Metinvest presented a project of ecological reconstruction of a blast furnace at Azovstal to the public of Mariupol

Metinvest Group is investing UAH 2 billion in the reconstruction of blast furnace (BF) No. 3 at the Azovstal metallurgical plant. The expected reduction in dust emissions is 80%. In addition, by 2021, the company will allocate more than UAH 2.2 billion for the implementation of environmental programs at the enterprise. On November 14, Deputy Chairman of the Donetsk Regional Administration Viktor Remskiy, Mayor of Mariupol Vadim Boychenko, as well as independent experts and representatives of local public organizations got acquainted with the progress of environmental modernization at Azovstal.

Blast furnace # 3 will be completely rebuilt during the reconstruction process. The casing of the unit will be replaced, after which the furnace will be equipped with the most modern equipment, refractory materials and an automated control system for production processes. The installation of a new closed-loop cooling system will make it possible to abandon the use of sea water. After the fourth and second furnaces, BF # 3 will be switched to pulverized coal, which will save up to 30 million cubic meters of natural gas per year.

Reconstruction of DP3

The environmental protection system at BF # 3 will cost Metinvest Group almost UAH 400 million. A two-level closed-type foundry with powerful gas cleaning based on bag filters will be built at the facility. A similar technical solution is already successfully operating at the newest BF # 4 and allows for 80% more efficient cleaning of flue gases and achieving European environmental standards.

After the completion of the reconstruction at the end of 2018, BF # 3 will be able to produce 4 thousand tons of pig iron per day and will become one of the most modern metallurgical plants of this type in the European territory. Advanced technical solutions will allow Azovstal to reduce the consumption of natural gas and blast furnace coke.

The guests were also able to make sure that the pulverized coal injection complex (CPF) into blast furnaces, launched in 2017, is operating in compliance with advanced environmental and industrial safety standards. This is achieved due to the tightness of the installation and a closed cycle of fuel circulation. Additional protection against dust ingress into the atmosphere will be provided by a powerful bag filter of the German company Küttner. Total investments in the implementation of pulverized coal technology in blast-furnace production exceeded UAH 700 million.

After getting acquainted with the industrial facilities, the participants of the working meeting discussed the implementation of the Program for the protection and improvement of the environment of Mariupol, as well as the most pressing environmental problems of the city, including the problem of recycling metallurgical slag. Viktor Remsky said that the regional administration will support projects aimed at resolving the issue.

Deputy Chairman of the Donetsk Regional Administration Viktor Remsky:

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