Romanian firm revamps steelmaking operation

Romania – Romania-based Ductil Steel Otelu Rosu has modernised its steel production activities, including the introduction of an electric arc furnace with the COSS system developed by German firm Fuchs Technology.

The new approach uses heat from waste gases for pre-heating scrap metal, enabling the plant to significantly cut raw material and power costs as well as to improve the quality of its steel.
The COSS system at Otelu Rosu is the third of its kind to be installed worldwide – and the first in Europe. The COSS-equipped furnace has the capacity to produce some 810 000 tonnes of steel per year.
Other improvements include an upgraded continuous billet caster and a modern scrap metal preparation section. Investment in the plant’s modernisation programme has amounted to US$ 48.7 million, according to the company’s Russian parent Mechel.
Igor Zyuzin, Chairman of the board of directors at Mechel OAO, comments: ‘The launch of innovative and high-technology projects in Romania is a positive signal for its economy and confirmation that joint efforts by the government and business to overcome the crisis’s consequences are effective.’