First Siemens Integrated Drive System (IDS) in the Middle East

A new Siemens Integrated Drive System (IDS) at Qatar Steel’s Rolling Mill #1 will raise annual output by up to 3.7 percent and is expected to reduce troubleshooting time by up to 20 percent.

The IDS, installed for the first time in the Middle East, is a unique technology from Siemens which allows the entire drive system in a manufacturing chain to be seamlessly integrated. The system will increase Qatar Steel's annual production by up to 3.7 percent.

Mr. Ali Bin Hassan Al-Muraikhi, Qatar Steel's Managing Director and General Manager said: "Boosting our output and reducing the maintenance and troubleshooting time are becoming increasingly important for us to improve our manufacturing operations. We are pleased to be the first company in the Middle East to implement this innovative Siemens technology, which is distinguished by its efficiency and reliability.”

“Through using an integrated drive system to streamline our rolling mills operations, we look forward to improving our performance and realizing the required efficiency, in terms of operations and productivity,” Mr. Al- Muraikhi added.

“This is a landmark installation for the Middle East’s manufacturing sector. An Integrated Drive System is capable of significantly transforming the productivity of manufacturing facilities, and we are proud that Qatar Steel is the first company in the Middle East to use this technology,” said Bernhard Niessing, Senior Executive Vice President, Process Industries and Drives, Siemens Middle East.

“As Qatar’s economy diversifies, the efficiency and reliability of its manufacturing sector is of increased importance. Innovative technology such as the Integrated Drive System is a key contribution to ensuring our customers in the region are getting the most out of their facilities, and operating at their most competitive.”

The productivity gains are mainly due to a marked reduction in maintenance shutdown time and complexity, as the IDS allows for flexible maintenance cycles. A reduction in troubleshooting time by up to 20 percent also means that potential problems are diagnosed faster, and major maintenance cycles can be better planned for.  Moreover, the plant-wide standardization of Siemens machinery means that there is less downtime as parts are readily available. All these factors will lead to a faster time to market for Qatar Steel.

Siemens Integrated Drive Systems are the world‘s first true one-stop solution for entire drive trains. They enable noticeably shorter time to market and shorter time to profit. Integrating seamlessly in any drive train, any automation environment, and even in the entire lifecycle, Siemens IDS turn common drive components into drive systems and make assets become drivers of success. The result is less wear on machinery, easier diagnosis of potential errors and a more flexible approach to maintenance. Additionally, spare parts are available from a single source.

Formed in 1974 as the first integrated steel plant in the Arabian Gulf, Qatar Steel began commercial production in 1978 and it is now widely recognized as a leader in the steel industry locally and regionally.