THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
ROURKELA,
MAY 14, 2026
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
sustained focus on infrastructure development, critical repairs, safety
enhancement, and technological modernization has significantly strengthened
production continuity and workplace safety.
A key achievement was
the successful erection and commissioning of Belt Conveyor 501-X, designed for
transporting metallurgical coke from the Million Ton side to Blast Furnace-5
through the new Coke Screening Plant route. The installation has streamlined
coke supply to BF-5 while enhancing overall coke handling efficiency.
During the year,
several critical repair and maintenance activities were undertaken to ensure
operational reliability. These included the safe replacement of a 40-metre
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 owing to unsafe
operating conditions. In addition, a major repair campaign involving full wall
repair of 20 ovens in Battery-5B was completed successfully.
To further improve
operational efficiency and ensure workmen safety, a CCTV-based surveillance
system along with a RADAR-based proximity detection system was commissioned for
the Ram Cars and Guide Cars of Batteries #1, 3, 4, and 5. The upgradation has
considerably enhanced operator visibility and reduced safety risks during coke
pushing and guiding operations.
Another significant initiative was the revival of the 10-ton boiler crane in the CDCP. Further, VVVF drives in the hoists were replaced and suitably programmed, resulting in enhanced production capability. Modifications to the trailing cable support structures on Lifter-1 and Lifter-4 were also carried out, while additional hoist brake panels were installed on Lifter-3 and Lifter-4. The modification enables immediate switchover to a spare brake panel in case of hoist brake failure and hot bucket jamming, thereby substantially reducing breakdown time.
A landmark accomplishment during the year was the completion of capital repair work on CDCP Chamber #4 within the scheduled timeframe. The repair marked the first-ever capital repair of its kind at the plant, setting a new benchmark for maintenance excellence in the operational history of Steel Authority of India Limited.
