Key Responsibilities
1. Furnace Operation & Process Monitoring:
- Operate and monitor the Blast Furnace process parameters through PLC/DCS/SCADA systems.
- Maintain stable furnace operation by controlling:
- Hot blast temperature, pressure, and flow.
- Top pressure and stock line levels.
- Oxygen enrichment, steam injection, and blast volume.
- PCI (Pulverized Coal Injection) rates and distribution.
- Ensure proper burden charging sequence and descent rate in coordination with the Stock House.
- Monitor gas distribution (CO/CO₂ ratio) and ensure uniform gas flow for optimal furnace efficiency.
- Adjust process parameters as per instructions from the Shift In-charge / Deputy Manager.
2. Production & Quality Control
- Support achievement of daily hot metal production targets as per SMS requirements.
- Maintain desired hot metal quality (temperature, Si, S, P content).
- Optimize coke rate and maintain high gas utilization efficiency.
- Record and monitor burden composition and consumption data.
- Assist in process parameter adjustment to ensure consistent and stable operation.
3. Control Room Operations:
- Operate and monitor furnace control systems (PLC/DCS) for parameter regulation and alarm handling.
- Record and analyze process data, trend charts, and alarm logs for abnormalities.
- Ensure smooth communication between the control room and field teams.
- Prepare and update shift logbooks, cast details, and operational summaries.
- Support Shift Engineer in maintaining furnace stability and process continuity.
4. Trouble Shooting & Process Stability:
- Identify early warning signs of process instability (e.g., hanging, slipping, scaffolding).
- Communicate and act promptly as per direction from the shift in-charge to avoid disturbances.
- Ensure safe and correct operational procedures during start-up, shutdown, or emergency conditions.
- Assist in restoring furnace parameters post any disturbance or downtime.
5. Coordination & Communication:
- Coordinate with:
- Cast House: for casting schedule and metal tapping coordination.
- Stock House: for charging sequence and burden control.
- Blower House: for blast supply and temperature control.
- PCI System: for coal injection management.
- Maintenance Teams: for attending mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation issues.
- Maintain clear communication during shift handovers and ensure continuity of operations.
6. Safety, Health & Environment:
- Follow all Blast Furnace safety procedures and standard operating protocols (SOPs).
- Ensure strict use of PPEs and adherence to LOTO and work permit systems.
- Report unsafe acts, conditions, and near-misses immediately to the Shift In- charge.
- Maintain good housekeeping in the control room and operating areas.
- Support implementation of ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 standards.
7. Documentation & Reporting:
- Maintain and update:
- Shift-wise log sheets, cast logs, and burden charts.
- Hot blast and top pressure parameters.
- Gas composition and furnace performance data.
- Support preparation of daily and monthly production reports.
- Ensure accuracy of recorded data for performance analysis and MIS reporting.
Qualifications:
- B.E. / B.Tech / Diploma in Metallurgical / Mechanical / Production / Electrical Engineering from a recognized institution.
- Sound technical knowledge of iron making processes and Blast Furnace operations.
Experience:
- Engineer: 2–5 years of hands-on experience in Blast Furnace operation / control room monitoring.
- Sr. Engineer: 5–8 years of experience in Blast Furnace operation, process control, and parameter optimization.
- Should have exposure to PLC/DCS operations (Siemens / ABB / Honeywell) and modern Blast Furnace automation.
- Preferably from an Integrated Steel Plant / Iron Making Division (≥0.5 MTPA capacity).
Technical Skills:
- Good understanding of Blast Furnace process parameters and control principles.
- Knowledge of gas flow dynamics, burden charging, and PCI operation.
- Experience in PLC/DCS/SCADA systems for process monitoring.
- Ability to analyze trends, alarms, and process deviations.
- Familiarity with MS Office, SAP, and process reporting tools.