Tenova

Modernized Walking Beam Furnace at thyssenkrupp Steel

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

thyssenkrupp Steel, a supplier of high-grade flat steel, recently upgraded with the modernization of a walking beam furnace installed at the company’s hot strip mill. The plant enhancement will improve production capability, increase quality of the electrical steel strip, and reduce specific consumption.

The modernized furnace is provided by Tenova Italimpianti, a Tenova division with technologies for reheating, heat treatment, strip processing, acid regeneration plants, and cold rolling mills. thyssenkrupp Steel‘s new overhauled system includes an improved refractory lining design and an optimized fixed and walking beam system, which lead to a more uniform temperature distribution along the entire slab length. This reduces temperature loss in the slab’s center and minimizes contact points (rails) between the slabs and the fixed and walking beam system, preventing surface defects.

“The modernization of this walking beam furnace supports our goals for efficiency and sustainability. Tenova has played a key role in this process,” said Viktor Schlecht, head of Hot Strip Mill 1, at thyssenkrupp Steel in Duisburg Bruckhausen, Germany. “We had already successfully collaborated on a new walking beam furnace at our Beeckerwerth Hot Strip Mill 2 in Duisburg, where Tenova’s contribution was crucial in helping us potentially reduce CO2 emissions by more than 20% through the use of hydrogen.”

“We are proud to have partnered with thyssenkrupp Steel for this project, which supports their forward-looking strategy,” said Alessandro Sicher, project engineer coordinator for Reheating Technologies at Tenova. “Our equipment ensures the maximum production of high-quality electrical steel strips while enhancing the sustainability of the heat treatment process.”

The upgrade includes new state-of-the-art UltraLowNOx burners for coke oven gas fuel application. The customized design, enhanced with a modern control system, ensures optimal heating distribution in the furnace with significantly reduced nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Additionally, a new automatic descaling concept was incorporated, reducing the cleaning intervals and optimizing heat treatment processes. The safety systems were upgraded to meet the latest standards for industrial furnaces.

Main image caption: thyssenkrupp Steel Bruckhausen plant, Duisburg, Germany

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Fringe Friday: Sustainable Long Steel Production in Texas

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

We’re celebrating getting to the “fringe” of the weekend with a Heat Treat Fringe Friday covering news about a Texas steelmaker making strides in sustainable metal heating with a new facility. An electric arc furnace and a technology platform are included in the company’s strategy to lower emissions and energy consumption and increase production.

While not exactly heat treat, “Fringe Friday” deals with interesting developments in one of our key markets: aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, or general manufacturing.

Vinton Steel LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of Kyoei Steel, is bolstering its steelmaking operations with a melt shop at its facility in El Paso, Texas, which includes an electric arc furnace (EAF) and an advanced technology platform designed to increase production capacity to 400,000 tons per year while significantly reducing emissions, energy consumption, and operational costs. This expansion is a major step in the company’s North American expansion.

Tenova, a developer and provider of sustainable solutions for the green transition of the metals industry, will supply the Green City Mill Flex platform, with construction expected to begin the summer of 2025 and plant startup scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.

“This project marks a significant milestone for Kyoei Steel Group’s expansion in North America,” said Masahiro Kitada, chairman of Vinton Steel LLC. “By investing in state-of-the-art green steelmaking technologies, we are not only strengthening our presence in the U.S. market but also contributing to the economic development of the local community and the entire West Texas region. We are proud to bring advanced and sustainable steel production to El Paso at the Border area, creating new opportunities for growth. We are happy to embrace our largest investment outside Japan with a long-lasting partner like Tenova.”

Tenova’s Green City Mill Flex is redefining the future of long steel production by setting new benchmarks in efficiency, product flexibility, and environmental responsibility. Engineered to manufacture a wide range of long steel grades with the lowest carbon footprint on the market, this innovative platform integrates cutting-edge technologies, including the third generation Consteel® Electric Arc Furnace technology. The plant will also feature continuous casting and rolling capabilities in collaboration with Pomini Long Rolling Mills. By leveraging the local steel scrap recycling supply chain, Green City Mill Flex strengthens the principles of circular economy and self-sufficiency, minimizing the environmental impact of steel production in urban settings.

“This project sets a new benchmark for regional steelmaking plants,” said Francesco Memoli, president and CEO of Tenova Inc. “The Green City Mill Flex platform represents the latest evolution of the mini-mill concept, adding unprecedented levels of flexibility, efficiency, and safety. It is a game-changer for long-steel producers looking to modernize and meet the demands of sustainable manufacturing.”

Under the contract, Tenova will supply a complete suite of next-generation technologies, including a 45-ton Consteel® EAF with continuous scrap preheating, an in-line ladle metallurgy furnace for precise steel refining, a multi-strand continuous casting machine, and a fully automated material handling system. The project will also include an advanced fume treatment plant with a quenching tower and pulse-jet baghouse, a zero-water-consumption water treatment plant, and a new electrical distribution system, all designed to maximize efficiency and sustainability.

Main image: On February 3, 2025, Executives from Vinton Steel and Tenova gathering at Kyoei Steel’s headquarters in Osaka, Japan, on February 3, 2025, to celebrate the signing of the contract. (Francesco Memoli, President & CEO of Tenova Inc., on the far left; Masahiro Kitada, Chairman of Vinton Steel LLC, on the far right)

The press release is available in its original form here.

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22 News Chatter To Keep You Current

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 22 news items.

Equipment

  1. ROGESA Roheisengesellschaft Saar GmbH has commissioned SMS group to carry out a comprehensive modernization of blast furnace 4 (BF4), which will extend the service life of the blast furnace and ensure effective monitoring of the hearth lining. The contract includes the planning and delivery of the Paul Wurth hearth lining and multi thermocouple sensor probes (MTPs), as well as technical support during the installation phase at the in Dillingen, Germany, location. Additionally, Future Forgeworks, a steel manufacturer based in Brisbane, Australia, has commissioned SMS group to supply the nation’s first continuous mill technology (CMT® 350) mill. Future Forgeworks’ landmark project, the Swanbank Green Steel Mill Project, will produce rebar steel in an endless process for the Australian company, guaranteeing low carbon emissions and highly efficient production. 
  2. Piper Industrial Manufacturing Company, a Piper Aircraft, Inc., subsidiary, has acquired a Flexform™ fluid cell press from Quintus Technologies, expanding its equipment inventory to target the growing demand for low volume, high-complexity sheet metal forming. The company provides turnkey world-class manufacturing solutions.
  3. Steel producer Colakoğlu Metalurji AS, has placed an order with SMS group for the modernization of the laminar cooling section and the downcoiler in its 1,850-millimeter hot strip mill. With the completion of the laminar cooling system upgrade, the Turkish company plans to enter the market for wear-resistant steel grades. Additionally, Fujian Kebao Metal Products Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Fujian Sanbao Group, has contracted with SMS for two tinplate continuous annealing lines (TIN CALs).
  4. A heat and energy management company that produces approximately 2 million complex parts per year has expanded with a custom-made VAB furnace for vacuum aluminum brazing. SECO/WARWICK has delivered the furnace to the company, located in the Czech Republic.
  5. Aluminum and renewable energy company Hydro has decided to invest in a new sow casting line at Husnes to increase its primary aluminum casthouse flexibility. The company’s primary plant produces low-carbon extrusion ingot for the European construction and automotive industries. The sow caster, which will have a capacity of 100,000 tonnes per year, will give flexibility to produce sow ingots in periods of lower demand for the plant’s main products.
  6. Secat, Inc., recently announced the addition of the Alubin extrusion press to its Nicholasville Pilot Lab. The press was donated by Wagstaff, Inc., which manufactures direct chill aluminum casting systems. This equipment will elevate the company’s testing, development, and small-scale production capabilities.
  7. Tenova will supply a new hot dip galvanizing line for PT Tata Metal Indonesia. The flexibility of the new line for zinc aluminum magnesium alloys will enable production of three types of coated coils.
View of ROGESA blast furnace 4 from the water treatment plant
Cooling groups operating as part of the laminar cooling system for Colako
Low-carbon extrusion ingot for the European construction and automotive industries produced at Husnes
A new aluminum extrusion press installed at Secat’s Nicholasville Pilot Lab in Kentucky
Tenova and PT Tata Metal Indonesia

Company & Personnel

  1. Can-Eng Furnaces International, Ltd. has announced the promotion of two long-standing employees to new leadership roles in 2025. Jason Clay has been promoted to manufacturing operations manager, overseeing the future direction of the company’s manufacturing strategies. Adam DeCiccio has been promoted to purchasing and logistics manager and will focus on implementing innovative strategies and improvements within purchasing, supply chain, and inventory planning to support company growth.
  2. thyssenkrupp Aerospace, a logistics service provider for the commercial aerospace industry, and aluminum manufacturer Novelis have renewed their strategic partnership through a multi-year agreement.
  3. Kolene Corporation recently announced the promotions of Timothy D. Shoemaker and Peter L. Shoemaker, both to co-chief operating officers for the corporation. Tim Shoemaker is responsible for sales and has oversight of the company’s engineering, field service, and project management departments. Peter Shoemaker continues to lead the company’s chemical supply chain and order fulfillment departments, as well as its critical replacement parts revenue segment.
  4. Gasbarre‘s new 150,000-square-foot facility in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, recently became fully operational, with expanded floor space, upgraded infrastructure, and state-of-the-art equipment.
  5. JSW Steel Dolvi Works has selected SMS group for a major expansion of its steelmaking facility, increasing the annual capacity of the existing steel mill by 3.7 million tons per year.
  6. Watlow, a provider of industrial technology and thermal systems, recently expanded its executive leadership team by appointing two regional presidents to oversee operations in Asia and Europe. Shiyi Zhou will serve as regional president of Asia, and Klaus Aarestrupp as regional president over Europe.
  7. Ipsen announced the 2025 schedule for its comprehensive training course on vacuum furnace equipment. Ipsen U will take place on April 1-3, June 10-12, August 12-14, and October 7-9 in Cherry Valley, Illinois.
  8. CAN-ENG Furnaces International Ltd has formed a strategic partnership with Piotr Pelian, founder of Industrial Process Technology to expand its European presence.
  9. Hydro and Northvolt have signed an agreement where Hydro will acquire the remaining shares in the battery recycler Hydrovolt for NOK 78 million, increasing its ownership in Hydrovolt from 72 to 100 percent through this transaction. Hydrovolt is a raw materials company established in 2020 as a 50/50 joint venture between Hydro and Northvolt.
Jason Clay
Manufacturing Operations Manager
CAN-ENG Furnaces International, Ltd
Adam DeCiccio
Purchasing & Logistics Manager
CAN-ENG Furnaces International, Ltd
Timothy D. Shoemaker
Co-Chief Operating Officer
Kolene Corporation
Peter L. Shoemaker
Co-Chief Operating Officer
Kolene Corporation
Gasbarre’s new facility in St Mars, Pennsylvania
Shiyi Zhou
Regional President Asia
Watlow
Klaus Aarestrup
Regional President Europe
Watlow
Ipsen U training class
Piotr Pelian
Founder
Industrial Process Technology
Hydrovolt, one of Europe’s largest EV battery recycling plants in Fredrikstad, Norway

Kudos

  1. Solar Atmospheres, Inc. has been recognized as the industry leader in the Surface Treatment Services category of the 2024 Leadership in Medtech Awards.
  2. Phoenix Heat Treating has announced that their furnaces have received approvals from Pratt & Whitney and Bell Helicopter, increasing the company’s capacity to process orders that require specifically approved furnaces, ensuring compliance with stringent aerospace and defense standards.
  3. Steelhead Technologies recently announced the launch of the Tides of Steel Sweepstakes, in partnership with Calvary Industries. The contest offers an opportunity for job shops to win prizes that will accelerate 2025 growth and reward hard-working teams.
  4. The Otto Junker Foundation announced the winners of the Otto Junker Prize 2024, honoring outstanding academic achievements at the RWTH (Technical University of Aachen). The recipients are: Daniel Baggen, Moritz Diewald, Gerrit Ipers, and Jan Krusenbaum.
  5. Mark Thomason and John Blauser, both of Gasbarre, have received the 2025 Distinguished Service to Powder Metallurgy Award from the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF). The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated at least 25 years to the powder metallurgy (PM) industry and made outstanding, long-term contributions that have earned the admiration of their peers.
  6. The inaugural class of field service engineers recently graduated from the Ipsen FSE Academy, a next-generation training program building on the foundation of the former Ipsen Corporate Academy. This revamped initiative reflects Ipsen’s ongoing commitment to developing top-tier talent. These engineers successfully completed an intensive 20-week training program focused on mastering the complexities of heat treatment furnace repair and service
Left to right: Wolfgang Bleck, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the OJ Foundation; Jan Krusenbaum, award winner; Gerrit Ipers, award winner; Daniel Baggen, award winner; Moritz Diewald, award winner; Ulrich Rudiger; Udo von Berg. Source: Andreas Schmitter
Mark Thomason
Global Sales Manager
Gasbarre Products
John Blauser
Business Development Manager
Gasbarre Precision Tooling
Members of the inaugural class of field service engineers from the Ipsen FSE Academy

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Fringe Friday: Decarbonizing the Bright Annealing Process

/ ANNEALING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

We’re celebrating getting to the “fringe” of the weekend with a Heat Treat Fringe Friday installment: a project that targets reducing the environmental impact of the bright annealing process. Learn more about this EU-funded initiative that is expected to impact industries using high-hydrogen-content atmospheric gas.

While not exactly heat treat, “Fringe Friday” deals with interesting developments in one of our key markets: aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, or general manufacturing.

Energy efficiency, specifically reducing the environmental impact of the bright annealing process in seamless stainless steel and nickel alloy tube production, is the goal of a new European Union-funded initiative. The recently launched LIFE H2Reuse Project seeks solutions for hydrogen recovery and reuse.

The project, coordinated by DMV (Cogne Group, formerly Mannesman Stainless Tubes) in partnership with Tenova, is expected to impact industries using high-hydrogen-content atmospheric gas, which could apply the project’s results to reduce their carbon footprint, optimize resource use, and lower operating costs.

In the bright annealing process, 100% hydrogen is used in high-temperature furnaces to produce high-performance tubes with superior surface quality, corrosion resistance, and durability. Currently, hydrogen is flared after each production cycle, leading to significant waste. The LIFE H2Reuse project aims to address this issue by developing two innovative technical solutions: recovering the wasted hydrogen from the annealing process and reusing it as fuel in radiant tubes working 100% of hydrogen. This approach represents a market-first innovation, as the recovery of atmospheric gas for reuse in industrial processes is not yet commercially available.

While hydrogen burners are already on the market, they remain in a developmental phase. The initiative will focus on enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness in real-world industrial environments. The project’s expected outcomes include significant reductions in carbon footprint, energy consumption, and resource waste, all of which will be rigorously tested to demonstrate their technical, environmental, and socio-economic benefits.

The press release is available in its original form here.

Main image: Technologies used by Tenova in the bright annealing process

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18 News Chatter To Keep You Current

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 18 news items.

Equipment

  • A Canadian automotive components manufacturer recently expanded its operations with an electrically heated small batch oven to be used for curing arts. The small batch oven was manufactured by Wisconsin Oven, designed to utilize combination airflow to maximum heating rates of 650°F and temperature uniformity.
  • With the successful conversion to a four-stand finishing mill, Henan Yirui New Materials Technology Co, Ltd, officially began production. SMS Group converted an existing hot rolling mill into a tandem finishing mill by adding three new finishing mill stands, developed for refurbishing and integrating components.
  • KALLER, a manufacturer of gas springs and gas hydraulic systems based in Sweden, recently launched its fully automated line of hardening furnaces for surface coatings on gas springs. The hardening systems were supplied by Ipsen International.
Electrically heated small batch oven to be used for curing arts at Canadian automotive components manufacturer.
Source: Wisconsin Oven
Fully automated line of hardening furnaces installed at Kaller
Source: LinkedIn
FAC Signing Ceremony
L-R: Rüdiger Roger Wiechmann, Project Manager at SMS group, with Zheng Guoqiang, Project Manager at Henan Mingtai Aluminium).
Source: SMS Group

Company & Personnel

  • Steve Fuller has joined the team at Nitrex HTS as the new plant general manager at their Michigan location. He brings 45 years of experience in commercial heat treating, machine tool manufacturing, fabrication, quality management, and more.
  • Bobby Boom, Tim Litchauer, and Wade Sholmire, have been added to the Superheat team as business development managers. Wade is the new National BDM, Tim will oversee the Greater Houston Area, and Bobby will manage the Southeast Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas regions.
  • Chris Martin has been promoted to regional sales manager for the Southeast by Ipsen. Chris will be responsible for leading a team of seven that includes six field service engineers and one service administrator.
  • Adam Woelber has been promoted to manager of aftermarket parts and service at AFC-Holcroft.
  • Ethan Castle has been appointed the St. Louis plant manager for Paulo Heat Treating, Brazing, and Metal Finishing, recognized for his leadership, technical capability, and mentoring role, in addition to representing the company within the North American Diecasting Association and National Tooling and Machining Association. Ethan has also been named to Heat Treat Today‘s 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.
  • Gary Doyon has stepped down from his role as CEO of Inductotherm Group, after 15 years in the position and 38 years with the company. Mick Nallen and Satyen Prabhu have taken as co‐leaders at the company, which provides thermal processing technologies. Mr. Doyon will remain actively involved with the company, assisting with specific operational needs of other businesses owned by the Rowan family and pursuing new business avenues and opportunities for the Inductotherm Group.
  • Ipsen USA has launched its Field Service Engineer Academy, designed to be a 20-week in-depth program with classroom training and experience in the field with veteran service technicians. Darci Johnson, program and transformation manager at the company, is leading the implementation of the FSE Academy. Content will focus on the fundamentals of vacuum furnace repair.
  • Industrial furnace equipment manufacturer Gasbarre welcomed Dan Hill as product development manager; he will be based at the company’s Livonia, Michigan, facility. A licensed professional engineer, Dan brings a diverse background in capital equipment, spanning material handling, control systems, boilers and furnaces, combustion systems, and industrial washing/deburring equipment.
  • The U.S. Navy recently selected StandardAero to serve as its engine depot-level repair prime contractor to perform Rolls-Royce T56-A-427A engine MRO services, supporting the Navy’s fleet of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. The aerospace aftermarket service supplier has also announced that Turkish and European Boeing 737 Operator Corendon Airlines has extended its contract for the support of CFM LEAP-18 engines.
  • Ipsen USA recently announced the formal launch of its Service HUB model, marking a significant shift in how the company delivers customer service and support across the United States. The program has been under the direction of Geoffrey Somary, the company’s global CEO. Currently being led by John Dykstra, chief service officer, the HUBs now provide services across a large portion of the Midwest and Southeastern United States. Lu Chouraki, manager of business development, is leading the implementation of the HUBs.
Steve Fuller
Plant General Manager
Nitrex HTS
Source: Nitrex
Wade Sholmire
National Business Development Manager
Superheat
Source: Superheat
Tim Litchauer
Business Development Manager for the Greater Houston Area
Superheat
Source: Superheat
Bobby Boom
Business Development Manager for Southeast Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas
Superheat
Source: Superheat

Chris Martin
Regional Service Manager for the Southeast
Ipsen
Source: Ipsen
Adam Woelber
Manager of Aftermarket Parts and Service
AFC-Holcroft
Source: AFC-Holcroft
Ethan Castle
St Louis Plant Manager

Source: Paulo
Gary Doyon
Retiring CEO
Inductotherm Group
Source: Inductotherm Group
The launch of Ipsen USA’s Field Service Engineer Academy
Source: Ipsen USA
Dan Hill
Product Development Manager
Gasbarre
Source: Gasbarre

Kudos

  • James Wellborn, gas nitride manager at Advanced Heat Treat Corp, celebrates 25 years with the company.
  • Patricia Miller, director of technical services at Uddeholm, has been named the Technical Committee Member of the Year by North American Die Casting Association (NADCA).
  • Denise Blaubach, who is known as the resident flow meter assembly expert at UPC-Marathon in Wisconsin, recently celebrated 35 years with the company.
  • Constellium today announced it has achieved Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard Certification for all its operations, and for its corporate office in Paris.
  • Sinosteel E&T and Tenova have successfully completed the performance test for the ENERGIRON DRI Plant at the Baosteel Zhanjiang site in China. The sustainable hydrogen-based 1,000,000 tonnes/year ENERGIRON Direct Reduction (DR) plant demonstrated the nominal production of DRI, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and marking a significant step in the green steel industry. 
James Wellborn
Gas Nitride Manager
Advanced Heat Treat Corp
Source: Advanced Heat Treat Corporation
Patricia Miller
Director of Technical Services
Uddeholm
Source: Uddeholm
Denise Blaubach celebrates 35 years at UPC-Marathon
Source: UPC-Marathon
ENERGIRON DRI Plant at the Baosteel Zhanjiang site in China where Sinosteel E&T and Tenova complete performance test
Source: Tenova

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Sanbao Group Boosts Heat Treatment Capabilities with 3 Annealing and Coating Lines

/ ANNEALING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Steelmaker Sanbao Group has expanded its heat treatment operations with three annealing and coating lines for non-grain oriented (NGO) silicon steel. The equipment enhancement is part of the company’s entry into the field of silicon steel production.

Sanbao contracted with Tenova LOI Thermprocess, an industrial furnace supplier, for the heat treatment furnaces intended for processing metals. Two electric arc furnaces (EAF) previously supplied by Tenova Group have been installed and put into operation.

A signing ceremony was held at the headquarters of Sanbao Iron & Steel Co., Ltd., in Zhangzhou, China, as part of the company’s “Cold rolled Silicon Steel and Metal Products Deep Processing Project”, a new greenfield project for electrical steel that aims to obtain the highest surface quality and best magnetic properties in NGO electrical steel for Southeast China.

Sascha Bothen
Senior Vice President of Sales
Tenova LOI Thermprocess
Source: LinkedIn

“Tenova and Sanbao have already collaborated successfully establishing Tenova’s Consteel® technology and the successful references of Tenova LOI Thermprocess in the heat treatment of electrical steel and great efforts in the research & development in this sector fully convinced us to this investment,” stated Wang Guangwen, chairman of Sanbao Group.

“It was a great honor for us to participate in the signing ceremony of the Sanbao Group in Zhangzhou, which emphasizes their trust in our technology,” stated Sascha Bothen, senior vice president sales, Tenova LOI Thermprocess. “We are proud to further strengthen the cooperation and work together to help propel forward the green energy transition in the steel industry.”

Included in the featured image: Wang Guangwen, chairman of Sanbao Group; Dong Guibo, vice general manager of Sanbao Group; Sascha Bothen, senior vice president of sales, Tenova LOI Thermprocess; and Wolfgang Eggert, general sales manager, Tenova LOI Thermprocess.

The press release is available in its original form here.

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All 21 News Chatter To Keep You Current

/ FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 21 news items.

Equipment

  1. Tata Steel Meramandali, based in Odisha, India, placed an order with SMS group for the implementation of Paul Wurth coke oven gas injection technology at their Blast Furnace (BF) #1. This order is the first of its kind in India, setting a precedent for the industry’s move towards sustainable steel production. The project is expected to be commissioned by Q1 2026 and will be completed within 25 months.
  2. Sousa Corp., based in Newington, CT, installed its second Ipsen Turbo²Treater vacuum furnace to its production line, expanding its capacity to meet demand for heat treating services to the aerospace, automotive, medical, and general manufacturing industries.
  3. A Chinese partner has purchased a two-chamber VIM 50 kg induction furnace from SECO/WARWICK for casting gas turbine blades. The furnace will produce gas turbine blade castings in an equiaxed structure and has already obtained an export license.
  4. The modernization of a blast furnace at Salzgitter Flachstahl AG has been completed by SMS group. The new Paul Wurth parallel hopper Bell Less Top® (BLT) installed offers enhanced efficiency with less maintenance.
  5. Edwards AFB in California received delivery of a composition oven from DELTA H®/Phillips Federal. The equipment will be used for advanced materials applications R&D. The heat treat furnace supplier initially designed and engineered the walk-in oven using SolidWorks 3D modeling and developed the project as a “kit oven” for easy field assembly. After preassembly of key subsystems at their Carroll, OH facility, the system was shipped to Edwards AFB. The entire field assembly project required two weeks including commissioning and extensive training of USAF personnel.
  6. Tata Steel Nederland selected Tenova to develop a new state-of-the-art steel production line in IJmuiden, the Netherlands. The overall contract will include engineering, supply, and advisory services for a three million tons electric arc furnace to meet current operational specifications (high-quality steel for the automotive sector). 
  7. Cavendish Hydrogen ASA, a subsidiary of Nel ASA, has received a purchase order from Alperia Greenpower SRL for hydrogen fueling equipment to be used for light- and heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicles in Bruneck, South Tyrol, Italy. This will be Nel’s first H2Station™ installation in Italy, built for the 2026 Winter Olympics to fuel vehicles for the transfer between the Olympic sports facilities.
Newly installed material hoppers at Salzgitter Flachstahl AG
Coke oven gas compressing station previously installed at HKM, Germany
DELTA H®/Phillips Federal providing composite oven for Edwards AFB
Left to right: Paolo Stagnoli (Tenova), Hans van den Berg (CEO Tata Steel Nederland), Jeroen Klumper (Tata Steel Nederland), and Nico Bleijendaal (Danieli)

Company & Personnel 

  1. StandardAero has appointed Kim Ernzen to serve as chief operating officer. In this role, Ernzen reports directly to Russell Ford, StandardAero chairman and CEO, and is responsible for global operational performance, efficiency, and excellence, as well as engineering and supply chain management for StandardAero. Additionally, StandardAero’s Engine Services and Component Repair Services division presidents will report directly to Ernzen, who will maintain close oversight of the company’s overall business performance. She replaces Kerry O’Sullivan, who is retiring from StandardAero, and will be located at the company’s Scottsdale, Arizona, headquarters office. 
  2. Steelhead Technologies launched Steelhead University, an online learning platform designed to expedite user training and streamline software implementation. The comprehensive curriculum of eight core administrative courses equips users with fundamental knowledge essential for navigating the intricacies of the company’s software.
  3. Solar Atmospheres’ newest acquisition, Solar Atmospheres of San Diego, has announced the addition of Chris Constable as their new vice president of operations. Chris has nearly 25 years of heat treating experience that includes quality, operations, management, plant safety, business development, and sales.
  4. Ipsen USA welcomes Max Stormo as the new Ipsen customer service (ICS) operations manager as the company streamlines its aftermarket services in Souderton, PA. Stormo comes to Ipsen after an extensive career working as a manufacturing operations leader in Texas, and a recent role as vice president of operations at a manufacturer in the Philadelphia region.
  5. Solar Manufacturing, Inc., announced the hiring of Nicholas Max, BSME Drexel University, as its chief mechanical engineer to head up its vacuum furnace mechanical design group. Nick is also pursuing an MBA at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. He will be tasked to lead the further development of energy efficient hot zones, vacuum vessels, high pressure gas quenching systems, and vacuum pumping systems.
  6. Ipsen USA has confirmed its commitment to the growth of the Ipsen Customer Service (ICS) Parts Department by expanding staff and implementing strategic initiatives. Christina Connelly, parts manager for Ipsen in Cherry Valley, joined the team in 2022, and has since hired six additional employees. Connelly and her veteran team members and new hires are focused on reducing turnaround time and increasing customer responsiveness.
  7. Swiss Steel Group announced its participation in a renewable energy consortium, the “Initiative EE-Industrie.” This initiative, consisting of 19 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany, aims to build, operate and utilize wind and photovoltaic plants for self-supply with green electricity.
  8. Kanthal and Danieli have announced a partnership to jointly scale up Kanthal’s demonstrated electric process gas direct-heating solution, Prothal® DH, to full industrial scale. With the installation in Energiron hydrogen-ready DRI plants, fully green DRI production will be achieved. Additionally, the introduction of Prothal® DH technology in blast furnace operation will reduce CO2 emissions in ironmaking.
Kim Ernzen, Chief Operating Officer at StandardAero
Screenshot of Steelhead University knowledge check on adjusting powder coat recipes
Chris Constable, Vice President of Operations, Solar Atmospheres of San Diego
Max Stormo, Customer Service Operations Manager, Ipsen USA
Nicholas Max, Chief Mechanical Engineer, Solar Manufacturing, Inc.
Dilip Chandrasekaran, Global Business Development Manager at Kanthal (L) and Marco Lapasin, Vice President Danieli Engineering Centro Metallics

Kudos 

  1. Ipsen Global has received the German Innovation Award for the Atlas Green furnace platform, presented by The German Design Council. The award ceremony was held in Frankfurt, Germany, on May 14, celebrating the innovators that emerged from a field of 520 submissions from across 23 countries.
  2. Industrial Steel Treating Co. was named the Manufacturer of the Year by the Jackson Area (MI) Manufacturers Association. Accepting on behalf of IST was Tim Levy, current President of IST. Members of the Levy family in attendance included current VP, Tom Levy, and former IST President, Bernard Levy. Bernard was the 2nd generation Levy family owner and spent his entire 50-year career at IST before retiring and passing the reins to his three sons in 1998.
  3. Bluestreak Compliance™, a division of Bluestreak | Bright AM™, received approval as a Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO) by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Accreditation Body (Cyber-AB). This significant achievement enables Bluestreak Compliance™ to offer expert consulting services to defense contractors and suppliers aiming to comply with CMMC cybersecurity standards and prepare for their Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) audits.
  4. IHEA has announced Dr. Avi Shultz as keynote at the first Industrial Heating Decarbonization SUMMIT. Dr. Shultz, Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO), will provide the keynote address at its first summit, to be held October 28-20 at the Conrad Indianapolis.
  5. Swiss Steel Group has launched a new website which focuses on customer needs, including a Product Finder that generates automated product suggestions based on customer requirements and specifications, and detailed information about green initiatives and sustainability as well as special requirements for steel grades for specific applications.
  6. IHEA recently announced its 2024–25 Board of Directors and Executive Officers. Taking over as President is Jeff Rafter of Selas Heat Technology Co. LLC; Vice-President is Gary Berwick of Dry Coolers, Inc.; and Treasurer is Jason Safarz of Karl Dungs, Inc. Brian Kelly of Honeywell Thermal Solutions assumes the Past President position. Finalizing the lineup of IHEA’s Board of Directors for 2024-2025, the following members continue their tenure: Scott Bishop, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI); Bob Fincken, Super Systems, Inc.; Ben Gasbarre, Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems; Doug Glenn, Heat Treat Today; John Podach, Fostoria Infrared; John Stanley, Karl Dungs, Inc.; Michael Stowe, Advanced Energy; Helen Tuttle, WS Thermal Process Technology Inc.; and Jeff Valuck, Surface Combustion, Inc.
Dr. Bora Ozkan-Paul van Doesburg (L) and Lutz Dietzold (R) with their German Innovation Award
Tim Levy (L) and Bernard Levy (R)
Dr. Avi Schultz, keynote speaker at IHEA’s Industrial Heating Decarbonization SUMMIT
The 2024-25 IHEA Board of Directors: Back row, left to right; John Stanley, Bob Fincken, Gary Berwick, Brian Kelly, Scott Bishop, Doug Glenn, and Jeff Rafter. Front row, left to right; Jeff Valuck, Ben Gasbarre, Helen Tuttle, IHEA Executive Vice President Anne Goyer, Jason Safarz, and John Podach. Not pictured: Michael Stowe

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2024 06 News from Abroad June

News from Abroad: Furnace Efficiency and Climate Neutrality

/ AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS, BURNERS & COMBUSTION SYSTEMS, ENERGY HEAT TREAT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Today’s News from Abroad installment brings us news of a climate-neutral metallurgical thermal process center in Germany, a twin-ladle furnace station in Brazil, and a Korean steel maker gaining furnace efficiency. 

Heat Treat Today partners with two international publications to deliver the latest news, tech tips, and cutting-edge articles that will serve our audience — manufacturers with in-house heat treat. heat processing, a Vulkan-Verlag GmbH publication, serves mostly the European and Asian heat treat markets, and Furnaces International, a Quartz Business Media publication, primarily serves the English-speaking globe.

ArcelorMittal Brasil Orders Twin-Ladle Furnace Station from Danieli

2024 06 NFA ArcelorMittal Tubarão, Serra, Espirito Santo
ArcelorMittal’s Tubarão integrated steel plant in Serra, Espirito Santo state, where Danieli will install twin-ladle furnace station.
Source: furnaces-international.com

“ArcelorMittal Brasil has chosen Danieli Centro Met technology and equipment for a twin-ladle furnace station to be installed at the Tubarão integrated steel plant in Serra, Espirito Santo state, where 7+ Mt/yr of high-quality, flat carbon steel products are produced. The new twin-ladle furnace station will be placed in the melt-shop bay between converters and continuous casting machines to complete the refining area, remove sulphur contents and make quality adjustments to the steel bath, to produce USIBOR steel for automotive applications.”

READ MORE: “Arcelor Mittal Brasil orders twin-ladle furnace station from Danieli” at furnaces.international.com

TU Bergakademie Freiberg Opens Climate-Neutral Metallurgical Thermal Processing Center

News From Abroad 2024 06 TU Bergakademie Freiberg furnace test
At TU Bergakademie Freiberg, the simulation of a torch in a test furnace is part of developing technologies that could replace the natural gas burners of the future.
Source: TU Bergakademie Freiberg

“’Our goal is emission-free thermal processes, which we optimize through a closed loop system,’ says Professor Gotthard Wolf, head of the Foundry Institute at TU Bergakademie Freiberg. In order to get closer to this goal, two technologies have already been developed at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg that could replace the natural gas burners of the future. When using green electricity, the process step of melting, for example of aluminum, becomes completely CO2-free. These are a plasma-heated hot gas flare and an inductively heated got gas flare. ‘Each of the electrically operated flares could be replaced in existing melting furnaces without the mostly medium-sized foundry companies having to invest in alternative furnaces,’ explains Professor Wolf.”

READ MORE: “TU Bergakademie Freiberg optimizes metallurgical thermal process” at heat-processing.com

Tenova’s NextGen® System Enhances Dongkuk Steel Mill Furnace Efficiency

2024 06 NFA Tenova Dongkuk Steel
The installation and commissioning of Tenova’s NextGen® will provide enhanced EAF efficiency, real-time monitoring, and control capabilities.
Source: furnaces-international.com

“Dongkuk Steel Mill Co. Ltd., a leading steelmaker in Korea, has recently contracted Tenova Goodfellow, Inc, a subsidiary of Tenova, a leading developer and provider of sustainable solutions for the green transition of the metals industry, to improve its furnace efficiency. The scope of the contract involves the supply and installation of Tenova’s NextGen® System at Dongkuk’s Incheon Plant in Dong-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea. The Next-Gen® System, tailored for Dongkuk Steel’s 120-ton AC shaft furnace, incorporates advanced hardware and temperature sensors for off-gas measurement which include two sampling stations and a central cabinet.”

READ MORE: “Dongkuk Steel  Mill Co Ltd contracted Tenova Goodfellow Inc for a NextGen®System for improved furnace efficiency” at furnaces-international.com. 

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thyssenkrupp Hohenlimburg GmbH Expands Sustainable Operations with Bell-Type Annealing Plant

/ ANNEALING NEWS, FEATURED NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS
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An Ultra Low NOx HPH®-flameless bell-type annealing plant at thyssenkrupp Hohenlimburg has achieved CO2-neutral heat treatment of precision strip.

Tenova LOI Thermprocess, a company which is part of Tenova, continues to prove that CO2-neutral heat treatment can go together with low nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in a cooperation project with thyssenkrupp Hohenlimburg GmbH. Tenova LOI Thermprocess is part of Tenova and is one of the leading companies supplying industrial furnace systems for the heat treatment of metals. Tenova, a Techint Group company, is as a worldwide partner for sustainable, innovative, and reliable solutions in the metals and the mining industries.

In bell-type annealing plants, which have so far been mainly operated with natural gas, precipitation and spheroidizing annealing of steel coils is carried out to specifically adjust the mechanical properties for subsequent rolling processes or the required product properties at the end customer.

At thyssenkrupp’s Hagen-Hohenlimburg site, Tenova LOI Thermprocess’s heating hoods with LOI’s patented Ultra low NOx HPH®-flameless concept has been used for around 12 years. By increasing air preheating temperatures to 1112°F (600°C), this technology has led to energy and therefore CO2 savings of up to 12%.

Dr. Gökhan Gula
Project Manager and Process Engineer
Tenova LOI Thermprocess.

In a campaign involving several annealing cycles, a further step has been taken towards decarbonizing steel production as part of the joint project. In production trials, the fuel gas supply for the heat treatment of hot-rolled narrow strip was gradually converted from natural gas to up to 100% hydrogen. Tenova indicates that, for the first time in the world, 70 t of steel strip were heat treated in a bell-type annealing plant in a locally CO2‑neutral process. The flameless concept demonstrates its advantages here because despite the higher combustion temperature compared to natural gas and thus a tendency towards higher nitrogen oxide emissions, it results in remarkably low NOx emissions.

Using the bell-type annealing plant, up to 2600 kg of CO2 can be saved per annealing cycle by using regenerative produced hydrogen, while maintaining productivity and product properties.

“The combustion of hydrogen is technically more complex than the direct use of electricity or the combustion of natural gas. This project has provided us with further insights into the decarbonization of the bell-type annealing process and is helping us on our joint path towards the transformation to climate-neutral steel production,” says Dr. Gökhan Gula, project manager and process engineer at Tenova LOI Thermprocess.

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Double Reduction Mill Offers Sustainable Solutions for Tinplate Company

/ FEATURED NEWS, FOUNDRY CASTING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS
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A tinplate company will receive a new order for a tinplate coating line (TCL) and tinplate double reduction mill (TDRM) from a company with North American locations specialized in sustainable thermal processing solutions for the metals and mining industries.

Giuseppe Zanzi
Chief Representative Officer of South East Asia and Oceania
Tenova
Source: Tenova

These orders from Tenova are for the Tinplate Company of India Ltd., a subsidiary of Tata Steel, for its new Tinplate Complex at the Jamshedpur plant in Jharkhand, India.

The TCL includes an independent pre-tinning section with sulfuric acid for iron control in the electrolyte solution and an advance tinplate coating control close loop to achieve the best strip coating quality and stability. The IGBT AFE rectifier technology allows for efficiency in tinplate coating which moreover allows for low electrical consumption.

The TDRM plays a key role in obtaining a combination of ultra-light strip gauge and required hardness. This mill is equipped with automatic gauge control (AGC) cylinders, an automatic flatness control (AFC) system, a roughness control system, and a dedicated reduction control for double reduced (DR) tin plate.

Giuseppe Zanzi, chief representative officer of South East Asia and Oceania at Tenova, commented, “We are very proud to have been selected as the main technological partner for Tata Group tinplate expansion. Thanks to our solutions, Tata will be able to achieve a sustainable production based on low electrical consumption and very large production capacity.”

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