Essar Steel Precoated Facility at Corrosion Technology Forum, 2018

On 8th June 2018, I had the opportunity to participate in the Corrosion Technology Forum, 2018 at The Sheraton Grand, Bengaluru. The event was attended by Academicians, Scientists, Consultants, Defence Services, as well as Senior Management executives across the manufacturing industry, spanning Steel, Paints, Oil & Gas, Automotive, Chemicals, Railways, etc. among others.

The summit aimed to discuss various issues related to corrosion control, mitigation and methodologies to assess the damage due to corrosion, and to share latest information on corrosion control strategies, health monitoring of plants and periodic maintenance methodologies.

Speaking at the forum, I made a presentation on Corrosion Protection by Use of Protective Coatings. Discussed the forms of corrosion as well as their cost impact, covering direct as well as consequential losses and the magnitude of the same. Spoke on the Global cost of corrosion as well, and highlighted how 3.4% of the global GDP (and 4.2% of India’s GDP) is lost each year due to this menace.

Identified the methods of corrosion control and how Essar Steel Precoated Facility (ESPF) products pitch in to prevent corrosion by providing cathodic as well as barrier protection, while also providing aesthetic appeal. Dwelt on the steel prepainting process and also mentioned how ESPF has employed μCoat, an innovative green coat product, on a trial basis over the past several months returning great success. Discussed our cost innovation initiatives, improvement in line parameters and the increased productivity achieved consistently by ESPF over the past 4 years, even as quality defects stand reduced to near-zero levels. Highlighted how this trial has performed positively as compared to conventional prepainting systems and helped us meet the growing demand of precoated steel and products thereof.

Spoke of innovation in Architecture, Tesla’s incredible solar roof, Initiatives by China’s BaoWu, Coated steel in the automotive sector and farm shelters. Ended the talk by highlighting how ESPF has done its bit for the environment by transforming Railway stations from Asbestos to PPGI, Making Prepainted Steel for Toilet blocks, Conveyor belt hoods, Power plant structures, as well as some iconic buildings across the globe.

The event helped one understand the challenges faced by major industries and threw insights on ways to implement concepts of corrosion management with a long term perspective.