This year, following the company's objectives, primary attention is concentrated on upgrading energy equipment, particularly the BOF's gas exhaust duct, where a significant portion of equipment will be replaced with new components. This includes tuyeres and auxiliary caissons, the lower part of the main caisson (known as the "skirt"), and protective screens. Work on replacing components and parts of these units has already begun.

As part of the capital repairs, the stator and rotor of the flue gas blower electric motor in the gas exhaust duct will also be replaced.

Specialists have already completed repairs on the BOF's shell –thoroughly restoring its surface integrity, which allowed them to proceed to the next important task: renewal of rotating components, especially the unit's support bearing.

One of the key parts of the repair work is to rotate the support bearing to prolong its service life. After lifting more the than 1,000 tonnes of the BOF's shell and opening the massive rotating component, its outer cage will be rotated. Additionally, the entire lubrication system will be inspected and the lubricant replaced.

Among the important stages of the overhaul is the complete replacement of the BOF's refractory lining. The old refractory materials have already been removed.

Andrii ZUIEV, Deputy Head of the BOF Shop for Engineering at Kamet-Steel, commented:

"The comprehensive tasks for all BOF shop service teams, as well as the Metallurgical Equipment Maintenance Shop and Repair Shop, include not only upgrading the key equipment of the BOF No. 1 but also thoroughly inspecting and repairing all infrastructure components of the unit: oxygen supply machines, vertical duct for bulk material supply, pumping units, steel carriers, and slag carriers. The work at each facility is being carried out in all areas – mechanical, power and electrical – to ensure safe and stable operation of the BOF No. 1 after the overhaul is completed."