Sumitomo Metal Industries Ltd has been proceeding with investments in innovative steelmaking processes at Sumitomo Metals (Kokura) Ltd. The main facilities are for secondary refining, namely, the No. 2 LF refining facility (2LF) and the No. 2 RH degassing facility (2RH), for the No. 4 continuous caster (4CC), and for a phosphorous removal furnace. Among these, construction of the 2LF, 2RH, and 4CC has been completed. Accordingly, a completion ceremony was held on 22 December 2009 and operation has already begun. Sumitomo Metals (Kokura) produces two types of specialty steels: super functional steel and super clean steel. Super functional steel performs aimed functions such as advanced workability that enables to actively disperse and control non-metallic inclusions. Super clean steel has a longer life and improved fatigue characteristics, as non-metallic inclusions are almost completely removed. As a result of the investments, manufacturing processes have been completely separated for the two types of products through the establishment of a super functional steel production line (consisting of the newly constructed 2LF-2RH-4CC) and a super clean steel production line (consisting of the existing VAD-1RH-3CC.) By enabling optimal processes to be applied for each product and simplifying logistics in the factory, improvements in quality and efficiency have been achieved. A phosphorous removal furnace is also under construction, with completion targeted in October 2010. The objective for this investment is to introduce the Simple Refining Process, which separates the removal process of phosphorous and carbon and enables the achievement of higher quality, greater efficiency, and a lower environmental burden.
