Dr. T. Mukherjee, Dy. Managing Director (Steel), Tata Steel, has formally commissioned the 'F' blast furnace after rebuilding and Upgradation, at a function today inside the Steel Works.

The 'F' furnace which was producing 0.6 mtpa of hot metal earlier, will now produce 1.0 mtpa of hot metal after this upgradation. The furnace which was supported on mantle ring, will now be a free standing one with all modern features like Compact Bell-less top, Dense plate cooling etc.

This type of rebuilding and upgradation of a Blast Furnace carried out in Tata Steel has been done in India for the first time. The capacity of a 45 year old Blast Furnace has been upgraded at half the price of a new furnace. The rebuilding time of 105 days is also one of the shortest in the world given the conditions and job contents.

With the rebuilding of 'F' Blast Furnace, Tata Steel will be producing large quantity of hot metal of very good quality at a very low cost. The furnace will achieve its rated capacity of 1 mtpa in two to three weeks time.

Dr. T. Mukherjee, speaking on the occasion, commended the efforts made by Paul Wurth India, L&T, Engineering Group and the Operations Group of Tata Steel, for their consistent effort towards the upgradation of the furnace. He also said that in today's competitive scenario, this improved version of blast furnace will help Tata Steel in meeting future challenges. Mr. R. B. B. Singh, President, Tata Workers Union also spoke on the occasion.

Mr. R. P. Singh, Executive-in-Charge (Engg. Svs & Products) and Mr. A. D. Baijal Executive in-Charge (Raw Materials and Iron Making) gave the welcome address and vote of thanks respectively.