Primetals Technologies wins major ladle furnace upgrade order

Primetals Technologies has secured a contract to supply a 180-ton twin ladle furnace to Outokumpu Stainless USA. The new furnace will be installed at Outokumpu’s facility in Calvert, Alabama, replacing an existing ladle treatment stand from 2012. This upgrade will reduce the plant’s carbon footprint, improve temperature control, and provide greater operational flexibility.

Primetals Technologies will upgrade Outokumpu Stainless USA’s ladle treatment stand to a 180-ton twin ladle furnace

At the Calvert plant, Outokumpu melts up to 100% stainless steel scrap in an electric arc furnace (EAF), followed by processing in an argon oxygen decarburisation (AOD) converter. Upgrading one of two ladle treatment stands to the twin ladle furnace will increase flexibility in the AOD process by adding electrical heating capacity after the converter. The installation will utilise the plant’s original layout and foundation to ensure smooth integration.

The scope of supply includes key mechanical equipment, such as a water-cooled ladle cover integrated with the swing gantry system, Primetals Technologies’ patented electrode conducting arm with high-current system, automated argon lancing equipment, a hydraulic system, Melt Expert electrode control system, a power solution and Level 1 automation.

Melt Expert from Primetals Technologies enables dynamic control over the melting process and increases process stability. The system improves furnace productivity by addressing reduced throughput and efficiency. It also lowers energy consumption, helping to mitigate the high energy costs associated with the melting process.