• The customer's main goal was to integrate predictive maintenance service to recognize possible errors in the system and therefore preventing sudden shut downs to save time and costs.
• Moreover the customer wanted to connect all parts of the plant and increase the overall sustainability by implementing modern processes.

Siemens service experts proceeded as follows:

1. Starting audit: Precise determination of actual requirements.
2. Digital check: Determining the possibilities and defining how the digital aspect must be implemented.
3. Implementation of the customized solution.
   
4. Monitoring and continuous optimization based on the results

• Siemens service experts offered Predicitve Services to the customer.
• A proof of concept phase was launched, to secure continuous monitoring on a first part of the rolling mill. 
• The Predictive Services solution helps the customer with maintenance activities by pro-actively reporting any problems detected on the equipment being monitored. 
• Moreover, the customer has dashboards showing all the equipment in real time with which it is also possible to find the references of the spare parts and order them directly. 
• The solution developed for Aperam includes a range of tools that facilitate the connection between the Siemens SINAMICS inverters and the motors. This enables the implementation of various drive tasks and prepares the infrastructure for digitalization.
• The monitoring of the system is used for predictive maintenance with direct use of setpoints and AI. SIMOTICS CONNECT 400 is used to monitor the motors by analysing the vibrations in the three directions, along with the temperature and the magnetic field.  
  
• As for the drives, Siemens service experts connect a MindConnect Nano or Industrial Edge device type industrial mini PC directly to the SINAMICS frequency inverters’ control units.This is all connected to the customer’s IT network or even by 4G.

Aperam Châtelet is a company specializing in the production of stainless steel and electrical steel. It is a subsidiary of Aperam, a global player in the stainless steel, electrical steel and specialty steel markets. Aperam Châtelet is based in Belgium, and focuses on the production of high-quality steel products that meet the requirements of various sectors such as the automotive, construction and household appliance industries.