SMS Siemag has upgraded a converter unit for ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe in Duisburg-Bruckhausen, Germany.
The upgraded 400-ton converter is claimed to be one of the largest of its kind worldwide.
The internal volume of the converter has been increased by 24%, enabling environmentally-friendly process control and more efficient energy recovery, claims SMS.
Included in the supply contract was the vessel, the trunnion ring, the latest generation lamella-type vessel suspension system, vessel support bearings and bearing supports. The company was also responsible for dismantling the existing converter platform to enable the installation of plant components and erection of a new platform, making it possible to retain the existing converter drive.
Two SMS converters at the Oxygen Steelworks 1 plant have proved to be the backbone of steelmaking at Duisburg-Bruckhausen since 1969. The revamp comes after 44 years of continuous operation and the production of around 80Mt of steel.