West-Siberian Steel Works (ZapSib), a part of the Russian steelmaker and iron ore producer Evraz Group (Evraz), has announced that it has started the production of granulated pitch at its subsidiary Evraz Koks-Sibir.
Accordingly, the usage of granulated pitch in coke production will enable Evraz Koks-Sibir to save on expensive fat-grade coal concentrate, and to improve some quality features of finished coke such as its mechanical and heat strength. In addition, the plant will be able to expand its sales market and to decrease transportation and storage costs.
Evraz Koks-Sibir produces about 10,000 mt of liquid pitch per month, of which up to 80 percent (8,000 mt) can be granulated. Consumers of granulated pitch are aluminum companies, producers of waterproofing materials and fuel briquettes, road-building organizations, etc.
Evraz Koks-Sibir provides coke for ZapSib's blast furnaces, and also manufactures products for external customers.