Lech-Stahlwerke GmbH, Germany, has placed an order with SMS Demag AG to enhance the output of a 70-tonne electric arc furnace. Goals for the upgrade include increasing the tap weight to approximately 80 tonnes, reducing the number of scrap buckets per heat (from three to two) and optimization of the melting processes.

SMS Demag's scope of services includes supply of two furnace shells with optimized panel technology, modifications to the tilting platform and the furnace gantry, a new roof lifting device, new electrode masts and guides. SMS Demag will also optimize the hydraulic control system and provide extensive engineering services in the area surrounding the furnace.

In order to attain the higher tapped weight, the lower furnace shell will be extended downwards into the tilting platform, thus creating a larger volume for the heat. Optimization of charging (using one less scrap bucket in the charge) will be obtained by increasing the water-cooled upper furnace shell by 600 mm. The furnace will be of shell-changing design to facilitate higher furnace availability. In addition, provisions have been made for burners, oxygen and carbon injectors for the best possible process control.

SMS Demag will perform the installation work at the end of 2005 through early 2006.

Lech-Stahlwerke LSW, a member of the Max Aicher group of companies, produces more than one million tonnes of steel annually for the automotive and construction industry.

SMS Demag AG forms part of the Metallurgical Plant and Rolling Mill Technology Business Area of the SMS group. SMS GmbH is the holding for a group of companies internationally active in plant construction and mechanical engineering relating to the processing of steel, non-ferrous metals and plastics. The group is divided into the Business Areas of Metallurgical Plant and Rolling Mill Technology, Tube, Long Product and Forging Technology and Plastics Technology. In the year 2004 some 9,500 employees worldwide generated a turnover of about EUR 2.20 billion.