A cutting-edge Ladle Furnace 2D (LF#2D) under the Caster-IV project has been successfully commissioned in Steel Melting Shop-II (SMS-II) department of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), on 11th June 2025. This achievement underscores RSP’s commitment to technological modernisation, enhanced productivity, and a strong culture of safety.
The project has been executed by M/s SMS India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi (SMI) as the consortium leader, in collaboration with M/s SMS group GmbH, Germany (SDE). The commissioning of the new ladle furnace has been made possible through the seamless coordination between RSP’s internal departments like Project Department, SMS-II, Power Distribution, Safety Engineering, and other associated teams and the consortium partners. The newly operational LF#2D is a critical facility that will significantly boost the productivity of SMS-II by ensuring timely and efficient supply of liquid steel to the new slab caster alongside the existing Casters #1, #2, and #3.
In his congratulatory message to the RSP collective, Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge, RSP, with additional charge of Durgapur Steel Plant & IISCO Steel Plant said, “Steel is not just what we make — it is who we are. RSP is truly proud of everyone’s sincere and hardworking efforts.” He also congratulated the Project Team Leader, all associated departments, SMS-II team members, and their leader M/s SMS group, along with all the partners for the successful commissioning of LF#2D under Caster-IV.
The LF#2D is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with a 30 MVA furnace transformer, a water-cooled ladle roof, a hydraulic roof-lifting system, advanced electrode handling assemblies, and a mechanised ferro-alloy feeding system. It also includes centralized lubrication, inert gas stirring for bath homogenization, and provisions for emergency top lancing. Systems for precise temperature measurement, CELOX-based measurement of oxygen levels, and automated sampling enhance metallurgical control, while a highly efficient fume exhaust system and Al/CaSi wire feeding unit contribute to safe and environmentally responsible operations. The robust layout is further supported by well-designed maintenance hoists.
The commissioning process was executed with attention to safety and strict compliance with protocols, achieving a zero-incident record. The successful operationalization of LF#2D is the result of untiring efforts by the Project Team, SMS-II, consultant CET, and all associated departments of RSP.
