In a significant step towards self-reliance, SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) collaborated with SAIL, Research & Development Centre for Iron and Steel (RDCIS) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to launch Performance Trial for indigenously developed roll bite lubrication oil at Hot Strip Mill-2 (HSM-2). The trial was inaugurated by Mr. Subrat Kumar, CGM (HSMs & Auxiliaries). Mr. Samir R. Mohapatra, GM I/c (Roll Shop) and Mr. Sudhir Tirkey, GM I/c (RDCIS Rourkela Centre), along with other Senior Officers from RSP and RDCIS were present on the occasion. From IOCL, Dr. Rameshwar Choudhary, Senior Research Manager, IOCL R&D, Mr. Kuldeep Pradhan, Senior Technical Service Manager, IOCL, and their team graced the occasion. The event witnessed the presence of key officials from HSM-2 including Mr. Ranjit Kujur, GM (Electrical), HSM-2, Mr. Dipak Kumar Yadav, GM (Operation), HSM-2, Mr. Subrat Kanungo, GM (Mechanical), Mr. H S Allahabadia, GM (Operation), Mr. Chidananda Nayak, GM, HSM-2, Mr. Manoranjan Kumar, GM (HSM-2) and Mr. Chiranjit Jena, AGM (HSM-2).
Notably, the innovative roll bite lubrication oil has been jointly developed by RDCIS and IOCL through extensive laboratory research and pilot-scale trials at RDCIS experimental rolling mill. For the purpose of plant trials, dedicated system including modified headers was installed in the finishing stands of HSM-2 to enable effective application of the newly formulated oil.
The objective of the trial is to assess the performance and benefits of the indigenous hot rolling oil under actual operating conditions. Roll bite lubrication is anticipated to bring significant improvements in the hot rolling process, including reduced roll force and energy consumption, enhanced surface quality of rolled products, and improved capability for rolling critical steel grades.
