“Zaporizhstal” Integrated Iron & Steel Works has completed a significant overhaul of Blast Furnace No.5, incorporating advanced technologies and modern materials.

In the Blast Furnace Workshop of “Zaporizhstal” Integrated Iron & Steel Works, the overhaul of Blast Furnace No.5 has been completed. The repair was performed within the scope of the Programme of Production Modernization and Revamping implementing some elements of new technologies. The costs spent for the repair made up about UAH20 million.

The most important stages of the repair, which continued for six days, were the replacement of the main distribution device — the bell-less top system, repair of the blast heater, dust arresters, and reconstruction of the main runner.

The new structure and runner framework are strengthened with the modern fluid refractory mixtures made by Terres Refractaires du Boulonnais Company (France), which would permit an increase in the overhaul life of the runner, from 2 weeks to six months. Increasing the overhaul life of the runner would considerably decrease iron losses while tapping — the anticipated decrease of losses is up to 10 thousand tons per year.

"For the last four months of the year, we have spent about UAH140 million for maintaining the accurate and coordinated operation of the equipment," — the General Director of “Zaporizhstal” Integrated Iron & Steel Works, Rostislav Shurma underlined.