Tata Steel Limited awards major contract to John Cockerill India Limited for Push-Pull Pickling Line and Acid Regeneration Plant at Jamshedpur

Project to Strengthen Sustainable Steel Production through High-Efficiency Closed-Loop Technology

Tata Steel Limited, one of India’s leading steel producers, has entrusted John Cockerill India Limited with a prestigious contract for the engineering, design, manufacture, and supply of a state-of-the-art Push-Pull Pickling Line and Spray Roaster-Acid Regeneration Plant (ARP) at its Jamshedpur (Tinplate Division), Jharkhand facility. The contract also includes supervision of erection and commissioning to achieve full contractual performance guarantees.

Under the agreement, John Cockerill India will deliver all equipment required for the Pickling Line and Spray Roaster ARP, along with supervision services to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.

The Push-Pull Pickling Line (PPPL) will be designed for an annual capacity of 350,000 TPA, capable of processing strip widths up to 1350 mm and thicknesses up to 3.8 mm, at a maximum speed of 120 mpm.

John Cockerill will leverage its vast experience with more than 150 reference pickling lines worldwide, bringing the full depth of its expertise to this project. The line offers exceptional operational flexibility, enabling frequent switching between different strip sizes and steel grades.

Its uniquely designed V-shaped granite blocks simplify strip uncoiling into the bath, while efficient rinsing systems and a two-step acid scrubbing process minimize acid fumes—ensuring a cleaner and safer working environment.

The line will be equipped with double uncoiler, stitcher, three Cockerill-designed pickling tanks for excellent pickling efficiency, in-line side trimmer and delivery equipment. Together, these features guarantee scale-free, clean strips, essential for downstream processes such as cold rolling and tinplating.

Integrated with a Spray Roaster ARP (2700 LPH), the installation will operate as a closed-loop system that regenerates fresh acid from waste pickle liquor. John Cockerill’s proven ARP technology, with more than 100 successful global references, offers:

• >99.5% acid regeneration efficiency, substantially reducing fresh acid demand and lowering OPEX
• High-purity iron oxide by-product, creating additional revenue streams with applications in paint and allied industries
• Future-ready emission control, designed to meet stringent environmental norms up to 15 mg/Nm³

The project will be strongly supported by John Cockerill’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Taloja near Mumbai. In addition, automation systems will be provided by John Cockerill’s expert team, complemented with outsourced component from reputed suppliers in the market.

“This order is a testament to Tata Steel’s trust in our advanced technology and strong engineering expertise,” said Frédéric Martin, Managing Director, John Cockerill India Limited. “Our solutions will not only enhance production efficiency but also contribute to Tata Steel’s sustainability goals by reducing waste and environmental impact.”

“At Tata Steel, we are committed to advancing sustainable steelmaking and processing practices while enhancing efficiency and quality. This project will help us strengthen operational reliability, reduce environmental impact, and reinforce our leadership in responsible steel production,” said Kishore Tar, Chief Projects & Construction, (Engineering & projects), Tata Steel Limited.

With this contract, John Cockerill India further consolidates its position as a trusted technology partner, delivering innovative, high-performance, and environmentally responsible solutions for India’s steel industry.