Czech company Třinecké Železárny restarts BF No. 4 after maintenance

The largest steel mill in the Czech Republic, Třinecké Železárny, announced the successful restart of blast furnace No. 4 after comprehensive 42-day reconstruction and maintenance work at a cost of less than 700 million Czech crowns ($ 33.4 million). The furnace, which has been operating since 1923, is now resuming production after major upgrades that ensure its continued efficiency and compliance with EU Green Deal environmental standards.

According to CEO Roman Heide, the upgrade marks a "historic milestone" that will allow the furnace to operate for decades to come. He emphasized the company's commitment to maintaining integrated steel production in preparation for future investments in the energy transition, including plans to develop an electric arc furnace.

The reconstruction project, completed one third faster than usual, is focused on replacing the most worn-out refractory linings in the hearth.

Other upgraded components include a new central air and gas heating system that provides air temperatures up to 1230°C, an updated gas pipeline and updated cooling systems, material loading conveyors, control systems and gas analyzers.

Project details:

Furnace volume: 1,373 m3

Daily production capacity: 3,200 tons of cast iron

Total historical capacity: more than 55 million tons since 1923

Restarting blast furnace No. 4 enhances