(a) whether the Government have decided to encourage more investment in Research and Development to improve the quality of steel;
(b) if so, the investment made for Research and Development in public sector steel plants during the last three years; and
(c) the status of on-going Research and Development projects in public sector steel plants?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR STEEL
(SHRI DILIP RAY)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The investments made in research and development in public sector steel plants during the last three years is given below:-
(Rs. in crores) 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000(April-Sept.,1999)(c) The status of on-going Research and Development projects in Research & Development Centre for Iron and Steel (RDCIS), Steel Authority of India Limited, Ranchi and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), Visakhapatnam Steel Plant are as follows:
i) Steel Authority of 38.03 44.50 23.12 India Limited
ii) Rashtriya Ispat 2.50 2.50 1.20 Nigam Limited
Sl.No. Name of the research project Status (as on 15.3.2000)
1. To study and reduce the variation in tensile The project is in the final strength in high carbon coils in Wire Rod stage of implementation Mill. with a marked improvement in the tensile strength variations of the wire rods.
2. To streamline the procedure to improve Hit rate has been improved hit rate in EQ heats. to over 80%.
3. Study of formation of sticker in Coke Due to the action taken, the Ovens with the aim to reduce the Instance of stickers have been incidents. drastically reduced.
4. Study the corrosion behaviors of Re-bars. This has been completed.