Even in difficult times, reliable supply of the production processes is a priority for power and utilities staff of the oxygen compression shop. Kamet-Steel has completed the first stage of a major overhaul of the compressed air pipeline.

Compressed air is one of the products of the basic oxygen furnace shop, which is consumed by all production subdivisions of the enterprise. For the blast furnace shop, it is necessary to ensure the technological process, in particular, the charging of blast furnaces and the operation of supporting equipment. As such, the compressed air supply must be uninterrupted and at a consistent pressure.

It is the so-called "blast furnace corridor", the section of the pipeline that supplies this essential product to the sinter-making and blast furnace process, that has undergone the first stage of a major overhaul by power and utilities staff focusing on lines, which are heavily deteriorated and no longer met the requirements for reliable supply to consumers.

Over 200 metres of 325 mm diameter pipes were replaced as part of the overhaul. Shut-off valves were replaced and additional ones were installed to optimise the operation of the pipeline in line with the schedule of operation of the blast furnace and, hence, reduce unproductive consumption of compressed air.

One of the peculiarities of the repair was the re-routing of the pipeline amid the significant concentration of various utility lines in this area. So the repair staff replaced the necessary volumes of steel structures, installing new supports, brackets, etc. Shut-off valve maintenance platforms were also repaired.

"Thanks to the joint efforts, we have completed the first stage and restored more than 10% of the two-kilometre pipeline. I would like to thank my colleagues from the design and development department, with whom we worked out all the necessary changes to the design in a coordinated manner. The completed overhaul allows us to improve the reliability of compressed air supply to the blast furnace shop and we also expect to reduce unproductive compressed air consumption by 0.4%. The work performed optimises the monitoring and maintenance of lines – timely diagnostics, condensate removal, etc. We improved the working conditions for employees performing these works and reduced potential risks and hazards during their performance," says Andrii PYSMENNYI, head of the oxygen compression shop.

The upgraded section of the compressed air pipeline is already in operation and has proven its stable performance. Power and utilities specialists are preparing for the next stage of the overhaul, which is scheduled for 2024.