Kametstal starts upgrading key equipment at BOF vessel No. 2

At the Kametstal Iron and Steel Plant, part of the Metinvest Group, a comprehensive overhaul of the main equipment in the converter shop is underway. The next stage of work has begun on converter No. 2, where critical mechanisms are being upgraded, according to a press release from the company.

One of the main tasks was to dismantle the worn wheel of the converter drive special gearbox, which is responsible for the rotation and tilt of the unit. A technical inspection revealed significant wear and tear on the part due to prolonged operation. A new gear wheel, manufactured at the Novokramatorsk Machine-Building Plant, has already been delivered to the site and is being prepared for installation.

In addition, as part of the overhaul, six mounted gearboxes are being completely refurbished, including maintenance of bearing assemblies, mechanical processing, and replacement of lubricants. The work is being carried out by specialists from the metallurgical equipment repair shop.

Additional areas of work include the repair of the vertical route for bulk materials, as well as the renewal of a large volume of cable and wire communications, for which the enterprise’s electrical repair service is responsible.

At the same time, maintenance of steel cars, slag cars, and other auxiliary infrastructure continues, ensuring the smooth operation of the second converter. All measures are being implemented according to schedule, ensuring the stability and efficiency of production processes.

As a reminder, Kametstal has begun one of the most ambitious overhauls within the framework of its 2025 program – a second-stage overhaul of blast furnace No. 9 (BF-9). The main work is focused on upgrading critical components of the unit to increase its productivity and reliability.

In 2025, the company plans to invest UAH 2.5 billion ($59.8 million) in production capacity, 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.