Converter, successfully revamped by SMS Siemag at ArcelorMittal Gent

ArcelorMittal Gent in Belgium successfully commissioned the converter modernized by SMS Siemag, Germany, according to schedule.

SMS Siemag supplied the converter vessel complete with the trunnion ring, the lamella-type vessel suspension system, the trunnion bearing, the bearing pedestals and the converter tilt drive. The use of the lamella system developed by SMS Siemag allows the specific volume of the converter to be increased by about 15 percent. Thanks to the lamella suspension system, the available installation space can be exploited more effectively.

This maintenance-free solution provides for the converter vessel to be suspended in the trunnion ring in an unrestricted manner. The converters can cope with the thermal stresses due to the use of the lamella system, the provision of a wide clearance between the trunnion ring and the converter vessel, and the use of hightemperature-resistant fine-grained structural steels. No additional cooling media is required. Sufficient cooling is guaranteed by natural cooling alone.

ArcelorMittal Gent in Belgium is an integrated iron and steel plant producing approx. 5 million tons per year of carbon steel flat products, mainly for the automotive industry.

Successfully in operation since the end of August 2013: the converter
at ArcelorMittal Gent, modernized by SMS Siemag

Based on SMS Group information