Aceros Arequipa, Peru, recently started up its revamped 40-tonne EAF. The project was conducted as part of the Pisco meltshop upgrade, which is targeting improved billet quality as well as a production output increase to approximately 400,000 tonnes per year.

For the EAF upgrade, Danieli provided new electrode regulation and a complete automation system, as well as a new fume treatment plant for the EAF and LF. Danieli also conducted a comprehensive modernization of the conticaster technological area with new automation system.

Danieli also installed a new burnjector and burners for improved EAF chemical energy utilization. With the new burnjector, the EAF door can remain closed for 95% of the process cycle time, allowing slag volume within the furnace to be increased, which results in higher performances and efficiency.

Following the upgrade, the best EAF performances were a 36-minute turnaround (or 40 heats/day), with a 10% increase in productivity and 22% reduction in electrode consumption. Electrical energy consumption has been lowered from 490 to 420 kWh per tonne of good billets. These results were obtained with a charge mix based on 35 to 40% DRI.

The Pisco minimill also includes a 320,000 tonnes per year bar, light sections and wire rod mill upgraded by Danieli in 2002, and completed in 2004 with the installation of a Danieli high-speed wire rod line.