Primetals LD Convertor Starts at ArcelorMittal Gent in Belgium

Recently, a new LD converter implemented by Primetals Technologies was started up at ArcelorMittal Belgium’s steel plant in Gent in Belgium. ArcelorMittal Belgium wanted most of the pre-assembly works to be done at the manufacturing site in Poland as a way of avoiding possible delays. The vessel and trunnion ring had been assembled as one unit in Poland, rendering the result too big to pass underneath an existing pipe bridge at the steel plant in Gent. Therefore, using a 1000 tonne crane, Primetals Technologies lifted the vessel and trunnion ring, weighing around 380 tons altogether, over the 10 meter high pipe bridge. Primetals Technologies met the customer’s tight 35-day timeline without any interruption in the ongoing production at LD converter No 3 during the shutdown. Average LD converter heat sizes are around 180 tonnes, hence a heat size of 330 tonnes makes this LD converter one of the world’s largest.The LD converter features an optimized converter shape. This will further increase both yield and energy efficiency of the steelmaking process. Another important feature is the Vaicon Link 2.0, a suspension system that keeps the vessel stable in all directions and still allows for thermal expansion. It ensures ideal conditions during the whole lifetime of the converter. Primetals Technologies developed this system more than 20 years ago and has continuously refined it.The project scope includes engineering and building as well as the supply of the following equipment: converter, trunnion ring, maintenance free suspension system, tilting drive, rotary joint and piping, slag shields, and parts of the doghouse. The existing slag stopper, supplied by Primetals Technologies in 2013 was reused.ArcelorMittal Belgium is part of ArcelorMittal Europe’s Flat Products division. The plant produces high quality flat products to serve various markets including the automotive, household electrical appliances, and construction industries.

Primetals LD Convertor Starts at ArcelorMittal Gent in Belgium

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