The scope of the agreed works include Paul Wurth proprietary solutions such as a cyclone, generation 3 BLT (Bell Less Top), PCI (Pulverized Coal Injection) capability up to 270 kg/tons of hot metal, cast house equipment, steam condensing INBA slag granulation plant, and primary gas cleaning by axial cyclone as well as the stockhouse.

Advanced digitialization measures will also be implemented  including Level 2 and Level 1 automation, tuyere phenomena detection system, SOMA^® acoustic temperature mapping at blast furnace top, 3D topscan, and smart sensor for copper stave wear.

Among other features the blast furnace will employ a closed-loop cooling system with copper staves in the bosh, belly and lower shaft, and cast iron staves for the hearth, tuyere band, middle and upper shaft, and blast furnace throat.

The project includes several features for decreasing the carbon footprint, such as the provision for hot syngas injection in the blast furnace shaft, coke oven gas injection through tuyere port, and recovery of equalization gas.

Cristiano Castagnola, CoC Head Blast Furnaces states: “At SMS group we look forward to further advancing our partnership through the successful execution of this transformative project of a future-ready blast furnace which will minimize its impact on the environment through advanced technologies”.

This project marks another milestone in the longstanding and successful relationship between JSW Steel and SMS group who have previously collaborated on projects including the successfully upgraded blast furnace 1 at JSW Steel's Vijayanagar works, Conarc and CSP plants at Dolvi works, as well as steelmaking facilities.