Metallurgical Symphony: ABB Powers Steel Revolution
Synopsis:
ABB collaborates with Primetals Technologies in revolutionizing steelmaking for Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH. The Salzgitter Low CO₂ Steelmaking program (SALCOS®) aims to convert a coal-based plant to hydrogen, reducing CO₂ emissions by 95%. ABB's ArcSave® electromagnetic stirrer enhances Primetals' Ultimate Furnace, optimizing metallurgical performance. This move aligns with global efforts to decarbonize the steel industry, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency.
Article:
In a groundbreaking collaboration, ABB and Primetals Technologies join forces to propel Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH into a new era of steel production. The Salzgitter Low CO₂ Steelmaking program (SALCOS®) is at the forefront, transforming a coal-based plant into a hydrogen-powered facility, targeting a 95% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2033.
Salzgitter's strategic shift involves replacing existing blast furnaces and converters with three electric arc furnaces (EAFs) and two direct reduction plants. The first step in this transformation is the implementation of Primetals Technologies' Ultimate Furnace, a powerhouse with a tapping weight of 220 metric tons and an annual capacity of 1.9 million metric tons of steel.
ABB's contribution to this revolutionary move comes in the form of the ArcSave® electromagnetic stirrer (EMS). This innovative technology optimizes the metallurgical conditions within the EAF, enhancing productivity, lowering costs, and promoting efficient resource utilization, including electrical energy.
Ulrich Grethe, Head of Steel Production at Salzgitter, expresses enthusiasm for this pioneering endeavor, stating, "With SALCOS, we are pioneers in the decarbonization of steel production." The combination of Primetals' established electric arc furnace technology and ABB's electromagnetic stirrer marks a significant leap towards sustainability in the steel industry.
ABB's ArcSave technology, a patented and proven EMS solution, is poised to commission in 2025. Its impact extends beyond environmental benefits, contributing to financial goals and operational safety. The technology improves stirring during the melting process, homogenizing temperature distribution and chemical composition, while accelerating scrap and ferroalloy melting compared to natural convection alone.
This collaboration signifies a crucial step in the steel industry's transition towards cleaner and more efficient production methods. With a focus on resource and energy efficiency, electric arc furnaces emerge as a preferred choice, offering lower environmental impacts compared to traditional methods.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, ABB and Primetals Technologies are pioneering a transformative shift in steel production for Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH through the Salzgitter Low CO₂ Steelmaking program (SALCOS®). By converting a coal-based plant to hydrogen, this initiative aims to achieve a remarkable 95% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2033. ABB's ArcSave® electromagnetic stirrer plays a pivotal role in optimizing the metallurgical performance of Primetals Technologies' Ultimate Furnace, enhancing productivity and resource efficiency. This collaboration reflects a global commitment to sustainable steel production, emphasizing environmental responsibility and technological innovation.
