NLMK Lipetsk Begins Hot Testing at Mill 2000 New Reheating Furnace

NLMK Lipetsk a global steel company, a Metal-Expo regular exhibitor has started hot testing at its new furnace for preheating slabs before rolling at Mill 2000. The new reheating furnace will increase NLMK Lipetsk’s hot-rolled steel output by 110,000 tonnes (+2%), reduce energy consumption by 50%, and almost halve air emissions. The new walking beam reheat furnace has replaced the outdated pusher-type furnace. Walking slabs along through the furnace with moving beams eliminates the possibility of surface defects and improves slab reheating parameters. The revamp will boost furnace productivity by 23% to 320 tonnes/hour (2.25 million tonnes per year). The furnace’s advanced control system based on a learning mathematical algorithm is able to adjust the heating process to steel grades without human intervention. Total project capex amounted to RUB 4.3 billion. Ramp-up to full capacity is planned before the end of 2019.

Reheating Furnace No 2 was assembled in 10 months, one month ahead of schedule, with no hot-rolling process interruptions. A full BIM (Building Information Modelling) cycle was used for furnace design, construction and assembly. This technology enabled the company to create a digital twin of the future unit and the construction process, to pre-emptively eliminate potential errors, and to optimize the scope and schedule of construction works at an early design stage.

NLMK Group welcomes all steel industry professionals to visit its stand at Metal-Expo'2019, the 25th Jubilee International Exhibition, November 12-15, Hall 75, VDNHa, Moscow, Russia. Stand N 1C02.

The total of more than 550 companies from 34 world countries will attend Metal-Expo’2019, while more than 30k steel industry professionals from all over the world are expected to visit the event.