India’s Jindal Steel has awarded France-based Fives a contract to modernize the Level-1 control systems of two reheating furnaces at its Patratu steel plant in Balkudra, Jharkhand, as part of efforts to improve production efficiency and operational reliability.
The project covers the upgrade of two Stein Digit@l Furnace reheating furnaces with annual capacities of 160 tons and 200 tons, respectively. The modernization includes the installation of the latest-generation control software, upgraded PLC hardware, a high-speed optical communication network, and new engineering and operator stations.
Following the upgrade, the furnaces will be capable of operating with multiple fuel options, including heavy furnace oil, light diesel oil, cold tar oil and producer gas, providing greater operational flexibility.
According to Fives, the project is expected to improve process reliability, reduce maintenance requirements and enhance production performance, while the short implementation schedule is designed to minimize plant downtime during the modernization work.
Jindal Steel Ltd. is a major Indian steel, mining, and infrastructure company operating integrated plants in Angul, Raigarh, and Patratu, producing a broad range of products including sponge iron, rebars, wire rod, plates, HRC, beams, sections, and rails, including head-hardened rails.