Bhubaneswar: SAIL’s Rourkela Steel Plant has introduced an advanced emissivity coating in the reheating furnace of its New Plate Mill, marking a major step in its push for cleaner and more efficient steel production. The upgrade, carried out during a scheduled capital repair, was funded through the KfW Environmental Improvement Programme.
The coating improves thermal efficiency by enhancing heat absorption and re-radiation from refractory surfaces. According to RSP, the technology is expected to lower Specific Heat Consumption by about 5 percent, cutting fuel costs while reducing CO₂ and NOₓ emissions. The project was executed at a cost of Rs 23.5 lakh.
Beyond energy savings, the coating ensures more uniform heat distribution inside the furnace, which improves the consistency and quality of reheated slabs. This is expected to support higher-grade plate production in downstream processes. The reduced thermal stress on refractory surfaces will also extend furnace life, improve equipment availability and decrease maintenance requirements.
RSP said the initiative builds on its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and adopt environmentally responsible production methods. The long-term gains include improved reliability, lower operating expenditure and stronger sustainability performance across the plant’s operations.
The project was executed under the close monitoring of Nilamani Mohapatra, Head of Section, NPM (Operation), and the guidance of R.K. Muduli, Chief General Manager (NPM, SPP & Digitalisation), demonstrating the plant’s focus on advanced technology and environmental stewardship.
BI Bureau
