Module B Midrex II plant begins operations at Sidor

Wednesday, 14 Oct 2009

It is reported that more than 650 workers gave it their best efforts and knowledge to restore and operate the second of three modules affected by the sabotage of the plant which was the subject of Midrex Direct Reduction II, after the arson attack in the courtroom power last June.

For seven days the boot process and stabilization of Module B, after complying with planned activities, among which are the replacement of the PLC control hydraulic system of the furnace reactor, changing wardrobes card control system, replacement and recovery of the signal interconnection cabling and temperature sensors medium voltage motors, switches repair power distribution box and replacing the compressor motor BK5003, beneath insulation in motor coils.

Also repaired the refractory lining in both the reactor, as in the kiln reformer and the reformed gas collector, canister were repaired all tubes catalyst supports, replacement of gas piping manifolds process in addition to general maintenance activities and engineering.

Staff Sidor workers with workers from 26 contractors, met around 111,692 hours to develop programs for critical actions, pursuit of material and spare parts, track work and specify the detailed engineering for the purpose of putting into place this module in the shortest time possible for the good of the company and the country.

Production is expected to resume the discharge level after the incident, which was 116 metric tons of DRI per hour, helping to improve the availability of this material for the manufacture of liquid steel.

Note that the start of operations of the module B Midrex II represents a new victory for all workers of Venezuelans, who through their talent, experience, mysticism and determination they managed to initiate the operations of this plant that provides 74% of DRI.