JSW Steel Ltd has issued the Final Acceptance Certificate (FAC) to SMS group for a second 350-ton RH-TOP plant at its Dolvi Works in Maharashtra. The commissioning of this unit doubles the facility’s capacity to produce vacuum-treated steel. The first RH-TOP unit at the site was commissioned in 2023.
The RH (Ruhrstahl Heraeus) process is a secondary metallurgical technique in which liquid steel is decarburised and degassed in a vacuum vessel. The two RH units at Dolvi enable production of cleaner steel with reduced levels of hydrogen, nitrogen and other impurities, improving mechanical properties required in industries such as automotive and construction. The RH plants also provide flexibility to produce high-strength and low-alloy steels, expand product variety, and reduce treatment times and energy consumption.
The RH plant at Dolvi is equipped with a multi-function TOP-Lance that allows preheating of the vessel in the treatment station and heating of liquid steel during vacuum treatment. It is also used for skull burning after treatment, extending vessel life. Additionally, the plant includes a dedicated ferro-silicon bunker at the vacuum lock, making it possible to produce non-oriented and grain-oriented electrical steel grades. The ladle rocker design has been modified to enhance safety and reduce maintenance, with the capacity to lift ladles containing up to 350 tons of liquid steel, weighing over 500 tons in total.
“The RH technology at Dolvi significantly enhances the steel plant’s capabilities and aligns perfectly with our goals to improve quality, maximize operational efficiency and expand market reach. SMS group’s RH technology is well thought-out with regard to process efficiency, and the RH degassing process is essential for enhancing the mechanical properties of our products. By producing higher quality steel, we can strengthen our competitive position in both domestic and international markets,” said Subrata Dasgupta, Senior Vice President at JSW Steel.
“This project marks another milestone in the longstanding and successful relationship between JSW Steel and SMS group, who are also working together on several other projects at Dolvi Works. We value JSW Steel’s trust in our technologies and the close cooperation between our teams. We are proud to have completed another secondary metallurgy project that delivers clear benefits to our customer,” said Matthias Oesterwind, Senior Project Manager at SMS.
JSW Steel and SMS are continuing to collaborate on further projects at Dolvi, including a major expansion of the steelmaking facility with a basic oxygen furnace converter, a twin ladle furnace and a primary gas cleaning plant. Plans also include a new blast furnace and the CSP Nexus system for thin slab casting and rolling, scheduled for commissioning in 2026.
JSW Steel is an integrated steel producer with operations in India. The company manufactures a wide range of flat and long steel products for sectors including infrastructure, automotive, energy and construction.
