According to Primetals Technologies, the new machine will replace a 30-year-old unit in service at the steelmaker’s Duisburg plant, improving safety and occupation health.
 
“HKM’s decision to award the contract to Primetals Technologies was based mainly on the tailor-made design, which is optimized for HKM’s needs and (other recent successful machine builds) with features such as staff elevators and tailor-made solutions for brick logistics,” Primetals Technologies said. 

A key feature of the machine will be a semi-automatic system that moves refractory bricks from the depalletizing station to the converter. A brick manipulator will then automatically discharge the bricks from the magazine lifts onto an extendable roller table, Primetals Technologies said. 

Other features include an adjustable-height rotating work platform, expandable platform extensions, personnel elevator and an automation system. 

The new machine is to enter service in June 2024.