According to Primetals Technologies, the 95-metric-ton converter eliminates a production bottleneck -- the plant had been using a 90-metric-ton VOD converter in the production of stainless steel -- and boosts production capacity by more than 20%.  

“The new AOD converter has expanded SIJ Acroni's product portfolio, taken the load off the existing production processes in the steel works and improved product quality. It also provides a higher flexibility on the raw material side to allow the usage of less expensive charging materials and to consequently reduce the production costs,” Primetals said in a statement. 

Primetals was responsible for the design and fabrication of the converter’s key components and the automated de-dusting system, which is capable of filtering 900,000 cubic meters of air per hour. Primetals also oversaw installation and commissioning. 

The project was carried out in partnership with Slovenia’s Esotech, which was responsible for the structural steel erection and plant construction and the water treatment system. The project took less than 24 months to complete. 

"After signing the investment contract in July 2015, it took us and our partners (Primetals Technologies and Esotech) less than two years to finish this highly demanding project. The investment will contribute significantly towards lowering the specific consumption of energy-generating products and reducing our environmental footprint," said Roman Robič, SIJ Acroni’s technical director. 

SIJ Acroni is Europe's leading producer of stainless quarto plates, Primetals said.