In recent decades, the demand for higher-quality, refined steels has increased steadily. At the same time, steel plants operate under the increasing pressure to design their processes more energy-efficient and reduce CO2 emissions drastically.
Higher-grade steels which are demanded e.g. by the automotive or aerospace industry require further treatment in the so-called secondary metallurgical processes, which are often carried out under vacuum. Degassing, especially those with oxygen insufflation, as in VOD and RH-OB methods, produce potentially explosive gases. Vacuum components and equipment with ATEX approval enable safe and cost-efficient solutions for mechanical vacuum solutions.
“Today’s international standards for mechanical vacuum systems are based on the latest generation Roots-type vacuum pumps and dry screw-type vacuum pumps. Selecting such modern mechanical pump solutions also offers outstanding process control possibilities, and employs a very reliable design, enabling the pumps to survive inside the harsh steel plant environment. By installing standard pumps in multiple arrangements, even highest suction requirements can be fulfilled with competitive pricing, while focusing on high safety standards” explains Uwe Zoellig, Senior Manager Market Segment Process Industry.
ATEX vacuum solutions from Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum consist of pumps and components that meet the specification of ATEX Cat 2 (i) G IIC T2. This equipment can be combined into ATEX certified vacuum systems. To meet the requirements, an additional gas cooling and temperature control between the pumps is provided to prevent gas temperatures from exceeding the defined limits.
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