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NLMK Revamps Meltshop
06/17/2011 - NLMK has started the installation of main equipment for the revamped Continuous Casting Machine No.3 at its main production site in Lipetsk. The upgrade represents a 300,000 tonne/year increase in continuous casting capacity.
NLMK has started the installation of main equipment for the revamped Continuous Casting Machine No.3 at its main production site in Lipetsk. As a result of the upgrade, annual continuous casting production capacity will increase by more than 300,000 tonnes, up to one million tonnes/year.
The revamped Continuous Casting Machine No.3 3 will produce a wide mix of high-quality slabs of various steel grades. The upgrade will boost continuous casting efficiency thanks to state-of-the-art equipment capable of 20 to 25% faster casting speeds and longer periods between repairs. The upgrade will also allow the facility to expand its product mix thanks to an increase in maximum slab thickness from 240 to 315 mm that will allow NLMK to roll wide thick plate at its subsidiaries in Europe, i.e. DanSteel and Clabecq.
The revamped Continuous Casting Machine No.3 3 will produce a wide mix of high-quality slabs of various steel grades. The upgrade will boost continuous casting efficiency thanks to state-of-the-art equipment capable of 20 to 25% faster casting speeds and longer periods between repairs. The upgrade will also allow the facility to expand its product mix thanks to an increase in maximum slab thickness from 240 to 315 mm that will allow NLMK to roll wide thick plate at its subsidiaries in Europe, i.e. DanSteel and Clabecq.
NLMK plans to launch the revamped CCM in Q4 2011. According to the company, total investments for the project exceed RUR3.7 billion, representing about $120 million.
The caster upgrade project is part of the company’s ongoing strategy aimed at the expansion of steelmaking capacity following the startup of its new 3.4 million tonne/year Blast Furnace No. 7, which is currently in its final stages of construction at the company’s Lipetsk site.
The main objectives of Stage II of NLMK's Technical Upgrade Program for 2007 – 2012 are:
· Increase liquid steel capacity by 40% up to 17 million tonnes/year, including from 9 to 12.4 million tonnes at the Lipetsk site.
· Achieve maximum self-sufficiency in key raw materials.
· Increase finished rolled product output to 10.7 million tonnes/year due to revamping and construction of new rolling facilities producing finished flats.
· Increase labor efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
