PRODUCTIVITY INCREASE IN EAF THROUGH MINTEQ'S HI-TECH REFRACTORY MAINTENANCE SYSTEM AT ACERINOX S.A. (SPAIN)

摘要

ACERINOX, S.A. is considered the 5th largest stainless steel manufacturer worldwide. Their production unit in Palmones, Spain is the world's largest fully integrated flat rolled stainless steel mill with a production of 1,000,000 tons per year. ACERINOX is known as the most competitive group in the stainless steel manufacturing industry. As of this summer, with the opening of the new melting shop at North American Stainless (Kentucky, USA), ACERINOX will be the 3rd largest manufacturer in terms of production capacity, more than 1,800,000 tpy, and will confirm its competitive leadership, counting on the two most competitive and integrated factories in the world. Since it was founded, ACERINOX has carried out a continuous program of investments with development of their own technological innovations that, in some cases, have constituted true landmarks in the production of stainless steel. The Spanish melting shop has three AC electric arc furnaces. Furnace #3 was commissioned in June 1998. It is the fastest and most cost-effective of the three furnaces. Therefore it is the focus of ACERINOX's attentions when it comes to productivity improvements. In March 2000 M/ATEQ~(~R) International Inc. introduced the MINSCAN system on furnace #3 to increase its availability and productivity through less refractory repairs and improved gunning practice. This paper reports on the successful results achieved by the MINSCAN after one year in operation.