State-of-the-art: 220 million euro modernisation project completed at Zentralkokerei Saar

Optimisation of coke production and the reduction of emissions were the essential targets of the modernisation project started in 2007 at Zentralkokerei Saar GmbH (ZKS), a joint subsidiary of AG der Dillinger Hüttenwerke and Saarstahl AG. Work has now been completed: following the construction of the new Battery 3 and its commissioning in 2010, the totally renovated Battery 1 has now also been successfully commissioned. "This is a vital investment for Saarland's steel industry", noted the Executive Officers for technology of Dillinger Hütte and Saarstahl, Dr. Norbert Bannenberg and Martin Baues, on the comprehensive modernisation of ZKS at a total cost of some 220 million euros. "It assures the use of state-of-the-art coke-oven technology and once again significantly improves environmental protection at Dillingen location", emphasised Bannenberg at the conclusion of the modernisation work, and Baues focussed on the project's significance in securing the location for Saarland's steel industry: "This modernisation makes an important contribution to assuring supply of coke of the very highest quality for the production of hot metal in the ROGESA Roheisengesellschaft Saar blast furnaces".

Pollution control improved

The modernisation of the batteries included the incorporation of the very latest pollution-prevention technologies: a new charging-gas capture system, and the installation of independent pressure control in each individual coke oven chamber have both achieved a reduction in emissions, for example. In addition, a second quenching tower has been constructed, the coke ovens' heating arrangements optimised, and the gas desulphurisation system renewed. The project extended not only to the batteries, but also included the by-products plant, the so-called "white side" at ZKS. Here, all the facilities for cleaning of coke-oven gas have been updated to meet the very latest technological and environmental standards.

In total, more than 10 % of the amount invested went for improvement of environmental safety. Around 50 % of the orders for modernisation of Zentralkokerei Saar were awarded to partner companies located in the Saarland and the surrounding region.

Zentralkokerei Saar GmbH (ZKS) in Dillingen is a joint subsidiary of Aktien-Gesellschaft der Dillinger Hüttenwerke (Dillinger Hütte) in Dillingen and Saarstahl AG in Völklingen (each holding an indirect 50 % interest). ZKS was commissioned in 1984 and produces coke intended exclusively for use in the blast furnaces of ROGESA Roheisengesellschaft Saar mbH (also a joint subsidiary of Dillinger Hütte and Saarstahl AG each holding a 50 % direct and indirect share). ZKS is a company without employees. Personnel are provided by Dillinger Hütte for operation of the coking plant.