The role of National Metallurgical Laboratory in ferrous metallurgical Research and Development in India

Abstract

The paper gives a general appraisal of iron and steel industry in India in relation to current expansion programme underway during the Second Five-Year Plan. The need for research and development to meet particular deficiencies in the suitability and reserves of raw materials has been pointed out. An outline of the work so far done at the National Metallurgical Laboratory on some of the important aspects of ferrous metallurgy has been given. Such investigations have related to treatment of iron ores and upgrading of low grade iron ores particularly Salem magnetites, studies into the development of sinter for the Bhilai Steel Plant and for the use of Salem magnetite as a blast furnace burden, studies into reducibility of magnetite iron ores of the South, semi-pilot plant investigations on L-D Oxygen steel-making studies applied to Indian pig irons besides refractories and indigenous ferro-alloys etc. An outline is also given of the Low-Shaft Pilot Plant Project established by the National Metallurgical Laboratory in collaboration with Metals Committee of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research including its scope and functions. The paper concludes with the observation that the progress in many diverse fields therein has been steady and rewarding, placing a fair premium on indigenous research and applications of latest innovations in the metallurgy of iron and steel under Indian raw materials' and processing conditions. (Dr. B.R.Nijhawan, Director, National Metallurgical Laboratory)