In a statement, INTECO said the degassing unit is set for 2020 delivery to the steelmaker’s Darlington, S.C., USA, facility and is to enter service by year’s end.  The single-station degasser will be capable of processing 120-ton heats and will be equipped with a mechanical vacuum pump system. 

“INTECO’s advanced system design ensures short pump down times and pressure curves adapted to each steel grade.  A special feature is the design of the vacuum cover with a central socket for all kinds of access, such as sampling, temperature and hydrogen measurement. This cover concept follows INTECO’s approach of ‘zero leakage design’ to minimize treatment times and to increase efficiency,” the company said. 

INTECO said the order is a milestone, representing its first major installation for a top player in the U.S. market. 

“It definitely is a door opener for future projects to come in North America,” it said. 

Nucor announced in May that it planned to equip the facility with vacuum degassing. 

"This strategic investment complements our existing bar mills that primarily produce engineered bar products in Norfolk, Nebraska, Memphis, Tennessee, and Wallingford, Connecticut.  It will position us to better serve our customers in the southeastern U.S. and support the growing demand in the region for higher quality automotive and other specialty steel applications,” outgoing chief executive John Ferriola said at the time.