Overhaul of key boiler unit No. 9 has begun at Kametstal’s thermal power plant

The equipment upgrade is expected to increase the unit's efficiency from 64% to 85% and reduce fuel consumption

In the boiler room of the Kametstal steel plant’s thermal power plant, major repairs have begun on the most powerful medium-pressure boiler unit No. 9. This unit plays a critical role in meeting the plant’s technological needs, producing steam for turbo blowers and key production units. This is stated in the company’s press release.

A special feature of the boiler unit is its ability to operate without the use of natural gas, thanks to the maximum consumption of blast furnace gas, which significantly reduces operating costs and increases the overall efficiency of the CHP.

However, during active operation, the equipment has worn out. In particular, the water economizer responsible for additional water heating has failed, which has reduced the boiler’s efficiency to 64%. This has made it impossible to use energy resources efficiently.

During the repair, it is planned to replace the economizer, steam superheater, and upgrade the heating surfaces. Other important areas include the repair of burner devices, replacement of shut-off valves, inspection of energy metering devices, and restoration of refractory masonry to increase the gas tightness of the boiler.

Special attention is paid to personnel safety: it is planned to renovate the metal structures of service platforms and stairs.

After the completion of the repair, the efficiency of the unit is expected to increase to 83-85%, which will reduce the specific consumption of fuel for heat production and improve the overall energy efficiency of the CHP plant.

Kametstal plans to invest UAH 2.5 billion ($59.8 million) in production capacity in 2025, which is a record amount in recent years. The most ambitious project is the overhaul of DP-9, which will receive a third of the program’s total budget. In total, the plant plans to implement 114 investment projects during the year.