Oschatz Group delivered the plant’s original cooling stack, which is being expanded and optimized to accommodate larger-scale tests that are being carried out. The plant is at Tata Steel Europe’s IJmuiden works.  

"We are proud to continue to be part of the innovative HIsarna process," said Jan-Christopher Schrag, managing partner of Oschatz Group.

"Oschatz and Tata Steel have been associated via successful collaboration over many years. As a reliable partner of many years we know the system inside out and will continue to do everything possible to advance this forward-looking process."

The Hlsarna process converts iron ore fines and coal almost directly into liquid iron. The process doesn’t require coking coal, and it emits less carbon dioxide than a standard blas furnace. Last year, the European Union announced that it would contribute EUR7.4 million to a six-month test campaign on the technology. The campaign was to have begun this year. 

At the time, Tata said the testing would establish whether the technology is capable of producing molten iron over sustained periods.

The new section is being manufactured at Oschatz's facility in Turkey. Delivery is scheduled for this fall, and commissioning is to occur by year’s end. In addition to supplying the stack, Oschatz will oversee installation.