Six years experience from low-temperature oxyfuel in primary and re-melting aluminium cast houses

Abstract

Low-temperature Oxyfuel technology provides lower peak flame temperatures and a more uniform heat flux and temperature profile in the cast house furnace. The objectives with the technology are to improve melt rates, save energy, reduce dross formation and to reduce NOx and CO2 emissions. The paper will discuss operational results, process optimizations and economy from installations in reverberatory melting furnaces, mixing furnaces and tiltable rotary furnaces. The theory behind the technology will be described including reference to CFD simulations and laboratory testing. Low-temperature Oxyfuel is used by a number of aluminium producers including Hydro Aluminium, Sapa Heat Transfer AB, Stena Aluminium and others.