Fangchenggang Steel’s new green, intelligent and highly-efficient blast furnace has been blown in.

Blast furnace 1 features a host of CISDI’s technologies. Big data, ultra-clean emissions, graphite block at the “elephant foot area” and lean production have been applied.

CISDI is the EPC-based contractor for the site’s two blast furnaces. Both have a volume of 3,800 cubic metres and are prime examples of CISDI’s large blast furnace expertise, systematic integration and project management abilities.

The furnaces are critical in enabling Fangchenggang Steel to play a major part in developing China’s high-quality steel production.

During an 18-month construction period, blast furnace 1 underwent massive engineering volumes and required multiple interfaces. CISDI battled through complicated natural conditions, a tight timescale and constraints caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The team resumed work ten days ahead of the plant’s other frontliners.

In a letter of thanks to CISDI, Fangchenggan’s parent company Liuzhou Steel commented: “We appreciate the diligence and intelligence which went into the blast furnace’s design, equipment, management, construction and HSE controls.

“You stood together with us even during the pandemic, never delaying the schedule or missing a single day. We thank each member of your team who had to be on-site for long days, combating the cold and heat, dust and gales.

“Your excellent workmanship helped us win time and create the right conditions for startup.”

An aerial view of blast furnace 1 at Fangchenggang Steel

Teams from CISDI and Fangchenggang work on the BF1’s casthouse