Items filtered by date: Thursday, 07 September 2023

Brazil: ArcelorMittal has ordered a slag retention system from UK-based Primematals Technologies. This is part of a larger order for two 135t LD converters for basic oxygen furnaces (BOF) at its steel plant in Jõao Monlevade. The Vaicon Stopper slag retention system is intended to minimise the amount of slag that enters the ladle during tapping. This system ensures shorter production cycles and higher steel quality compared with conventional slag retention systems. The overall plant project also includes an upgrade of the primary dedusting systems and complete electrics and automation packages. The start-up of the new equipment is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.

The Monlevade plant produces wire rod for industrial applications such as steel wool and steel cord. The site is part of ArcelorMittal Brazil’s Long Steel division and has an annual capacity of 1.2Mt/yr.

Australia: BlueScope has approved a US$735m reline and upgrade project at its No 6 Blast Furnace (6BF) at the Port Kembla Steelworks. The project will include the installation of a new slag granulation system. The overall scope of work includes a traditional reline plus a significant upgrade of parts of the facility and supporting infrastructure, including investment in environmental improvements. It is intended to support future adoptions of low emissions steel production technology. The transition to the relined 6BF is expected to take place in mid-to-late-2026.