Tata Steel achieved a new milestone of becoming the first Indian steel plant to produce 10 million tonnes per annum (Mn TPA) of hot metal from a single location. It’s a significant achievement in journey of iron making which started in 1911. Starting from a capacity of only 0.16 Mn TPA (‘A’ Blast Furnace) in 1911, the company today stands at 10 Mn TPA, accomplishing a growth of 63 times in terms of its production capacity.
The expansion of hot metal production capacity at Tata Steel may be divided into three phases Phase I (1911-1952) – Commissioning and Up-gradation of A-E Blast Furnace, Phase II (1952-1992) – Commissioning of F Blast Furnace and Commissioning & up gradation of Raw Material and Auxiliary System, Phase III (1992-present) – Commissioning of New Furnaces(G, H and I Blast Furnace) and up gradation of (G and F Blast Furnace)
The modernisation journey in 1992 began with the commissioning of G Blast Furnace, which increased the rated capacity from 2.4Mn TPA to 3.15Mn TPA. The working volumes of C, D and E Blast Furnaces were also increased in the following years.
The capacities of F and G blast furnaces were augmented soon after from 0.6Mn TPA to 1Mn TPA and 1Mn TPA to 1.8Mn TPA, respectively. The commissioning of H and I Blast Furnace in 2008 and 2012, respectively, took Tata Steel’s hot metal production to 2.5Mn TPA and 3Mn TPA, respectively. The hot metal production in this phase (since 1992) took a quantum jump from 2.4 Mn TPA to 10 Mn TPA.
FY’15 has been a game changer for the blast furnaces which incorporated innovative operational strategies, thereby leading to annual savings by significant reduction of fuel rate. It is a matter of pride that Tata Steel reached a significant milestone in its journey, despite adverse circumstances, testifying its perseverance and determination in its pursuit of excellence.