India’s state-owned NMDC Ltd. has started the dry-out of the indurating machine at its pellet plant in Nagarnar, marking a key milestone towards commissioning of the facility.
The dry-out involves gradually heating the indurating machine under controlled conditions to remove residual moisture from the refractory lining and equipment. This prepares the machine to withstand the high temperatures required during normal pellet production and is an important step before full-scale operation.
The Straight Grate Indurating Machine is based on technology supplied by Metso Outotec-SMS group and is being executed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The light-up was carried out on August 28 by NMDC’s Director (Technical) Vinay Kumar and Director (Commercial) Vivek Nishant Nath.
The indurating machine is a key part of the pelletization process, where green iron ore pellets undergo controlled drying, preheating, induration and cooling to achieve the required strength and metallurgical properties.
NMDC said the successful commencement of the dry-out represents a significant step towards commissioning the pellet plant.