The SMS group (www.sms-group.com) — in conjunction with Aerix Co Ltd, South Korea — has been commissioned to modernise the gas-cleaning systems of the three BOF (Blast Oxygen Furnace) converters at the integrated steel mill of POSCO in Gwangyang, South Korea; these systems will be adapted to deal with the higher volumes of process gas.

Primary gas cleaning is performed by means of ‘easy to maintain’ dry electrostatic precipitators (ESPs), which will be extended accordingly.

The SMS contract includes all basic engineering services and the supply of electrodes.

The first and second electrostatic precipitators have already been extended, and the completion certificate for the first stage has been issued after successful commissioning.

Extension of the third and last ESP is scheduled for the end of 2019.

POSCO (formerly Pohang Iron and Steel Co) is the world’s fourth-largest steel-maker. At present, it operates two integrated steel mills in Pohang and Gwangyang.