In a significant development for the steel industry, the Steel Authority of India Limited Rourkela Steel Plant has officially signed three contracts related to the construction of the New Stamp Charge Coke Oven Battery-7. This initiative aims not only to meet the plant's growing coke requirements but also to reduce production costs, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency.
The Rourkela Steel Plant currently operates six top charge coke oven batteries, with five of them being smaller in size. The sixth battery, known as Coke Oven Battery-6, was constructed during the final phase of the plant's expansion and is notably taller. The introduction of the new battery represents a significant upgrade in the plant's capabilities.
Coke Oven Battery-7 will be the first stamp charge battery for SAIL, designed to handle a coal throughput capacity of 1 million metric tons per year. This new facility will incorporate advanced by-product and coke dry cooling plant technologies, which are expected to lower the input costs associated with coke production. Additionally, the new battery is anticipated to produce coke of superior quality, aligning with the latest technical and economic parameters in the industry.
To facilitate the construction of this cutting-edge facility, SAIL issued global open tenders for three major project packages. The bidding process was competitive, and the successful bidders were awarded contracts following a thorough evaluation. On October 7, 2024, SAIL entered into a contract with a consortium consisting of Messrs. L&T and Thyssenkrupp UHDE GmbH from Germany for the supply of oven machinery and refractory materials for the new battery.
The collaboration with L&T, a leading engineering and construction firm in India, and Thyssenkrupp UHDE, known for its expertise in industrial plant construction, is expected to bring advanced technology and efficient project execution to the Rourkela Steel Plant. This partnership is pivotal in ensuring that the new coke oven battery meets the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
The introduction of Coke Oven Battery-7 is a strategic move for SAIL Rourkela Steel Plant, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the steel manufacturing process. By investing in state-of-the-art technology, SAIL aims to enhance its production capabilities while minimizing environmental impact.
