In the lime plant of ArcelorMittal Poland’s unit in Dąbrowa Górnicza modernization of the second of three Maerz furnaces has begun, in which lime used in further stages of steel production is burned. At the same time, the filters assigned to the furnaces are also being renovated. After modernization, it will meet the strict requirements of the Best Available Techniques (BAT) of the European Industrial Emissions Directive. A thorough reconstruction of the exhaust gas treatment installation will significantly reduce the plant's impact on the environment - dust emissions will be reduced by up to five times. The investment, which will be completed this year, will cost over PLN 40 million.
The first of three Maerz furnaces, which burn lime needed to clean steel in converters, was renovated last year. Employees of the Dąbrowa Górnicza steelplant and external companies took part in the massive operation, which took a total of over 2,000 hours. In July 2023, along with the launch of this installation, the dust collection filter was put into operation and also underwent a major renovation.
- Currently, the new filter ensures exhaust gas purification efficiency of up to 10 mg/m3 and thus meets all the strictest standards and requirements of the BAT conclusions - emphasizes Wojciech Koszuta, CEO of ArcelorMittal Poland. – We take the issue of environmental protection very seriously, taking into account the expectations of our neighbors in this respect, which is why we gradually adapt our installations to the requirements resulting from the directives, significantly reducing our impact on the environment – he emphasizes.
For now, it's just one furnace and one dust-removing filter. Meanwhile, the renovation of the second of the three furnaces has just started. The installation will include, among others: refractory ceramics, and on individual levels of the furnace - also armor. Additionally, a modernization of the system responsible for controlling the entire lime production process is planned. Up to 100 people will work daily during the renovation, which will take approximately 100 days and be completed in the summer.
Immediately after the second furnace is put into operation - during the holidays - modernization works on the last installation will begin. Importantly, in parallel with the renovation of the other two Maerz furnaces, two filters responsible for dust removal are also being modernized. – During these large-scale works, we will install 576 filter bags in each filter, and we will also replace exhaust gas ducts and exhaust fans – says Rafał Kostka, director of the Steel and Semi-finished Products Plant in Dąbrowa Górnicza in ArcelorMittal Poland. – After completing the entire modernization, before the end of the year, all Maerz furnace filters will meet BAT requirements, and the installations themselves will be more reliable and efficient – he sums up.
