Tenova LOI Thermprocess, a leading global company in the field of heat treatment plants, has received another order from thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG (tkSE) for the revamping of burner technology at a continuous galvanizing line located in Bochum, Germany.
According to Tenova, tkSE’s modernization plan is an important cornerstone in enabling the steelmaker to produce high-strength steels (AHSS) in Bochum in to the highest quality and with increased production capacity for further use in the automotive industry. In order to meet market requirements and reduce emissions and energy consumption, the furnace will be equipped with new burners that, it is claimed, will meet even highest requirements by targeting the lowest possible NOx-emission levels (lower than 140 mg/Nm³ (@3%O2 reference)) during production. Additionally, the heating system will be upgraded to increase target strip temperatures to > 900°C.
With an annual production capacity of 540kt of high quality galvanized steel, the Bochum facility is one of the core production lines of tkSE for the production of car body parts and AHSS-steels.
"The modernization step that is now pending is important in order to meet our customers' upcoming requirements for hot-dip galvanised materials. We are also relying on Tenova LOI's experience and expertise in the field of burner technology for this project. The upgrade of our FBA7 is part of the modernization strategy at the Bochum site."
Dr. Carsten Groß, team leader of FBA7 at thyssenkrupp Steel.
In 2017, a major step towards production of AHSS was realized through a substantial revamp of the fast cooling section. A new set of nozzle boxes, fans and heat exchangers were added to the existing equipment. The system is designed for the highest heat transfer coefficients and lowest strip vibrations, even with enlarged strip length without roller support.
“This project proves that innovative revamping solutions can give an economic and technological benefit even for plants that have been in operation for a long time.”
Sascha Bothen, head of sales LOI Group.
According to Bothen, tkSE and Tenova LOI Thermprocess developed a well-defined modernisation strategy with an intense R&D in different steps.