Norilsk Nickel has launched a process of large-scale modernization of the second production line at the Nadezhda Metallurgical Plant (NMP), which includes the replacement of one of the melting furnaces.
The new melting unit will be significantly different from the old one. According to NMP director Vitaly Muravyov, the furnace loading will be completely modernized and a new charge atomizer will be installed.
“The technical specifications include a reduction in the sulfur content in the concentrate supplied for smelting, which reduces the energy intensity of the process. Gas-dynamic and thermal calculations were carried out and based on those, we changed the configuration of the furnace, increased the height of the reaction shaft, and increased the height of the furnace bay,” noted Muravyov.
In addition to the construction of a new furnace, a major overhaul of the peripheral equipment of the second production line will be carried out, as a result of which the company will have a completely new melting unit and the reliability of production will be increased.
Up to 1,600 people will be involved in the repairs. The entire repair, including peripheral equipment, will take 60 days and cost 30 billion rubles.
Theodor Lisovoy, Editor in Chief, Rough&Polished
