Liberty Galati, the largest integrated steel plant in Romania, is set to expand its product range and improve the quality of its plates with the implementation of a state-of-the-art plate cooling system. The company has partnered with Primetals Technologies, a pioneer in engineering and plant building, to install a Multi-Purpose Interrupted Cooling (MULPIC) system and a water treatment plant at its heavy plate mill line in Galati, Romania.
The MULPIC technology is an advanced in-line plate cooling system that offers precise and uniform cooling for each plate. It combines machinery with smart process control technology to ensure superior cooling performance and consistent temperature across the length and width of the plate. It comprises high precision valves, high water nozzle density, and actuators with advanced flow control valves, crown, and edge control functions. This enables Liberty Galati to process plates of different dimensions, ranging from 8 to 80 millimeters in thickness and 1,500 to 4,150 millimeters in width.
The tailor-made water treatment plant consists of several pump groups that supply cooling water to the MULPIC machine. These pumps are partly frequency-controlled and can quickly switch between different pump groups, reducing maintenance requirements and improving the uniform cooling of the plate.
The implementation of this new cooling system will result in significant improvements in product quality. The controlled water distribution with a cooling accuracy of up to 12°C allows Liberty Galati to produce higher strength steel grades and achieve excellent temperature and flatness uniformity. This, in turn, will enable the company to reduce the use of alloying materials by 25 to 50 percent in higher strength steel grades, leading to lower energy consumption and a reduced environmental impact.
The project, scheduled to be completed next year, aligns with Liberty Galati’s strategy to expand its portfolio of high value-added products, increase production flexibility, and enhance profitability. By responding to customers’ demand for higher value and quality products, Liberty Galati aims to strengthen its position as a leading integrated steel manufacturer in the region.
Ajay Aggarwal, Liberty Steel Group’s President Europe and Chairman of the Board of Liberty Galati, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of transforming the company into a green steel producer while modernizing operations. He highlighted Primetals Technologies’ expertise in developing advanced cooling technologies and considered the investment in the new unit a significant step toward achieving long-term goals.
The MULPIC technology provided by Primetals Technologies is widely recognized as a world-leading plate cooling solution. The company, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, offers a comprehensive portfolio of technology, products, and services for the metals industry. Its expertise covers the entire iron and steel production chain, including integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions.
With the implementation of this state-of-the-art plate cooling system, Liberty Galati is poised to strengthen its position in the steel market. The company’s commitment to producing high-quality, value-added products while prioritizing environmental sustainability is sure to resonate with customers and industry stakeholders alike.
In conclusion, Liberty Galati’s partnership with Primetals Technologies to implement the MULPIC plate cooling system and water treatment plant marks a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to expand its product range and improve the quality of its plates. This advanced technology will enable Liberty Galati to produce higher strength steel grades, reduce the use of alloying materials, and enhance production flexibility and profitability. By investing in state-of-the-art cooling technologies, Liberty Galati is solidifying its position as a leading integrated steel manufacturer in Romania and demonstrating its commitment to sustainable and high-quality steel production.
