Dillinger is upgrading the cooling system of blast furnace 5 with new Paul Wurth cast iron staves supplied by SMS group, replacing the existing copper stave lining as part of a planned shutdown in summer 2026. The blast furnace has an annual hot metal capacity of around 2.5 million tonnes and is a core asset in Dillinger’s production network.
The new equipment package combines predominantly cast iron staves with a limited number of copper staves. In the upper furnace areas, cast iron staves provide robust and efficient cooling, protecting the furnace shell from thermal stress while supporting stable, long-term operation. Dillinger’s decision reflects a lifecycle-driven approach: aligning capital expenditure more closely with expected service life while still meeting operational performance requirements.
The previous Paul Wurth copper stave lining, installed in 2010, achieved a service life of 16 years. According to the company, the newly manufactured cast iron staves fully meet Dillinger’s technical and operational criteria for the next campaign and support the strategic goal of extending blast furnace availability.
From the supplier side, the project underlines continuity in a long-standing partnership. Lutwin Franziskus, project manager at SMS group, points to “continued trust and the long-standing working relationship,” describing the move toward cast iron staves as “a pragmatic decision to balance lifecycle needs and budgetary constraints,” while emphasizing the focus on on-time delivery and smooth installation during the summer shutdown.
Dillinger also highlights execution reliability as a decisive factor. Jürgen Hochhaus, blast furnace operations manager, notes that SMS group’s “quicker response and ability to meet our requirements on schedule” were key to awarding the contract.
For European blast furnace operators facing cost pressure and longer campaign targets, the project illustrates a broader trend toward selectively replacing copper with cast iron staves to optimize total cost of ownership without compromising furnace protection or productivity.
Source and Photo: SMS Group