The German steel producer BGH Edelstahlwerke GmbH has granted a contract to Primetals Technologies for a new argon oxygen decarburization (AOD) converter, expanding the company’s electric steel mill in Freital, Saxony, at the beginning of 2019. The investment in a new AOD converter makes the production more flexible and reduces the specific consumption figures.
Challenge
The installation of an AOD converter in the existing plant required a specially customized solution due to the restricted height of the building.
AOD converter at BGH Freital
Solution
For this project, Primetals Technologies supplied the 50-ton AOD converter, the alloy and charging system, the doghouse and primary gas cooling system, auxiliary equipment, as well as the electrical and automation systems. The scope of work also included complete engineering, supervision services for erection and commissioning, and on-site customer training. The construction was carried out during ongoing operation without any significant restriction to current production, enabling it to be implemented within a short time frame.
Valve stand for AOD converter
Electric room for AOD converter
View on doghouse
Results
The new converter supplements and reduces the workload of the existing vacuum oxygen decarburization (VOD) plant. With low capital investment costs, production can be made more flexible, and the specific consumption of raw materials, refractory materials, electrical energy, and operating materials can be reduced. At the same time, productivity is increased due to shorter treatment times, and the quality of the end products is further improved. The planned capacity of the extended steel mill corresponds to an output of approximately 120,000 metric tons of stainless and special steel per year.
AOD converter charging
AOD converter in operation
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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Benefits
- Ensures flexible production
- Reduces specific consumption of raw materials, refractory materials, electrical energy, and resources
- Increases productivity through reduced treatment times
- Further improves the quality of end products
- Tailor-made doghouse, coupled with primary and secondary dedusting measures, ensures a safe and healthy work environment
Conclusion
- Production increase up to 120,000 metric tons of stainless and special steel per year
- Reduction of the workload of the existing vacuum oxygen decarburization (VOD) plant
- Reduction of specific consumption of raw materials, refractory materials, electrical energy, and operating materials
