RSP goes for value addition in product portfolio

In the last one year, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has added new grades of steel in its product basket in an effort to add value to its portfolio through research, development and innovation.

Outlining new grades, RSP sources said production of API X-70 PSL II HR coils for pipe making was one significant step.

The recently developed SAIL SAILCOR HR coils that find application in wagon building was also an achievement, the sources said.

The IS 2062 E450 (Cu) HR coil (5-6 mm), another newly developed grade, is used for wagon building and other structural uses.

Another important value addition to the product basket was the formidable LPG (High Si) HR coil with improved thickness tolerance and restricted mill load, the sources added.

The newly developed Lock Forming Quality (LFQ) grade GP sheet that has better formidability is being used for development of rectangular ducts, the sources said.

Another important development is the ASTM 537 Class - II Q & T Plates which is quenched and tempered at the Special Plate Plant (SPP). This is used for manufacturing penstock that is used in hydal power plants.

In SPP, low hardness Russian-made spade Armour plates were also successfully heat treated for desired high hardness for Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi.

Development of higher coating thickness material in 50-C-470 grade with C-6 coating at the Silicon Steel Mill is another noteworthy feature. This is used in Traction motors.

RSP has recently increased its hot metal capacity to 4.5 MT by making the biggest blast furnace of the country operational.

Many upstream and downstream facilities have already being added or are nearing completion, the sources said.