19th January 2022

Paul Wurth to further boost efficiency of new MMK blast furnace

Paul Wurth technology will be central to improving the efficiency of Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works’ (MMK) processes. The aim is to help MMK achieve even higher environmental standards by using synthesis gas, also known as ‘syngas’.

Syngas is a mix of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and its use can help sharply reduce the amount of solid carbon fuels needed to continue the reaction in the blast furnace. The syngas is injected into the blast furnace shaft which reduces CO2 emissions and increases the productivity of ironmaking.

This syngas technology order is an add-on to the existing project for Paul Wurth to build Blast Furnace 11, confirmed in June 2021.

This technology has the particular advantage that it can also be retrofitted to existing blast furnaces, meaning it could potentially be rolled out around the world. This would be a significant gain for the decarbonisation efforts of the ironmaking segment of the global steel industry.

***SMS group press release follows***

SMS group to deploy Blast Furnace decarbonization technology for MMK

19 January 2022, Luxembourg/Magnitogorsk – SMS group will improve the efficiency of Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works (MMK) processes with the use of ‘syngas’, a combination of hydrogen and carbon monoxide which replaces a portion of the solid carbon fuels – setting the stage for greater decarbonization potential in the future.

“We are excited to be able to work further with MMK to develop and deploy these innovative solutions”, said André Schneider, CEO of SMS group Region CIS. “With our support, our customer will be able to quickly achieve substantial CO₂ emission reductions with a relatively limited investment”.

Blast Furnace 11 was ordered in June 2021 and is to be a completely new project. It will use enhanced techniques, developed by SMS group company Paul Wurth. It will achieve very high standards of environmental performance. These new technologies can also be used in existing Blast Furnaces, thus enabling CO₂ emissions to be reduced at existing sites around the world.

“Part of our contribution to these projects is the production technology and workflow for the use of syngas – which can be injected into the blast furnace shaft”, said Dr. Thomas Hansmann, Head of Metallurgy for SMS group and CTO for Paul Wurth. “The degree of emissions reduction possible from this technique is potentially substantial. The system is flexible, allowing for a general increase in productivity”.

SMS group has 150 years of experience in steel technology and equipment, supporting clients, such as MKK, around the world. Our regional hubs and our expanded portfolio of products and services means we can provide tailored help to our local customers. SMS group provides a range of assistance, including the construction, maintenance and servicing of whole Blast Furnaces through its group company Paul Wurth, and Direct Reduction Furnaces under license from Midrex®. SMS group technology solutions support the global steel sector’s transformation towards its low-carbon, green steel future.