Metalloinvest’s Mikhailovsky GOK is reconstructing its Pellet Plant #3 (PP-3) to improve pellet quality and reduce costs. The new equipment, which includes roller press high-pressure advanced technology, will facilitate concentrates grinding for the company.
Most of the modernization work at the GOK site will be performed during the planned shutdown of PP-3 in August-September 2020. The pilot for PP-3, utilizing the new production lines, is scheduled in Q4 2020 with plans to reach full capacity utilization by Q1 2021.
The plant’s productivity could increase by 5pc to 664mt per hour against 630mt per hour prior to modernization. During a previous upgrade in 2018, productivity capacity increased by 5pc from 600mt per hour to 630mt per hour, the company said in a statement.
PP-3’s working area is being extended as part of the reconstruction project as drying and cooling zones are expanded. A conveyor system will be installed to supply concentrate to the roller press and return it following re-grinding.
The new technological scheme will produce finer concentrate fractions, improving the product’s pelletizing and firing properties for mills. Metalloinvest indicated that the modernization project will provide gas and energy savings to the company in addition to higher quality pellet production.