The International Steel and Metallurgy Exhibition (ISME) is a unique gathering where industry leaders come together to forge connections, create new ideas, and develop innovations. The 2023 edition of the event took place in the heart of Kolkata from 6-9 November, sparking a revolution in the Indian steel industry. The conference that was being held alongside the expo focused on the theme of "Minimizing Carbon Footprint in the Indian Steel Industry" and brought together industry leaders, experts, and pioneers to discuss a paradigm shift in one of India's most vital sectors. The conference aimed to drive innovation and promote sustainable practices in the Indian steel industry.
Electrification for a fossil-free future
Dilip Chandrasekaran, Senior Vice President and Director of Business Development Steel, Kanthal.During the conference, Dilip Chandrasekaran, the Senior Vice President and Director of Business Development Steel at Kanthal, delivered a presentation on the electrification of heating processes in the steel industry. Electrification is a significant step towards a sustainable, fossil-free future.
“The presentation highlights opportunities for electrification within steel processing, relevant to the growing Indian steel industry. There is a strong drive toward energy savings and decarbonization in India, and we can offer heating solutions to support this,” Chandrasekaran says.
Beacon of hope for a sustainable future
Chandrasekaran highlighted Kanthal's 90-year heritage of electric heating technology, material expertise, and global heating solutions.
The significant benefits of electrification, including up to 95% efficiency, precise temperature control, CO2 emission reduction, elimination of NOx and SOx emissions, and safer and quieter production.
Chandrasekaran emphasized the significant benefits of electrification, including up to 95% efficiency, precise temperature control, CO2 emission reduction, elimination of NOx and SOx emissions, and safer and quieter production. Kanthal's diverse portfolio of materials, including metallic (NiCr, FeCrAl) and ceramic (SiC, MoSi2), expertise in various applications, and capabilities in pilot-scale testing and modeling, enable electrification.
Moving on, Chandrasekaran shed light on the electrification journey throughout the steel production process, starting from ironmaking to steelmaking. The major source of CO2 emissions is ironmaking, and electrification can help in reducing the emissions by pre-heating gas in blast furnaces and heating hydrogen for Direct Reduced Iron (DRI). When it comes to steelmaking, electrification can play a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions through ladle heating, tundish heating, and re-heating processes.
Highlighting the difficulties with the current gas-fired heating methods used in tundishes and ladles, Chandrasekaran proposed a solution through electrification using ceramic heating techniques, especially for smaller ladles. Simulation plays a crucial role in this innovative process.
In conclusion, Chandrasekaran stressed the necessity for large-scale fossil-free heating solutions in the Indian steel industry. Electrification, supported by Kanthal's century of experience, emerged as the beacon of hope for a sustainable, low-carbon future. Collaboration and partnerships would be essential for this transformation, where businesses and organizations work together to pave a path toward a greener and more sustainable future. With electrification, the Indian steel industry can not only reduce its carbon footprint but also rewire its future.
The immense potential of India
Rudrarup Sen Gupta, Technical Marketing Manager, Kanthal.Rudrarup Sen Gupta, Technical Marketing Manager, India Sales, commented on Kanthal's participation in the expo and emphasized the importance of the steel industry, which has become a major focus area. “India is working towards becoming a manufacturing powerhouse through policy initiatives like Make in India, and as a result, the steel industry has become crucial due to the dependence of diverse sectors on its output.”
“India is expected to overtake China as the world's second-largest consumer of steel. The industry and the nation's export manufacturing capacity have the potential to help India regain its favorable steel trade balance. This segment aligns with Kanthal's key focus area, making it an ideal platform for business networking with peers from steel & metallurgy and allied industries,” he added.
“The expo offers an open and informative atmosphere to meet new and existing clients, generate new business, and analyze competitors all in one place. This could lead to further partnerships, ancillary services, or new clients.” Sen Gupta concluded by stating that this event is an excellent opportunity to interact with industry experts and exchange valuable insights.
Watch our on-demand webinar now
Don't miss out on the valuable insights shared by Chandrasekaran last month on electric heating. If you weren't able to catch our live webinar on "UNLOCKING THE FUTURE OF FOSSIL-FREE STEEL PRODUCTION", it's not too late. We've got you covered with the on-demand version. Sign up and watch at your convenience.