Professional Documents
Culture Documents
On
Bangladesh Steel Re-Rolling Mills Ltd.
&
KYCR Coil Industries Ltd.
Submitted to
Professor Dr. Md. Saidul Islam
Dept of Materials Science & Engineering
University of Rajshahi.
PREFACE
Industrial tours are a powerful means of gaining practical insights into various
industries, processes, and technologies. They provide an opportunity for
students, professionals, and enthusiasts to step out of the classroom or office
and experience firsthand the real-world applications of theoretical knowledge.
Industrial tour allows participants to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
It enables them to witness the inner workings of industries, observe cutting-edge
technologies, and appreciate the complexity of production processes.
As we embarked on our voyage into the heart of steel production and coil
manufacturing. our curiosity was piqued by the vast and complex world that lay
ahead. The purpose of this visit was not merely to witness the mechanical
processes or to marvel at the scale of production but to delve deeper, to
comprehend the synergy between human ingenuity, technological prowess, and
environmental responsibility.
The pages that follow will chronicle our exploration, beginning with the raw
materials that form the backbone of this industry and the meticulous processes
that transform them into invaluable steel products. We will uncover the role of
cutting-edge technologies, such as induction furnaces and continuous casting
machines, in shaping the future of steel manufacturing.
In accordance with the course details of MSE3222: Industrial project, we have
finished our practical study with a great enthusiasm and gaiety by visiting
BANGLADESH STEEL RE-ROLLING MILL Ltd. situated in Zorargonj,
Mirsarai in 21st august and KYCR Coil Industries Ltd.at Kumira 25 KM from
Chattrogram in 22nd august. This report reflects understanding and studying of
the processes, machinery and equipment with their principal mechanism to
produce desired products. We have tried our level best to present information
regarding BANGLADESH STEEL RE-ROLLING MILL Ltd. and KYCR
Coil Industries Ltd.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
BSRM is the leading steel manufacturing company and one of the prominent
corporate houses in Bangladesh. Over the years, BSRM steel products have
been chosen solely for building major National landmarks and infrastructures.
To name a few, the Padma Bridge, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Hatirjheel
Project, Zillur Rahman Flyover, Mayor Hanif Flyover and Shah Amanat Bridge
were built with BSRM.
BSRM Xtreme is a product that was introduced when there was no graded steel
in Bangladesh. It was a major change in the steel industry of Bangladesh. The
core driver was the belief in evolution in steel products, which resulted in
bringing the first EMF tested rod, the first steel brand that passed 5 million
cyclic loading Fatigue testing in the U.K. and conformed to 10 global standards.
With the largest steel producing factory in the country and employing the best
technology from Europe, the company maintains volume with uncompromising
quality. BSRM provides the best solution for the construction industry. The first
ever 50 mm rod was specially designed and rolled for the deep pilling
requirements of Padma Bridge. Various specialized products of BSRM are also
designed to meet special needs for the construction industry.
BSRM ventured into a new business area as part of continuous innovation
philosophy and diversification plan and set up BSRM Wires at Mirsarai,
Chattogram to manufacture various products such as galvanized wire, ACSR
core wire, LRPC Mig Wire, Welding Electrodes, etc.
Sister Concerns:
MEW Ltd.
KEW Ltd.
CPCL
BSRM Wires Ltd.
BSRM Steels
BSRM Recycling Ltd.
COMPANY BACKGROUND
History:
The founder of the group and our Late chairman Mr. Akberali Alibhai
Africawala came to the then East Pakistan (present Bangladesh) from Africa. He
was originally from Gujrat, India.
1952: The Company started its business in Bangladesh.
1960: The hand-rolling mill (manual) was running with a small capacity.
1984: In 1984, Akberali Africawala (founder of the Group) and Alihussain
Akberali (current chairman of BSRM) went to the UK and bought a second-
hand automatic re-rolling mill to be set up in BSRM factory premises in
Chittagong and thus Introduced high strength cold twisted steel bars
(TORSTEEL) to the construction industry.
2006: Introduced micro reinforcement wires, below 8mm, for low-cost rural
construction.
Billet:
A billet is a semi-finished piece of metal that is typically rectangular or
square in shape. Billets are often used as raw material for various metalworking
processes, including forging, rolling, and extrusion, to produce finished
products like bars, rods, wire, and other metal components. In BSRM, billet is
produced that is typically 160×160 mm in width and 12 m in length. Its weight
is about 2.4 tons. Billets are a crucial part of the steel supply chain, serving as
the starting point for many downstream manufacturing processes that produce
various steel products essential for different industries.
Fig: Billets
Machinery & Equipment
Induction furnace:
An induction furnace is an electrical furnace that uses
induction heating to melt or heat metal. The furnace consists of a coil of wire
that is surrounded by a crucible or chamber that holds the metal. When an
alternating current passes through the coil, it creates a rapidly changing
magnetic field. This magnetic field induces eddy currents in the metal, which
causes the metal to heat up.
Induction furnaces are used to melt a variety of metals, including iron, steel,
copper, aluminum, and precious metals. They are also used to heat metal for
forging, welding, and other metalworking processes.
▪ Joule Heating
Joule heating is the physical effect by which the passing of current through an
electrical conductor produces thermal energy. This thermal energy is then
evidenced through a rise in the conductor material temperature, thus the term
“heating”. One can see Joule heating as a transformation between “electrical
energy” and “thermal energy”, following the energy conservation principle.
The Ladle Refining Furnace process can be applied once the basic steel has
been produced in the induction furnace. In the LRF method, the steel is then
transferred to the ladle for further refining, such as chemistry adjustment or
inclusion modification. These treatments are carried out in the ladle, which is
provided with a heat source to heat the liquid metal and compensate for thermal
losses.
Benefits of LRF:
Fig:
Continuous casting. 1: Ladle. 2: Stopper. 3: Tundish. 4: Shroud.
5: Mold. 6: Roll support. 7: Turning zone. 8: Shroud. 9: Bath level. 10:
Meniscus. 11: Withdrawal unit. 12: Slab.
Ladle:
The ladle in CCM is used to hold the molten metal before it is poured
into the tundish. The ladle is a refractory-lined container that can withstand the
high temperatures of molten metal.
Tundish:
Tundish, which is a refractory-lined container that holds the molten
metal. The tundish serves as a buffer between the melting furnace and the
casting machine.
Mold:
The mold is a water-cooled copper or steel structure that shapes the
molten metal into the desired cross-sectional shape of the final product, such as
a rectangular billet or a round bloom.
Secondary Cooling Zone:
After leaving the mold, the partially solidified metal continues to move
through a secondary cooling zone, where it is subjected to controlled water
sprays or other cooling methods.
Withdrawal Unit:
The continuous casting process relies on a withdrawal unit that slowly
pulls the solidifying metal strand downward through the mold and cooling zone.
Vibrocharger:
A vibrocharger, also known as a vibratory feeder or a vibrofeeder,
is a piece of equipment used in BSRM material handling and feeding processes.
Fig: Vibrocharger
MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Scrap metal is a major raw material for the BSRM industry. The scrap metal
used by BSRM comes from a variety of sources, including:
The company imports about 1.4 million tons of scrap metal annually, which is
used to produce about 1.2 million tons of steel. BSRM imports scrap metal from
a variety of countries, including India, the largest supplier of scrap metal to
BSRM, China, South Korea, Singapore, Canada etc.
The imported scraps are placed in RM yard (raw material yard or scrap yard)
and after that the scraps undergo processing and further processing.
Fig: Scrap storage
Scrap processing:
Upon arrival at the scrap yard, scrap materials are sorted and separated. This
step involves categorizing the materials by type, such as ferrous (e.g., iron and
steel) and non-ferrous metals (e.g., aluminum, copper), as well as by grade and
quality. This process is known as segregation. By segregation four types of
scrap can be separated.
Shredding Scrap:
cast steel:
Melting:
The melting process in BSRM is a complex and energy-intensive
process. It involves melting scrap steel in an induction furnace. The induction
furnace uses an alternating current to create a magnetic field that heats the scrap
steel.
In BSRM, for each unit, two induction furnaces are used. There are two types
of furnaces: running furnace and alternating furnaces. As the running furnace
melts, an alternating furnace is prepared for further melting.
The temperature of molten steel is typically around 1,500 degrees Celsius. They
use 22 MW power while melting. About 57-ton scrap can be melted in a furnace
and the melting time is 90 minutes.
In this process, Fluxes such as calcium oxide (lime) and calcium fluoride
(fluorspar) are introduced into the furnace to reduce the presence of sulfur and
phosphorus impurities. Excess sulfur can result in a condition called hot
shortness, while phosphorous excess can cause cold shortness, both these
conditions can adversely impact the quality of steel. Additional refinement
process can reduce excess sulfur, but phosphorous can’t be effectively
eliminated.
Slag off:
During the melting process, impurities in the scrap steel react with the
molten metal to form slag. The slag is typically composed of oxides of iron,
silicon, and manganese.
The amount of slag produced in the steelmaking process depends on the
composition of the scrap steel and the operating conditions of the furnace. The
higher the iron content of the scrap steel, the more slag will be produced. The
higher the temperature of the furnace, the more slag will be produced.
The slag is removed from the molten steel through a process called slagging off.
In BSRM, slag is removed by tilting the furnace.
Tapping of melts:
Tapping of melts in a ladle is a critical step in the steelmaking process
that involves transferring the molten steel from induction furnace into a ladle for
further processing. The tapping process requires careful control to ensure the
quality and safety of the molten steel.
Before tapping, the ladle is prepared to receive the molten steel. This involves
ensuring that the ladle is in the correct position and properly preheated to
prevent the molten steel from solidifying prematurely. The ladle is positioned
under the tap hole or spout of the melting furnace. Proper alignment is crucial to
ensure a smooth and controlled flow of molten steel into the ladle. The tap hole
or spout of the furnace is opened, allowing the steel to flow into the ladle. The
control of the tap hole is essential to regulate the flow rate and prevent splashing
or overflowing. The ladle is lined with refractory materials that can withstand
the high temperatures of the molten steel. This lining helps protect the ladle
from damage and contamination. Molten steel flows from the furnace into the
ladle. The ladle may be filled to its capacity or partially filled, depending on the
intended use and the subsequent processing steps. Depending on the steel grade
and desired composition, alloying elements may be added to the ladle to achieve
the specified chemical properties. These alloying materials can include
ferroalloys like ferromanganese or ferrosilicon. Molten steel is transported to
the LRF (ladle refining furnace) section. To accomplish this, it is often mounted
on ladle car or crane.
The LRF is equipped with heating elements, typically electric resistance heaters
or gas burners, to maintain and control the temperature of the molten steel.
Temperature adjustments are made as needed to achieve the desired steel
temperature for refining.
The LRF is equipped with stirring mechanisms (typically inert gas injection or
mechanical stirring) to remove excess oxygen and other unwanted gases from
the molten steel. Deoxidation helps prevent defects and ensures steel quality.
Sulphur is a common impurity in steel that can negatively impact its properties.
The LRF often includes processes for desulfurization, such as adding lime-
based fluxes, to reduce sulfur content.
The LRF can also contribute to reducing non-metallic inclusions, improving the
steel's mechanical properties and surface quality.
vacuum degassing systems are integrated into the LRF to remove dissolved
gases, such as hydrogen and nitrogen, from the molten steel.
Alloying elements can be added during the refining process to tailor the steel's
properties for specific applications.
Before refining process, molten metal is tested to find out the composition of
melt have. These chemical additives are added with their requirement.
Silico Manganese: Silico manganese increases the strength, toughness, and
wear resistance of steel, helps to control the shrinkage of molten steel during
casting.
Ferro Silicon: Ferro silicon can refine the grain structure of steel, resulting in
smaller and more uniform grains. Silicon can increase the heat resistance of
steel, making it suitable for high temperature applications.
Calcium Carbide: Calcium carbide reacts with sulfur in molten steel to form
calcium sulfide, which is a gas that bubbles to the surface and is removed from
the steel.
Pet coke or Pure Carbon: Pet coke and pure carbon can improve the
machinability of steel, making it easier to machine and shape, increase the
strength of the steel.
The tundish directs the molten steel into a water-cooled mold. The mold's shape
and dimensions are designed to produce the desired cross-sectional shape of
billet. As the molten steel enters the mold, it begins to solidify and take on the
shape of the mold.
In order to produce billets, BSRM uses two different cooling process: primary
cooling and secondary cooling system.
The secondary cooling system in BSRM consists of a series of water pipes that
are located above the continuous casting machine. The water pipes are
connected to a pump that circulates water through the system. The water sprays
are located at various points along the length of the water pipes.
The water sprays are activated when the billet exits the continuous casting
machine. The water sprays cool the billet by evaporating. The evaporation of
water absorbs heat from the billet, which helps to cool it down.
Upon solidification, the billet is then cut with an oxide cutter to the desired
length (6m, 8m, or 12m). After removing the mold, the billets are stacked in a
shed and stored.
SMS
SECTION Scrap processing through segregation
Charging /feeding
Melting
IF
SECTION
Slag off
LRF
SECTION Refining
CCM
Billet forming
SECTION
KYCR Coil Industries Ltd. owns and establishes mills, factories, and
workshops for manufacturing steel products. Its products include cold rolled
full hard coil, cold rolled close annealed coil and sheet, galvanized steel coil
and sheet, and galvanized plain and corrugated sheet. The company markets
its products under Murgi brand. KYCR Coil Industries Ltd. distributes its
products through dealers in Bangladesh and internationally.
History:
KYCR Coil Industries Ltd. is a part of the KDS Group, which has a long
history in the industrial and business landscape of Bangladesh. The KDS
Group was founded and established by Mr. Khalilur Rahman in 1983. Over
the years, the group diversified its business interests into various sectors,
with a significant focus on steel manufacturing and processing.
GP (Galvanized Plain):
Entry Section: This is where the raw material, typically a coil or sheet of hot-
rolled steel, enters the cold rolling mill. The material is guided through the
mill's various sections.
Rolling Mill Stands: The heart of the cold rolling mill consists of a series of
rolling mill stands. Each stand contains a pair of rolls, often made of hardened
steel or tungsten carbide, that apply pressure to the incoming steel. These rolls
reduce the thickness of the steel as it passes through the mill.
Coolant and Lubrication Systems: Cold rolling generates heat due to the friction
between the rolls and the steel. To prevent excessive heat buildup, coolant and
lubrication systems are employed. These systems help maintain the desired
temperature and provide lubrication to reduce wear on the rolls.
Tension Reels: After passing through the rolling mill stands, the cold-rolled
steel is wound onto tension reels. These reels maintain tension on the steel to
prevent it from loosening during the process.
Coiler and Exit Section: The coiler winds the finished cold-rolled steel into coils
or spools. The exit section may include additional processes such as edge
trimming and inspection.
Galvanizing line:
• Degreasing tank: This tank removes any dirt, oil, or grease from the steel
surface.
• Pickling tank: This tank uses an acid solution to remove any rust or scale
from the steel surface.
• Zinc bath: This tank contains molten zinc that coats the steel surface.
• Drying oven: This oven dries the coated steel surface.
• Coiling machine: This machine coils the finished galvanized steel.
The galvanizing line is a highly efficient process that can coat a large amount of
steel in a short period of time.
Fig: Galvanizing line
Galvanizing bath:
The galvanizing bath in KYCR Coil Industries Ltd. is a large, rectangular tank
that is filled with molten zinc. The temperature of the zinc bath is maintained at
around 450 °C (842 °F). The steel coils are passed through the zinc bath, and
the zinc coating is applied evenly to the surface of the coils.
The zinc bath in KYCR Coil Industries Ltd. is constantly monitored to ensure
that the temperature and the composition of the zinc bath are within the required
limits. The zinc bath is also cleaned regularly to remove any impurities that
could affect the quality of the galvanized coils.
Annealing furnace:
➢ Raw materials:
KYCR Coil Industries Ltd. imports Raw materials (hot rolled coil)
with the thickness of 2 mm and width 925 mm from countries like Japan, China.
In unit 1, hot rolled steel is transformed into cold rolled steel, then transferred to
unit 2. KYCR Coil Industries Ltd. (unit 2) uses cold rolling as the raw material,
followed by coating.
➢ Entry section:
The imported hot rolled coil is cleaned by pickling process in a
certain section called alkali section. The pickling process is a chemical
treatment used in KYCR Coil Industries Ltd to remove impurities, scales,
rust, and oxides from the surface of metal products, typically steel or iron .
The pickling process is carried out in a bath of acid, typically hydrochloric acid.
The coil is then fed into a cold rolling mill. Cold rolling mill reduces the
thickness of a metal sheet by passing it through a series of rollers. The rollers
are progressively smaller, so the sheet is forced to decrease in thickness as it
passes through them. cold rolling mill reduces the coil thickness from 2 mm to
required thickness (0.17 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm) as per market demand whereas
the width remains same (925 mm). This type of coil is known as cold rolled
coil. This cold rolled coil is then introduced into annealing furnace. In KYCR
Coil Industries Ltd annealing furnace is about 46m long. Annealing furnace
heats cold rolled coils to a specific temperature and then cools them slowly to
relieve stresses and improve the ductility and machinability of the steel.
➢ Coating:
➢ Cooling:
The cooling process in KYCR Coil Industries Ltd. is a critical step. The
molten zinc coating is applied to the steel coils at a high temperature, and it is
important to cool the coils quickly to prevent the zinc from forming cracks or
blisters. The coated coil is air cooled by blower. A blower is a device that uses a
fan to move air. Then The coils are passed through a water bath to cool them
down quickly.
➢ Chemical coating:
Acrylic acid coating is also a type of chemical coating that is used in KYCR
Coil Industries Ltd. It is a clear, colorless liquid that is applied to the steel coils
to provide corrosion resistance, improved appearance, and enhanced durability.
The coil is then dried after acrylic acid coating to remove any remaining
moisture and ensure the chromate coating adheres properly.
➢ Finishing:
After chemical coating, the company logo is printed on the product and the
product is recoiled in the coiler machine.
After this the coil is corrugated. This process involves passing the steel sheet
through a series of rollers. The rollers are shaped to create the desired pattern of
ridges and troughs. The number of ridges and the depth of the troughs will vary
depending on the desired properties of the finished product.
STORAGE OF RAW
MATERIALS
ENTRY SECTION
COATING
COOLING
CHEMICAL
COATING
FINISHING
CORRUGATING
Conclusion
A visit to the BSRM (Bangladesh Steel Re-Rolling Mills Ltd.) and KYCR
(KYCR Coil Industries Ltd.) coil industries offers valuable insights into the
dynamic world of steel production and coil manufacturing. These companies
play pivotal roles in Bangladesh's steel industry, contributing significantly to
economic growth and infrastructure development.
During our visit, we had the opportunity to witness the entire steel production
process, from raw materials to finished products. We learned about the
importance of scrap processing. the efficiency of induction furnaces, the
precision of continuous casting machines, and the significance of water
treatment plants in maintaining environmental standards. The vibratory charging
system, employed to optimize furnace performance, and the slag off operation
to remove impurities showcased the commitment to innovation and quality.
Furthermore, our exploration of galvalume products, cold rolling mills, and the
application of various chemical coatings underscored the versatility and
adaptability of the steel industry to meet diverse customer needs. The emphasis
on environmental sustainability through efficient operations, waste reduction,
and recycling practices left a profound impact on our understanding of
responsible manufacturing.
Overall, the visits to BSRM and KYCR Coil Industries Ltd. served as a
compelling educational experience, shedding light on the complex processes,
innovations, and dedication that go into producing high-quality steel and coil
products. It was a testament to the resilience and Vision of these companies in
the ever-evolving steel industry, contributing to the nation's progress and
prosperity.