Novelis contracts Russula for automation upgrade of cold mill
Following the successful electrical and automation modernization of slitter no. 2, Novelis contracted Russula to modernize its cold rolling mill in Pindamonhangaba, São Paulo, Brazil. Russula won the automation project in October, 2018.
The purpose of the upgrade is to replace the antiquated ABB AC450 process controller with first line Siemens S7-400. After the upgrade, the cold mill will have a single supplier controller platform, which will make spare part management easier.
The drives will remain intact as they are. Although the complete automation systems comprise Level 1 and Level 2 system in accordance with standard industry practices, the revamp will only affect Level 1 automation. Russula will also reconfigure the interface with the existing Siemens TDC that controls Level 2 and the HMI WinCC interface.
The commissioning tasks will be carried out during the plant scheduled annual maintenance in 2019 and 2020. During these periods, the level one automation system will be replaced and the cold mill will undergo intensive cold and hot testing with the new level 1 automation system. After the switchover, the cold mill is expected to return to full operation in 12 days.
Novelis is the number one recycler of aluminum in the world and a leading producer of flat-rolled aluminum products. The cooperation between Russula and Novelis began in 2017 with the modernization of slitter no. 2. This project marks an important milestone for Russula in the supply of electrical and automation solutions for flat processing lines and cold rolling mills in both the aluminum and steel sectors.
