the Industry Sector comprises the Divisions Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services as well as the Business Unit Metals Technologies. For more information, visit www.siemens.com/industry

The Metals Technologies Business Unit (Linz, Austria), part of the Siemens Industry Sector, is one of the world’s leading life cycle partners for the metallurgical industry. The Business Unit offers a comprehensive technology, modernization, product and service portfolio as well as integrated automation and environmental solutions covering the entire lifecycle of plants. For more information, visit www.siemens.com/metals

Based on Siemens (Industry Sector, Metals Technologies) information