The sixth blast furnace stopped at Azovstal for overhaul

Metinvest Group continues to modernize blast furnace production at the Azovstal steel plant in accordance with the Technology Strategy-2030. The blast furnace (BF) No.6 was shut down for overhaul. The modernization of the blast furnace will improve its energy efficiency, reduce production costs and reduce dust emissions by 55%.

Stop DP # 6 was held in accordance with the developed technical measures. At the moment, the blast furnace cooling process has been completed. Preparatory work is underway for the dismantling of structures and overhaul.

During the overhaul of DP # 6 of the Azovstal metallurgical plant, the charge transfer system and the bunker rack will be modernized, the casting yard and the furnace itself will be reconstructed, a new cooling system with copper refrigerators, a new lining and a bell-less loading device will be installed.

Also, preparatory work is being carried out for the construction of a blast-furnace slag granulation unit and connection to a pulverized coal injection unit (CPF). At present, slag granulation near the blast furnace is considered the most rational type of processing, because it excludes the fleet of slag ladles from operation, greatly simplifies the organization, reduces the cost of production and reduces the burden on the environment.

General Director of Azovstal Iron and Steel Works Enver Tskitishvili:

- Metinvest Group clearly fulfills its obligations to the community. The overhaul of the sixth blast furnace continues a series of consistent modernization of the blast furnace production facilities at the Azovstal steel plant. The blast furnaces are being updated one after the other, taking into account European environmental requirements and with the transition to a closed cooling cycle.