Aperam, a global leader in stainless steel, electrical and specialty steels, and recycling, has completed a major modernization of its stainless steel meltshop in Genk, Belgium, through a cooperation with Primetals Technologies.

The project involved revamping an existing 130-ton AOD converter No.1 and installing a second 130-ton AOD converter No. 2. This addition provides Aperam with increased production efficiency and flexibility, as well as the ability to process more cost-effective raw materials while developing sophisticated steel grades.

New automation features include Primetals Technologies’ patented Vaicon Autofix system, which automates vessel exchanges to improve safety, and the Vaicon Damper to reduce equipment vibrations by more than 50%.

For environmental performance, Primetals Technologies installed waste heat recovery and dedusting systems to lower emissions. The recovered thermal energy is available for future use in power generation or district heating. Improved process control system and the Asset-Life Expert (ALEX) condition monitoring system further ensure high plant availability and metallurgical precision in stainless steelmaking.