SAIL Durgapur awards SMS group with turnkey modernization for new converters and environmental facilities

SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) Durgapur, India, has awarded SMS group a turnkey contract for the supply of three new 110-ton converters for its steelmaking plant No. 2 to replace the converters SMS group supplied 25 years ago. The new converters will be rated for ten percent more volume.

Moreover, SMS group will supply secondary dust collecting systems for the three converters. The new systems will be installed in the works for the first time and will more than meet the relevant environmental requirements.

Commissioning of the complete plant is scheduled for September 2020.

The new converters will be equipped with a bottom stirring system for combined blowing, which cuts the stirring and homogenization time, reduces surface vibrations, and minimizes refractory lining wear. The objective is to reduce the use of alloying elements previously required.

Thanks to the maintenance-free lamella converter suspension system developed by SMS group, the converter vessel can be arranged in the trunnion ring without restraint. The use of the lamella suspension system, a larger air gap, and high-quality special-purpose steel grades will ensure the converters are suitably adapted to the thermal loads. This is achieved without additional cooling fluids. Sufficient cooling is ensured by the natural thermal current alone.

The X-Pact® electrical and automation systems for the entire converter shop will ensure cost-effective production and high steel quality.

SMS group’s scope of supply comprises the turnkey installation of the equipment, design and supply of the converters, the bottom stirring system, secondary dust collection systems, and X-Pact® electrical and automation systems, as well as the erection and commissioning work.