NLMK, a leading global steelmaker, has begun hot tests at its new metallurgical briquette plant in Lipetsk.
The production technology, which features Steele stiff extrusion, was developed by the late Ivan Kuranov, a legendary Russian steelmaker, professor and former chief blast furnace operator at NLMK Lipetsk. Kuranov supervised the design of the plant, which will produce 700,000 metric tons of extruded briquettes annually.
Better recovery of high-value iron and carbon units
Steele stiff extrusion will recover high-value iron and carbon units from blast furnace gas treatment, coke and coal dust recovery. Stiff extrusion uses “cold” bonding technologies, reducing energy consumption and emissions.
The facility will process fresh dust, purchased iron ore concentrate and previously accumulated sludge.
Check out the YouTube video for a tour of the new NLMK facility — it’s an impressive work of industrial design.
Why NLMK built a metallurgical briquette plant
NLMK continues to pursue strong growth and increased resilience to external market forces. It defined four new strategic objectives in its recently announced Strategy 2022.
Steele technology will support three of the four objectives:
- Leadership in operational efficiency — As a vertically integrated enterprise, NLMK is committed to the circular economy, emphasizing local sourcing, production and sales. Recycling mill by-products on-site will reduce waste, recover captive value and shorten the supply chain.
- Growth in low-cost steel production — Stiff extrusion recycles mill by-products with lower energy costs and emissions. NLMK’s new feedstock can be engineered for specific melt recipes, with carbon content to cut coke costs and improve sinter strand performance (stiff extrusion eliminates the fine materials that degrade sintering).
- Leadership in sustainability and safety — Stiff extrusion is both sustainable and scalable. Recovering and recycling mill by-products will eliminate the mountains of captive value that cause environmental challenges for NLMK, with local production supporting more cost-efficient sourcing.
How can Steele support your strategy?
Steele stiff extrusion isn’t right for every mill by-product, but if you’re generating fines, dust, iron concentrates and mill scale, with minus 3mm fines of varying moisture levels, we can help you improve productivity, cut operating costs and maximize value.
Let’s talk! We’ll show you why NLMK and leading steel makers around the world are looking to Steele for their stiff extrusion solutions.