VEO generates electricity in Eisenhüttenstadt from top gas

• Pressure recovery turbine from Siemens generates electrical energy from pressure and thermal energy

• Designed for an average output of seven megawatts

• Improved energy efficiency and reduced operating costs

Siemens Metals Technologies has received an order from VEO (Vulkan Energiewirtschaft Oderbrücke GmbH) to install a top gas pressure recovery turbine (TRT) and auxiliary systems on ArcelorMittal Eisenhüttenstadt blast furnace 5A. This will enable the pressure and sensible heat in the top gas to be converted into electrical energy. The TRT system is designed to generate an average power of seven megawatts. Commissioning is scheduled for the middle of 2015. Vulkan Energiewirtschaft Oderbrücke GmbH operates the industrial power plant in Eisenhüttenstadt. Installation of the TRT system is part of a project designed to increase energy efficiency even further and thereby reduce the environmental impact.

ArcelorMittal is the world's largest steel producer and global supplier of high-quality steel products. Eisenhüttenstadt primarily produces high-quality, coated flat steels for the automotive industry, together with steel products for domestic appliances and the construction industry. Blast furnace 5A produces pig iron from pellets or iron ores agglomerated in the sinter plant. Coke and powdered hard coal and lignite are used as reducing agents. Hot blast from the hot-blast stove is blown through tuyeres into the lower part of the blast furnace. The reducing gas rises through the furnace and leaves it through the large-diameter pipe system as top gas at a temperature of approximately 150 °C. The top gas is then cleaned in the downstream dust bag, cyclone dust collector and washer dedusting units. Part of the cleaned gas is fed to the hot-blast stove. However, the greater part is fed into the internal plant top gas network, and from there it is fed into the power plant to generate electricity. A gas storage is provided to balance production and demand for the top gas.

The top gas pressure recovery turbine system from Siemens is installed between the demister of blast furnace 5A and the low-pressure network. Until now the top gas has been allowed to expand in the gas washer without its energy being recovered. The blast furnace has to operate without any restrictions after installation of the TRT system, and maintain operation automatically and reliably even if the TRT system fails or is shut down. The scope of supply from Siemens comprises the top gas piping system and the supporting structure, process valves, the top gas pressure recovery turbine, the synchronous generator, the hydraulic and lubricating systems, as well as the associated electrical and automation equipment. Siemens will also be responsible for the basic and detailed engineering, and supervising the installation and commissioning of the system.

Further information about solutions for steel works, rolling mills and processing lines can be found at www.siemens.com/metals.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the world’s leading supplier of innovative and environmentally friendly products and solutions for industrial customers. With end-to-end automation technology and industrial software, solid vertical-market expertise, and technology-based services, the Sector enhances its customers’ productivity, efficiency, and flexibility. With a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, the Industry Sector comprises the Divisions Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services as well as the Business Unit Metals Technologies. For more information, visit www.siemens.com/industry

The Metals Technologies Business Unit (Linz, Austria), part of the Siemens Industry Sector, is one of the world’s leading life-cycle partners for the metals industry. The Business Unit offers a comprehensive technology, modernization, product and service portfolio as well as integrated automation and environmental solutions covering the entire life cycle of plants. For more information, visit www.siemens.com/metals

Based on Siemens (Industry Sector, Metals Technologies) information