Induction equipment manufacturer Inductotherm successfully commissioned four 22 000 kW power supplies connected to 50 t furnace systems, and a fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) coating plant for rebar, at steel products producer BSRM Group, in Bangladesh.

“We work with many steel mills around the world and we always enjoy working with the technology driven by BSRM. From the first units we installed in 2005 to this most recent system, it gives us pleasure to support them as they continue to grow their business,” comments Inductotherm MD Jagat Shah.

He notes that BSRM aspires to produce high-quality steel products by continuously enhancing customer satisfaction and becoming a reliable business partner to its customers and suppliers. Inductotherm shares these values, hence, being proud to be part of the team that has been supporting BSRM in achieving its goals for over 12 years.

“We have taken up the challenge of producing a large quantity of steel most efficiently through the induction furnace route and, therefore, decided to use the 50 t furnaces. We commissioned the world’s largest plant for billet-making through induction furnaces, which has been possible owing to technical leadership, partnership and commitment from Inductotherm,” says BSRM MD Aameir Alihussain.

Moreover, BSRM produces mild steel billets to feed its rolling mill to make international quality concrete reinforcing bars conforming to ASTM A615 Grade 40 standard structural sections, such as angles, channels and flat bars, that also conform to international standards. BSRM also uses the most advanced technologies, positioning them to be one of the world’s major steel producers.

The installed capacity of the new melt shop is close to 900 000 t/y and consists of four 22 000 kW VIP induction power supplies, each powering a 50 t furnace. This combination of equipment makes it the largest steel plant in the world operating induction furnaces.

Further, BSRM increases productivity and efficiency by taking advantage of induction furnace technology in order to survive in a low-margin and highly competitive market. The new melting furnaces will thus minimise operating costs and reduce particulate and noise pollution.

Steel billet making using induction furnaces, ladle refining furnaces and continuous casters is also proven to be commercially viable in terms of quality and cost to feed rolling mills producing commercial grade steel, such as rebar, wire rod, pipe, and light and small sections.

BSRM also invested in a 34 000-million-ton-a-year-capacity FBE coating plant for rebar, again trusting in Inductotherm to supply a full plant for FBE coating. This technology will give additional value to BSRM by producing the FBE coated rebar to be used in special construction applications where corrosion prevention is mandatory. FBE coated rebar almost doubles the structural life of concrete.

“Inductotherm is pleased to provide outstanding equipment and services to all its customers operating the most technologically-advanced equipment around the world in 129 countries. We know that BSRM has carefully chosen Inductotherm as its equipment supplier and we look forward to working with them for years to come as they continue to expand,” concludes Shah.