Internal-combustion stove for Blast Furnace No.5 at Rourkela Steel

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has once again turned to Primetals Technologies to supply a fourth hot-blast stove, this time for blast furnace No. 5 at the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) in India. This second order from SAIL further reinforces Primetals Technologies’ position as a leading supplier of hot-blast stove technology. The additional stove will allow RSP to carry out sequential repairs on existing stoves while maintaining production levels.

Enhanced Design for Efficiency and Longevity

The new internal-combustion-chamber stove will be supplied as a turnkey project, with Primetals Technologies responsible for design, detailed engineering, equipment supply, construction, and full commissioning. The scope of supply includes the stove shell, refractories, electrical and automation equipment including field instruments, and an upgrade to the Level 1 automation system. 

The internal combustion technology will feature an enhanced dome shape and construction, designed to manage expansion and high temperatures more efficiently. In addition, the new unit features Primetals Technologies’ unique burner design, which ensures a more stable flame. Commissioning is planned for mid-2026. Once operational, the fourth stove will provide greater flexibility and stability for blast furnace operations at RSP. 

Leading Integrated Steel Manufacturer SAIL is one of the largest steel producers in India. It produces iron and steel at five integrated plants and three special steel facilities, located mainly in the eastern and central regions of the country, close to domestic raw materials. RSP was India’s first publicly owned integrated steel plant. It began operations in 1959 with an initial capacity of 1 million tons. Continuous investment and upgrades have increased the plant’s capacity to 4.5 million tons of hot metal annually. With multiple downstream rolling mills, RSP produces plate, coil, silicon steel, and pipe products for end markets including shipbuilding, defense, automotive, and oil and gas.