In a significant move towards sustainability, Dragon Steel Corporation has engaged Primetals Technologies to supply advanced copper staves for its blast furnace at the Taichung facility in Taiwan. This partnership aims to extend the operational lifetime of Blast Furnace No.1 and lower emissions, marking an important step in modernizing the steel production process. Primetals Technologies, renowned for its innovative solutions, has developed patented bend-resistant staves designed to enhance durability and performance in high-demand environments.
The current blast furnace at Dragon Steel has exceeded its original design capacity, achieving a record output 15% above its intended performance. To maintain this level of productivity, DSC plans to take the furnace offline in 2025 for a comprehensive revamp. During this process, the company will replace the entire set of staves, integrating ten of Primetals’ wear-resistant copper staves and anti-bending solutions in critical areas. This upgrade is expected to not only improve efficiency but also ensure reliable operation for years to come.
Primetals Technologies’ latest stave designs promise to support the effective cooling system of the blast furnace while minimizing maintenance needs. A notable advantage of the new staves is their ability to reduce operating costs significantly. By lowering coke consumption through improved wear resistance, Dragon Steel can decrease its carbon emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals. This advancement is particularly crucial as the steel industry faces increasing scrutiny regarding its environmental impact.
The installation of these advanced staves will be facilitated by Primetals Technologies, which will oversee the design, supply, and advisory services for the installation and performance testing. This comprehensive support ensures that DSC will have the expertise needed to implement the new technology effectively. The collaboration highlights the growing trend within the steel industry to adopt cutting-edge technologies aimed at reducing environmental footprints while enhancing operational efficiencies.
Dragon Steel Corporation, established as a fully-owned subsidiary of China Steel Corporation in 2008, is Taiwan’s only wholly integrated steel plant. The facility is equipped with both electric arc furnaces and blast furnaces, enabling it to produce a variety of steel products, including general carbon steel, structural steel, and high-strength low-alloy steel. The two blast furnaces at Taichung boast a combined annual capacity of 5 million metric tons, supplying vital feedstock to the adjacent steelmaking operations.
