The Expert Committee Meeting on Sinter Making was held at SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) on 11th July, 2024. Mr. Atanu Bhowmick, Director In-Charge (DIC), RSP inaugurated the one-day conference attended by personnel related to Sinter and associated operations from different units of SAIL. Mr. S R Suryawanshi, ED (Works) and Mr. B R Palai, CGM (Iron) were also present on the dais on the occasion. The DIC and other dignitaries lighted the knowledge lamp to mark the commencement of the programme.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Bhowmick highlighted the present day scenario where the emphasis is more on the ‘Waste to Wealth’ concept. He underscored the necessity of incorporating digitalization and Artificial Intelligence to enhance the efficiency, productivity and cost-effectiveness of sinter making. he also stressed on quality of sinter for process optimization and obtaining higher outputs from Blast Furnaces. “Sintering Plants are key to achieving our target of producing 12500 tonnes of Hot Metal from 2 Blast Furnaces,” he added. Highlighting the significance of sustainability, the DIC urged the diverse team of experts to deliberate and brainstorm to enhance efficiency and reduce carbon footprint in the operations.
Mr. Suryawanshi in his address urged the participants to make best use of the exclusive technical forum to discuss, deliberate, exchange and explore ideas related to the critical sintering process. He emphasised upon ensuring the quality of sinter to reduce coke rate, fuel rate and carbon footprint. The ED(Works) also urged the experts of the domain to discuss about the best practices from the country in the arena and explore on futuristic technologies to be used in next modernization process. “The platform gives a good opportunity to learn from each other and work on deficiencies to avoid recurrence of breakdowns and enhance equipment availability,” he added.
Expert teams from the different units of SAIL viz Bhilai Steel Plant, Bokaro Steel Plant, Durgapur Steel Plant, IISCO Steel Plant, Rourkela Steel Plant, RDCIS & CET made presentations on the best practices in sinter making processes in their respective units including the challenges and opportunities. The session focused on innovations in process control and best practices in operational maintenance, providing attendees with valuable insights and strategies to optimize their operations.
A syndicate discussion was organised at the end of the day’s deliberations in which Mr. S R Suryawanshi presided and assessed the action plan for improvement.
At the outset, the inaugural session started with the rendition of the national anthem. Mr. B R Palai welcomed the gathering. Mr. Shanu Sinha, Assistant Manager, SP-III and Mr. Sandeep Awasthi, Manager, SP-II coordinated the program.
