For a safer and more reliable operation of Kametstal production shops, its power engineers continue the plant’s long-term investment project aimed at upgrading the high-voltage switchgear. Specifically, the TPP electric shop is replacing 1,200 kW oil switches with a new vacuum switchgear.

Last year, the substations of the power networks and stations received 37 new vacuum switches ensuring uninterrupted power supply to equipment that maintains continuous operation of blast furnaces.

2024 marks a new upgrade phase of high-voltage equipment at Kametstal. TPP electric shop saw its 15 old oil switches replaced with the modern quality vacuum switchgear by Schneider.

The oil switch technology, which has been a standard for decades, is now obsolete. This switchgear has flaws that affect its performance and safety. Old communication devices needed a frequent maintenance and oil replacement to stay operational.

The new switches use vacuum for extinguishing the electric arc, which makes them safer and more reliable, as well as extends the life of production equipment. Furthermore, this switchgear needs to be maintained just once a year.

“New vacuum switches are part of the plant’s power island. Thus, even if power goes out completely, we will be able to sustain safe operation of turbine generators, boilers, and pump stations that supply water for cooling the blast furnaces, allowing us to avoid emergencies and continue working reliably,” says Viktor BOVT, head of electric shop at Kametstal.