Innovative winch systems for ArcelorMittal Ghent

ArcelorMittal, the world’s second-largest steel producer with an impressive production of 58 million tons in 2023, operates steel plants in sixteen countries. One of its key facilities is located in Ghent, Belgium. Commissioned by RSK Service, DROMEC Winches delivered three advanced types of winch systems, which play a crucial role in the plant’s maintenance process.

Optimizing conveyor belts

At ArcelorMittal Ghent, raw materials are transported over hundreds of meters of conveyor belts for further processing into steel. To ensure stable and efficient operation, these conveyor belts must be kept under continuous tension. This is achieved using heavy counterweights that maintain optimal tension during belt operation.

To support maintenance on this system, DROMEC supplied robust winch systems. These winches safely lift the counterweights, position them in a frame, and secure them with pins to keep the construction stable. Employee safety is a central consideration, guiding design and delivery choices.

Electric winch systems with advanced controls

DROMEC provided a total of 24 robust electric winch systems with pulling capacities ranging from 3.5T to 6T and 10T. The winch cables are attached to the conveyor belt frame where the counterweights are suspended. These winches are equipped with various innovative features.

The 3.5T winch includes a special freewheel function, activated when the winch is not in use. This extra safety feature prevents damage to the winch in case the conveyor belt snaps and the weight falls. Additionally, this system uses a single centralized control unit, which can be plugged in to operate all winches.

For the 6T and 10T winch systems, the counterweights are suspended in a tower where the winch is installed. In this setup, the operator can lower the weight, releasing tension from the conveyor belt. These systems also feature frequency control, which shuts down the system automatically in case of over-tension, ensuring operational safety.

Engineering safety and simplicity

Gijs, Engineer at DROMEC:
“Employee safety is a key value for this client. We are always eager to contribute to ensuring operators work with high-quality equipment, with each conveyor system requiring tailored improvements. The shift to electric systems is also an environmentally conscious choice. To keep it as simple as possible, we opted for a single centralized control unit with remote functionality, making it easy for everyone at ArcelorMittal to operate the systems. We supply the winches with protective covers and brushes to fully shield them, guaranteeing a long lifespan in this demanding environment.”

Industrial innovation

The combination of safety, durability, and environmental friendliness makes these DROMEC winch systems a prime example of modern industrial innovation. Not only do they optimize the maintenance process at ArcelorMittal Ghent, but they also serve as inspiration for other companies in the steel and transport sectors.

Contact Dromec

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DROMEC winches. Your movement in good hands.

Dynamic and Innovative in winches, winchsystems, controls and software. With our enthousiastic team, we develop  from small till  very big & complex systems with the highest demands in terms of safety and ease of use. We also work very closely with certified body’s as DNV, GL, BV, ABS, Lloyds so your winches and systems can be completely certified at our own company together with you.

It often starts with a good idea, preferably on a piece of scrap paper. After an initial consultation, we prepare one or more proposals, including a target price and preliminary drawing. Your idea or problem, always remains central in this. If the feeling on both sides is good, we start. Thanks to our own inhouse developed and written project software, your project stays in the picture and under control from start to finish, including the planning and delivery time.

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Cees Drost

Sales

sales@dromec.nl mail Cees +31 (0)317 - 68 11 55