EMZ repaired oxygen converter

Yenakiyevo Metallurgical Plant of Metinvest Group carried out a major overhaul of its 160-ton oxygen converter with a partial reconstruction of the gas outlet. The overhaul has improved the efficiency and reliability of the equipment while reducing the environmental impact at the same time.

A new support ring was manufactured and installed. The existing flue gas exhaust fan was replaced with a specially designed one for EMZ abroad. The new equipment ensures compliance with Ukrainian environmental legislation. Modern lubrication stations were installed, which are equipped with monitoring sensors and ensure reliable operation of the bearings.

Almost all equipment, both mechanical and electrical, has undergone major repairs, including all communications that ensure the functioning of the oxygen converter. EMZ completed work ahead of schedule: instead of the planned 45 days, it took 38 days. In the time saved for the overhaul, the plant produced an additional 10,000 tonnes of steel.

The refurbishment of BOF Shop No. 2 is part of a phased environmental program to bring steel production operations up to European environmental standards. A similar overhaul was carried out in the oxygen-converter shop No. 3 at the end of 2012. During the overhaul, a modern VOKG-160 LD cooling system with automated control, alarm and blocking system was installed. This project will almost halve air emissions.

Alexander Podkorytov, Chief Director of EMZ, said that "We plan to carry out a major overhaul of the oxygen-converter shop No. 1 in 2014. Then all three main converters will be re-equipped and will be able to fully comply with future environmental legislation."