Environmentally friendly, efficient, powerful: thyssenkrupp Steel completes modernization of water management at Europe's largest hot strip mill and Beeckerwerth site

Duisburg, May 6, 2025 – thyssenkrupp Steel has modernized the existing water management at the Duisburg-Beeckerwerth site at the Hot Strip Mill 2 (WBW 2) to the highest technical standards. The decisive advantage of the modernization is the further improved cooling water supply, especially for the cooling section at the exit roller table, towards the end of the production process. The new water management also sets new standards in compliance with environmental regulations and improved energy efficiency.

Water plays a central role in many process steps of steel production. It is needed for cooling and targeted temperature control along the entire rolling process, but also for cleaning, for example, when scale layers need to be removed from the slab surface.

Sustainability in the use of the water resource is always a priority at thyssenkrupp Steel. Of the 200 million cubic meters of water needed annually in the Beeckerwerth plant area, 97% is continuously reused. The now modernized water management has further increased resource efficiency.

The modernization of the water management was carried out by PSE Engineering GmbH, a specialist in water and wastewater technology. This included the construction of gravel filters, pumps, and cooling towers, including complete plant piping and a new electrical switchgear. Additionally, a new above-ground pipeline route, a new energy supply, and the expansion of the pump system in the over-pumping plant for the cooling section were created. The structural engineering was carried out by Fenne from Gladbeck. The construction period for the modernization of the water management, starting with the groundbreaking for the new pipeline route, was a total of three years. The investment volume of this project was in the mid double-digit million range.

Improved product quality and increased plant safety through new automation

The comprehensive modernization of the water management at the Beeckerwerth site is also beneficial for customers: The band cooling in the cooling section is significantly improved through a more homogeneous cooling water inlet temperature, ensuring consistently higher product quality.

Another milestone of the modernization is the implementation of new centralized operational and monitoring control technology. This ensures more reliable control of the water management and higher process stability. The modernization also includes energy-efficient adjustments to the cooling water demand with variable-speed pumps and cooling tower fans. During cooling pauses, the pumps are reduced to standby pumps or shut down during longer rolling changes.

Future-proof water supply for the entire Beeckerwerth site

With the new water management at WBW 2, a secure cooling water supply for all other production facilities at the Beeckerwerth site is now guaranteed. This was realized, among other things, through the construction of additional cooling towers. The new technology allows the cooling water temperature to be significantly lowered, optimally preparing the site for future challenges. "The modernization of the water management at Hot Strip Mill 2 is a significant step for the future of our site. The improved cooling water conditions have given us greater flexibility in developing new products, making us well-prepared for future challenges. Additionally, we are increasing our energy efficiency and plant availability with the modernization of the facilities. This is an important contribution to sustainable and high-performance production at thyssenkrupp Steel," said Wolfgang Braune, Head of Hot Strip Mill 2 in Beeckerwerth.

Key data on water management

• Four additional, powerful cooling towers: Cooling capacity of 2,000 m³/h each.
• 18 additional gravel filters: Filtration capacity of 500 m³/h each.
• New pump and switch house with six variable-speed pumps.
• Conversion of five fixed-speed pumps to high-performance, variable-speed pumps.
• Reduction of cooling water temperature in Hot Strip Mill 2 from 43°C to 24°C.
• Elimination of cooling performance bottlenecks and overloaded cooling units.