Input substation modernization proceeds
Greater reliability in the supply of electrical energy to U. S. Steel Kosice will be ensured by the connection of the steelworks to the very high tension transmission network of the Slovakian Electrification and Power-distribution System corporation (SEPS). The contract for the new connection of USSK's steel plants to the 400 kV grid was signed back in November 2006. The first part of the construction project consisted of modernization of the input substation at the steelworks, which began in the autumn of 2008. The building work is currently being completed, and two 280-ton transformers with 250 MVA output, which will transform the voltage from 400 kV to 110 kV, have already arrived in Kosice from the Siemens-Koncar works in Zagreb, Croatia. The transport of these 5-meter-high, 4-meter-wide and 12-meter-long transformers requires special vehicles and technology. The substation project should be completed in the autumn of 2009.
Slag as geopolymeric bonding agent
The specialist team dealing with the utilization of slag-ash mixtures has succeeded with the assistance of USSE researchers in finding applications for them in the construction industry. The most attractive is the use of slag as a geopolymeric bonding agent. This new material originates under conditions which are similar to natural processes. The material has unusual characteristics that are comparable with concrete. In France, where the most progress has been made in developing this technology, an interesting opinion has emerged, which is that certain parts of the Egyptian pyramids were constructed in this manner.
Slag as geopolymeric bonding agent
Just recently the originators of the six best research projects at U. S. Steel Kosice in 2008 received their awards in the form of certificates of honor. The modest presentation ceremony was attended by U. S. Steel Kosice President George F. Babcoke and the then Vice President Technology Patrick J. Mullarkey (at that time, currently VP Production). The awards were presented personally by GM Research USSE Michael L. Simko. Among the winners were the young researchers Róbert Matina and Rastislav Danik, who also won the AISI prize for 2008 together with their colleagues from the Research Division at Munhall in the USA.
