Oxyfuel Combustion for Mining
ALUMELT™ Low-temperature Oxyfuel Combustion for Higher Output and Lower Emissions
As demand for non-ferrous metals continues to grow, the aluminum industry faces the challenge of increasing throughput from existing melting furnaces. At the same time, producers must focus on improving process yields, lowering fuel consumption, and cutting emissions such as CO₂ and NOₓ. Linde is well-acquainted with these challenges, drawing on deep expertise in combustion and aluminum processing gained from more than 130 oxyfuel installations worldwide.
Oxygen enrichment is commonly used in flash smelting, top submerged lance smelters, converters, and anode furnaces to boost combustion efficiency and increase flame temperature. This process reduces fuel consumption, lowers off-gas volumes, and enables more compact, efficient furnace designs. Oxy-fuel combustion, which replaces air with oxygen in burners, further enhances heat transfer, reduces energy use, and significantly cuts NOₓ emissions. It is especially effective in secondary copper melting furnaces, such as rotary or shaft furnaces.