SAIL to use continuous casting method in its mills
Indian steel producer Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) plans to start using continuous casting method in its mills by 2012 to reduce energy costs and to increase quality of its products. Current annual hot metal and crude steel production of SAIL is 12.7 million tons and 12.2 million tons respectively. 61% of this production is provided by continuous casting route. However, the company plans to make production completely through this method. Out of four plants of SAIL, currently Rourkela operates completely through this method. Energy consumption is expected to decrease by 12.4% through continuous casting.