OREANDA-NEWS. Major overhaul of the third category of blast furnace № 4 was carried out within the frame of production modernization program at “Ilyich Iron and Steel Works of Mariupol” of Metinvest Group.

The main accent has been made on carrying out of repair activities relating to the equipment operation reliability growth and overhaul operating period prolongation of iron-melting unit. The Works Investments in planned modernization of a blast furnace were about 18.5 million grivnas.

Shotcreting technology has been applied for blast furnace lining refreshing. Refractory concrete was applied on the walls of furnace stack through the high pressure robotics. Shotcreting will prevent the crack initiation in the furnace stack armoring and prolongate overhaul periods with the cost reduction for main overhaul. The achievement of coke saving is expected at the expense of design lining thickness refreshing. In addition furnace charging equipment, casting yard equipment, iron notch opening machine and electrical guns were replaced during repair process, burden charge conveyors were repaired.

Recondition of nature protection equipment of blast furnace also has been provided in the repair program. A series of service works of duster collectors, dust-exhaust system of stock houses was carried out, inspection of dust control system of casting yard was made.

“As a result of performed work the stack life will increase from five to seven years and it will have positive effect in economic parameters of furnace operation. We have provided steady operation of cleaning plants. Pooling of economic interests and environmental principles is the rule for the Works”, - emphasized the General Director of “Ilyich Iron and Steel Works of Mariupol”, Jury Zinchenko.