JNE Automation, together with Dofasco, provided site investigation services and project definition services for the replacement of the existing Level 1 Control Systems for the No. 2 Hot Strip Mill. The existing systems were contributing to unscheduled stoppages and required high levels of maintenance to keep the mill running.

The DCS and PLC control systems to be replaced were on the Rougher Mill, the Down Coilers and the Reheat Furnaces. The existing systems were a 1980’s vintage and spares were scarce and expensive.

The goal of the project was to carry out a phased change-over of the existing Level 1 control systems in a manner that would minimize the risk to the mill operations and would be carried out without unscheduled downtime.

JNE Automation was responsible for managing the process to produce the definition and subsequent installation scope of work and to manage installation estimates and construction engineering estimates. The report involved field investigation of the existing control systems and drives, development of a change-over plan, preparation of a scope of work for the change-over and estimates
for construction engineering and Contractor cost budgets.

The report produced enabled Dofasco to prepare the Project Authorization Request for funding. Dofasco plans to implement the control system upgrades and replacements in 2007/2008.