Pavlodar metallurgists - frontrunners in Aluminum Ferrosilicon industrial production

PAVLODAR. KAZINFORM - Two projects on Industrialization Map have been performed in the Pavlodar branch of "KSP Steel". The projects include aluminum ferrosilicon production according to a unique technology worked out by the Kazakh scientists, and ball-rolling production. "KSP Steel" General Director Edward Kramer explained the key aspects of the revolutionary technology.

- For the alloy production we use high-ash coal, which is overburden of Ekibastuz cuts. I can tell you that the idea of producing aluminum ferrosilicon was advanced in 1936. But we have become the first in the world to implement it on an industrial scale. And we are very proud of it. We were invited to this project by the National Center for comprehensive utilization of mineral resources of the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Kazakhstan. We worked together with scientists. Last year, on March 20 we began to prepare an oven for smelting and on May 26 we got the first metal. We had some problems, of course. However, for 3-4 months we managed to solve all the issues and confirmed the possibility of industrial production of the alloy. Now the process of production is stable. We have mastered the technology and at the moment we want to increase output. In early January, we launched the second oven with the capacity of 24 MW, the first one was of 9 MW, and the third oven is being prepared for commissioning. Moreover, we are intended to expand the production. We plan to install another three units and additional gas cleaning equipment to reach 70 thousand tons of the alloy per year. - What can you say about the production distribution? - Foreign companies are interested in the product. Kazakhstan alloy replaces two expensive components used in high quality steelmaking - aluminum metal and ferrosilicon. At the moment we are busy with start-up works. We use our alloy in the furnaces for smelting steel. The project should obtain official registration. This year we plan to commission the production. We will produce 70 tons of the alloy per year. In the future, we want to reach 200 tons output by engaging 20 furnaces. We have to enter the market before competitors. First furnace commissioning ceremony was attended by Ambassador of South Korea and head of a major company called "POSKO". Now the company is constructing a similar furnace to produce aluminum ferrosilicon in Kyrgyzstan. - And at what stage of readiness is your second project? - Ball-rolling mill is commissioned. We roll 40-100 mm diameter balls. Equipment was supplied by the Italian company. - Is there a high demand for such a product? - Kazakhstan is a mining and metallurgical country. Mining and concentrating mills, power and cement plants use grinding balls. - Thank you for the interview!