Getting things ‘straightened’ out
11.23.2020
Finish line No. 1 has been a workhorse for many years in Plant No. 1 at ArcelorMittal Shelby, part of ArcelorMittal Tubular Products. It has produced an astonishing number of tubes, especially when compared to other lines. The smaller product lines it produces, along with its longevity, make it an integral part of our operations.
But the age of the equipment on the line warrants upgrades when possible. One upgrade scheduled was completed during a two-week period. The line No. 1 straightener has been in place for an exceptionally long time and the last time it was repaired it was found to have been worn out, with outdated and obsolete parts. Crews placed several band-aids on it to get through for a while longer, while maintenance and engineering began exploring options for replacement.
Millwright Jamie Betts tests the lubrication system.
A similar style and footprint of a straightener were found through a machinery dealer who wished to sell. It was purchased for $50,000, a fraction of what a new replacement would be. Through many meetings, inputs and planning, the refurbished straightener was installed. Tom Thomas, Steve Vogt, Ray Humphrey, Jamie Betts, Chad Vanderpool, and Derrick Esterline spent many hours and days updating and rebuilding. The 1940s vintage machine was in particularly decent shape and showed minor wear. The straightener had some innovative ideas applied, including a new lubrication system, locking design and drive, and electrical upgrades.
Safety has come a long way since 1940 and some of the safety improvements are a remotely operated inlet guide for “no-touch”, interlocked guarding to support a safe distance, a larger work platform and a motor that stops much faster when shut off. The machine was fully assembled and working in the maintenance shop to test the operation before installation.
Unfortunately, the weight of the entire unit far exceeded what we could handle. The machine had to be torn apart and reassembled in its final location. The installation began during our annual maintenance shutdown the last week of July and was completed by the first week of August. The removal of the old straightener and adapting the foundation was a significant task. The two straighteners had to be dismantled to be moved because of crane lifting limitations. The straightener is now fully functioning and working well. Operators practically have a new machine at a much lower cost than a new one.
By Cory Myers, EPT coordinator at ArcelorMittal Shelby
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