Nippon Steel adjusts blast furnace operation in response to the current steel demand

Nippon Steel Corporation has been lowering the tapping ratio of blast furnaces, extending the time between blasting, and taking other measures to reduce overall steel output volume. Responding to the immediate sharp drop in demand for steel products, however, the company has decided to implement additional measures as follows:

ｰThe banking* of the No. 2 blast furnace at the East Nippon Works’ Kimitsu area will be carried out from the middle of May 2020, as soon as preparations are completed.

* Banking is to take measures to temporarily stop blast furnace production but make it possible to restart production at a later date by stopping the air blast flow.

Concerning coke ovens, in accordance with the reduction in blast furnace tapping volume, Nippon Steel will adjust or suspend production of some of coke ovens at the East Nippon Works’ Kimitsu area in addition to a substantial reduction of their operating rates, which has already been executed.

The company intends to continue responding to changes in steel demand in Japan and overseas and carrying out prompt and effective production adjustment.

Source: Nippon Steel, Photo: Fotolia