Kiruna, a remote region in the northernmost part of Sweden, is home to the iron ore palletizing plant at Svappavaara owned and operated by LKAB. Metso was awarded the contract to replace a section of kiln shell, riding ring, kiln support rollers and associated bearings on a 20ft x 140ft rotary iron ore palletizing kiln. According to Mr Chris Johnston supervisor for field service and retrofits of Metso said that the project required extensive preparation ahead of the installation. He said that “LKAB brought in four cranes for both heavy lifting and precision positioning. Metso had to co-ordinate multiple manufacturers and sub-contractors for all the parts and replacement items.” Mr Bengt Andersson who had overall responsibility for the project said that “This attention to detail was well-received by LKAB. It was really a precision job. There was zero tolerance when the new bearing ring and 5.5 meter diameter casing was installed. Because of everyone’s commitment to the project we avoided any major disturbances.”
