London, October 03, 2019

Primetals Technologies to convert VD to VOD plant at Çolakoğlu in Turkey

• Heat size of 295 metric tons will make VOD plant largest in the world
• VOD treatments allows production of special steels with very low carbon content
• Broadens product range and opens up additional markets for Çolakoğlu

Turkish steelmaker Çolakoğlu Metalurji A.S. (Çolakoğlu) has placed an order with Primetals Technologies to upgrade an existing VD(Vacuum Degassing) plant in its Dilovası meltshop to a VOD (Vacuum Oxygen Decarburization) plant. With a heat size of 295 metric tons, the VOD plant will be the largest worldwide. The aim of the modernization project is to enable the production of special steels, like IF grades, ULC grades or stainless steels. This will help Çolakoğlu to broaden its product range and enter additional markets. The VOD plant is expected to be operational in March 2020.

For the new VOD plant for Çolakoğlu, Primetals Technologies is responsible for the engineering and will supply all the core components. These include, for example, valve stands, the oxygen blowing lance system as well as filters and a filter cleaning system installed before vacuum pumps. The scope also encompasses the modernization of the existing automation system. The level 2 system including process models will be modernized in order to operate the VOD plant. Additionally, all required instrumentation of the equipment will be supplied by Primetals Technologies.

Çolakoğlu operates an electric steel plant in Dilovası, in the west of Turkey. The main products of the plant are slabs for further processing in a hot rolling mill, and billets for producing reinforcing steel bars and steel rock bolt. The Çolakoğlu steel making plant, one of the largest in the world, was supplied by Primetals Technologies and is in operation for several years. The current modernization project marks another step in the successful business partnership of Çolakoğlu and Primetals Technologies.

In the Dilovası meltshop of Turkish steelmaker Çolakoğlu Metalurji A.S. (Çolakoğlu), Primetals Technologies will upgrade an existing VD(Vacuum Degassing) plant to a VOD (Vacuum Oxygen Decarburization) plant.

Primetals Technologies, Limited, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a pioneer and world leader in the fields of engineering, plant building, and the provision of lifecycle services for the metals industry. The company offers a complete technology, product, and services portfolio that includes integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions. This covers every step of the iron and steel production chain—from the raw materials to the finished product—and includes the latest rolling solutions for the nonferrous metals sector. Primetals Technologies is a joint venture of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and partners, with around 7,000 employees worldwide. To learn more about Primetals Technologies, visit the company website www.primetals.com.