Steel Authority Of India Limited Research Articles

Development of novel tasar cultivation zones and conservation of vanya silkworms in ecologically-restored sites within degraded mined-out areas of Purnapani, Odisha

Aim: The aim was to develop tasar cultivation zones by introducing diverse tasar host plant species at mined out sites undergoing ecological restoration for generating sustainable livelihood option for local tribals. Methodology: The site selected for vanya sericulture was an integral part of ecologically restored 250 -acres limestone/dolomite mined out area of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).Tasar cultivation zones were developed by planting saplings of host plant species viz, Terminalia tomentosa (Roxb.) ex DC., Terminalia arjuna Wright & Arn., Terminalia belerica (Gaertn) Roxb, Ziziphus mauritiana Lam., Terminalia chebula Retz. and Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. These cultivation zones are currently scattered among nine forest communities that were developed by growing saplings of more than 260 native species of trees and shrubs, besides ground vegetation, using ecosystem approach. Women self-help groups were formed and trained in rearing of tasar silkworms as well as making tasar-based products to ensure continuous practice of tasar silkworm culture at these novel cultivation zones. Results: During early ecological stages of ecosystem redevelopment through restoration of the habitat, it was observed that wild tasar moths laid eggs and silkworms spun cocoons, albeit in very small quantity, indicating suitability of foliage as food for larvae. In the year 2019-2020 alone, an estimated one lakh cocoons were produced from DFLs procured from CTRTI, Ranchi,and sent to the market/stored as seed cocoon. The average income per member of self-help group from sale of tasar cocoons was Rs 7, 855 (INR) annually. Interpretation: The restored ecosystems in the limestone/dolomite mined-out areas of SAIL at Purnapani serve as an excellent model for conservation of Tasar gene pools and sustainable livelihood development that can be replicated elsewhere. Hence, this practise can serve as an excellent model for replication elsewhere. Key words: Biodiversity, Ecological restoration, Livelihood, Mined out areas, Self-help group, Tasar silkworm

Characterization of coke plant effluent by lysimeter test to evaluate safe disposal to land

The importance of coal carbonization industries is evolving with great interest from the national point of view. In coke ovens, naturally found coal is converted to coke suitable for metallurgical industries. Enormous quantities of liquid effluents produced contain suspended solids high in COD, BOD, phenols, ammonia, and other toxic substances disposed into the water bodies without proper treatment contamination of the aquatic ecosystem. A large coke plant of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) at Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has been surveyed for this purpose, and the impact of its effluent on surface water quality is discussed in this paper. The study found that concentrations of BOD, COD, total suspended, and dissolved solids have exceeded the tolerance limit as per I.S.: 2490 effluent water standard (inland surface water). Column lysimeters were prepared by collecting soil from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) campus, Jhirpani riverside, Mandira Dam side, putting it layer-wise into a column, and compacting it carefully to put on the original in-situ conditions. Raw effluents, diluted effluents, and water (as a blank) were applied to the three lysimeters twice a week with a 5cm inundating. The impact of raw and diluted effluent on groundwater quality and soil is also studied and discussed in this paper. The study found that the RSP soil sample and NIT campus soil sample were found more efficient for the disposal of effluents, and it is estimated that 2.73 hectares of land can be irrigated with effluents of the coke plant without deteriorating groundwater and soil quality.

Review of Cash Flow Statement of Selected Companies of Steel Industry (Tata Steel and Sail)

The main objective of this study is to assess the ability of the enterprise to generate cash and cash equivalents of the industry. The researcher has selected two companies on the basis of the judgemental sampling method and the researcher has used for the data analysis like mean, trend analysis, and pair “t” test. The researcher has found out the review of the cash flow statement of TATA Steel and SAIL shows the cash inflow and cashes outflow of both the companies, which represents similar solvency and liquidity of both the companies. Thus, investors can invest in both companies because both companies have a sound cash position. So, it should be easy to identify the best investment option for investors. The cash flow statements of the selected two industries of steel sectors have been analysed using different parameters. The selected steel industries are TATA Steel and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). The comparative evaluation of the cash flow statement describes the various variables of cash inflows and outflows of cash of both the industries and the similarity in inflows and outflows of cash. There are 12 variables that were very similar and the data of both the industries were available for the study period. From the analysis, it is concluded that both industries have more similarities in the cash inflow and cash outflow of cash flow statement.

Failure analysis and design optimization of alternator shaft used in rail coaches

The intension of this work is to conduct a failure analysis and optimize the design of the shaft in a 4.5KW alternator used in rail coaches. The shafts in alternator of rail coaches are continuously subjected to sudden and repeated loads. The alternator shaft is made from carbon steel rods supplied by SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) and is machined as per the design. This shaft is subjected to stress reversals and found to have failed in several occasions during the operation. Visual inspection of fractured surface showed cracks initiated from the stepped surface. The breakage occurs at the specific region where the stress concentration is high. The stress concentration is also due to the tool marking seen in the machined surface of the fillet region of the shaft. Under the different test conditions, the various problems related to the finish and design of the shaft was observed. According to the observation, failure and design problems of the shaft will be analyzed using finite element method based on which an alternate design is suggested. In this analysis, we consider only bending load on two dimensional axi-symmetrical model of the shaft.

Improvement in Castability of Al Killed Steel in Billet Casters by Process Optimisation

Sticking of alumina as well as spinel inclusions inside the sub entry nozzles (SEN) as well as tundish nozzle is perennial problem during continuous casting of aluminum killed steel through billet casters. This results in restriction or completely blockage of flow of liquid steel through the nozzles eventually leading to abortion of sequence in billet casters and stopping of continuous casting machine. Nozzle clogging not only restricts the productivity by restraining the casting sequence, intermittent extrication of clogged alumina particles or dislodged refractory materials are a significant source of non-metallic macro-inclusions in the cast sections of billet casters. If these inclusions are not removed completely during secondary refining of steel they causes excessive clogging mainly in low carbon Al killed steels. In other grades of Al killed steel cogging is also very prominent if the deoxidation and secondary refining is not carried out properly. IISCO Steel Plant (ISP), Burnpur a new, modernised unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) was facing problems of nozzle clogging in low carbon, low Si, Al killed grade (EWNR –electrode quality grade) resulting in premature abortion of casting sequence leading to huge productivity loss. To solve the problem of nozzle clogging in low carbon Al killed grades and other grades at ISP, optimisation of various steelmaking parameters viz. amount of Al addition & its sequence, purging regime in ladle furnace, optimisation of Ca treatment process etc has been carried out which has resulted in improvement in castability of Al Killed Steel in billet caster of ISP.

Reduction in Surface Defect in Continuous Cast Slab through Intervention in Process Parameters

Occurrence of defects like crack on the surface of the cast products has long been recognized as a critical challenge for steelmakers in the continuous casting. Cracks on the surface can severely reduce yield and required further operations like salvage and scarfing. Depending on the severity of defect slabs can be diverted or in worst cases a slab can be rejected altogether if the defect cannot be removed by surface conditioning. Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) produces continuously cast slabs as feed material for plate mills and hot strip mill. Sometimes the slabs produced through continuous casting are faced issues intermittently due to presence surface defects like midface longitudinal cracks (LC) and transverse edge crack (EC) etc. A systematic investigation of the operating parameters of these casters e.g. monitoring of oscillation parameters, slabs and mould flux, simulation and analysis of fluid flow inside mould, steel chemistry and role of dissolve gases in steel. Based on the investigation critical parameters responsible for crack formation have been identified and key areas identified where modification need to be done. Modifications has been done in terms of mould flux addition practice, optimization of the grade chemistry, optimization of process route, optimization of casting speed, checking of strand thermal profile, mould & machine allignment etc. It was observed that the crack incidences are significantly lower after the modifications were done.

The evolution of CSR efforts at Steel Authority of India Limited

What impact has India's 2013 law mandating corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives had on businesses and the communities in which they operate? A comparison of the CSR programs implemented by Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a leading public‐sector firm, before and after mandatory CSR indicates that the company has paid rigorous attention to social concerns in both periods. A statistical analysis of the company's expenditures on CSR efforts shows that the Companies Act 2013 amendment that requires spending 2% of company profits on CSR has not had an impact on SAIL. Since passage of the amended act, however, the scope of SAIL's CSR activities has become more focused and is now in sync with specific initiatives highlighted in the legislation.

Development of Improved Quality Magnesia Carbon Brick by Incorporation of Industrial Grade Functionalised Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube

A growing requirement to make low or ultra-low carbon steel has resulted in strong demand for lower carbon content in the MgO-C refractory lining materials of metallurgical vessels. Incorporation of carbon nanostructure materials is expected to reduce the total carbon content of refractory bricks due to their very high specific surface area compared to other carbon precursor materials. It will also help to significantly enhance both the corrosion and thermo-mechanical behaviour of refractories. Different compositions were designed to evaluate the effect of using industrial grade functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotube (F-MWCNT) in MgO-C refractory. Samples containing an appropriate combination of graphite and F-MWCNT produced the most impressive results. Based on the study, brick was developed for a panel trial in a 300-t ladle of BSL (Bokaro Steel Plant) at SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited). The average erosion rate of carbon nanostructure-containing MgO-C brick refractory was observed to be about 28 mass-% less than that of conventional MgO-C bricks.

Corporate Social Disclosure: A Case Study Of SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is used to envelop both social and environment issues. Business and society are interdependent on each other. The wellbeing of one depends on the wellbeing of the other especially in big companies and corporations, it's seen as a vital tool to promote and improve the public image. CSR may present a win- win situation for society and business. Understanding of the potential benefits of CSR for the competitiveness of individual companies and for national economies can help encourage the spread of CSR practice. Presents study deals with the corporate social disclosure practices adopted by the company especially the SAIL( Steel Authority of India limited). In the present paper an attempt has been made to identify and analyze the corporate social mandatory and non-mandatory disclosures made by SAIL and a comparison between the both i.e. mandatory and non-mandatory disclosures has been made through a disclosure index. Result indicates that there exists a significance difference between the mandatory and non-mandatory of disclosures made by SAIL. And the company is making more efforts towards the fulfillment of mandatory requirements rather than the non-mandatory requirements.

Factor Analysis of Performance Appraisal System (PAS) In Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)

This article is aimed at assessing the effectiveness of PAS by using factor analysis (Performance Appraisal System) as well as at identifying the most important areas where PAS are perceived to be effective in SAIL (Steel Authority of India). A scale with 15 statements is used to obtain the perception of the SAIL employees in this regard. The frequency analysis, descriptive analysis and principle component method of factor analysis are used to empirically analyze the data. The results of the analysis have exposed the fact that PAS in SAIL is effective. It is further exposed that the areas where PAS tend to effect are communication, work assessment, productivity and employee competence.

Development of High Performance Steel Products in Sail Through R&D Initiatives

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), through its Corporate R&D i.e. RDCIS, has been working incessantly for the development of new steel products with superior quality attributes to meet the requirements of Indian market. The product development activities have always been supported by in-house/collaborative research work which has led to deeper understanding on the process know-how, resulting in launching of cost-effective products in Indian market. Some of the products developed by SAIL in the flat product category include high strength thin gauge HR coil for automobile sectors, SAILMA 550 HI/SAILMA 600 grade plates for penstocks and earthmovers, SAIL HITEN 690 AR plates for automated teller machines chest, high strength plates with guaranteed through thickness ductility for railways and Defence sectors, boiler quality plates (ASTM 387 Gr. 12) for power sector, API X 70 grade HR coils and plates for Linepipe application. In the long products category, EQR TMT rebar, Roof/Rock Bolt (Fe—600) TMT rebars for mines and tunnels, corrosion resistant TMT rebars for construction sector, Al-killed low carbon CC blooms for cold reducers, Al-killed medium carbon CC blooms for forging have been developed recently through R&D initiatives in SAIL. This paper describes some of the products which were recently developed in SAIL.

Improvement in the Life of Cold Sinter Screen Decks of Sintering Plant by Using High Wear Resistant Hard-facing Alloys

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Research & Development Centre for Iron & Steel (RDCIS), Ranchi, 834 002, India Abstract For smooth operation of the b last furnace, proper size and quality of the input raw materials are very much essential. Sinters produced in the sintering plants are first screened out to remove the undersize fractions before their supply to blast furnaces. The screens are fitted with punched steel deck plates where the undersized sinters are being screened. It was found that the life of these screen decks were very less due to its lower wear and abrasion resistance properties. So to imp rove the life and screening efficiency, high wear resistant hard-facing alloys was used over the base plate for use in the cold sinter screens. A layer of metallic carb ides was deposited over the base plate to achieve higher hardness on the top surface. Simu ltaneously, the slots/ holes in the base plates were modified with increased taper across the thickness of the steel plates to overcome the problem of chocking/ b locking o f holes during screening of sinter fines. The result showed about 4 times life improvement of the sinter screen decks i.e. 12 months from 3 months average. Moreover, <5 mm size fraction of sinter in the blast furnace charge also reduced to 5% fro m mo re than 10% observed earlier.

Development of an energy efficient curtain flame ignition system for sintering of iron ore fines

Research and Development Centre for Iron and Steel (RDCIS) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has developed a ‘curtain flame’ ignition system for sinter mix ignition. Conventionally, either horizontal fired burners or top fired or a combination of both are used for ignition of sinter mix. These burners big in size but few in number are mounted on a rectangular box type furnace. This is associated with non-uniform heating of sinter mix. In the new system, small capacity burners are installed on the roof across the sinter bed in a single row. Here, the top layer of the sinter bed gets heated by the direct impingement of the flame. This has resulted in reduction in specific fuel gas consumption by more than 30% and savings in refractory consumption. Implementation of the system led to reduction in green house gas (GHG) emission also.

Evaluating boards of directors of public‐sector companies in India: An empirical study of India's Navratna companies

AbstractThe Navratna companies are a group of Indian public‐sector enterprises to which the Indian government has given a measure of financial and operational autonomy that allows them to make investments without the need to seek government approval. Evaluations of the operation of the board of directors of the Navratna companies are, at times, complex and confidential. This can make studying, analyzing, and evaluating them a difficult task. This research is based on a survey of the board of directors in nine Navratna companies: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). The results of our survey provide the basis for the evaluation of the operation of the board of directors of Navratna companies. They also indicate that the board of directors should not involve itself in the day‐to‐day functioning of the organization and that governance of such companies involves more than simply ensuring returns in the short term. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Role Model for Academic Excellence through Socio-Economic-Cultural Factors: The Case of SAIL Schools in India

The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) the largest public sector undertaking of India having own townships for its employees is exemplary from corporate-social-responsibility point-of-view and provides the best living conditions in India with modernized health-care and education-systems. The SAIL-run schools in these townships give excellent academic results. Seventy six thousand children take education in 140 schools with 2274 teachers. They have been performing exceptionally well at the board examinations both in English and in vernacular-languages with the 5th, 8th, 10th and 12th results touching 100% at one or the other location every year. The administrative factors like the government policies and their execution and institutional parameters are responsible for these achievements. But, equally contributing are some unique socio-economic and socio-cultural factors present here. This paper establishes the contribution of such unique socio-economic-cultural factors like the family-size, the social amenities, learning environment, cosmopolitan and competitive atmosphere etc in the excellent performance of the children in SAIL townships at different locations.

Investigation into the cracking of inner cover of batch annealing furnace at bokaro steel plant

A detailed metallurgical investigation was undertaken to ascertain the cause of the premature cracking of inner covers used in the batch annealing furnaces of Bokaro Steel Plant of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). It was found that the cracking was a result of the profuse precipitation of chromium carbide. Precipitation of chromium carbide sensitizes the steel to corrosion attack because of denudation of chromium from the matrix. Use of a properly stabilized austenitic stainless steel was recommended for prolonged life of the inner covers.

Weldability Characteristics of Torr and Corrosion-Resistant TMT Bars Using SMAW Process

Torr steel rebars, also known as cold twisted deformed (CTD) rebars, are used extensively for the construction of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structures. These steels, which are characterized by a high carbon content and are subjected to a cold twisting operation to attain the desired strength level and bond strength, suffer from low ductility and poor bendability properties. Furthermore, these rebars are not suitable for coastal, humid, and industrial conditions where corrosion rates are very high. To combat these problems, recent efforts at the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) have led to the successful development of corrosion-resistant thermomechanically treated (TMT) rebars with a minimum yield strength of 500 MPa. These rebars are characterized by a low carbon content, exhibit excellent strength-ductility-corrosion properties, and are rapidly replacing traditional torr rebars in corrosion-prone areas for a wide range of applications, namely, concrete reinforcement structures, bridges, flyovers on dams, etc. A comprehensive evaluation of the weldability properties of corrosion-resistant Cu-TMT rebars was carried out, and they were compared with those made of torr steel in order to assess their suitability for various structural applications. Implant and restraint cracking (RC) tests were carried out to assess the cold-cracking resistance of the weld joint under different welding conditions. The static fatigue limit (SFL) values were found to be similar, namely, 640 MPa (torr steel) and 625 MPa (Cu-TMT steel) under condition of no preheating and no rebaking using a heat input of 7.5 KJ/cm, indicating adequate cold-cracking resistance for both the steels. Restraint cracking tests yielded critical restraint intensities (Kcr) in excess of 16,800 MPa for both of the steels. Based on the weldability tests, the optimized conditions for welding were formulated and extensive tests were carried out on the welded joints. Both of the steels exhibited adequate strength levels (tensile strength (TS): torr rebars, 524 Mpa; Cu-TMT rebars, 630 MPa) and adequate low-temperature impact toughness properties, ensuring a high integrity of the fabricated products.