VELCO Advanced EAF Gunning Manipulator For Safer & Efficient Furnace Repairs

15th June 2026

The advanced Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) gunning manipulator range is designed to significantly enhance the efficiency, safety and precision of refractory repairs in steelmaking operations.

Engineered for demanding industrial environments, the system enables operators to carry out targeted “hot repairs” inside electric arc furnaces, reducing downtime and improving overall production continuity. By mechanising the gunning process, the technology minimises manual intervention in high-temperature zones, lowering operational risk while improving repair quality.

Improving Efficiency and Reducing Material Consumption

Compared to traditional manual gunning methods, VELCO’s manipulator technology delivers faster and more accurate application of refractory materials. This results in lower material consumption, improved repair consistency and shorter maintenance cycles—key benefits for steel producers seeking to optimise operational efficiency.

The system supports high-performance gunning rates of up to 250 kg/min, depending on configuration, enabling rapid intervention in critical wear areas such as furnace hot spots.

Flexible Design for Diverse Steel Plant Layouts

VELCO offers a range of configurations to suit different plant requirements, including both fixed and mobile solutions:

• METOP and HYTOP models: Designed for permanent installation on furnace platforms, these systems introduce the gunning lance from above the furnace via the open roof. The HYTOP variant features hydraulic operation and a 360° rotating lance for maximum coverage.
• PNEUTOP: A crane-operated solution ideal for sites where fixed installation is not feasible, allowing flexible deployment across furnaces.
• MobiGUN: A fully mobile, self-propelled unit mounted on a telescopic handler, enabling a single system to service multiple furnaces across a plant.

This modular approach allows operators to tailor equipment selection to site constraints, production layouts and maintenance strategies.

Advanced Control and Automation Capabilities

The EAF gunning manipulators are equipped with modern control systems, including radio remote operation and programmable gunning sequences. Integration with laser scanning technology further enables pre-defined repair patterns, improving repeatability and process control.

Additional features such as ceramic fibre insulation and compressed air cooling ensure reliable performance in extreme thermal conditions, while optional parallelogram arm designs maintain optimal lance positioning even in restricted spaces.

Enhancing Safety in High-Risk Environments

By removing the need for operators to work in close proximity to intense radiant heat and heavy equipment, VELCO’s gunning manipulators play a critical role in improving workplace safety. Automated and remote-controlled operation reduces exposure to hazardous conditions while maintaining precise application of refractory materials.

Supporting Reliable Steel Production

With refractory wear posing a constant challenge in electric arc furnace operations, VELCO’s latest gunning manipulator solutions provide steelmakers with a robust and efficient tool for maintaining furnace integrity. By enabling faster, safer and more consistent repairs, the technology contributes to increased uptime, reduced energy consumption and enhanced production reliability.

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