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ArcelorMittal Ostrava Begins Overhaul of Blast Furnace No. 3
08/18/2008 - ArcelorMittal Ostrava initiates a complete overhaul of its Blast Furnace No. 3.
ArcelorMittal Ostrava recently initiated preparations for a complete overhaul of its Blast Furnace No. 3.
“This is a part of our planned program of ArcelorMittal operations modernizing in a phased manner,” said Alois Foretník, Director of the Blast Furnace Plant. “These actions are necessary to improve the safety and ecological aspects of this critical equipment.”
“This is a part of our planned program of ArcelorMittal operations modernizing in a phased manner,” said Alois Foretník, Director of the Blast Furnace Plant. “These actions are necessary to improve the safety and ecological aspects of this critical equipment.”
With the overhaul, the blast furnace’s hearth (the lower part of the furnace) will be renewed. ArcelorMittal Ostrava last overhauled a blast furnace in late January 2008, when Blast Furnace No. 2 was blown out. Blast Furnace No. 2 was scheduled to be blown back in on Wednesday August 6th to replace its sister, Blast Furnace No. 3.
Preparation for blowing out a blast furnace starts approximately half a year in advance. “It takes a perfect cooperation of a relatively numerous team of engineers,” explained Foretník. The whole process is monitored very carefully; during the blowing-out, enhanced safety surveillance is performed. “Not only do we control all the steps during the tapping of hot metal, but we also monitor the quality of air in the company premises and adjacent areas,” said Foretník.
ArcelorMittal Ostrava as is the largest steel company in the Czech Republic and a part of ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel group. The company produces more than 3 million tonnes of steel annually and exports approximately 60% of its production to more than 80 countries all over the world. The company has 7450 employees; the total number of employees including the subsidiaries is 10,300. Its major shareholders are MITTAL STEEL HOLDINGS AG (71.579%); Havrton Investment Ltd. (13.881%); and the Ministry of Finance (10.969%).
In the accounting year of 2007 (which ended on February 28, 2008), the company generated a consolidated profit (after taxation) of CZK 9.2 billion. Total revenues were CZK 57,7 billion. ArcelorMittal Ostrava is one of the biggest tax payers in the Czech Republic.
