BENTELER and SMS group successfully upgrade stretch‑reducing mill

The project focused on replacing the legacy CARTA automation system (Computer-Aided Rolling Technology Application), with SMS group’s next-generation CARTAneo SRM technology, including updated crop end control (CEC) and wall thickness control (WTC) modules.

This upgrade ensures long-term system availability, improves product quality, and strengthens the plant’s competitiveness thanks to more stable and efficient SRM operation.

CARTAneo SRM is the latest technological platform for automating the complex stretch-reducing process in seamless tube mills. The system uses real-time measurement data to produce tighter tolerances, enhance wall thickness accuracy, and improve yield. It provides operators with more consistent production outcomes and supports high throughput at reliable quality levels.

To address the limitations of legacy hardware and unsupported software components, the new system runs in a virtualised server environment based on SMS’s X Pact real-time technology. This significantly reduces the risk of system failure, eliminates single-point hardware dependencies, and safeguards long-term maintainability with an open source operating system and database components.

The migration to CARTAneo SRM was carried out during Benteler’s scheduled annual shutdown to avoid any unplanned downtimes. During commissioning, SMS performed regular tests, updates, and customer-specific optimisations, while production continued with minimal disruption.

The upgrade also allowed for a redesign of the SRM motor-control strategy. The new approach reduces load peaks on the drives, minimises unnecessary load cycles, improves coordination with the downstream flying saw, and enhances process stability at higher tube speeds.

The CARTAneo SRM system upgrade includes a long-term system service package, including remote maintenance, troubleshooting, software updates, and customer-specific customisations. This ensures the system remains secure, up to date, and ready for future system expansion.

The successful completion of the project reflects the long-standing partnership between BENTELER and SMS. Both companies will continue to collaborate closely on further digitalisation and process optimisation initiatives.

www.sms-group.com