The Cherepovets Steel Works, one of the largest integrated steel plants in the world (part of the Severstal Russianstal division), launched a large-scale infrastructure renovation program in 2019. At the moment, it is formed until 2029.
“Possible malfunctions of infrastructure facilities carry risks of unit shutdowns, undermine the reliability of our enterprise as a whole and, of course, can become a source of danger for our personnel. We have not found analogues of such a program in other enterprises, so we have developed our own strategy. In order to compile a list of investment projects and group them into target blocks, we have already assessed the condition of more than 15 thousand infrastructure facilities, and this work will continue. A total of 29 programs are planned to be implemented, and we intend to spend about 7 billion rubles annually on these goals, "says Vadim Germanov, General Director of the Severstal Russian Steel Division.
The main areas of work were the replacement of lifting mechanisms, energy and electrical equipment, automobile and railway equipment, automation and communication systems, machine tool park.
So, one of the most ambitious is the program for replacing cranes. For example, in 2019, 16 projects with a total value of more than 2 billion rubles are under implementation, and in the next 5 years - until 2024 - the company expects to replace about 42 more units. At the same time, most of the equipment will be manufactured by the SSM-Tyazhmash Machine-Building Center (part of the Severstal-Russian Steel Division).
A video surveillance program is also continuing at Severstal's Cherepovets site. This year it is planned to install 600 cameras, next year - 1300 more. Video surveillance is necessary to monitor the operation of equipment and its maintenance. The data from the cameras are transmitted to the equipment condition monitoring service, where online specialists monitor its operability and report the risks of shutdowns or technological incidents. In addition, we implement projects for technical vision on already installed video cameras.
One of the update strategy programs is aimed at replacing transformers. At the same time, the company not only replaces outdated equipment with new ones, but also abandons the sovtol transformers. They contain a filler that is not environmentally friendly. So, in 2019, they began to replace 9 transformers. For these purposes, it is planned to allocate about 600 million rubles. Over the next 10 years, it is planned to replace more than 150 pieces of equipment.
“With a special program, we have also provided for the replacement and modernization of fire-prevention automation systems. The projects envisage reconstruction, modernization and complete replacement of fire extinguishing and fire alarm systems. First of all, it is planned to update the systems on the main technological lines and units. In 2019, we have planned to carry out work on 36 projects with a total cost of 1.2 billion rubles ", - Vadim Germanov comments.
Another direction was the renewal of the fleet of special equipment, in particular rolling stock for transportation of products. New gondola cars, platform cars, dump cars and the locomotives themselves will be purchased. For example, in 2019, Severstal plans to purchase 6 locomotives, more than 300 million rubles will be allocated for this. In total, over the next 10 years, the company will update 75 cars.
