Bluescope No.5 Blast Furnace Reline, Port Kembla
Principle contractor: Bluescope Steel (AIS) Pty. Limited
Scope of works: No.5 Blast Furnace Reline Gas Cleaning and Hot Blast System Upgrades
No.5 Blast Furnace was last relined in 1991 and the 2009 Reline Project's aim was to ensure continuous and reliable operation for a further 15 years. Allfab Constructions Pty Limited's contract was to provide engineering, fabrication, installation and modification works to the Gas Cleaning and Hot Blast System's equipment and infrastructure.
Gas Cleaning involved the installation of major vessels and tanks as well as the piping and gas mains associated with the replacement of the existing scrubber system. The work involved a large amount of technical input and a high level of quality workmanship.
Allfab successfully completed vital changes to meet Bluescope's new environmental levels of compliance. This involved the modification of the existing dustcatcher and replacement of the dust system, as well as converting the scrubber water system to recirculating fresh water. The upgrade of the Thickener hydraulic system and rundown water also formed part of the upgrade.
The replacement of the Downcomer and unplanned renewal of the 143 Tonne diffuser were the heaviest lifts in the project requiring detailed planning, co-ordination and precise rigging and welding skills.
The Hot Blast System contract involved replacement of the Hot Blast Main, Bustle Main and Back Draught Main to improve the system's operation and reliabiity. This work had to be carried out whilst still keeping the stoves system warm to allow for the successful reignition of the Blast Furnace.
Additionally the Cold Blast Main had to be redirected to make provision for future installation of an additional stove.
Allfab completed all its contract works and all additional emergent work both on time and within the clients budget.