Russian steelmaker NLMK Group has announced that it has launched a project to build the second pulverized coal injection (PCI) unit at the blast furnace operations at its main production site in Lipetsk. When the project is complete, this advanced resource-saving technology will cover more than 90 percent of the company’s blast furnace facilities.
NLMK received the necessary construction permit in July this year, and is now preparing for construction and assembly works at the complex that will cover the largest and the most productive blast furnaces of the plant.
The company will invest more than RUB 6.5 billion ($101.5 million) in the project which is scheduled to be commissioned in the second half of 2017.
According to NLMK, the ongoing project to implement PCI technology is an important element in company’s overall Strategy 2017 program to boost operational efficiency and cut specific costs. The new complex will enable a 20-30 percent reduction in the consumption of expensive coke and more than a 50 percent reduction in the consumption of natural gas.