In conversation with Gurnam Singh, Chief Business Officer – Machine Building Division, Mukand Limited, we explore the company’s groundbreaking contributions to Coke Dry Quenching technology, sustainable manufacturing, and AI-driven processes. How is Mukand shaping the future of the stainless steel industry? Read the full interview to find out!

Spokesperson: Gurnam Singh, Chief Business Officer – Machine Building Division, Mukand Limited

What inspired Mukand to develop the Coke Bucket and Carriage for the CDQ process?

Mukand’s development of the Coke Bucket and Carriage for the Coke Dry Quenching (CDQ) process was inspired by the need to address inefficiencies and environmental concerns associated with traditional coke wet quenching (CWQ). The CDQ process, which uses inert gas to cool hot coke, offers significant advantages over CWQ, including energy recovery, reduced emissions, and improved coke quality. Mukand, a key player in steel plant equipment manufacturing, was motivated by the following factors based on industry trends and the context of CDQ technology:

• Energy Efficiency and Heat Recovery 
• Environmental Regulations 
• Improved Coke Quality 
• Market Demand and Technological Advancements 
• Operational Challenges in CDQ

What challenges did you face during the manufacturing of the CDQ components? 

Mukand Limited, an Indian steel and engineering company, faced several challenges during the manufacturing of Coke Dry Quenching (CDQ) components. These challenges arose primarily due to the complex technical requirements and operational constraints of producing such specialized equipment. The key challenges Mukand encountered included:

• Complex detail Design and Engineering Requirements: CDQ components require precise engineering to withstand extreme temperatures (up to 1,000–1,100°C) and ensure efficient heat transfer. Mukand needed to adhere to stringent detail design specifications to meet the operational demands of CDQ systems.
• Material Selection and Refractory Lining Durability: CDQ systems operate under severe thermal and mechanical stresses, requiring materials that can endure high temperatures and resist wear. Mukand encountered challenges in selecting and sourcing high-quality refractory materials for components, which must withstand repeated thermal cycles without cracking or degrading.
• Manufacturing Precision and Quality Control: The production of CDQ components necessitates tight tolerances to ensure the components, such as charging buckets, are produced accurately. Mukand faced challenges in maintaining these tolerances during fabrication, especially for large-scale components. Quality control is crucial to prevent issues, and Mukand invested in rigorous testing protocols to ensure component reliability.
• Cost and Supply Chain Constraints: Manufacturing CDQ components is capital-intensive due to the need for specialized materials, advanced fabrication techniques, and skilled labor. Mukand struggled to balance cost efficiency with quality, particularly in a competitive market.
• Technological and Operational Expertise: CDQ technology is relatively advanced, and Mukand encountered a learning curve in mastering the intricacies of manufacturing components for systems originally developed by global leaders. Training personnel and ensuring consistent production quality for such specialized equipment posed significant challenges, especially if Mukand was expanding into CDQ manufacturing for the first time.

How does the CDQ system enhance efficiency and sustainability in steelmaking? 

The Coke Dry Quenching (CDQ) process significantly enhances efficiency and sustainability in steel making. In the traditional wet quenching process, red coke is quenched using water, resulting in unnecessary heat loss and dust release. CDQ, however, quenches coke with inert gas in a closed vessel, allowing for thermal energy recovery in the form of high-pressure steam. This steam can be used for power generation or plant operations, reducing reliance on outside power.

From a sustainability angle, CDQ has a huge impact on reducing particle emissions, water usage, and greenhouse gases. This matches up with worldwide standards for being responsible. It also makes coke better because of even and controlled cooling, which leads to blast furnaces working more . In a nutshell, CDQ shows how new ideas can boost both output and care for the environment in the steel business.

Are there future plans for innovations in CDQ or similar sustainable technologies? 

At Mukand, innovation is not just a goal — it’s the foundation of how we operate. Since all our products, including the CDQ unit, are entirely customized, every project presents a new opportunity to push the boundaries of design, engineering, and sustainability. Our approach is simple yet powerful: we roll up our sleeves and work hand-in-hand with our clients to develop solutions that meet their unique challenges — often in ways that haven’t been done before.

Looking ahead, we’re committed to driving innovations that enhance energy efficiency, operational reliability, and environmental performance. Whether it’s further refining CDQ systems or developing cutting-edge process plant machinery, our focus remains on integrating smarter controls, cleaner operations, and better resource utilization — all shaped by real-world demands.

In essence, Mukand’s future innovations will continue to be rooted in our customers’ evolving needs, blending engineering excellence with sustainable thinking.

How is Mukand advancing stainless steel applications across industries? 

Providing high-performance and customized stainless steel solutions to some of the most demanding industries, including the automotive, aerospace, infrastructure, energy, and process sectors, Mukand has been at the forefront of Stainless Steel innovation.  Because of our extensive metallurgical knowledge and sophisticated manufacturing skills, we are able to create stainless steel grades that satisfy strict requirements for durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion. Our capacity to co-engineer solutions with clients is what really distinguishes Mukand. We do more than just provide Stainless Steel products; we collaborate closely with clients to comprehend their unique application requirements and create stainless steel products that improve functionality, durability, and affordability.  This includes developing special grades of wire rods, and bars suited for extreme operating environments. 

What steps is Mukand taking to adopt AI in stainless steel production? 

AI stands out as one of the hottest and most exciting technologies in today’s industrial scene — and the Stainless Steel industry is no different. At Mukand, we’ve started to tap into AI’s potential by incorporating it into specific areas of our production process mainly catering to areas like quality control, process optimization, and predictive maintenance — all aiming to boost productivity, consistency, and responsiveness. 

Yet, we also recognize that we’re just starting this journey. AI’s full potential — in terms of making decisions on its own, machine learning, and automating — is huge and unexplored. We plan to expand its use across the production chain guided by data in real-time smart analysis, and what our customers need. 

As a company that thrives on customization and engineering innovation, we see AI not just as a buzzword, but as a powerful tool to help us design more intelligent, adaptive, and sustainable manufacturing systems. While there’s still a long way to go, we are committed to moving forward — thoughtfully, strategically, and always in line with the evolving needs of our customers and the industry.

How is Mukand contributing to renewable energy through stainless steel?        

At Mukand Limited, we are committed to driving sustainability not just through the products we manufacture, but also through the way we operate. As one of the leading players in the Stainless Steel industry, we continuously strive for excellence in quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility to meet the evolving demands of both domestic and global markets.

A key milestone in our sustainability journey is our recent partnership with Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd to establish a 43.75 MW captive solar project in Jamkhed, Maharashtra. This project is expected to generate nearly 100 million units of clean energy annually and offset approximately 54,687 tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year. This bold initiative reflects our long-term vision to reduce our carbon footprint while ensuring energy security for our manufacturing operations — aligning closely with India’s green energy goals.

Beyond infrastructure, our stainless steel products continue to support renewable energy applications across sectors, thanks to their durability, corrosion resistance, and adaptability. Whether it’s in wind, solar, or bioenergy applications, our advanced stainless steel solutions play a crucial role in building the foundation for a cleaner, more sustainable future.