Shandong Steel Laiwu’s intelligent twin BOFs go into action

The phase I steelmaking project to transform old production units at Shandong Steel’s Laiwu Plant is hitting its targets.

CISDI has provided two KR hot metal desulphurisation systems, two 120-tonne BOFs, two argon-blowing and wire-feeding stations and two LFs on an EPC basis.

Both BOFs went into operation together, the first time this has been achieved in China.

Each furnace features a number of intelligent tech applications and equipment and sets the pace for China’s full-process intelligent steelmaking sector.

The modernised steelmaking shop has undergone a successful green, intelligent transformation, thanks to:

✔       Patented SACS tech equips the BOF with a 4-point linkage suspension system

✔       Gas cooler plus ring filler dehydrator tech for BOF primary dry dedusting

✔       CISDI-DMI-AC digital electrode regulation system for the LF.

In addition, for the first time CISDI modernised the conventional BOF central control building to an integrated intelligent control centre, achieving the following results:

✔       Reduction in the number of operational posts and workers

✔       Integration of workshop logistics management, automatic slag skimming, BOF one-touch production and automatic tapping systems

✔       Smart coordination of the intelligent overhead crane and robot

✔       Intelligent steelmaking processes from desulphurisation to melting and refining.

The plant transformation will involve the application of internet of things, cloud computing and other advanced technologies for data acquisition and storage throughout production. All factors will be involved - equipment, energy, quality, cost and safety.

Despite severe challenges posed by the pandemic and the local weather conditions, CISDI’s team ensured efficient process control and the project was meticulously planned and constructed to a high standard.

The two BOFs, both built by CISDI, are operating in sync at Shandong Steel’s Laiwu Plant

Laiwu Plant’s integrated steelmaking control centre brings centralised, intelligent control to reality

CISDI’s team remained onsite, giving constant technical support as Laiwu’s steelmaking is transformed to green, intelligent levels