New sinter unit to expand RSP's hot metal capacity

The modernization cum expansion plan of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has got a boost with the trial run of the new sinter unit.

This sinter unit is expected to increase the steel plant's hot metal capacity from the current level of two million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 4.5 mtpa.

The new single strand sinter plant will have an annual production capacity of 3.70 mtpa of gross sinter. A consortium of L&T and Outotec, a Germany-based firm is the technology supplier of the project.

One of the unique features is the use of drum type high intensity mixer and noduliser for raw mix preparation in place of conventional mixing and balling drum. This equipment has been installed for the first time in any sinter unit in India, said an RSP release.

Another new feature is the pneumatic Electro Static Precipitator (ESP) dust conveying system, as a part of which the ESP dust will be charged to the sinter raw mix bed which will help reduce the emission of particulate matter to submissive levels.

At present, erection activities have been completed and pre-commissioning trial runs are in progress. Individual trial runs of key equipment of various units have been successfully completed. Trial run for other important units will be simultaneously taken up with the firm dedicated power supply being commissioned shortly.

The new sinter unit will be ready for integration with other up-stream and down-stream units very soon.