Primetals Technologies has received the final acceptance certificate (FAC) for a major upgrade of a 60-ton electric arc furnace (EAF) at Baku Steel Company’s (BSC) plant in Baku, Azerbaijan. The project represents a significant step in improving production efficiency and process optimization.
The upgrade included a modern burner system with carbon injection, the Melt Expert electrode control system, SlagMon tapping equipment for slag detection, and advisory support for installation and commissioning.
A 2023 assessment by Primetals Technologies identified the potential for significant improvements through the addition of a fourth refining combined burner (RCB) and a state-of-the-art electrode control system. Acting on these recommendations, BSC and Primetals implemented the enhancements successfully.
Just days after commissioning, BSC reported strong results: electrode consumption fell by over 20pct, energy use declined substantially, and power-on time was cut by four minutes, demonstrating immediate gains in furnace performance and efficiency.
Melt Expert enables dynamic control of the melting process, improving furnace stability and productivity while reducing energy consumption, which is critical for managing high energy costs in steelmaking.
BSC, the largest steel producer in the Caucasus with an annual capacity of 800,000 tons, manufactures billets, pipes, rebars, and various rolled products. It exports to more than 20 countries across Europe, the US, Africa, and Asia.