Introduction
The Research & Development Centre for Iron & Steel (RDCIS) at SAIL, Ranchi, stands as a beacon of innovation and technological advancement in the realm of iron and steel production. In this comprehensive exploration, we unravel the multifaceted dimensions of RDCIS, shedding light on its foundational objectives, strategic methodologies, and the transformative impact it has on the iron and steel industry.
Step 1: Genesis and Establishment
Inception of RDCIS: The Research & Development Centre for Iron & Steel was established by Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in 1972 with the vision to spearhead research initiatives in iron and steel production. Situated in Ranchi, Jharkhand, RDCIS has played a pivotal role in positioning SAIL as a global leader in the steel industry.
Mission and Objectives: RDCIS was conceived with a mission to foster technological innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to the sustainable development of the iron and steel sector. Its objectives encompass applied research, process optimization, and the development of cutting-edge technologies.
Step 2: State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
Advanced Laboratories: RDCIS boasts a state-of-the-art infrastructure featuring advanced laboratories equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation. These laboratories serve as incubators for research projects, allowing scientists and engineers to delve into the intricacies of metallurgy, materials science, and process engineering.
Pilot Plants and Testing Facilities: Complementing the laboratories, RDCIS houses pilot plants and testing facilities that provide a real-world platform for scaling up innovations. This facilitates the seamless transition of research findings from the conceptual stage to practical implementation within SAIL’s production units.
Step 3: Research Focus Areas
Raw Material Optimization: RDCIS focuses on optimizing the utilization of raw materials in steel production. This includes research on enhancing the quality of iron ore, coke, and other inputs, ensuring a more sustainable and cost-effective production process.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability: With a commitment to environmental stewardship, RDCIS undertakes research initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint of steel production. Innovative technologies for waste heat recovery and emissions control are at the forefront of these efforts.
Product Innovation and Quality Enhancement: RDCIS actively engages in product innovation and quality enhancement. Research projects are dedicated to developing high-grade steel alloys, improving mechanical properties, and meeting the evolving demands of diverse industries.
Step 4: Collaborations and Partnerships
Academic Collaborations: RDCIS collaborates with leading academic institutions, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge and expertise. These partnerships contribute to a rich research ecosystem, bringing together academia and industry in pursuit of breakthroughs in iron and steel technology.
Industry Collaborations: In addition to academic alliances, RDCIS collaborates with other industry players globally. These collaborations facilitate the sharing of best practices, technological advancements, and market insights, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the steel sector.
Step 5: Technological Innovations and Patents
Innovative Technologies: RDCIS has been a crucible for the development of several innovative technologies that have revolutionized the iron and steel industry. From novel casting techniques to advanced automation, these technologies contribute to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced product quality.
Patents and Intellectual Property: The centre has garnered a formidable portfolio of patents and intellectual property rights, showcasing its contributions to advancing the technological frontier. These patents underscore RDCIS’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and protecting the fruits of its research endeavors.
Step 6: Human Capital Development
Research Scholar Programs: RDCIS actively engages in human capital development through research scholar programs. Young and talented researchers are provided with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects, contributing to their professional growth and the overall intellectual capital of the organization.
Training and Skill Development: Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, RDCIS conducts training programs to enhance the technical competencies of its personnel. This focus on skill development ensures that the centre remains at the vanguard of technological advancements in the steel industry.
Step 7: Impact on SAIL and the Industry
Operational Advancements: RDCIS’s contributions have translated into operational advancements within SAIL’s production units. The implementation of research findings has led to increased production efficiency, reduced costs, and improved product quality, contributing to SAIL’s competitive edge in the global market.
Industry Benchmark: RDCIS’s achievements reverberate beyond SAIL, setting benchmarks for the entire iron and steel industry. Its research outcomes and technological innovations serve as a reference point for industry players globally, influencing best practices and shaping the future trajectory of steel manufacturing.
Technology Marketing
Some of the important technological services undertaken are :
- Know-how transfer of technologies developed by RDCIS
- Consultancy services / Contract research
- Specialised testing services
- Training
RDCIS Clientele includes
- Tiajpromexport, Russia
- DSI, USA
- MSCO, Iran
- Foolad Technic, Iran
- EISCO, Egypt
- SAIBIC, Soudi Arabia
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai
- DRDL, Hyderabad
- IGCAR, Kalpakkam
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
- Nuclear Fuel Complex, Hyderabad
- Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Trivandrum
- RDSO,Lucknow
- Southern Railway,Chennai
- CIL, Kolkata
- Indian Oil Corpn.,R&D, Faridabad
- Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd., Kolkata
- Hindustan Petroleum Corp., Mumbai
- NINL , Bhubaneshwar
- MECON Ltd., Ranchi
- BHEL-WRI, Tiruchirappalli
- RINL, Visakhapatnam
- Tata Steel Ltd., Jamshedpur
- Uttam Galva Metallics Ltd., Wardha
- Jindal Steel & Power Ltd., Raigarh
- Ispat Industries Ltd., Dolvi
- NTPC-Alstom, New Delhi
- Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), N. Delhi.
Some of the important technological services undertaken recently are :
- Consultancy for setting up a R&D Centre for Mobarekeh Steel Co., Iran.
- Consultancy for preparation of Anhydrous Mass at EISCO, Egypt Clay Mill for BF- 3.
- Development of slab gap detection sensor for identification of slabs in steel plant applications, DIT, New Delhi
- Development of on line surface inspection system for hot rolled flat products, DIT, New Delhi
- A Study to ascertain extent of replication of energy efficient technologies in steel re-rolling mills in India forPMC, UNDP/GEF Project (Steel) with Ministry of Steel, Govt. of India.
- Data gathering and analysis of Echo-tech options in steel re-rolling sector in India for PMC, UNDP/GEF Project (Steel) with Ministry of Steel, Govt. of India.
- Residual stress measurement/ Fatigue load test of rails forRDSO, Lucknow/ Southern Railway, Chennai
- Joint development and commercialisation of rolling oils for rolling mills of steel plants forIOC-R&D, Faridabad, HPCL, Mumbai & Balmer Lawrie, Kolkata.
- Testing and Evaluation of rolling and rust preventive oils forvarious oil manufacturers.
- Development of Corrosion resistant Roof bolting system for underground mines forCoal India Ltd., Kolkata ( S & T fund – Ministry of Coal )
- Development of PLC based integrated control & monitoring system for conveyors and other equipment of under ground mines for Coal India Ltd (CIL– R&D)
- Application of high strength roof bolting in underground mines CMPDIL (Coal –S&T)
- Up–gradation of reheating furnaces for improving efficiency & reduction of GHG emissions from re–rolling mills for PCRA, New Delhi.
- Consultancy assignment for retrofitting technologies for improving energy-effociency & reducing GHG emissions of existing reheating furnaces in small & medium sector re-rolling mills, PCRA, New Delhi
- Design, development of energy efficient tunnel kiln for white ware industry for PCRA, New Delhi
- Replication of retro–fitting technologies for improving energy–efficiency and reducing GHG emission of existing re-heating furnaces in small & medium sector re–rolling mills for PCRA, New Delhi.
- Various tests / material characterisation using Gleeble 3500C System for BHEL-WRI , Tiruchirappalli;Tata Steel, Jamshedpur; IGCAR, Kalpakkam; DRDL, Hyderabad;VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram;NFC, Hydrabad;LPSC, Trivendrum; IIT Bombay,Powai;IIT, Khargpur,etc.
- Pilot Coke Oven test forRINL
- Consultancy services for Intellectual Property Rights Management at RINL, Visakhapatnam
- Effect of Chemical composition on properties and galvanisability of structural steel for TLT segment for Power Grid Corpn. of India Ltd,Gurgaon
- Thermography survey ofKalyani Steel, Pune;BPSCL,Bokaro; BESCL,Bhilai;NSPCL,Rourkela
- Consultancy services for Feasibility study on setting up of heat treatment facilities for critical mechanical components,, Khopoli
- Development of semi processed un–coated electrical steels for Uttam Galva Steel, Khopoli
- Various tests/studies using Hot Dip Process Simulation (HDPS) unit for product development of Tata Steel Ltd., Jamshedpur.
- Transfer of know-how for design configuration of modified tundish impact pads toIFGL, Kolkata;Refcom, Purulia; Refracast, Raipur, Orient Refractory Ltd.,New Delhi.
- Beneficiation of iron ore fines forFerro Green Limited,Bangalore;KMMI, Bellary; VSL Co. Bellary.
- Residual Life Assessment (RLA) through Accelerated Creep Rupture Test (ACRT) for boiler plates/tubes foNTPC–Alstom, New Delhi., IRC Engg. Services India Pvt.Ltd.Noida
- Consultancy services for Improvement in sinter plant performance for Ispat Industries Ltd. Dolvi
- Characterisation of patented steel wire/rods forUsha Martin Ltd.,Tatisilwai.
- Metallurgical investigations of samples of various Customers.
- Technology awareness programmes for various organisations either at their premises or at RDCIS, Ranchi.
RDCIS also offers its technological services in fields other than iron & steel.
OTHER CLIENTELE
- IRCON,, New Delhi
- RWF, Bangalore
- Bhushan Power & Steel Ltd., Raigarh
- NINL,Bhubaneshwar
- HEC,Ranchi
- CPCB, N. Delhi
- JSW Steel, Bellary
- Anatest & Maritime Consultants,, ,Visakhapatnam
- Llyods Steel Ltd., Wardha
- Jayaswals Neco, Raipur
- OCL, Rajgangpur
- Vardhman Steel, Ludhiana
- Sesa Industries, Goa
- IDCOL, KIW, Barbil
- Essar Steel Ltd., Surat
- MIDHANI, Hyderabad
- Jindal Strips Ltd., Hisar
- SGS India, Dhanbad/Chennai
- Sunflag, Nagpur
- J. B. Boda Surveyors Pvt. Ltd.,Visakhapatnam
Some of the on-going Collaborations:
R&D of Indian Oil, Faridabad : MOA on development of “Hot Rolling Lubrication Technology for different steel Mills”.
C-DAC, Thiruvanthapuram: Agreement on “Indigenous development of model based breakout prediction system for Continuous Caster”.
CSIR-CBRI, Roorkee: Agreement on “ Performance Evaluation of Fire Resistant Structural under Fire Condition”.
Incharge, Technology Marketing,
R & D Centre for Iron & Steel
Steel Authority of India Limited,
Ispat Bhawan, Doranda,
Ranchi – 834002,
Jharkhand, India
Phone : 91 (0651) 2411099
Fax : 91 (0651) 2411083
E-mail : neetac[at]sail[dot]
Contact Us :
Research & Development Centre for Iron and Steel (RDCIS)
Mr Ujjwal Bhaskar
GM (Comm.)&COC
Email : coc[dot]ranchi[at]sail[dot]in
Tel : 91 – 0651-2411073
Technology Marketing
Some of the important technological services undertaken are
- Know-how transfer of technologies developed by RDCIS
- Consultancy services / Contract research
- Specialised testing services
- Training
RDCIS Clientele includes
- Tiajpromexport, Russia
- DSI, USA
- MSCO, Iran
- Foolad Technic, Iran
- EISCO, Egypt
- SAIBIC, Soudi Arabia
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai
- DRDL, Hyderabad
- IGCAR, Kalpakkam
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
- Nuclear Fuel Complex, Hyderabad
- Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Trivandrum
- RDSO,Lucknow
- Southern Railway,Chennai
- CIL, Kolkata
- Indian Oil Corpn.,R&D, Faridabad
- Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd., Kolkata
- Hindustan Petroleum Corp., Mumbai
- NINL , Bhubaneshwar
- MECON Ltd., Ranchi
- BHEL-WRI, Tiruchirappalli
- RINL, Visakhapatnam
- Tata Steel Ltd., Jamshedpur
- Uttam Galva Metallics Ltd., Wardha
- Jindal Steel & Power Ltd., Raigarh
- Ispat Industries Ltd., Dolvi
- NTPC-Alstom, New Delhi
- Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), N. Delhi.
Some of the important technological services undertaken recently are
- Consultancy for setting up a R&D Centre for Mobarekeh Steel Co., Iran.
- Consultancy for preparation of Anhydrous Mass at EISCO, Egypt Clay Mill for BF- 3.
- Development of slab gap detection sensor for identification of slabs in steel plant applications, DIT, New Delhi
- Development of on line surface inspection system for hot rolled flat products, DIT, New Delhi
- A Study to ascertain extent of replication of energy efficient technologies in steel re-rolling mills in India forPMC, UNDP/GEF Project (Steel) with Ministry of Steel, Govt. of India.
- Data gathering and analysis of Echo-tech options in steel re-rolling sector in India for PMC, UNDP/GEF Project (Steel) with Ministry of Steel, Govt. of India.
- Residual stress measurement/ Fatigue load test of rails forRDSO, Lucknow/ Southern Railway, Chennai
- Joint development and commercialisation of rolling oils for rolling mills of steel plants forIOC-R&D, Faridabad, HPCL, Mumbai & Balmer Lawrie, Kolkata.
- Testing and Evaluation of rolling and rust preventive oils forvarious oil manufacturers.
- Development of Corrosion resistant Roof bolting system for underground mines forCoal India Ltd., Kolkata ( S & T fund – Ministry of Coal )
- Development of PLC based integrated control & monitoring system for conveyors and other equipment of under ground mines for Coal India Ltd (CIL– R&D)
- Application of high strength roof bolting in underground mines CMPDIL (Coal –S&T)
- Up–gradation of reheating furnaces for improving efficiency & reduction of GHG emissions from re–rolling mills for PCRA, New Delhi.
- Consultancy assignment for retrofitting technologies for improving energy-effociency & reducing GHG emissions of existing reheating furnaces in small & medium sector re-rolling mills, PCRA, New Delhi
- Design, development of energy efficient tunnel kiln for white ware industry for PCRA, New Delhi
- Replication of retro–fitting technologies for improving energy–efficiency and reducing GHG emission of existing re-heating furnaces in small & medium sector re–rolling mills for PCRA, New Delhi.
- Various tests / material characterisation using Gleeble 3500C System for BHEL-WRI , Tiruchirappalli;Tata Steel, Jamshedpur; IGCAR, Kalpakkam; DRDL, Hyderabad;VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram;NFC, Hydrabad;LPSC, Trivendrum; IIT Bombay,Powai;IIT, Khargpur,etc.
- Pilot Coke Oven test forRINL
- Consultancy services for Intellectual Property Rights Management at RINL, Visakhapatnam
- Effect of Chemical composition on properties and galvanisability of structural steel for TLT segment for Power Grid Corpn. of India Ltd,Gurgaon
- Thermography survey ofKalyani Steel, Pune;BPSCL,Bokaro; BESCL,Bhilai;NSPCL,Rourkela
- Consultancy services for Feasibility study on setting up of heat treatment facilities for critical mechanical components,, Khopoli
- Development of semi processed un–coated electrical steels for Uttam Galva Steel, Khopoli
- Various tests/studies using Hot Dip Process Simulation (HDPS) unit for product development of Tata Steel Ltd., Jamshedpur.
- Transfer of know-how for design configuration of modified tundish impact pads toIFGL, Kolkata;Refcom, Purulia; Refracast, Raipur, Orient Refractory Ltd.,New Delhi.
- Beneficiation of iron ore fines forFerro Green Limited,Bangalore;KMMI, Bellary; VSL Co. Bellary.
- Residual Life Assessment (RLA) through Accelerated Creep Rupture Test (ACRT) for boiler plates/tubes foNTPC–Alstom, New Delhi., IRC Engg. Services India Pvt.Ltd.Noida
- Consultancy services for Improvement in sinter plant performance for Ispat Industries Ltd. Dolvi
- Characterisation of patented steel wire/rods forUsha Martin Ltd.,Tatisilwai.
- Metallurgical investigations of samples of various Customers.
- Technology awareness programmes for various organisations either at their premises or at RDCIS, Ranchi.
RDCIS also offers its technological services in fields other than iron & steel.
OTHER CLIENTELE
- IRCON,, New Delhi
- RWF, Bangalore
- Bhushan Power & Steel Ltd., Raigarh
- NINL,Bhubaneshwar
- HEC,Ranchi
- CPCB, N. Delhi
- JSW Steel, Bellary
- Anatest & Maritime Consultants,, ,Visakhapatnam
- Llyods Steel Ltd., Wardha
- Jayaswals Neco, Raipur
- OCL, Rajgangpur
- Vardhman Steel, Ludhiana
- Sesa Industries, Goa
- IDCOL, KIW, Barbil
- Essar Steel Ltd., Surat
- MIDHANI, Hyderabad
- Jindal Strips Ltd., Hisar
- SGS India, Dhanbad/Chennai
- Sunflag, Nagpur
- J. B. Boda Surveyors Pvt. Ltd.,Visakhapatnam
Some of the on-going Collaborations:
R&D of Indian Oil, Faridabad : MOA on development of “Hot Rolling Lubrication Technology for different steel Mills”.
C-DAC, Thiruvanthapuram: Agreement on “Indigenous development of model based breakout prediction system for Continuous Caster”.
CSIR-CBRI, Roorkee: Agreement on “ Performance Evaluation of Fire Resistant Structural under Fire Condition”.
Incharge, Technology Marketing,
R & D Centre for Iron & Steel
Steel Authority of India Limited,
Ispat Bhawan, Doranda,
Ranchi – 834002,
Jharkhand, India
Phone : 91 (0651) 2411099
Fax : 91 (0651) 2411083
E-mail : neetac[at]sail[dot]
Contact Us :
Research & Development Centre for Iron and Steel (RDCIS)
Mr Ujjwal Bhaskar
GM (Comm.)&COC
Email : coc[dot]ranchi[at]sail[dot]in
Tel : 91 – 0651-2411073
Conclusion
The Research & Development Centre for Iron & Steel (RDCIS) at SAIL, Ranchi, stands as a crucible of innovation, propelling the iron and steel industry into new frontiers of technological excellence. From its cutting-edge infrastructure to impactful research outcomes, RDCIS epitomizes the spirit of advancement and serves as a catalyst for the sustainable evolution of the steel sector. As it continues to forge ahead, RDCIS remains a testament to the power of research and development in shaping the future of one of the foundational industries essential to global infrastructure and progress.
