Over a span of 40 years, ALTEN Finland has fostered an extensive collaboration with a Finnish steel manufacturer. As the client’s coking plant’s previous automation system had reached the end of its life cycle, ALTEN’s mission was to carry out a successful automation upgrade. The project was particularly challenging, as the automation system had to be replaced while the plant remained in operation.

The coking plant plays a vital role in steel manufacturing operations, as the coke produced is needed in iron production, and the generated coke gas is used in multiple different processes throughout the facility. Therefore, it was essential to renew the automation system while operations were still running.

The successful execution of the project required thorough planning and preparation, an area where ALTEN’s contribution played a significant role. Before the renewal of the automation system, an extensive implementation plan was designed, involving over 1200 factory parts, such as devices, motors, and valves. Some of the parts, destined to be used in high-pressure, high-temperature environments, increased the complexity of the project. The planning phase aimed to ensure that steel production remained consistent, controlled, and ran smoothly throughout the automation renewal.

“Such changes to the automation system of an operating plant are rarely made” – stated Kimi Sivula, the electrical designer at ALTEN responsible for the implementation plan.

The automation upgrade of the coking plant was completed according to plan and was brought under control using the new automation system and returned to normal operation in a controlled manner. Thanks to great collaboration and comprehensive planning and preparation, the automation system was successfully updated, ensuring the coking plants’ future operations.