China’s Chong Qing Steel Group Co. placed an order with Edwards for the world’s largest dry mechanical vacuum pumping system. When installed, the system will be capable of pumping 1,000,000 m3/h at 0.67 mbar and will degas 230-metric-ton quantities of liquid steel in each batch. It will be the world’s first application of dry vacuum pumps to a Ruhrstahl Heraeus steel degassing process. The system provides Chong Qing Steel with potential energy cost savings of more than 90% over traditional steam ejector systems. Edwards will supply 18 steel degassing “supermodules,” each comprising twin 40,000-m3/h mechanical boosters backed by a common 8,000-m3/h booster and one of the latest generation IDX1300 dry screw pumps.
Other benefits of the system include: a lower environmental impact through reducing water effluent and CO2 emissions; optimized steel quality due to no moisture contamination and consistent performance; and increased safety through removing the need for high-pressure steam. The total value of the contract is in excess of $8 million – Edwards’ largest single project order in the metallurgical market. Delivers to Chong Qing Steel will be completed by the end of the year.
Edwards Wins Order for Large Dry Mechanical Vacuum Pumping System
April 27, 2009
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