Paul Wurth IHI Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, “PWIHI”) is pleased to announce that it has completed the construction of a new bell less top charging system for the 4th reline of blast furnace No. 4 at JFE Steel Kurashiki Works. The new bell less top charging system started operation in December 2021.

With the 4th reline, which took place for the first time in 20 years since the last blow-in (3rd reline) in 2002, blast furnace No. 4’s inner volume was expanded from 5,005 m3 to 5,100 m3 (up approx. 2%). As a part of this reline project where more accurate burden distribution control, higher burden handling capacity, better workability as a result of upgraded cast house equipment and longer service life of blast furnace have been achieved, PWIHI undertook engineering, manufacturing and commissioning of the new bell less top charging system proper.

Unfortunately, the spread of the COVID-19 during the course of this project made it difficult for engineers and supervisors of Paul Wurth to come to Japan due to travel restrictions and made PWIHI reconsider the manufacturing base. Despite such adverse circumstances, the new bell less top charging system successfully started operation in December 2021 as originally scheduled by the customer.

PWIHI continues to provide equipment and services contributing to our customers’ stable and improved supply of products through our wide range of experience gained over the years and conventional meticulous engineering power, while pursuing carbon neutrality in the primary stage of integrated steelmaking.