The Fukuyama Works' No.2 blast furnace (BF) was restarted during a ceremony on September 7. The 2,828m³ BF's ¥15 billion regular relining project began in January 1997 and was completed in April this year. The start of furnace operation was delayed amid the recent weakness in steel demand. However, in light of the 13-year history of operations of the works' No.5 BF, NKK decided to resume operation of No.2 BF to optimize company-wide ironmaking efficiency and ensure a stable supply of steel to NKK group companies.

With the restart of the Fukuyama No.2 BF, NKK operates five BFs in all, four BFs at Fukuyama, along with the No.3 (3,223m³), No.4 (4,288m³) and No.5 (4,664m³), and the No.l BF (4,907m³) at Keihin. This enables NKK to optimize the operation of each furnace and further rationalize ironmaking by improving tapping efficiency, thereby extending the longevity of its existing furnaces.

The Fukuyama No.2 BF is equipped with an advanced pulverized coal injection (PCI) system.NKK has introduced PCI in all of its BFs. By increasing the use of low priced non- or weak-coking coal and lowering coke rates, the company aims to realize further cost reductions in ironmaking with enhanced efficiency of coke oven operations.

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Fukuyama Works' No.2 blast furnace restarted operation after relining.