Tonghua Iron and Steel (Tonggang) has completed a ladle furnace upgrade at its Jilin Province site, with Primetals Technologies supplying and commissioning a new set of three-phase copper-clad electrode arms. The upgrade replaces equipment that had been in service for around 20 years.
The new electrode arms increase power output and clamping precision while improving electrothermal efficiency, extending service life, and reducing energy consumption. Their lightweight, rigid design with a double-layer composite structure and integrated water-cooling system enhances durability under harsh meltshop conditions.
Installation downtime was minimized, with the arm exchange completed in about six hours from dismantling to commissioning. The components were manufactured at Primetals Technologies’ Changxing workshop, enabling short lead times and efficient energy transfer while avoiding overheating.
Tonggang is the largest state-owned steel producer in Jilin Province and a key production base of Shougang Group in Northeast China, with operations spanning mining through rolling and a product range that includes long products and seamless pipes.
