SMS group, in cooperation with AERIX Co., Ltd., South Korea, has been commissioned to modernize the gas cleaning systems of the three BOF (Blast Oxygen Furnace) converters at the integrated steel mill of POSCO in Gwangyang, South Korea.

Within the scope of a production increase in the converter shop, the gas cleaning systems will be adapted to deal with the higher process gas volumes. Primary gas cleaning is performed by means of easytomaintain dry electrostatic precipitators (ESP) which will be extended accordingly.

This will enable the gas cleaning systems to treat higher process gas volumes while, at the same time, their cleaning capacity is improved. The gas cleaning systems will each be designed for a capacity rating of more than 108,000 Nm³ per hour (dry).

The scope of supply of SMS group comprises all basic engineering services and the supply of electrodes.

The first and second electrostatic precipitators have already been extended, and the completion certificate for the first stage was issued to SMS group immediately after successful commissioning. Extension of the third and last ESP is scheduled for the end of 2019.

POSCO (formerly Pohang Iron and Steel Company), a South Korean company based in Pohang, is the world's fourth largest steelmaker. At present, POSCO operates two integrated steel mills in Pohang and Gwangyang.