Hardly a week after clinching the national record for the highest-ever 350-ton Torpedo ladle campaign life, SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has shattered yet another milestone- this time in the realm of RH-OB Snorkel life.
On 13th March 2024, RSP soared to new heights by achieving an unprecedented Snorkel life of 196 heats, which is not only its best-since-inception figure but also the best in SAIL. Besides under similar operating condition, this figure is the best in India also.
Notably, RHOB snorkels play a pivotal role in producing special-grade clean steel, used in critical applications in defense, space, and infrastructure projects such as dams and bridges.
Recognizing the strategic importance of these components, Refractory Engineering Services and Steel Melting Shop-2 (SMS-II) have upscaled efforts to enhance snorkel longevity and reliability through various innovative work practices so as to maintain RH-OB availability for improved plant productivity and making quality steel.
These practices include revision in lining pattern and maintenance systems like slag –dipping practice, gunning after each heat concept, modifications in heating cycle, online inspection and thermography etc. Thermal scanning of shell is being carried out after every heat to ascertain potential threat areas. Also, the RH-OB upper vessel life has improved substantially in all three vessels at Rourkela Steel Plant.
Refractory Engineering Services, and SMS-II are working together to excel further in RH-OB Snorkel with increased life and reliability to produce quality steel.
