What
Electrification of the heat treatment process for Swedish-based engineering steel producer Ovako.
How
Ovako started its journey to becoming one of Europe’s leading producers of engineering steel back in the 16th century. Over the years, one thing that has set the company apart has been its willingness to embrace new technologies and blaze the trail when it comes to sustainability. Like in 2014, when it decided to convert its 150-odd furnaces to electric heating. And who better than Kanthal to support the transition?
The switch, which has been implemented gradually, has seen each converted furnace being equipped with up to 86 Tubothal® metallic elements.
Why
Electric heating offers a range of benefits, from significant reductions in CO2 and NOx emissions, to improvements in everything from energy efficiency to productivity working environment and safety.
The estimated CO2 saving from converting Ovako’s furnaces to electric hearting ranges from 1,400 to 2,000 tons per year, per furnace. The change has also delivered better temperature uniformity and greater control of the material profile, resulting in more consistent quality.
As for the working environment, operators who used to suffer headaches or feel mild nausea from the gas burners now work in a far cleaner environment. Production is smoother, with minimal maintenance needs.
Read more about Kanthal’s electric heat treatment solutions here >>