The Oxygen Plant- a major service unit of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has been propelling the production and productivity of the Plant through several innovations, commissioning and replacement jobs.
Commissioning of New Oxygen PRMS (Pressure Reducing and Metering Station) of capacity 84000 Nm3/hr has assured the availability of standby PRMS and ensured simultaneous blowing of three convertors at Steel Melting Shop – II. This has enhanced the steel production of the Plant.
Some other major jobs undertaken by the Oxygen Plant included major overhauling of Oxygen Compressor, OC-2 with reconditioned piston rods, Capital Repair of ASU-I & ASU-II and overhauling of Air Compressor AC-1, in-house revival of Nitrogen Compressor and reconditioning of Air Turbo Compressor-2 (ATC-2).
All these steps have helped in maintaining uninterrupted supply of Oxygen, Nitrogen and Argon for Hot metal and Crude Steel production that led to highest ever Hot Metal production for any single day of 16200 Tons on 4th March 2023.
The Oxygen plant unit not only helped in improving and sustaining the production but also brought about substantial savings for the company.
The in-house PD/R drawing of Oil Cooler of Blue Star Air Compressors brought about substantial savings of Rs.60 Lakh. The consumption of Nitrogen in RSP was reduced by arresting leakages and other endeavours that have led to saving in power costing about Rs.5.50 Crores. Moreover the sale of Cryogenic liquid to outside agencies has fetched an earning worth Rs.9.97 Crores.
For improving the housekeeping, the 5S system is being implemented in Propane Plants, Machine Shop and Atlas Copco Air Station. Several steps have been taken to improve the work place safety. These include, barricading of Oxygen PRMS isolation valve platform at 12 metres level, replacement of glass Skylights of staircase with fiber sheets, replacement of concrete trench covers with chequered plates, provision of windsock on top of Air Separation Units, ASU-III and fabrication of full lube oil drum shifting trolley etc.
Through these multifarious endeavours, the Oxygen Plant has been infusing energy to the major production units for reaching newer heights.
