“The new continuous casting plant optimizes production processes, reduces operational costs, minimizes downtimes and enhances efficiency,” SMS group said in a statement.

The company said the new caster can produce billets and small blooms in six distinct section sizes ranging from 150 x 150 mm to 220 x 280 mm. The plant is designed with a casting radius of 10.25 m and has casting speeds from 0.6–4.0 m/minute.

The plant features advanced tundish flow control, an optimized refractory design and monobloc submerged-entry nozzles. The large casting radius supports inclusion floatation while mold level control ensures a precise and stable production process, the company said.

Other features include a convex mold design, optimized secondary cooling systems, a mold oscillator with remote control capability, insulation tunnels and the automated CONFEED powder feeding system.

SMS group said that a homogenous internal structure is ensured through electromagnetic stirring and modular wave stirring. Bloom and billet quality is improved through precise strand guidance, accurate cooling spray alignment and a 3-zone secondary cooling system, the company added.

IDC estimates the new plant has expanded its annual steel production output from 1,550,000 metric tons to about 3,100,000 metric tons.