Scrap-removing system, metal strip production line, and scrap-removing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a scrap removal system (1) for a metal strip production line (50), in particular a casting-rolling composite plant, a metal strip production line (50) with such a scrap removal system (1), and a method (100) for removing scrap from a metal strip production line (50). The system includes a cutting device (10) for cutting a metal strip (2) fed to the scrap removal system (1) and a strip catcher (20) arranged upstream of the cutting device (10) in a transport direction (T) of the metal strip (2). The strip catcher (20) has a pivotably mounted catch arm (21).

Description

field of technology

[0001] The present invention relates to a scrap removal system for a metal strip production line, in particular a casting-rolling composite plant, a metal strip production line with such a scrap removal system, and a method for removing scrap from a metal strip production line. State of the art

[0002] In metal strip production lines, particularly cast-roll composite plants for endless strip production, cast strands or slabs produced from them are continuously rolled into strips using a rolling mill. At the end of each production line, the rolled strip can then be wound onto a coil. Once the resulting coil has reached a predetermined size or the wound strip a predetermined length, the strip is cut in the direction of travel in front of the coil by a moving shear that follows the speed of the strip, such as a drum shear or similar device. Winding of a new coil can then begin. To enable continuous production, additional coils are typically provided, to which the rolled strip can be selectively fed.

[0003] Especially with thin-rolled strips, for example, with a thickness of 1 mm or less, problems can arise due to component failures in the production line or when threading the strip into the reel. This is due to the high elasticity and flexibility of these strips compared to thicker strips, combined with the high conveying speed. For example, a so-called "cobble," i.e., a severe deformation of the strip in a section, can form, preventing further conveying. In this case, the operation of the production line or casting-rolling composite line must be interrupted, and the affected section of the strip removed. This requires manually cutting the strip, for example, by making several flame cuts, and lifting the strip out of the production line, for example, using an overhead crane. Such a procedure is usually very time-consuming due to the length of the strip section to be removed.For example, if a cobblestone appears in the coiling area, the strip to be scrapped must be removed from the length of an induction furnace in front of a finishing mill to the coiling area, including from a laminar cooling section between the finishing mill and the coiling area. This scrap must then be manually cut into a manageable size and disposed of.

[0004] It is known from WO 2009 / 121678 that in the event of an unplanned production interruption, the continuous casting process in a casting-rolling composite plant can be maintained by a) cutting off a strand section with a first shear, b) lifting a foot part of the strand section from a roller conveyor by means of a lifting device, c) cutting the pre-material passing through the first shear into scrap pieces by means of the first shear, conveying the scrap pieces away and removing the strand section until the casting-rolling composite plant is operational again. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to improve, in particular to facilitate and / or accelerate, the scrapping of a strip section in a metal strip production line.

[0006] This problem is solved by a scrap removal system for a metal strip production line, a metal strip production line and a method for removing scrap from a metal strip production line according to the independent claims.

[0007] Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] A scrap removal system for a metal strip production line, in particular a casting-rolling composite plant, according to a first aspect of the invention, comprises a cutting means for cutting a metal strip fed to the scrap removal system and a strip catcher arranged in a transport direction of the metal strip upstream of the cutting means. The strip catcher has a pivotably mounted catching arm.

[0009] A cutting device within the meaning of the present invention is preferably a device designed for cutting a metal strip. The cutting device can, for example, cut a metal strip into a first strip section and a second strip section following it with respect to a transport direction. The cutting device can, for example, be designed as a strip shear, such as a hydraulically actuated toggle shear.

[0010] A strip catcher according to the present invention is preferably a device designed to catch or deflect a metal strip, in particular an incoming metal strip head end. The strip catcher can, for example, prevent the metal strip from being conveyed uncontrollably or at least without restraint beyond the end of a production line, especially a casting-rolling composite line. For this purpose, a conventional strip catcher has a catch basket that blocks the transport path of the metal strip. A strip catcher is expediently arranged in a transport direction behind the last reel in the production line.

[0011] One aspect of the invention is based on the approach of providing an arrangement consisting of a cutting device for cutting a metal strip and, upstream of the metal strip's transport direction, a strip catcher with a pivotable catching arm. This arrangement can, for example, be provided downstream of the last reel of a metal strip production line, particularly a casting-rolling composite line, and expediently forms a scrap removal system. The pivotable catching arm allows a transport path to the cutting device that is normally blocked during the production line's operation to be cleared. The cutting device at the end of the production line enables the automatic or at least semi-automatic shredding of a metal strip section to be scrapped, without the need for the costly process of removing this metal strip section from the production line and subsequently shredding it manually.As a result, the scrap removal system can significantly accelerate the removal of a strip section from the production line, thus reducing the downtime associated with production stoppages. Furthermore, the end-mounted cutting device reduces the risk of injuries such as cuts or burns when manually cutting the strip. At the same time, it minimizes the risk of damaging production line components, such as rollers or cooling heads, when performing the necessary flame cuts.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the invention and their further developments are described below. These embodiments can be combined with each other and with the aspects of the invention described below, unless expressly excluded.

[0013] To selectively release the transport path to the cutting device, particularly downstream of a final reel in the production line, the catch arm is pivotable between a capture position and a release position according to the invention. In the capture position, the catch arm blocks the transport path through the scrap removal system. For example, in the capture position, the catch arm can project at least partially into the transport path of the metal strip such that the metal strip is deflected by the catch arm from the transport direction into a collection basket. In this way, the catch arm reliably prevents the metal strip from being unintentionally transported to the cutting device during normal operation of the production line. This prevents potential damage to the cutting device and / or uncontrolled exit of the metal strip from the production line at its end.

[0014] In the release position, a metal strip fed into the scrap removal system can pass the belt catcher. In the release position, the catch arm may, for example, be swung out of the metal strip's path.

[0015] To ensure reliable transport of the metal strip to the cutting unit and, if necessary, to position the metal strip appropriately for cutting, it is advantageous to provide a first transport device for conveying the metal strip past the strip catcher. This transport device can, for example, be designed as a roller conveyor, particularly a roller table with multiple rollers. Advantageously, at least some of the rollers are actively driven, i.e., equipped with a drive or coupled to one. Therefore, the first transport device is preferably an active transport device. The first transport device also enables seamless integration of the scrap removal system into the production line, for example, by connecting it to the transport path leading to the last reel of the production line.

[0016] The first transport means preferably extends over a transport section in the transport direction upstream of the strip catcher and a transport section in the transport direction downstream of the strip catcher, in particular up to the cutting device. For example, rollers of the first transport means can be provided both upstream and downstream of the strip catcher. In this respect, the transport means can convey the metal strip from the last reel of the production line to the cutting device or at least past the strip catcher.

[0017] To assist in conveying a metal strip within the scrap removal system, a second conveying means is preferably provided for feeding the metal strip into the cutting device, particularly for selective or targeted feeding. This second conveying means is advantageously arranged downstream of the strip catcher and immediately upstream of the cutting device in the direction of transport. The second conveying means can, for example, include a conveyor roller, also known as a drive roller, which is designed for actively transporting the metal strip. The second conveying means is advantageously arranged, or can be arranged, such that the transport path through the scrap removal system runs, at least in sections, between the first and second conveying means.It is preferred that the metal belt is supported on an underside by the first transport means, such as the roller conveyor, while the second transport means, such as the drive roller, is positioned against an upper side of the metal belt with a predetermined pressure.

[0018] By means of the first and / or second transport means, the head end, i.e., the end leading in the transport direction, of the metal strip or metal strip section to be scrapped can be positioned, for example, downstream of the cutting device such that actuation of the cutting device produces a manageable piece of metal strip or scrap. To facilitate the removal of this scrap piece, a container for receiving the metal strip sections cut by the cutting device is preferably provided. The container is advantageously arranged downstream of the cutting device in the transport direction, for example, in such a way that the scrap pieces can fall into the container. The container, also referred to as a scrap bucket, can in particular be a shipping container.

[0019] The metal strip production line, in particular the casting-rolling composite line, according to a second aspect of the invention, includes a scrap removal system according to the first aspect of the invention. By means of the scrap removal system, downtime caused by the occurrence of cobbles and the associated production losses of the production line can be reduced. At the same time, the scrap removal system increases operational reliability, since less operator is required to remove a metal strip section from the production line, and in particular fewer manual work steps, such as flame cutting, need to be performed. Furthermore, less overhead crane activity may be required.

[0020] The metal strip production line can, for example, include a roughing mill, an induction furnace, a finishing mill, a cooling section, and one or more reels. To enable the automatic or semi-automatic removal and scrapping of the metal strip from such a production line, for instance, if problems arise when threading the strip onto one of the reels, the scrap removal system is preferably located after the last component of the production line in the direction of the metal strip's transport, particularly after the last reel in that direction. The scrap removal system can, in particular, be attached to the production line, thus extending its length.

[0021] In a method for removing scrap from a metal strip production line, in particular from a casting-rolling composite plant, according to a third aspect of the invention, a metal strip located in a metal strip production line is divided into a first metal strip section and a second metal strip section, wherein the first metal strip section is located upstream of the second metal strip section in a transport direction through the metal strip production line. In this sense, the first metal strip section can be considered the preceding metal strip section and the second metal strip section the following metal strip section.

[0022] After cutting, the first metal strip section is removed from the metal strip production line. The second metal strip section is conveyed through the metal strip production line to a scrap removal system, located, in particular, downstream of a final reel. This system includes a cutting device for cutting a metal strip fed to the scrap removal system and a strip catcher positioned upstream of the cutting device in one of the metal strip's transport directions. The strip catcher has a pivotally mounted catch arm, which can pivot between a catch position in which it blocks a transport path through the scrap removal system and a release position in which a metal strip fed to the scrap removal system can pass the strip catcher.The second metal strip section is then cut into numerous metal strip pieces, also known as scrap, by a cutting device within the scrap removal system. This cutting of the second metal strip section can be automated or at least semi-automated, thus reducing operator requirements and increasing operational safety.

[0023] Advantageously, the metal strip is first cut in such a way that the first metal strip section includes a cobble, i.e., an undesirably deformed strip section. Since such a deformation makes further transport of the first metal strip section through the production line difficult or even impossible, the first metal strip section is preferably lifted out of the metal strip production line. For example, the first metal strip section can be lifted out of the production line using a crane.

[0024] To initiate the removal of scrap from the production line, preferably, before the second metal strip section is conveyed to the scrap removal system, a catch arm of a strip catcher of the scrap removal system, arranged upstream of the cutting device in the transport direction, is pivoted from a catch position to a release position. Advantageously, in the catch position, the catch arm blocks a transport path through the scrap removal system. In particular, the catch arm in the catch position can reliably prevent the metal strip from being unintentionally conveyed to the cutting device during normal operation of the production line. This prevents potential damage to the cutting device and / or the uncontrolled exit of the metal strip from the production line at its end.

[0025] In the release position, the metal belt fed to the scrap removal system can, however, pass the belt catcher more conveniently.

[0026] Once the transport route into or through the scrap removal system is clear, the metal strip conveyed to the cutting device can be cut into metal strip pieces. Preferably, the metal strip pieces are conveyed into a container located downstream of the cutting device in the transport direction. For example, the metal strip pieces can fall into the container, also known as a scrap skip. Collecting the scrap pieces in the container allows for easy and efficient removal of these scrap parts.

[0027] Further efficiency gains in the scrapping of metal strip sections on the production line can be achieved by manually splitting the metal strip into the first and second sections and removing the first section. In contrast, at least the cutting of the second section into a multitude of pieces by means of the cutting device, and preferably also the conveying of the second section to the scrap removal system, and in particular by the scrap removal system to the cutting device, are expediently carried out automatically or semi-automatically. This means that control or operation of the production line, especially of the scrap removal system, for example of corresponding conveying equipment and / or the cutting device, by operating personnel is either unnecessary or only required to a minimal extent, at least insofar as the second section of the metal strip is concerned.

[0028] The properties, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more readily understandable in connection with the following description of an exemplary embodiment, which is further explained in conjunction with the drawings. These drawings show, at least partially schematically: FIG 1 shows an example of a metal strip production line with a scrap removal system; FIG 2 shows an example of a method for removing scrap from a metal strip production line; and FIG 3 shows an example of a scrap removal system.

[0029] Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used in the figures for the same or corresponding elements of the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0030] FIG 1 Figure 1 shows an example of a metal strip production line 50 with a scrap removal system 1. In addition to the scrap removal system 1, the metal strip production line 50, in this example a casting-rolling composite plant for the continuous production of metal strips 2, includes a casting machine 51, descaling devices 53, a roughing mill 54, an induction furnace 55, a finishing mill 56, a cooling section 57, a cutting unit 58, and several reels 59, 60, 61 (three in this example). The scrap removal system 1 is located downstream of the last reel 61 in the production line 50 with respect to the transport direction T of the metal strip 2.

[0031] A partially solidified metal strand 63 is produced using a mold 62 of the casting machine 51. The casting machine 51 is followed by the descaling device 53 for descaling the strand 63. The strand 63 is then rolled into a strip 65 through several, in this example three, roughing stands 64a, 64b, 64c of the roughing mill 54. The roughing strip 65 is heated by the induction furnace 55 and descaled again by another descaling device 53 to prevent scale from being rolled into the strip in the subsequent finishing mill 56. To achieve the desired final strip thickness, the finishing mill 56 has several, in this example five, finishing stands 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d, 66e. In the cooling section 57, for example a laminar cooling area, the thinly rolled metal strip 2 is cooled to a temperature suitable for winding.After a metal bundle wound from wound metal strip 2 using one of the three reels 59, 60, 61 has reached a predetermined size, the metal strip 2 can be cut using the cutting device 58 and wound further into a new metal bundle on another of the three reels 59, 60, 61.

[0032] Particularly when changing the currently active reel 59, 60, 61, i.e., when threading the metal strip 2 into another reel 59, 60, 61, deformations of the metal strip 2 can occur due to its high elasticity or flexibility compared to the strand 63 or the pre-strip 65. Such a deformed section of the metal strip 2 cannot be transported or wound further, resulting in a build-up of the metal strip 2.

[0033] Unwanted deformation of the metal strip 2 and the associated build-up can also occur at other components of the finishing mill 50. This is particularly the case if further cutting devices (not shown) are provided in the transport direction T before the roughing mill 54 or the finishing mill 56, for example to produce slabs or to cut the metal strip 2 after reaching a predetermined length.

[0034] The build-up and associated further deformation of the metal strip 2 is referred to as "cobble" 71 and forces a production stoppage on line 50. To restart line 50, cobble 71 must first be removed. Since the shutdown of line 50 and the subsequent resumption of operation result in undefined production parameters, or at least prevent adherence to the specified production parameters, it frequently occurs that a section of metal strip 2 located in the cooling section 57 and / or the finishing mill 56 does not meet any specified quality criteria when operations resume. Therefore, in addition to cobble 71 or a first metal strip section 2a containing cobble 71, this additional second metal strip section 2b must also be removed from line 50.The scrap removal system 1 can be used for this purpose, as described below in connection with . FIG 2 will be explained.

[0035] FIG 2 Figure 100 shows a method for removing scrap from a metal strip production line, in particular a casting-rolling composite plant.

[0036] In process step S1, the metal strip in the metal strip production line is cut into the first and second metal strip sections. The first metal strip section is positioned in front of the second metal strip section in the transport direction. The cutting of the metal strip is expediently carried out manually, for example, by means of appropriate flame cutting. This allows, in particular, the cobble to be separated from the metal strip. Expediently, a strip section forming the cobble corresponds to at least a portion of the first metal strip section. Similarly, the second metal strip section expediently corresponds to that section of the metal strip which, after the production line is restarted, could theoretically be further processed, but would then not meet the specified quality criteria.

[0037] The first section of metal strip cut from the metal strip is removed from the metal strip production line in a further process step S2. This is also expediently done manually. For this purpose, an overhead crane, for example, can be used.

[0038] By removing the first metal strip section, particularly the cobble section contained within it, from the production line, the metal strip, or the second metal strip section, can again be transported unimpeded in the direction of travel through the metal strip production line. Accordingly, in a further process step S3, the second metal strip section is expediently conveyed through the metal strip production line, past the reels, to the scrap removal system. There, in a further process step S4, the second metal strip section can be cut into numerous metal strip pieces by means of a cutting device in the scrap removal system. The metal strip pieces can be collected, for example, in a container located downstream of the cutting device, and then transported away with minimal effort.

[0039] The transport of the second metal strip section in process step S3 can be at least partially automated. Alternatively or additionally, the cutting of the second metal strip section in process step S4 can also be at least partially automated. The transport in process step S3 and the cutting in process step S4 can together be understood as a scrapping step, in which the metal strip or the second metal strip section is moved a short distance in the transport direction and a section at the head end, i.e., the front end of the strip in the transport direction, is cut off.

[0040] FIG 3 shows a scrap removal system 1, for example for production line 50. FIG 1 In detail. The scrap removal system 1 comprises a cutting device 10, a belt catcher 20 arranged upstream of the cutting device 10 in the transport direction T of a metal strip 2, a first transport device 30, a second transport device 32, and a container 40. The cutting device 10 is designed to cut the metal strip 2, which is fed into the scrap removal system 1 and is to be scrapped, into metal strip pieces 3, which are collected by the container 40.

[0041] The metal strip 2 can be fed to the scrap removal system 1, for example, by means of a lower drive roller 67, which is longitudinally adjustable parallel to the transport direction T, in the area of ​​a last reel 61 of the production line 50. The metal strip 2 runs between the lower drive roller 67 and an upper drive roller 68, which is fixed in position in the transport direction T. If a pivot axis 70 of the lower drive roller 67 is positioned in the transport direction T in front of a pivot axis 69 of the upper drive roller 68, such that a tangent of the lower drive roller 67 or the upper drive roller 68 is tilted relative to the transport direction T at the intersection of a connecting line linking the pivot axes 69 and 70, respectively, the metal strip 2 can run towards the reel 61 below the lower drive roller 67.If, on the other hand, the axes of rotation 69 and 70 are positioned at the same height in the transport direction T, such that a tangent of the lower driver roller 67 or the upper driver roller 68 at the intersection of the connecting line which connects the axes of rotation 69 and 70, and of the lower driver roller 67 or upper driver roller 68 runs parallel to the transport direction T, the metal belt 2 can continue to run in the transport direction T.

[0042] The first transport device 30, for example a roller conveyor or roller table with a multitude of in, serves to transport the metal belt 2 in the scrap removal system 1. FIG 3The first transport means 30 enables the metal strip 2 to be conveyed in the transport direction T, particularly past the strip catcher 20 to the cutting element 10. The transport means 31 are indicated by a reference symbol. For clarity, only one of the transport means 31 is shown with a reference symbol. Advantageously, at least some of the transport means 31 can be actively driven, for example by means of a motor (not shown). The first transport means 30 thus enables the metal strip 2 to be conveyed in the transport direction T, particularly past the strip catcher 20 to the cutting element 10. In order to support the metal strip 2 during this conveyance, the second transport means 32, for example in the form of a drive roller, is provided, preferably on the (upper) side of the metal strip 2 facing away from the first transport means 30, so that the metal strip 2 can pass between the first and second transport means 30, 32.

[0043] Naturally, the lower drive roller 67 and upper drive roller 68, arranged in the transport direction T in front of the scrap removal system 1, can also serve to transport the metal strip 2 in the scrap removal system 1 or at least support the transport. In particular, as an alternative or in addition to the first and / or second transport means 30, 32, the drive rollers 67, 68 can transport the metal strip 2 to be scrapped to or into the cutting device 10 or at least a section of the metal strip through the cutting device 10.

[0044] The belt catcher 20 has a catch arm 21 that can pivot between a catch position (indicated by dotted lines), in which the catch arm 21 blocks the transport of the metal belt 2 through the scrap removal system 1, and a release position, in which the metal belt 2 can pass the belt catcher 20. In the catch position, the catch arm 21 can thus prevent the metal belt 2 from being transported beyond the end of the production line 50 during normal operation in the event of a malfunction, for example, a failed threading of a belt end leading in the transport direction T into the last reel, in this example reel 61, and thereby potentially endangering material and persons in an area at the end of the production line 50.

[0045] The catch arm 21 can in particular be a hydraulically actuated catch arm 21.

[0046] Advantageously, the cutting device 10 has two cutting tools 11, 12, for example, two cutting edges or one cutting edge and an anvil, arranged such that the metal strip 2 can be guided between them in the transport direction T. When a predetermined length of the metal strip 2 has been conveyed through the cutting tools 11, 12, the cutting tools 11, 12 can be moved towards each other, so that a piece of metal strip 3 is cut off. Since, unlike in the regular operation of a casting-rolling composite plant, in which a metal strand must be continuously produced and transported, continuous transport of the metal strip 2 is not necessary when scrapping it, the cutting device 10 can be designed as a strip shear with cutting tools 11, 12 that are stationary in the transport direction T, in particular as a hydraulically actuated toggle shear.A more complex drum or pendulum shear with section-by-section moving cutting tools is not necessary. Using the transport device 30 and the conveying device 32, the metal strip 2 can be transported step by step in the transport direction T, and a metal strip section 3 can be cut off at each stage.

[0047] Alternatively, continuous transport of the metal strip 2 through the scrap removal system 1 and cutting it using a suitably equipped cutting device 10, such as a drum or pendulum shear, is also conceivable. This would further accelerate the scrapping of the metal strip 2.

[0048] The container 40, also referred to as a scrap container, is advantageously arranged directly behind the cutting device 10 in the transport direction T. The container 40 can be arranged in such a way that the cut metal strip pieces 3 do not need to be transported further, but fall automatically into the container 40 after being cut from the metal strip 2. For this purpose, the container 40 is advantageously arranged slightly below a plane defined by the metal strip 2. Optionally, a guide for the metal strip pieces 3 can also be provided to ensure reliable collection by the container 40.

[0049] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived by the person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the claims. Reference symbol list

[0050] 1 Scrap removal system 2 Metal band 2a, 2 first, second metal band section 3 Metal band piece 10 Cutting device 11, 12 Cutting tools 20 Belt catcher 21 Catching arm 30 First transport device 31 Transport roller 32 Second transport device 40 Container 50 Metal strip production line 51 Casting machine 53 Descaling device 54 Roughing mill 55 Induction furnace 56 Finishing mill 57 Cooling section 58 Cutting device 59, 60, 61 Reel 62 Mold 63 Metal strand 64a-c Roughing stand 65 Rough strip 66a-e Finishing mill 67 Lower drive roll 68 Upper drive roll 69, 70 Rotary axis 71 Cobble 100 procedures S1-4 process steps T transport direction

Claims

1. Scrap-clearing system (1) for a metal-strip production line (50), in particular a combined casting and rolling installation, having a cutting means (10) for cutting up a metal strip (2) fed to the scrap-clearing system (1), and having a strip catcher (20) which is arranged in front of the cutting means (10) in a transport direction (T) of the metal strip (2) and which has a pivotably mounted catching arm (21), wherein the catching arm (21) is pivotable between a catching position, in which the catching arm (21) blocks a transport path through the scrap-clearing system (1), and a release position, in which a metal strip (2) fed to the scrap-clearing system (1) can pass the strip catcher (20).

2. Scrap-clearing system (1) according to Claim 1, having a first transport means (30) for transporting the metal strip (2) past the strip catcher (20), wherein the first transport means (30) extends over a transport section in front of the strip catcher (20) in the transport direction (T) and over a transport section behind the strip catcher in the transport direction (T).

3. Scrap-clearing system (1) according to either of the preceding claims, having a second transport means (32) for feeding the metal strip (2) into the cutting means (10), wherein the second transport means (32) is arranged or arrangeable behind the strip catcher (20) and directly in front of the cutting means (10) in the transport direction (T) in such a way that a transport path through the scrap-clearing system (1) runs at least sectionally between the first and second conveying means (30, 32).

4. Scrap-clearing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, having a container (40) which is arranged behind the cutting means (10) in the transport direction (T) and serves for receiving metal-strip portions (2b) cut off by the cutting means (10).

5. Metal-strip production line (50), in particular combined casting and rolling installation, having a scrap-clearing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

6. Metal-strip production line (50) according to Claim 5, wherein the scrap-clearing system (1) is arranged, in a transport direction (T) of a metal strip (2) through the production line (50), behind a last coiling means (61) in the transport direction (T).

7. Method (100) for clearing scrap from a metal-strip production line (50), in particular a combined casting and rolling installation, comprising: - cutting up (S1) a metal strip (2) situated on a metal-strip production line (50) into a first metal-strip portion (2a) and a second metal-strip portion (2b), wherein the first metal-strip portion (2a) is situated in front of the second metal-strip portion (2b) in a transport direction (T) through the metal-strip production line (50); - removing (S2) the first metal-strip portion (2a) from the metal-strip production line (50), - transporting (S3) the second metal-strip portion (2b) through the metal-strip production line (50) to a scrap-clearing system (1), the latter having a cutting means (10) for cutting up a metal strip (2) fed to the scrap-clearing system (1), and having a strip catcher (20) which is arranged in front of the cutting means (10) in a transport direction (T) of the metal strip (2) and which has a pivotably mounted catching arm (21), wherein the catching arm (21) is pivotable between a catching position, in which the catching arm (21) blocks a transport path through the scrap-clearing system (1), and a release position, in which a metal strip (2) fed to the scrap-clearing system (1) can pass the strip catcher (20); and wherein, prior to the transporting (S3) of the second metal-strip portion to the scrap-clearing system, the catching arm (21) of the strip catcher (20) is pivoted from a catching position into a release position, and - cutting up (S4) the second metal-strip portion (2b) into a multiplicity of metal-strip pieces (3) by means of the cutting means (10) of the scrap-clearing system (1).

8. Method (100) according to Claim 7, wherein the first metal-strip portion (2a) is lifted out of the metal-strip production line (50).

9. Method (100) according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein, prior to the transporting of the second metal-strip portion (2b) to the scrap-clearing system (1), a catching arm (21) of a strip catcher (20), arranged in front of the cutting means (10) in the transport direction (T), of the scrap-clearing system (1) is pivoted from a catching position, in which the catching arm (21) blocks a transport path through the scrap-clearing system (1), into a release position, in which the second metal-strip portion (2b) can pass the strip catcher (20).

10. Method (100) according to one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the metal-strip pieces (3) are transported into a container (40) which is arranged behind the cutting means (10) in the transport direction (T).

11. Method (100) according to one of Claims 7 to 10, wherein - the cutting up of the metal strip (2) into the first and second metal-strip portions (2a, 2b) and the removing of the first metal-strip portion (2a) are carried out manually, and - the cutting up of the second metal-strip portion (2b) by means of the cutting means (10) into a multiplicity of metal-strip pieces (3) is carried out automatically or semiautomatically.

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