Automation systems for Indian metal plant

Integrated automation systems to maximise energy efficiency, productivity for Rourkela Steel plant modernisation

ABB has won an order valued at €17million to provide integrated automation systems and related services to modernize the plate mill at the Rourkela Steel plant in India. The plant produces a wide range of steel products including flat, tubular and coated steel.

Owned and operated by the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), the Rourkela plant is located on the north-west tip of Orissa. The plant currently has the capacity to produce two million metric tons of hot metal, with 1.7 million metric tons of saleable steel each year. RSP’s steel is used in the power sector, for producing high quality pipes for the oil & gas industries and tin plates for the packaging industry. ABB’s integrated automation solution will improve the energy efficiency and productivity of the finishing section of the plate mill.

ABB will provide engineering, system design, installation and commissioning, and other related services for the project. The scope of supply also includes an automation system based on ABB’s Extended Automation System 800xA integrated with drives that utilize Direct Torque Control, motors, and other electrical equipment to maximize productivity and equipment reliability in the plate mill, as well as optimize its energy use, to help it to run efficiently and profitably.

SMS Siemag AG will supply the mechanicals for the project, and will work closely with ABB on the project execution.


“ABB’s extensive metals industry experience, strong local presence, and project execution capabilities, combined with our leading-edge technology, helped us to win this important order,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “Our reliable and energy-efficient technologies will help this part of the mill continuously maximize its overall efficiency while maintaining high product quality.”