Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau (VAI) recently received the acceptance certificate from Maanshan Iron & Steel for the successful implementation of a Process Optimization System for three 120-tonne LD (BOF) Converters.

The LD converters are part of Maanshan’s newly constructed Steelwork No. 1 in Maanshan, China. The converters combine the Dynacon offgas-model with the Lomas® gas analysis system, making it possible to dynamically determine the blowing end point in the converter process. Tighter control of the end point makes it possible to reduce the number of process delays for sampling, thus reducing costs and increasing process efficiency..

As a result of the new technology, Maanshan has improved its carbon content accuracy at a blowing point to over 90%, and reduced its slopping rate by more than 60%. The afterblow rate has been reduced by more than 50%.

Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau (VAI), a company of the listed VA Technologie AG, is one of the world’s leading engineering and plant-building companies for the iron, steel and aluminum industries with a multinational company structure and special focus on technology, automation and services. VAI achieved total sales of 1,160 million EUR in 2004 and employs approximately 3,400 people worldwide.

The listed VA Technologie AG (VA Tech) is a focused Technology and Service Company which provides value to customers over the entire plant life cycle. Leading international positions are held in Metallurgy, Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution and Infrastructure.

Following the announcement on December 10, 2004, by Siemens AG Österreich of a takeover bid for VA Tech, the extended period of acceptance terminated on February 25, 2005. The total of own and tendered shares to Siemens amounts to 97.15%. Consequently, one precondition for a takeover by Siemens has been fulfilled. However, until the anti-trust authorities in the EU, USA and Canada approve the takeover, both VA Tech and Siemens are subject to a prohibition on the concentration process.