U.S. steel producer NLMK Indiana has successfully commissioned a revamped 118-ton electric arc furnace (EAF) at its Portage, Indiana plant, following a six-week shutdown. The furnace, upgraded by Primetals Technologies, achieved 21 heats within just four days of startup and has since surpassed 5,000 heats with stable performance.
The project, marked by thorough planning and close collaboration, emphasized improved safety and maintenance. Key features of the upgrade include a single-point roof-lifting system and an integrated gantry, which enhance operator safety and reduce maintenance time. Replacing the delta now takes less than an hour, minimizing downtime and boosting productivity.
NLMK Indiana selected Primetals Technologies based on its strong track record in EAF revamps. The upgrade included a new tilt frame, electric conductive arms, a roller bearing, a roof system, a hydraulic system, and Level 1 automation. Parts of the existing equipment, like the lower and upper shells, were reused. As part of NLMK USA, which produces 2.7 mln tons of steel annually across its Pennsylvania and Indiana facilities, NLMK Indiana provides a range of steel products for industries including pipe and tube manufacturing, energy, agriculture, construction, and automotive.