According to SMS group, the converters will replace the existing units at the mill’s steel shop. SMS installed the existing converters 25 years ago.

The equipment supplier said the new converters, which will offer a 10% increase in volume, will be equipped with a bottom-stirring system for combined blowing.

“The objective is to reduce the use of alloying elements previously required,” SMS said. 

Under the turnkey contract, SMS group will design, supply and install the new units along with the  bottom-stirring system and secondary dust collection systems. It also will provide the electrical and automation systems and oversee commissioning.   

Commissioning is scheduled for September 2020.

The project is part of a broader modernization of the Durgapur works, which will see its crude steel capacity grown from 1.8 million metric tons to 2.2 million metric tons.