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Over the past few years, the foundry industry has been exposed to both extreme economic changes and cost pressures. Additionally, there are tough environmental and safety requirements which must be complied with. Consequently, melting technologies must meet economic and environmental demands being placed on industry.
The most common melting units for iron are the cupola furnace and various forms of electric melters.
However, the rotary furnace has become increasingly more common in the foundry segment. Recent rotary furnace developments have resulted from innovations in oxy-fuel burner technology. Linde has developed a new generation of oxy-fuel burners that can be adapted for a multitude of furnace geometries. In addition, these burners are designed for various fuel types, natural gas, oil or LPG.
The significant advantages of using the new oxy-fuel burner technology in rotary furnaces are:
- Higher energy efficiency
- Shorter melting times
- Less melting losses
- Longer life time of the refractory material
- Low volume of flue gases
The rotary furnaces are an alternative for all small and mid size foundries using cupola furnaces or induction furnaces. Gray, nodular or malleable cast iron can be produced with high analytical accuracy at a low investment cost, while using minimal personnel. Other advantages of the system are a minimal space requirement, ease of operation, and simplicity to maintain.
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