Primetals to replace BOF converter at HBIS Serbia
by Hans Diederichs
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 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.
Source: Primetals Technology / Photo: HBIS Serbia