NLMK has commissioned a new 4 mtpy RH vacuum degasser intended for achieving high-quality of steel before casting at continuous casting machines. Due to this project with the total investment of about RUR 3.9 bn the company's rolling assets in Russia and Europe will be covered by high-quality slabs. 

After high-performance RH degasser is put into operation, steel product mix is expected to be expanded by introducing new grades with maximum carbon content of 0.002 % and maximum hydrogen of 0.0001%, including grades for shipbuilding application, automotive and pipe industry.

The new RH degasser at NLMK's main production site in Lipetsk is a part of secondary metallurgy complex in BOF Shops alongside with 400 ktpy RH vacuum degasser, four ladle furnaces with 12 mt total capacity and ten ladle metallurgy furnaces. 

The project has been implemented within the frames of Stage II of NLMK's Technical Upgrade Program with the participation of SMS Mevac (Germany).