Kametstal renovates coke production disintegration building

A large-scale investment project is underway at the Kametstal Iron and Steel Plant, part of the Metinvest Group, to reconstruct the disintegration department of the coke plant. The aim is to extend the reliable operation and improve the safety of this key coke production unit, according to a press release.

The coal preparation department performs an important function: preparing mixed coal charge by finally crushing concentrates to a fraction of 0.3 mm. This mixture is then fed into coal towers for the production of coke, which is used in blast furnaces.

The disintegration building is a five-story structure that has been in operation since 1947. Long-term operation in the aggressive conditions of coke production necessitated reconstruction to restore the load-bearing structures and ensure the continued stable operation of the department.

The project, scheduled for completion in 2027, involves strengthening reinforced concrete columns, floors, and walls, dismantling unused floors to reduce the load, and installing new support structures for the main equipment.

The work is being carried out without stopping production – builders work at the facility during the day, and at night the department produces coal charge for the coke oven. This schedule ensures the continuity of the technological process and reduces electricity costs by using night-time tariffs.

Three load-bearing columns have been reinforced so far, and two more are in progress. Special lifting equipment and aerial platforms are being used to carry out the work.

As GMK Center reported earlier, Kametstal recently began a major overhaul of the coke oven gas pipeline in the primary gas refrigerators section of the coking chemical products capture shop. The main goal of the repair is to improve the reliability, safety, and efficiency of the gas pipeline.