International manufacturer of ferronickel Posco SNNC has contracted German engineering company SMS Siemag for the delivery of the world’s largest submerged arc furnace with six elec- trodes for the production of ferro- nickel in Gwangyang, Korea.
With the extension of the works in Gwangyang, the yearly production capacity will be increased from 30 000 t to 54 000 t of nickel. Commissioning is scheduled for the end of 2014.
The power rating of the rectangular-shaped ferronickel smelter is 140 MVA, at a total nominal power input of 100 MW. To implement these performance values, furnace dimensions of 40 m by 15 m are required.
“We are proud to work on this project together with Posco. Even for such an experienced plant manufacturer as SMS Siemag, a furnace with these dimensions is a special project,” says senior divisional specialist for the SMS Siemag managing board Rolf Degel.
SMS Siemag’s scope of supply comprises all engineering and supervisory services, the delivery of the furnace and the X-Pact electrical and automation systems.
The design of the smelter includes a thermal air-cooling system for the bottom part of the furnace shell, as well as the patented sidewall copper cooling system for the slag line level.
The overall required cooling rate is moderate, which improves both the thermal efficiency and the productivity of the furnace.
The high-quality electrode columns have been developed by SMS Siemag especially for rectangular ferronickel furnaces, as it is energy efficient and operates at the highest availability levels. The furnaces are equipped with thyristors, which are power semiconductor components for high power levels, allowing for flexible furnace operation and increased production rates.