thyssenkrupp Steel starts partial refurbishment of Schwelgern 2 blast furnace
- Schwelgern 2 will be taken offline on August 30 for approximately six weeks.
- Work targets central cooling systems and the lower refractory lining, replacing cooling components and adding copper mini-staves.
- Auxiliary maintenance includes gas cleaning and slag granulation systems to improve technical availability.
- Schwelgern 2 was commissioned on October 28, 1993; it produces ~12,000 metric tons of hot metal per day and has a 14.9 m hearth.
Refurbishment schedule and local impact
Blast Furnace 2 will be taken offline on August 30 for a planned partial refurbishment lasting approximately six weeks. Work is scheduled to minimise disruption to local residents, but occasional noise between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. cannot be ruled out.
Scope of work
The partial refurbishment focuses on central cooling systems and the refractory lining in the lower section of the furnace. Cooling components will be replaced, parts of the refractory material renewed, and additional copper cooling elements — so-called mini-staves — installed. Additional maintenance will be carried out on auxiliary facilities, including the gas cleaning and slag granulation systems.
Purpose
The measures are intended to enhance operational stability of pig iron production, improve the blast furnace's technical availability and ensure reliable operation for years to come.
Asset details
"Schwelgern 2" was commissioned on October 28, 1993. With a daily output of approximately 12,000 metric tons of hot metal and a hearth diameter of 14.9 metres, it is the largest blast furnace in Europe.
Source: thyssenkrupp Steel Europe
