In March 2015, following a decision of the Government of Italy, ILVA had to shut down No. 5 Blast Furnace, the largest one at Taranto works. The plant shall be upgraded by EU-defined Best Available Technologies in order to match latest environmental standards. As a result of the bidding process, the Paul Wurth group has been awarded several packages for engineering, supply and installation of technologies which will make up a state-of-the-art ironmaking facility.

On the side of hot blast generation, the four existing Krupp-Koppers units will be completely replaced by a group of three one-dome hot blast stoves with external combustion chamber. This sub-plant will also feature Paul Wurth’s patented waste gas heat recovery system and a complete EIC system. 

Performance and maintainability of the BF top gas cleaning plant will be improved by replacement of the existing dust catcher, and by modification of the scrubber system.

At the slag granulation plant, a new, sea-water based steam condensation system will eliminate the release of sulphur-laden steam to the atmosphere.

Finally, the furnace’s stockhouse gets a brand new de-dusting system with equipment rated for a 2,000,000 m³/h suction capacity and ensuring a maximum of 5 mg/m³(STP) dust content in the air leaving the stack.

A challenging schedule foresees project completion by Paul Wurth within 12 months.

After completion of this large-scale reline project, Taranto’s steel plant will be able to operate its new BF5 in compliance with the latest environmental and safety standards.

Paul Wurth S.A., Luxembourg