London, 16 May 2019

Primetals Technologies to replace BOF converter at HBIS Serbia in Smederevo

• Converter replacement will improve process by increasing shell volume
• New equipment includes vessel shell, trunnion ring, Vaicon Link 2.0 suspension system, supporting bearings, tilting drive , bottom stirring system, new electrical equipment and basic automation system

Primetals Technologies has received an order from HBIS Group Serbia Iron & Steel LLC (HBIS Serbia) to replace BOF converter #2 at its production site in Smederovo, Serbia. The aim of the project is to improve the process and to raise production capacity. This will be achieved by increasing the converter vessel´s shell volume. At the same time, the critical outer dimensions will remain the same, so that adjacent interfaces may be kept. Modifications of the BOF pedestal or revamping of civil works are not required. The new converter will have a tapping weight of 105 metric tons and will receive, among other equipment, a Vaicon Link 2.0 suspension system and a new tilting drive. Start-up is expected for the second quarter of 2020.

HBIS Serbia is a producer of steel, hot and cold rolled products and tin plate in southeast Europe, and its facilities are located in the village Radinac near Smederevo, in Šabac and Kučevo. The plant in Smederevo produces iron at two blast furnaces, then converts blast furnace iron to raw steel at a three-furnace converter shop and continuous casting complex. Steel processing includes a hot strip mill, sheet cold reduction mill, annealing and tempering units. The converter #2 vessel shell and trunnion ring had reached the end of their useful lifetime

For the new BOF converter #2, Primetals Technologies is responsible for the engineering to increase the vessel shell volume, while keeping supporting bearing distances the same in order to avoid the necessity for civil works. The scope of supply includes the new vessel with detachable BOF bottom part, the trunnion ring, the Vaicon Link 2.0 suspension system, new supporting bearings with housings a new tilting drive including a pneumatic emergency drive system, bottom stirring system, a dart machine for slag retention as well as the implementation of slag splashing.technology. Primetals Technologies will also supply the electrics and the new basic (level 1) automation system for the new tilting drive and existing melt shop equipment, e.g. ferro-alloy system, transfer cars, etc. Furthermore, the scope covers the execution of the erection works and related advisory services. Dismantling of the old BOF equipment and installation of the new one are planned to be executed within approximately 55 days.  Installation will be carried out jointly with a local Serbian company.

BOF Converter meltshop of HBIS Group Serbia Iron & Steel LLC (HBIS Serbia) in Smederovo, Serbia. Primetals Technologies will replace BOF converter #2 (Image courtesy HBIS).

Primetals Technologies, Limited, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a pioneer and world leader in the fields of engineering, plant building, and the provision of lifecycle services for the metals industry. The company offers a complete technology, product, and services portfolio that includes integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions. This covers every step of the iron and steel production chain—from the raw materials to the finished product—and includes the latest rolling solutions for the nonferrous metals sector. Primetals Technologies is a joint venture of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and partners, with around 7,000 employees worldwide. To learn more about Primetals Technologies, visit the company website www.primetals.com.