Efficient Stainless Steel Production with AOD Converter
The AOD Converter represents a crucial advancement in stainless steelmaking, tackling fundamental challenges like rising demand, price pressure, and the necessity for process optimization. Primetals Technologies, recognized as the global leader in stainless steelmaking technology, delivers comprehensive solutions encompassing everything from scrap preparation to the finished product. With the annual growth in demand for stainless steel, plant operators are compelled to invest in process optimization and capacity expansion to maintain their competitiveness on the global stage. Primetals Technologies offers optimized solutions designed to enhance productivity, improve plant availability, and ensure full compliance with environmental regulations.
Stainless steels are engineered with high alloying elements, primarily chromium and nickel, to meet specific requirements such as high corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, and unique surface characteristics. These steels are typically produced using stainless steel scrap, melted in an electric arc furnace (EAF), and processed in an argon oxygen decarburization (AOD) converter before final temperature and chemistry adjustments are made in a ladle furnace (LF) or vacuum oxygen decarburization station. In addition to scrap-based production, several plants worldwide successfully utilize hot metal and pig iron rich in nickel. Primetals Technologies excels in developing cost-effective process routes tailored to actual raw material bases.
The AOD converter is the central component for all production routes, efficiently removing silicon and carbon while minimizing chromium losses. Primetals Technologies has supplied a significant portion of the global AOD converter capacity, securing its market-leading position. This success is achieved through the integration of process, mechanical, and automation advancements. Notable innovations include the Vaicon Drive damper, which reduces vibrations during the blowing process, and single shroud control, which extends the lifespan of tuyeres. The Vaicon AutoFix vessel suspension system allows for rapid and automated vessel exchange. The company has also developed scrap charging machines and sublance technology for precise temperature measurement and sample taking.
Benefits of AOD Converters from Primetals Technologies
- Enhanced removal efficiency of silicon and carbon with minimal chromium loss
- Market-leading solutions with integrated process, mechanical, and automation advancements
- Single shroud control extends the lifespan of tuyeres
- Scrap charging machine and sublance improve temperature measurement and sample taking accuracy
- Cost-optimal process routes for diverse raw material bases
Stainless Steelmaking
AOD converter at BGH Freital
A new AOD (Argon Oxygen Decarburization) converter of BGH Freital in Germany was integrated in the existing steel plant. This way, BGH Freital improved the energy and resources efficiency, secured a flexible production and increased their productivity and the quality of the product.
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Stainless Steelmaking
AOD converter at Acroni
A new AOD converter and a dedusting system from Primetals Technologies were brought into operation for SIJ Acroni. The AOD converter was installed in the existing steel plant at Jesenice, increases the production capacity and expands the product portfolio.
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