OREANDA-NEWS. May 17, 2011. JFE Steel Corporation announced that the company completed the revamping of the No.3 blast furnace at its West Japan Works (Fukuyama) and blew-in the facility for its fourth campaign (operating cycle) on May 14. Together with the idling of the No.2 blast furnace at Fukuyama, carried out on May 12 as planned to ensure continued operational efficiency, JFE Steel’s crude-steel production annual capacity now has risen to 13 million tons at Fukuyama, 23 million tons at the larger West Japan Works and 33 million tons overall.

During the No.3 blast furnace’s revamping, inner volume was expanded from 3,223 m3 to 4,300 m3 and both the control room and control system were completely renewed. The installation of highly corrosion-resistant bricks and upgraded cooling system for the furnace body are expected to extend the facility’s longevity.

The revamping was carried out at cost of 29 billion yen and lasted from January 4 to May 13.