Turkish rail manufacturer places order with SMS Siemag

SMS Siemag to supply extensive modernization of the Kardemir A.S. BOF shop

Kardemir A.S. has contracted SMS Siemag, Germany, for the extensive modernization and expansion of the BOF shop in Karabük, Turkey.

Being a producer of long products and the only rail manufacturer in Turkey, Kardemir A.S. intends to increase production from 1.3 million t to a total of 3 million t. To achieve this target, the volume of each of the two installed converters is to be increased from 67 to 121 m³ and a new third converter with a capacity of 120 t is to be supplied.

The SMS Siemag scope of supply furthermore includes the oxygen lance, bottom stirring system, tilt drive and the materials management systems as well as a new gas cleaning system for the new converter. Additionally, the three converters will each be equipped with new sublances and slag retaining systems and will receive the lamella suspension developed by SMS Siemag.

Increasing the volume of the two installed converters and thus raising the tap weight to 120 t is only possible thanks to the patented SMS Siemag lamella system and its special geometry.

SMS Siemag will supply the complete X-Pact^® electrical and automation systems for all three converters (levels 0, 1 and 2), also integrating the two existing converters into the level-2 automation system. By means of this, lower operating costs and the use of variable charge materials can be realized, while also reducing consumption.

The X-Pact^® Logistic Manager will be implemented both in the new and in the existing materials management systems of the steelworks. Using this software developed by SMS Siemag, the materials management system can be flexibly adapted to new process requirements for all three converters. Modifications of the control system are not required.

The SMS Siemag scope of supply also contains a monitoring system for all production units of the steelworks including the continuous casters, which provides a comprehensive overview of the production and quality of the individual plants. Commissioning of the new converter is scheduled for September 2013. Upon completion of the commissioning, the other modernization measures will be performed.

A converter gas recovery system by SMS Siemag had already been successfully commissioned in 2008. The recovery plant was designed and built for the installation of a third converter. By means of this plant, approx. 200 million m³ of converter gas can be recovered for generating electricity, corresponding to 280,000 MWh of energy per year.

The lamella suspension is a tried and tested design for arranging the converter vessel without restraint in the trunnion ring. The maintenance-free converter suspension using the lamella system has already proven itself in operation and to the satisfaction of the steelworks owners with more than 130 converter systems all over the world.

Based on SMS Group information