London, February 22, 2022

NLMK issues FACs for new BOF off-gas system supplied by Primetals Technologies

• Achieves off-gas dust emissions below European standards
• New heat-recovery system with steam-operated cooling stack makes steam available for the existing network
• Reduced dust emissions inside the steel plant
• Increased productivity by optimal synchronization of the metallurgical aspects, the dedusting system, and automation
• Project finished on schedule despite pandemic conditions thanks to a special program

Primetals Technologies has received the final acceptance certificates (FACs) from NLMK Group in Lipetsk for the construction of off-gas systems at LD converters (BOFs) No. 2 and 3 at steel plant LD2. The project's targets were: reducing emissions at the steel plant to levels lower than European standards; improving the heat-recovery system to supply steam to the existing network; using the converter’s off-gas for further utilization; and increasing productivity. The latter was achieved thanks to optimal synchronization of the metallurgical aspects, the dedusting system, and the automation.

Due to challenges and concerns surrounding the pandemic, Primetals Technologies and NLMK joined forces and developed a special acceleration program to tackle pandemic-related issues. Thanks to these efforts, the project was completed on schedule.

The primary BOF off-gas system was replaced by a sophisticated wet dedusting system, achieving dust concentrations below European standards, representing Best Available Technology (BAT). Furthermore, the heat-recovery system was replaced by an advanced cooling-stack system for steam generation. The new secondary dedusting system was designed to capture any emissions that would have remained inside the plant or that were previously escaping through the roof.

The implementation of completely new Level 1 and 2 automation systems – including the metallurgical model Dynacon – greatly improved production. The modernization process was performed for both BOFs in series. Even tough the project was affected by challenges around Covid-19, both the commissioning and production ramp-up were completed in a shorter time than planned because of coordination and teamwork efforts from the involved parties.

NLMK Group is a leading international manufacturer of high-quality steel products. NLMK is headquartered in Moscow. As one of the world’s most efficient steelmakers, NLMK Group is, with 15.7 million metric tons produced in 2020, Russia’s biggest steelmaker. The main production site of NLMK, Lipetsk, is the core of NLMK Group’s international production chain, with assets in Russia, EU, and the US.

After modernization: Thanks to the new dedusting system, the off-gas is completely captured and cleaned during hot-metal charging into the converter.

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.