STRUCTURE AND PROCESS OF PRODUCING METAL STRIPS IN CONTINUOUS OR BATCH MODE

VN128976APending Publication Date: 2026-09-15PRIMETALS TECH AUSTRIA GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
VN1202602303
Authority / Receiving Office
VN · VN
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-10-10
Filing Date
2024-10-08
Publication Date
2026-09-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current combined casting and rolling processes face challenges in achieving both high-capacity production and ultra-thin, high-quality metal band production, particularly due to limitations in mass flow and the need for energy-intensive heating systems in endless operations.

Method used

A compact system is designed with a cutting device between the separation device and the rolling mill, a feeder with a heating oven for supplying cut bridges, and a second continuous casting system in parallel, allowing for efficient operation in both endless and batch modes without extensive heating.

Benefits of technology

This configuration enables reduced energy consumption, minimal heat loss, and increased production capacity while maintaining high product quality, allowing for efficient operation in both endless and batch modes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the field of combined casting and rolling processes, which can be performed in both continuous and batch modes. The aim of the invention is to propose a compact mechanism functional for the production of metal strips and capable of operating in both continuous and batch modes. This aim is achieved on the one hand by arranging the output feeding device (5a) and the input feeding device (5b) between the first casting mechanism (1) and the rolling machine (8). The output feeding device (5a) can feed the first plate blanks (40) in a direction perpendicular to the casting direction (G). Directly at the output end of the output feeding device (5a) is the input feeding device (5b) which has a furnace (5c) and is functional for feeding the cut plate blanks (41). The distance (L) between the end point of the first casting mechanism (1) and the starting point of the rolling mill (8) is less than 100 m, preferably less than 80 m, especially better to be less than 60 m.
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Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of the invention

[0003] Plant and method for producing a metal strip in continuous operation or in batch operation

[0004] field of technology

[0005] The present invention is in the field of combined casting and rolling processes, which can be operated in continuous operation as well as in batch mode. On the one hand, the invention relates to a plant for producing a metal strip, comprising the following plant components:

[0006] - a first continuous casting system, the end of which is determined by a strand guide roller arranged last,

[0007] - a first separating device arranged downstream of the first casting plant for separating the first slabs,

[0008] - a rolling mill arranged downstream of the first separating device, wherein a start of the rolling mill is determined by a rolling stand arranged first,

[0009] - a shear downstream of the rolling mill

[0010] - a reeling device downstream of the shears,

[0011] - an automation device that can control the system in such a way that it can be operated in continuous operation or batch mode.

[0012] On the other hand, the invention relates to a method for producing a metal strip with the system.

[0013] State of the art

[0014] Combined casting and rolling processes are currently replacing the conventional processes of thick slab casting and hot strip rolling.

[0015] The main advantages of combining casting and rolling processes in continuous operation are:

[0016] - Minimal energy consumption

[0017] - Reduced or no CO2 emissions

[0018] - Production of ultra-thin ribbons

[0019] - Highest consistent quality in continuous operation

[0020] - Lower investment costs Lower operating costs

[0021] Since in continuous operation the mass flow through the entire system is essentially constant and no phased acceleration to bridge longer distances is possible, many advantages of continuous operation are linked to the short overall length of the system.

[0022] However, in many cases, a single-strand casting and rolling plant is not sufficient to completely replace an existing hot strip mill and all its products due to the mass flow limitations of today's casting process.

[0023] The maximum mass flow that a continuous casting plant can currently deliver is in the range of 7 to 8 tons per minute. This results in a maximum annual production of approximately 3 million tons per year. High-performance hot rolling mills have production outputs between 4 and 6 million tons per year (Mt / y), which can easily be twice that of a continuous casting plant.

[0024] Therefore, steel producers try to combine two continuous casting plants with one rolling mill to achieve the same capacity, e.g.: 2.5 Mt / y with caster 1 + 2.5 Mt / y with caster 2 = 5 Mt / y for one rolling mill

[0025] By definition, this means that there can be no permanent endless operation when producing two casting strands.

[0026] Since many demanding grades (ultra-thin and high-quality) can only be produced in continuous operation, steel manufacturers want a plant that meets both requirements:

[0027] - Endless system for the production of ultra-thin, high-quality grades

[0028] - High-capacity plant for the combination of two casting plants with a rolling mill

[0029] A system should meet the following requirements:

[0030] - Flat sheet production in the dimension range of:

[0031] Thickness 0.6 to 32 mm, preferred: 0.8 to 25.4 mm

[0032] Width 600 to 2600 mm, preferably 900 to 2134 mm

[0033] - All steel grades with a carbon content of 0.001% to 1%, preferably 0.005% to 0.5%

[0034] - Standard grades requiring high productivity by means of rapid casting

[0035] - Special grades requiring slow solidification by slow casting.

[0036] - Productivity: 3 to 8 Mt / y (preferably 4 to 6 Mt / y) Due to the demand for continuous production, there have recently been developments to use continuous operation on combined two-strand slab casting and rolling lines.

[0037] These solutions are currently characterized by large distances between the casting and rolling lines, which are necessary to connect the production of the two strands.

[0038] To overcome the heat losses during the transport of slabs from the casting machines to the rolling mill, tunnel furnaces with a length of 150 to 250 m are currently being proposed.

[0039] While these furnaces successfully prevent temperature losses, they are very energy- and maintenance-intensive. Furthermore, the furnace is always in operation in line with the rolling mill, even during continuous production.

[0040] However, concepts based on two-strand casting and rolling concepts have been developed that also offer the possibility of producing in continuous operation with one strand.

[0041] These concepts all feature a long tunnel kiln and a heated ferry in front of the rolling mill, which performs the task of buffering and merging in batch operation.

[0042] For batch operation, two furnaces, each up to 250 m long, must be heated continuously, which results in high energy consumption.

[0043] A plant with a tunnel kiln plus a heating ferry must be bridged even in continuous operation. At a casting speed of 4 m / min and a furnace length of 160 m, this takes approximately 40 minutes. This not only leads to high oxidation but also to significant energy losses during this time. Any advantage of utilizing the hot core of the strand coming from the casting machine is thus lost after transport through the tunnel kiln. Overall, this setup is not advantageous for continuous operation, as the distance between the casting machine and the rolling mill must be significantly increased.

[0044] Many advantages typically associated with continuous operation, such as low energy consumption, no CO2 emissions, low yield losses, maximum first stand reductions and thus minimum thicknesses, cannot be fully achieved with this type of plant design.

[0045] In addition, the tunnel furnace is very maintenance-intensive, and during the maintenance period, both the continuous caster and the rolling mill cannot be operated.

[0046] Document DE 102008020412 A1 describes a method for producing a metal strip by means of combined casting rolls. This method is intended to increase the flexibility of the process, particularly by ensuring that the casting process can be continued in the event of malfunctions, maintenance, or other rolling interruptions.

[0047] Document EP 1 868 748 B1 shows a compact combined casting and rolling plant. Document WO 2023 / 186471 A1 discloses a casting and rolling plant with a tunnel furnace, with a second casting plant arranged in parallel and the two plants connected by ferries.

[0048] The document US 10,576,520 B1 shows a combined casting and rolling plant with a tunnel furnace and a second casting plant arranged in parallel.

[0049] Summary of the invention

[0050] The object of the present invention is to create a compact system for producing a metal strip, which can be operated both in continuous operation and in batch operation.

[0051] This object is achieved by a system in which an output device, which can output cut first slabs transversely to the casting direction, is arranged between the first separating device and the rolling mill. Immediately downstream of this, a feed device with a heating furnace for feeding cut slabs is arranged, wherein the feed device can feed the cut slabs transversely to the casting direction. The feed device and the output device are designed such that they can convey the slabs in the casting direction. The distance between the end of the casting system and the beginning of the rolling mill is less than 100 m, preferably less than 80 m, particularly preferably less than 60 m.

[0052] The first casting plant produces slabs with a thickness of 100 to 200 mm, preferably 120 to 160 mm.

[0053] The compact arrangement according to the invention enables both batch and continuous operation without the need for energy-intensive heating. The discharge device allows the first slabs produced by the first casting plant to be discharged.

[0054] This system configuration allows the plant to operate continuously without energy-intensive heating. The plant can also operate in batch mode to ensure the rolling mill achieves the highest possible capacity utilization. The invention allows the first casting system to continue operating and the first cast slabs to be discharged even during a roll change in the rolling mill. The feeding device with the heating furnace allows slabs produced by another casting system or slabs transported from a slab storage facility to be heated and fed to the rolling mill. Both the discharge device and the feeding device convey material transversely to the casting direction.

[0055] According to the invention, a second continuous casting plant with a second separating device is arranged parallel to the first casting plant. The second casting plant is connected to the feeding device via a first connecting device, preferably a roller table, such that second slabs produced by the second continuous casting plant can be fed to the feeding device and the heating furnace. This arrangement makes it possible to operate the rolling mill at an increased capacity by feeding in additional second slabs, and thus to increase the production output. In the context of this invention, a second casting plant is understood to mean that a second cast strand is produced. It is therefore also conceivable for a first casting plant to produce a first cast strand and, at the same time, to produce a second cast strand. The second cast strand would then be the one produced by the second casting plant in this invention.

[0056] A preferred embodiment provides that the discharge device and the feed device and the heating furnace are connected to one another in such a way that cut first slabs discharged by the discharge device can be fed to the heating furnace and the feed device, this can be done for example via a slab transport device.

[0057] An advantageous embodiment provides that the automation device can control the feed device and the discharge device in such a way that a first slab cut at the first cutting device can be transported directly to the rolling mill at a transport speed that is greater than the casting speed. This control enables the first slab to lose as little heat as possible and reach the rolling mill quickly.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the second continuous casting plant produces a second slab with a maximum thickness of 250 mm. In this case, the second slab can be reduced to a smaller thickness, for example, using a roughing stand, in order to have the same thickness range as the first slab. Another advantageous embodiment provides for the heating furnace to be, preferably, a walking beam furnace.

[0059] The cut slabs are transported in the heating furnace, aligned in the casting direction, transversely to the casting direction to the feeding device.

[0060] The heating furnace preferably has at least two independently operable movement zones. A first movement zone of the heating furnace is associated with the feed device, and a second movement zone is associated with an input area of ​​the heating furnace for cut slabs.

[0061] The heating furnace can also be operated with both movement zones linked. However, should the plant stop or a roll change occur, the first and second movement zones can be decoupled. This means that the movement zone assigned to the feeding device operates at a different movement speed than the movement zone assigned to the input area. The movement zone assigned to the feeding device can also be stationary and thus serve as a buffer storage, while slabs can continue to be fed into the movement zone assigned to the input area. This ensures that the heating furnace can be adjusted to different slab thicknesses, operational interruptions, or other operational disruptions in order to guarantee a temperature of preferably at least 1100°C at the discharge position.

[0062] However, it is also conceivable for the heating furnace to have additional independent movement zones between the first and second movement zones. This design allows for additional flexibility for the system's diverse operating conditions.

[0063] When designed as a walking beam furnace, it should have the following properties:

[0064] - Heating the second slab to 900-1150°C during lower mass flow production

[0065] - Holding the second slab at 1100 - 1200°C

[0066] - At least two separate movement zones within the walking beam furnace to decouple loading and unloading and also provide storage within the furnace. The walking beam furnace has a separate movement zone in the loading area, which is independent of the rest of the furnace. This allows for a certain degree of flexibility regarding loading and unloading of the furnace.

[0067] - The furnace should be able to be operated as CO2-neutrally as possible, for example, with hydrogen burners instead of fossil gas burners. An additional preferred embodiment provides for the feed device to be connected to a transport device, with the transport device feeding cold slabs, preferably from a slab storage area.

[0068] A preferred embodiment provides for the heating furnace to have a maximum length of 30 m. The goal of the plant is to ensure the most compact possible layout for maximum flexibility in the production of various products; therefore, the heating furnace should also have a minimal size to achieve this goal.

[0069] In an additionally advantageous embodiment, the transport device has a heating oven.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the minimum length of the feed device and the minimum length of the discharge device are calculated using the following formula: a... factor

[0071] Y... specific weight of a coil relative to its width [t / m] p... density [t / m 3 ] d... maximum adjustable casting gap of the first casting system [m]

[0072] For a first casting plant with a maximum adjustable casting gap of 150 mm thickness, a specific weight of the coil of 21 t / m, a density p in the hot state of 7.7 t / m 3 This results in a slab length of 18.18 m. To ensure reliable feeding and unloading of the slab through the feed and unloading devices, the slab must be longer – this is taken into account by the factor a. The factor a is 1.1 to 1.5.

[0073] For a given factor of 1.2, the length of the output device and the feed device is 21.8 m.

[0074] In an advantageous embodiment, a length of the feed device and a length of the discharge device is a maximum of 30 m, preferably a maximum of 25 m, particularly preferably a maximum of 20 m.

[0075] The object is further achieved by a plant which, between the first separating device and the rolling mill, o has a first inductive heating furnace, o a slab manipulation device for feeding and removing cut slabs is arranged immediately downstream of the first inductive heating furnace, wherein the slab manipulation device can feed or remove the cut slabs transversely to the casting direction and can transport them in the casting direction, wherein o the slab manipulation device is connected to the first inductive heating furnace in such a way that the cast first slabs can be fed directly to the slab manipulation device, wherein o the distance between the end of the casting plant and the start of the rolling mill is less than 100 m, preferably less than 80 m, particularly preferably less than 60 m.

[0076] This further arrangement according to the invention also makes it possible to achieve the shortest possible distance between the casting plant and the rolling mill. Furthermore, this design avoids CO2 emissions and achieves a compact design.

[0077] The embodiment according to the invention provides that a second continuous casting plant with a second separation device is arranged parallel to the first casting plant. The second casting plant is connected to a second inductive heating furnace via a first connecting device in order to feed second slabs produced by the second casting plant to the second inductive heating furnace. A slab transport device is connected to the second inductive heating furnace in such a way that it can feed second slabs to the slab handling device.

[0078] An advantageous embodiment provides that a length of the first inductive heating furnace and the length of the slab manipulation device is a maximum of 30 m, preferably a maximum of 25 m, particularly preferably a maximum of 20 m.

[0079] A suitable embodiment provides that the slab manipulation device is connected to a transport device, wherein the transport device supplies cold slabs, preferably from a slab storage area.

[0080] A preferred embodiment provides that the first casting plant produces first slabs with a thickness of 100 to 200 mm, preferably 120 to 160 mm. An advantageous embodiment provides that the second continuous casting plant produces a second slab with a thickness range that essentially corresponds to that of the first slab, or produces second slabs with a maximum thickness of 250 mm; these can preferably be reduced in thickness using a roughing stand.

[0081] The object is further achieved by a method for producing a metal strip using a system according to claims 1-14. The system is operated by an automation device in continuous operation or batch mode, depending on a final thickness, a desired CC>2 footprint, a predetermined low energy consumption, a predetermined casting speed, and / or a mechanical property of the metal strip to be produced.

[0082] For example, the system is operated in continuous mode for grades with a final thickness of less than 1.5 mm. For grades from 1.5 to 2.5 mm, the system is operated in continuous mode or in batch mode, depending on the desired mechanical properties, such as strength.

[0083] If low CO2 emissions and / or low energy consumption are required, the system is operated in continuous operation if possible.

[0084] If a grade of metal strip is to be produced which requires slow casting of the casting plant, the plant is operated in batch mode.

[0085] Short description of the drawings

[0086] The above-described properties, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more readily understood in connection with the following description of an embodiment, which is explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings.

[0087] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first casting plant with a subsequent rolling mill and a parallel second casting plant

[0088] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a first casting plant with a subsequent rolling mill, which is operated in continuous mode.

[0089] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a first casting plant with a subsequent rolling mill, which is operated in batch mode.

[0090] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a first casting plant with a downstream rolling mill and a parallel second casting plant operating in batch mode. Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a first casting plant with a downstream rolling mill and a parallel second casting plant with an inductive heating furnace.

[0091] Description of the embodiments

[0092] Fig. 1 shows a plant for producing a metal strip. This plant consists of a first continuous casting plant 1 and a second continuous casting plant 2 arranged parallel to the first casting plant 1. A cutting device 3 is arranged downstream of the first casting plant 1. The first cutting device 3 is arranged downstream of a last strand guide roller 31, which is located in the last strand guide segment 30 and defines one end of the casting plant 1. Downstream of the first cutting device 3 is an unloading device 5a, which unloads first slabs 40 cut by the cutting device 3 and feeds them to a slab transport device 16. The slab transport device 16 can, for example, be guided via floor-mounted rails and cable, chain, or wheel drive as a slab ferry, or on rails located at a certain height - overhead - as a slab manipulator or crane.The first slab 40 is discharged transversely to the casting direction G, essentially at a right angle. A feed device 5b—for feeding cut slabs 41—is arranged immediately downstream of the discharge device 5a in the casting direction G. A heating furnace 5c is assigned to the feed device 5b so that the supplied slabs 41 can be heated to a desired temperature. The feed device 5b is designed such that the slabs 41 are introduced transversely, essentially at a right angle to the casting direction G. The discharge and feeding transversely to the casting direction G enables the discharge device 5a and feed device 5b to be as compact as possible.The discharge device 5a and the feed device 5b transport the slabs in the casting direction G, for example by means of driven rollers, and transversely to the casting direction G, the slab is lifted from below or above, for example by means of a lifting device, and then transported transversely to the casting direction G. A first intensive heating device 6 and a first descaling device and / or intensive cooling device 7 can be arranged downstream of the discharge device 5b. A rolling mill 8 is arranged downstream. The start of the rolling mill 8 is defined by a first rolling stand 8a. The distance L between the end of the casting plant 1 and the start of the rolling mill 8 should be as small as possible in order to keep possible heat losses of the cast first slab as small as possible, thus enabling continuous operation. The distance L should be less than 100 m, preferably less than 80 m, particularly preferably less than 60 m.A third separating device 9, a second intensive heating device 10, a second descaling device and / or an intensive cooling device 11 can be arranged downstream of the rolling mill 8. A further rolling mill 12 can be arranged downstream. This is followed by a cooling device 13, a shear 14, and a coiling device 15.

[0093] The second continuous casting plant 2 produces second slabs 42, which can be rolled in a roughing stand 20 and separated by a second separating device 4. A first connecting device 18, which can be designed as a roller table, transports the second slabs 42 to the heating furnace 5c and further to the feeding device 5b. This enables the second slabs 42, which are produced by the second casting plant 2, to be fed to the rolling mill 8. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for cold slabs 43 to be fed from a second slab storage area. These can be guided by means of a transport device 17 through an automatic scarfing machine 22 to a heating device 23, and the transport device is subsequently connected to the heating furnace 5c and the feeding device 5b so that the cold slabs can then be fed to the rolling mill 8.The plant has an automation device 45 which is connected, among other things, to the feeding device 5a and the discharge device 5b and can control them in such a way that the cut first slab 40 can be accelerated and fed to the rolling mill 8 at a higher speed than the casting speed.

[0094] Figure 2 shows a possible operating mode of the plant. In this configuration, the plant operates in continuous mode, meaning that no slabs are added or removed.

[0095] Fig. 3 shows the plant's operating mode in batch mode, with the first slabs 40 coming only from the casting plant 1. In this operating mode, the first slabs 40 can be accelerated after cutting at the separating device 3 and thus quickly conveyed through the discharge device 5a and the feeding device 5b. This allows them to reach the rolling mill 8 quickly. This minimizes the temperature loss of the first slabs 40. At the rolling mill 8, the speed of the first slabs 40 must then be adjusted again according to the process-related material flow.

[0096] In Fig. 4, the plant's operating mode is also batch operation, but additional slabs 41 are fed in via the feed device 5b. These slabs 41 can be cold slabs 43 or second slabs 42 produced by the second casting machine 2. The first slabs 40 can either be transported directly to the rolling mill 8, or if the material flow does not permit this, the first slabs must be removed from the discharge device 5a and fed to the slab transport device 16, which then feeds the first slabs to the heating furnace 5c and the feed device 5b. Cold slabs 43 are fed in when the first casting machine 1 and the second casting machine 2 are not operating at full capacity, for example, because one of the two casting machines is undergoing maintenance. In batch operation, the finishing rolling temperature can be controlled as follows:

[0097] - The rolling speed is constant. The finishing rolling temperature is controlled by the intensive heating device 6 and the second intensive heating device 10 so that the desired product quality can be achieved – comparable to continuous production.

[0098] - The rolling speed can be increased or decreased to achieve the desired final product quality via a desired final rolling temperature.

[0099] The heating furnace 5c in this embodiment has two movement zones 5d, 5e. The first movement zone 5d is associated with the feed device, and the second movement zone 5e is associated with the inlet opening of the heating furnace 5c. The two movement zones 5d, 5e can be moved completely independently.

[0100] Fig. 5 shows a variant of the plant with a first inductive heating furnace 25 instead of a discharge device. In this embodiment, heating of the first slabs, which are produced with the first casting plant 1, is only necessary if grades that must be cast slowly are to be produced. For grades that are cast quickly, heating by means of the first inductive heating furnace 28 is not necessary. A slab handling device 25a for inserting and removing slabs is arranged downstream of the first inductive heating furnace. The slab transport device 16 transports the slabs either to the slab handling device 25a or away from it, for example, to a slab storage area. In the second casting plant 2, a second inductive heating furnace 28 is arranged downstream of the first transport device 18 – which can also be thermally insulated.This second inductive heating furnace 28 must be dimensioned such that it can heat the slowly cast second slab to the temperature required for the rolling process in rolling mill 8. A first buffer storage 28a – which is preferably thermally insulated – is arranged downstream of the second inductive heating furnace 28. The second slabs already produced can be stored in this first buffer storage 28a until they can be fed to rolling mill 8 with the aid of the slab transport device 16 and the slab manipulation device 25a. A third inductive heating furnace 27 is assigned to the introduction of cold slabs. A second thermally insulated buffer storage 26 is arranged upstream of the heating furnace, in which already heated cold slabs can be stored until needed.

[0101] 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 therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0102] List of reference symbols

[0103] 1 first casting plant

[0104] 2 second casting plant

[0105] 3 first separating device

[0106] 4 second separating device

[0107] 5a Execution device

[0108] 5b Feeding device

[0109] 5c Heating oven

[0110] 5d first movement zone

[0111] 5e second movement zone

[0112] 6 Intensive heating device

[0113] 7 Descaling device and / or intensive cooling

[0114] 8 Rolling mill

[0115] 8a first rolling stand

[0116] 9 third separating device

[0117] 10 second intensive heating device

[0118] 11 Intensive cooling device

[0119] 12 additional rolling mills

[0120] 13 Cooling device

[0121] 14 scissors

[0122] 15 Reeling device

[0123] 16 Slab transport device

[0124] 17 Transport device

[0125] 18 Connecting device

[0126] 20 roughing scaffold

[0127] 22 Automatic scarfing device

[0128] 23 Heating device

[0129] 25 first induction heating furnace

[0130] 25a Slab manipulation device

[0131] 26 second buffer storage

[0132] 27 third induction heating furnace

[0133] 28 second induction heating furnace

[0134] 28a first buffer storage

[0135] 30 strand guide segment

[0136] 31 Strand guide roller

[0137] 40 first slabs

[0138] 41 slabs 42 second slab

[0139] 43 cold slab

[0140] 45 Automation device

[0141] G Pouring direction

[0142] L distance

Claims

Claims 1. Plant for producing a metal strip, comprising the following plant components - a first continuous casting plant (1), the end of the casting plant (1) being determined by a strand guide roller (31) arranged last, - a first separating device (3) arranged downstream of the first casting plant (1) for separating the first slabs (40), - a rolling mill (8) arranged downstream of the first separating device (3), wherein a start of the rolling mill is determined by a rolling stand (8a) arranged first, - a shear (14) arranged downstream of the rolling mill (8) - a reeling device (15) arranged downstream of the shears (14), - an automation device (45) which can control the plant in such a way that it can be operated in a continuous operation or a batch operation, characterized in that between the first separating device (3) and the rolling mill (8) o a discharge device (5a) for cut first slabs (40) is arranged, which can discharge cut first slabs (40) transversely to the casting direction (G), wherein o immediately downstream of the discharge device (5a) there is arranged a feeding device (5b) with a heating furnace (5c) for feeding cut slabs (41), wherein the feeding device (5b) can feed the cut slabs (41) transversely to the casting direction (G), wherein o the discharge device (5a) and the feeding device (5b) are designed in such a way,that the cast first slab (41) can be transported in the casting direction (G) directly from the discharge device (5a) into the feeding device (5b) and can be forwarded from the feeding direction (5b) in the casting direction (G), wherein o the distance (L) between the end of the first casting plant (1) and the beginning of the rolling mill (8) is less than 100 m, preferably less than 80 m, particularly preferably less than 60 m, wherein o a second continuous casting plant (2) with a second separating device (4) is arranged parallel to the first casting plant (1), wherein the second casting plant (2) is connected via a first connecting device (18), preferably a roller table, to the feeding device (5b) and the heating furnace (5c) in such a way that produced by the second continuous casting plant (2), second slabs (42) can be fed to the heating furnace (5c) and the feeding device (5b).

2. Plant for producing a metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge device (5a) and the feed device (5b) and the heating furnace (5c) are connected to one another in such a way that cut first slabs (40) discharged by the discharge device (5a) can be fed to the heating furnace (5c) and the feed device (5b), preferably via a slab transport device (16).

3. Plant for producing a metal strip according to one of claims 1 - 2, characterized in that the automation device (45) can control the discharge device (5a) and the feed device (5b) in such a way that a first slab (40) cut at the first separating device (3) can be transported to the rolling mill (8) at a transport speed, wherein the transport speed is greater than a casting speed of the first casting plant (1).

4. Plant for producing a metal strip according to one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the heating furnace (5c) is preferably a walking beam furnace, wherein cut slabs in the heating furnace (5c), aligned in the casting direction (G), are transported transversely to the casting direction (G) to the feeding device (5b), wherein the heating furnace (5c) preferably has at least two movement zones which can be operated independently of one another, wherein a first movement zone (5d) of the walking beam furnace is assigned to the feeding device and a second movement zone (5e) is assigned to the entry opening of the heating furnace for cut slabs.

5. Plant for producing a metal strip according to one of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the heating furnace (5c) has a maximum length of 30m.

6. Plant for producing a metal strip according to one of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the feeding device (5b) is connected to the heating furnace (5c) by a transport device (17), wherein the transport device (17) can feed cold slabs (43), preferably from a slab storage area.

7. Plant for producing a metal strip according to claim 6, characterized in that the transport device (17) includes a heating furnace (23).

8. Plant for producing a metal strip according to one of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that the minimum length of the feeding device (5b) and the discharge device (5a) is determined by means of the formula: where a is a design factor, Y is a specific weight of a coil based on its width in t / m, p is the density at the temperature after casting in the first casting plant in t / m 3and d is a maximum adjustable casting gap of the first casting system in m.

9. Plant for producing a metal strip according to one of claims 1-8, characterized in that a length of the feeding device (5b) and the discharge device (5a) is each a maximum of 30 m, preferably a maximum of 25 m, particularly preferably a maximum of 20 m.

10. Plant for producing a metal strip, comprising the following plant components - a first continuous casting plant (1), the end of the casting plant (1) being determined by a strand guide roller (31) arranged last, - a first separating device (3) arranged downstream of the first casting plant (1) for separating the first slabs (40), - a rolling mill (8) arranged downstream of the first separating device (3), wherein a start of the rolling mill (8) is determined by a rolling stand (8a) arranged first, - a shear (14) arranged downstream of the rolling mill (8) - a reeling device (15) arranged downstream of the shears (14), - an automation device (45) which can control the plant in such a way that it can be operated in a continuous operation or batch operation. characterized in that between the first separating device (3) and the rolling mill (8) o a first inductive heating furnace (25) is arranged o immediately downstream of the first inductive heating furnace (25) there is arranged a slab manipulation device (25a) for feeding and removing cut slabs, wherein the slab manipulation device (25a) moves the cut slabs transversely to Casting direction (G) can be fed or removed and transported in the casting direction, wherein o the slab manipulation device (25a) is connected to the first inductive heating furnace (25) in such a way that the cast first slab can be fed directly to the slab manipulation device (25a), wherein o the distance (L) between the end of the first casting plant (1) and the start of the rolling mill (8) is less than 100m, preferably less than 80m, particularly preferably less than 60m.o a second continuous casting plant (2) with a second separating device (4) is arranged parallel to the first casting plant (1), wherein the second casting plant (2) is connected to a second inductive heating furnace (28) via a first connecting device (18) in order to feed second slabs (42) produced by the second casting plant (2) to the second inductive heating furnace (28), wherein a slab transport device (16) is connected to the second inductive heating furnace (27) in such a way that second slabs (42) can be fed to the slab manipulation device (25a) via this.

11. Plant for producing a metal strip according to claim 10, characterized in that a length of the first inductive heating furnace (25) and the second slab manipulation device (25a) is a maximum of 30 m, preferably a maximum of 25 m, particularly preferably a maximum of 20 m.

12. Plant for producing a metal strip according to one of claims 10 - 11, characterized in that the slab manipulation device (25a) is connected to a transport device (17), wherein the transport device (17) can feed cold slabs (43), preferably from a slab storage area.

13. Plant for producing a metal strip according to one of claims 1 - 12, characterized in that first slabs (40) with a thickness of 100 to 200 mm, preferably 120 to 160 mm, can be produced by the first casting plant (1).

14. Plant for producing a metal strip according to one of claims 1 - 12, characterized in that the second continuous casting plant (2) produces second slabs with a thickness range which essentially corresponds to that of the first slab, or second slabs (42) with a maximum thickness of 250mm, preferably these can be reduced in thickness by means of a pre-frame (20).

15. A method for producing a metal strip with a plant according to one of claims 1-14, characterized in that the plant is dependent on the Thickness, CO2 footprint, casting speed and / or mechanical strength of the metal strip to be produced can be operated in continuous operation or in batch operation using an automation device (45).