ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, a prominent player in the steel industry, has announced the successful completion of an extensive overhaul of its Blast Furnace No. 8. This project, executed by skilled technicians from the company’s Foundry and Mechanical Plant, aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of iron production at the facility. The upgrades included renewing key components such as coke and sinter pitches, a transportation skip, and the sinter gates, ensuring the blast furnace operates at optimal capacity.
The overhaul process involved multiple departments within ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih. Specialists from the Steel Structures Shop and Repair and Assembly Shop No. 3 played crucial roles in refurbishing critical equipment, including the coke and sinter pans. These pans are vital for sorting materials that are necessary for the production of pig iron, and their proper functioning is essential for maintaining production flow. To enhance durability, the boxes used for these screens were constructed from bimetal, a combination of steel and a hard wear-resistant alloy, capable of withstanding harsh mechanical stress and high temperatures.
A noteworthy aspect of this overhaul was the replacement of the skip used for transporting the charge to the blast furnace. This complex piece of equipment operates similarly to a railroad car, moving materials up to the top of the furnace via rails. The skip is equipped with a harness that facilitates unloading the charge into the furnace’s charging device. The construction of this skip involved specialized materials, including bimetal lining to extend its service life, ensuring it can handle the demanding operational environment.
Furthermore, the project included the fabrication of four new coke gates and an equal number of sinter gates, which play pivotal roles in managing the flow of materials into the furnace. The gates are essential for controlling the input of coke and sinter, which are critical components in the iron-making process. By modernizing these components, ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih aims to improve the overall efficiency and safety of operations at the blast furnace.
The new equipment and enhancements not only improve operational efficiency but also aim to reduce maintenance costs and downtime, leading to increased productivity. The efforts reflect ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih's commitment to investing in state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies to enhance its production capabilities. The company has emphasized the importance of using advanced materials and construction techniques to ensure the longevity of its equipment.
Additionally, the sourcing of materials for the skip’s runners highlights the company’s focus on quality and strength. The runners were made from specially forged steel, stronger than conventional railroad wheels, underscoring the commitment to ensuring that all components can withstand the rigorous demands of blast furnace operations.
