Aperam’s stainless steel meltshop in Genk, Belgium, is operating with enhanced reliability after an upgrade by Primetals Technologies.
The project included revamping the existing 130-ton argon-oxygen decarburisation (AOD) converter No.1 and installing a new 130-ton AOD converter No. 2. Furthermore, the project featured new primary and secondary dedusting systems, along with a waste heat recovery system, to meet the latest emissions and efficiency standards.
Sofie Vantilt, Steel Plant Manager at Aperam Genk, said: “The completion of this major upgrade marks a new chapter for Aperam Genk. With the second AOD converter and advanced environmental technologies now in place, we can operate with greater flexibility, produce more sophisticated grades, and further reduce our environmental footprint.
“This investment is fully aligned with our vision to be the leading value creator in a circular economy of infinite, world-changing materials.”
The plant now has an extensive automation solution, including Level 1 and Level 2 systems, plus an Asset-Life Expert (ALEX) condition-monitoring system, ensuring improved process control and plant availability.
Aperam has a flat stainless and electrical steel capacity of 2.5Mt in Brazil and Europe and is a leader in alloys and high-value speciality products, with operations in France, China, India and the US.
