ABB said the project included the installation of two VD4-AF vacuum circuit breakers designed for steelmaking furnaces, replacing outdated spring blocks with a limited supply of spare parts. The VD4-AF switches integrated into the UniGear ZS3.2 switchgear use servo drive technology and are capable of performing up to 150,000 mechanical operations without repair.
InfraBuild noted that stable and reliable power supply is crucial for the operation of an electric furnace, which requires frequent switching during 40-minute melting cycles. The new 2,500 A circuit breakers also open up opportunities to increase power consumption in the future, supporting potential productivity gains and long-term upgrades to the Laverton smelter.
