The Coke Oven Department of SAIL’s Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) achieved multiple operational milestones during the recently concluded fiscal year 2025–26. The department’s focus on infrastructure development, critical repairs, safety enhancements, and technological modernization has significantly strengthened production continuity and workplace safety.
A key accomplishment was the successful erection and commissioning of Belt Conveyor 501-X, designed for transporting metallurgical coke from Million Ton side to Blast Furnace-5 via the new Coke screening plant route. This installation has improved the coke supply to BF-5 and improved coke handling efficiency.
Throughout the year, several essential repair and maintenance activities were executed to sustain operational reliability. These included the safe replacement of a 40-meter Blast Furnace gas pipeline within the confined cellar area of Coke Oven Battery #1, bogie replacement on Reclaimers #1 and #2 to ensure uninterrupted coal lifting and removal of the load-lifting device on Battery-4 due to unsafe operating conditions. Additionally, a major repair campaign involving the full wall repair of 20 ovens in Battery-5B was completed successfully.
To enhance operational efficiency and ensure workmen safety, a CCTV-based surveillance system along with a RADAR-based proximity detection system was also commissioned for the Ram Cars and Guide Cars of Batteries #1, 3, 4, and 5. This upgradation has significantly improved visibility for operators and reduced safety risks during coke pushing and guiding operations.
Another pivotal initiative was the revival of the 10-ton boiler crane in the CDCP. Further in the hoists, VVVF drives were replaced and appropriately programmed, resulting in augmented production capability. Modifications to the trailing cable supporting structures on Lifter-1 and Lifter-4 were carried out, and additional hoist brake panels were erected on Lifter-3 and Lifter-4. This modification allows immediate switchover to a spare brake panel in case the hoist brake fails and a hot bucket gets stuck, thereby substantially reducing breakdown time.
A landmark achievement was the completion of capital repair on CDCP Chamber #4 within the scheduled timeframe. This repair marked the first-ever capital repair of its kind at Rourkela Steel Plant, establishing a new precedent for maintenance excellence in the plant’s operational history.
