March 2007 — Kisco Co. Ltd (Korea Iron & Steel Co.), Korea, has contracted Danieli Centro Met for the supply of a high-tech meltshop for the production of specialty steels ingots.

The new 500,000-tpy specialty steel meltshop, which will incorporate updated and proven technologies, will include a 70-tonne AC FastArc^™ EAF with 60-MVA transformer, 70-tonne ladle furnace, and 70-tonne vacuum degasser, as well as a material handling system and two-bay scrapyard.

The EAF will be a high-impedance design with conductive arms and Module technology incorporating five oxygen jets and two carbon jets for optimized use of alternative energy. The ladle furnace will incorporate a tight-roof design to reduce air inlet to the ladle, thus minimizing side oxidation and consumption of electrodes, the oxidation of liquid steel, and hydrogen and nitrogen pick-up in the treated steel. The vacuum degasser will be equipped with independent temperature and sampling devices, hydrogen measurement equipment and steam-ejection type vacuum pump (suction capacity of 250 kg/h at 0.5-torr).

Danieli will also provide all other auxiliary equipment and facilities for meltshop operation. Danieli Automation will supply Level 1 and Level 2 automation and process control systems for the entire plant, based on Danieli Centro Met know-how in melting and refining technology.

Startup of the new steelmaking plant is scheduled for summer 2008.