CSN and Russula commission new automation system at the Volta Redonda plant 

In January 2023, the CSN and the Russula team commissioned the second phase of the automation and drives upgrade for the two-strand slab caster at CSN. The objective of the upgrade was to replace the legacy automation equipment with new, first-line control technology. Four existing PLCs and control boards were replaced with new ones, all fully assembled in Russula’s workshop in A Coruña, Spain. The automation upgrade will improve plant safety and reliability of the casting process, as well as spare parts availability.   

The first phase of the upgrade, consisting of retrofitting of nearly 60 new drives, was successfully completed in May 2022 in a record time of six days. CSN Volta Redonda plant and Russula have collaborated on many productivity improvement projects in the recent past including the electrical and automation upgrade of the rod and bar mill and the mechanical supply of a new braking slide.   

About CSN  

Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional is the largest fully integrated steel producer in Brazil with its own source of iron ore. It has a rolled steel capacity of 5.1 MT. The company produces hot-rolled and cold-rolled slabs, galvanized steel, and tin products, which account for 98% of tin products sold in Brazil.