ABSTRACT
One of the common features of modernization projects in the metal industry has been very noticeable in recent years: multi-phased, multi-year implementation. This is for various reasons, the most important being budgetary restrictions and minimum negative impact (no extra shutdowns, no decrease in production) on current plant operation. Implementation of modernization projects in phases divides the whole scope into smaller chunks, where the amounts of new equipment and new functions are easier to commission, and the risk of production disturbances after the switchover is minimized. The Big Bang approach, where all new equipment is installed and activated at once, requires additional, longer production shutdowns and results in much longer ramp-up curves compared to normal production levels. However, in the case of signi cant mechanical modi - cation, long production shutdown cannot be avoided, and it has to be planned and coordinated with other activities well in advance.
