BlueScope Steel Limited commissioned Silver Raven to execute a highly specialised task: cold-cutting one of their main blast furnaces as part of a decommissioning and upgrade project. With no major access points, the furnace had not been opened or internally inspected for over 20 years. The process would create a 10.3m x 3m void in the furnace wall to provide access and allow the removal and replacement of old furnace staves.
The project required a deep understanding of the furnace’s complex design and a cold-cutting process to ensure quality and safety to prevent any compromise to surrounding equipment.
Silver Raven’s R&D division designed, tested, and implemented a cutting jig that maximised efficiency and precision. This bespoke tool enabled controlled cold cuts without generating heat, producing sparks or affecting the surface metallurgy, which is typically associated with traditional methods, ensuring both safety and structural integrity.
The team also coordinated a highly detailed risk management system, given the critical nature of the equipment involved. By integrating strict safety protocols, employing experienced operators, and using state-of-the-art cutting technology, Silver Raven ensured the task was carried out prioritising safety, quality and shutdown critical paths. The project reinforced Silver Raven’s reputation as a trusted leader in specialised industrial solutions, underlining our commitment to ‘Engineering Excellence’.
