NLMK installs pulverized coal injection system

NLMK (LSE: NLMK), a leading global steel company, has started hot testing pulverized coal injection (PCI) into its blast furnaces at the main production site in Lipetsk. Installing this resource-saving technology, which has only recently been introduced in Russia, began at its Blast Furnace №5 with a capacity of 2.6 m t of pig iron per annum.

This technology will continue to be integrated into blast furnace operations in 2014. According to the approved plan, next year a PCI system will be installed at Blast Furnace №4 with a capacity of approximately 1.8 m tpa.

NLMK Managing Director Sergey Filatov said: “Installing pulverized coal injection technology at the Lipetsk site is one of the key elements of our general programme to boost efficiency and cut unit costs, which is currently a priority across the entire NLMK Group.”

PCI technology involves co-injecting natural gas and fine coal particles into the blast furnace. Using pulverized coal fuel made from steam coals reduces gas consumption by 70–80% and coke consumption by 20–30%. Replacing expensive raw materials with cheaper alternatives will reduce the cost of producing pig iron, a key feedstock for steel manufacturing.

Approximately RUB 3.76 billion has been invested in the project, which involves equipping Blast Furnaces №4 and №5 with PCI systems.