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NLMK Indiana Completes EAF Overhaul 

According to Primetals Technologies, the revamp of the unit was carried out over six weeks.

“Within four days, the furnace produced a remarkable 21 heats, and from then on it has showcased stable performance figures now surpassing the 5,000-heat mark,” Primetals Technologies said. “The project was characterized by detailed preparation and planning as well as close collaboration during the implementation phase. This allowed for a smooth, fast, and successful start-up,” it added. 

The scope of supply included a new tilt frame, electric conductive arms, a roller bearing, a single-point roof-lifting system with an integrated gantry, a roof, and a hydraulic system, as well as a Level 1 automation system for the hydraulic system. Certain parts of the existing equipment, like the lower shell and the upper shell, were reused, Primetals Technologies said. 

The project improved both safety and speed, Primetals Technologies said. 

“With this solution, operator safety in the context of replacing the delta or lifting off the roof is increased because there no longer is any need to physically access the furnace roof when disconnecting the chains,” it said. 

“The process of replacing the delta is faster compared to that done with the equipment the company used prior — it now lasts less than an hour. As a result, the EAF’s maintenance-related downtime is lower, which in turn increases productivity.”