Primetals Technologies has received an order for new copper staves for ArcelorMittal's steel mills in Bremen and Ghent. The current copper staves in Ghent, Belgium, had problems with wear and bending, so ArcelorMittal was looking for a replacement technology.
No thermal production defects
For its blast furnace in Ghent, ArcelorMittal ordered several series of copper staves equipped with Primetals Technologies' proven bending strength technology. The solution prevents thermal-induced bending of the stave corners and bending of the staves in the tube joints, preventing cracks in critical welds and unnecessary loss of cooling water.
The staves in the stack also feature slide-in hexagonal inserts that trap and retain unreduced material on the hot side of the staves, resulting in significantly less wear and lower maintenance costs. In addition, the copper staves feature custom bend strength technology and a fastening system that eliminates the risk of pulling out bolts - a common cause of cooling tube failures that lead to cooling water leaks into the furnace.
Further orders for Primetals Technologies
ArcelorMittal has also placed orders with Primetals Technologies for additional copper staves for the steel mill in Bremen. The current staves have reached the end of their service life and ArcelorMittal has requested replacement staves.
ArcelorMittal has already placed several orders for copper staves from Primetals Technologies in recent years. In July 2022, new cast iron staves were installed at the steelmaker's blast furnace in Newcastle, South Africa. Primetals Technologies will also supply copper and cast-iron staves to ArcelorMittal Poland for the relining of a blast furnace.
Flat products business
The steel mill in Ghent is part of ArcelorMittal Europe's flat products business unit. The plant produces high-quality flat products for various markets, including the automotive, household electrical appliance and construction industries. At its steel mill in Bremen, ArcelorMittal produces more than 3.6 million tons of steel annually for various markets, including the automotive industry.
