China’s largest blast furnace restarts following major modernization

The largest blast furnace in China, operated by Jiangsu Shagang Group at its Zhangjiagang facility in Jiangsu province, has resumed operations following an extensive modernization project.

The 5,800-cubic-meter Blast Furnace #4 underwent a major upgrade led by engineering firm Danieli Corus. The project involved converting critical sections of the furnace—the bosh, belly, and lower stack—to a high-conductivity lining system designed by Danieli Corus. This system incorporates copper plate coolers and graphite refractory materials, replacing the previous stave cooling method.

The modernization aims to extend the furnace's campaign life and improve overall process efficiency. To support operational control, a Level 2 heat-loss monitoring system was also installed. This system tracks thermal performance across eight zones and three vertical levels to optimize process stability and minimize heat loss.

The furnace was successfully brought back online slightly more than four months after being shut down, a timeframe considered impressive given the complexity of the upgrade. Since the restart, the furnace has maintained shell temperatures below 60°C, demonstrating the effectiveness of the new cooling system under high thermal loads.

Early operational results indicate improved efficiency, with a 6% reduction in coke consumption. The current coke rate stands at 326 kilograms per ton of hot metal, reflecting progress toward the plant’s sustainability and productivity goals.

Source and Photo: Danieli