Reaffirming its commitment to deliver advanced maintenance solutions to stakeholders, the CEM-Repair Shop Electrical (CEM-RSE) department of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has successfully commissioned a state-of-the-art Cryogenic Cleaning System and an innovative Make-Shift Hot Box. The new equipments were tested and commissioned on 31st July, 2025 in the presence of Mr. Raja Kishore Muduli, CGM (Electrical) and Mr. Polaki Santosh Kumar, GM In-charge & HOD (CEM). Several senior officers of the plant and a large number of employees of CEM-RSE were present on the occasion.
The Cryogenic Cleaning System represents a highly advanced and safe method for cleaning motors. Utilizing a DRY-ICE blaster, the system operates at a pressure range of 3–15 bar, delivering dry ice at a rate of 10 to 65 kg per hour. DRY-ICE, the solid form of carbon dioxide, sublimates directly from solid to gas without entering a liquid state, making it ideal for cleaning motor windings without compromising insulation integrity. This technology significantly enhances the insulation resistance (IR) of motor windings without requiring them to be placed in a hot box, thereby reducing the overall overhauling time. The process not only ensures quicker turnaround but also leads to more efficient manpower utilization and faster delivery to user departments.
The newly introduced Make-Shift Hot Box, equipped with a heat-resistant tarpaulin and industrial hot blower, provides effective on-site heat treatment for jobs located in remote areas, eliminating the need to transport motors to the CEM-RSE facility. Essentially, the hot box now goes to the motor, not the other way around. This approach is especially valuable during the rainy season, enabling maintenance teams to retain optimal IR values without dismantling motors. The portability and efficiency of this system are poised to be a game changer for motor maintenance.
The commissioning of these two cutting-edge systems underscores CEM-RSE’s drive to adopt innovative technologies and reinforces its unique position among SAIL units in electrical maintenance and reliability.
