PRAXAIR HEADLINESIndustry Suppliers /
Praxair
Praxair Licenses 100th EAF CoJet System to Nanjing Iron & Steel
Apr. 29, 2007 Praxair, Inc. has licensed its 100th patented electric arc furnace (EAF) CoJet gas injection system to Nanjing Iron & Steel United Co., Ltd. Nanjing is also the fourth major Chinese steel manufacturer in two years to choose the CoJet system for electric arc furnaces.
The CoJet system makes it more economically feasible for steel manufacturers to use higher amounts of hot metal charge in their furnaces. Once the installation is complete, Nanjing Iron & Steel will be able to use a predominately hot metal feed to refine into steel, thereby reducing energy consumption and even potentially eliminating the need for electric arcs entirely, if desired.
CoJet technology also allows steel manufacturers to quickly and easily remove carbon from the hot metal by injecting a laser-like supersonic jet of oxygen into the molten bath. CoJet can also help to minimize hot metal splashing in the furnace, which can damage the furnace roof and other sections if not properly controlled, while allowing even mixing of the molten bath.
“Although the CoJet technology was originally developed a decade ago, our leading-edge design combined with our technological expertise still makes us the preferred supplier in the steel industry today,” said Pravin Mathur, Director of Steel Business Development for Praxair. “We continue to look for ways to improve this process, which includes researching alternative fuel sources.”
Nanjing Iron & Steel United Co. is one of the largest industrial enterprises in the Jiangsu Province of China, located along the Yangtze River. Business operations include mining and concentrating, iron and steelmaking, and steel rolling. Nanjing’s plant is equipped with ultra-high-power EAFs primarily used for wire and rod production.
Praxair produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technologies bring productivity and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and others. The company is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2006 sales of $8.3 billion.