Primetals Technologies has received the final acceptance certificate (FAC) from ASONEXT for the upgrade of its 40-ton argon-oxygen decarburization (AOD) converter at the Italian stainless steel producer’s Brescia facility. The project included engineering, mechanical equipment supply, such as two vessels and a trunnion ring, as well as construction supervision and implementation.
As part of the revamp, Primetals Technologies designed a new vessel geometry, increasing the inner volume by 30 pct. This enhancement improves vessel lining performance and expands reaction capacity. The reinforced top cone extends equipment lifespan and simplifies maintenance. In early 2025, Primetals Technologies will also provide metallurgical consulting to optimize the converter’s production process.
A leading supplier of AOD equipment, Primetals Technologies has delivered solutions for the majority of the world’s AOD plants. Prior to this project, the company conducted a study of ASONEXT’s AOD process, identifying key areas for improvement. The converter upgrade is one of the recommended actions from this analysis.
With the revamped AOD converter, ASONEXT will achieve an annual production capacity of 50,000 tons of special stainless steel. Founded in 1971, the Italian manufacturer supplies multiple industries, including aerospace, shipbuilding, and petrochemicals.
