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NLMK Launches Final Stage of Environmental Project
Mar. 18, 2010 Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK) has begun the final stage of reconstructing the gas exhaust ducts at BOF (basic oxygen furnace) Shop No.1 at its main production site in Lipetsk. The goal is to improve operational reliability and reduce the company’s environmental impact.
Advanced technical solutions, such as a system for collecting secondary emissions during the charging and tapping processes, will reduce dust emissions by 59% and significantly improve working conditions in the BOF Shop, according to NLMK.
This phased project, equipping each of the three BOFs with efficient aspiration systems fully compliant with the latest environmental requirements, was launched in 2009. Two BOFs already have been reconstructed and an aspiration system for the bulk materials supply tract installed.
During the final reconstruction stage, more than 1500 tonnes of steel structures will be assembled at BOF No. 3, its shell will be replaced, and a new gas cleaning system will be put into operation over a 120-day period.
The total investment into upgrading the off-gas ducts at BOF Shop No. 1 will amount to over RUR 6.6 billion. The project is being implemented in cooperation with Siemens VAI as part of the second stage of NLMK’s Technical Upgrade Program.
The reconstruction of the off-gas ducts is part of a project aimed at expanding the steelmaking capacity up to 12.4 million tonnes at the main production site in Lipetsk, to be completed by BF-7 launch by 2012.
Last year, NLMK spent about RUR 4 billion on environmental protection projects implemented at its Lipetsk production site. The company notes that this is the largest investment into the environmental program since the beginning of its Technical Upgrade Plan implementation.