The new converter vessel is one of the largest of its kind worldwide. The design developed by SMS Siemag has enabled the construction of a much larger converter vessel. With an unchanged quantity of material charged, of up to 400 tons, the internal volume of the converter has been increased by 24%. The additional volumetric capacity enables more environmentally-friendly process control and a more efficient energy recovery.
 
SMS Siemag supplied the vessel, the trunnion ring, the patented lamella-type vessel suspension system of the latest generation, the vessel supporting bearings and the bearing supports.
 
The dismantling of the existing converter platform for the installation of the plant components as well as the erection of a new platform has also been carried out by SMS Siemag. This solution makes it possible to retain the existing converter drive.
 
The lamella system developed by SMS Siemag was first used in 1967. Since then, it has proven its usefulness on many converters.
 
Since 1969, the two converters in the Oxygen Steelworks 1 have formed the basis for steelmaking in Duisburg-Bruckhausen. The converter has now been revamped after 44 years of continuous operation and approximately 211,000 heats, corresponding to the production of around 80 million tons of steel.
 
The second converter is scheduled to be delivered in 2014.