Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) has ordered a lining machine for LD (BOF) converters from Primetals Technologies, which will replace a 30-year-old and obsolete machine at HKM's steel mill in Duisburg, Germany. The plant is scheduled to be commissioned in June 2024. HKM's decision to award the contract to Primetals Technologies was based primarily on its customized design and on projects already successfully completed with features such as personnel elevators and customized solutions for stone logistics. The design, manufacture and installation of the new brick lining machine will be handled by Primetals Technologies, and the company will provide consulting services during commissioning.
Customized design for improved working conditions
Prior to the start of planning, Primetals Technologies conducted a comprehensive study to find the best brick lining solution for HKM. The solution found by the company meets the most modern requirements in terms of ergonomics, access for personnel via a separate elevator and an automated work platform.
Thanks to the new machine, the workers who work inside the converter vessel no longer must lift the stones themselves. Instead, the bricks are transported from the depalletizing station to the converter using a semi-automatic system via two magazine lifts. A brick manipulator, an arm-like robotic device for moving materials, then automatically unloads the bricks from the magazine lifts onto an extendable roller table. The stones are thus pushed into their final position without workers having to lift them manually. A passenger elevator also ensures that personnel can easily reach the brick lining platform.
Specific safety systems
A detailed safety concept increases work safety during the lining process. For example, the possibility of emergency rescue is implemented in the passenger elevator, should a technical problem occur. In addition, an emergency power generator will be installed by Primetals Technologies in the event of a power failure. The new machine will be used for brick lining of HKM's alternating converters, this operation will be performed on a separate brick lining stand. The brick lining machine is inserted through the removable base once the converter is in place. After the lining operation is completed, the machine retracts completely, allowing it to be easily moved to its parking position.
Careful testing phase
The development and testing phase is carried out in collaboration with leading suppliers and partners in Austria. After manufacturing is complete, the machine is pre-assembled and tested in the workshop. It is then transported to Germany.
The HKM joint venture employs around 3,000 people and produces four million tons of liquid steel annually. The steel company operates an integrated plant in Duisburg and produces intermediate products for the processing industry. HKM is owned by Salzgitter, Thyssenkrupp and Vallourec.
