Summary

In 2001, HME Nederland BV (a manufacturer of solid drawn copper tubes) moved its production plant from Drunen to Waalwijk. The billet reheating furnaces, which were operated in the production plant in Drunen, dated from 1970 and 1950.
In 1998 and the beginning of 1999, HME Nederland BV carried out an investigation on 3 types of billet reheating furnaces: the existing electric induction furnaces (as applied by HME), a gas in air fired billet reheating furnace and a gas in oxygen fired reheating furnace. Last mentioned furnace (called the Rapid Fire Furnace) is an innovative type of furnace, which seemed to have some advantages compared to the other conventional billet reheating furnaces. However no experience did exist in reheating copper billets in a Rapid Fire Furnace.
In particular there was great concern that the high oxygen and carbon (di)oxide content of the furnace atmosphere might affect the surface quality of the copper billet.
In cooperation with the manufacturer of the Rapid Fire Furnace, HME Nederland BV carried out a great number of tests, in which it was demonstrated that no unacceptable surface corrosion effects did occur.
In the investigation a comparison was made of the energetic and environmental performance of the 3 furnace types. Also special attention was paid to the flexibility of the furnace in handling small quantities of billets.
During the investigation it became clear that the gas/air fired furnace, due to its low flexibility in handling small quantities of billets, was not appropriate for the production process of HME Nederland BV.
As a result of the investigation it was concluded that, through substitution of the induction reheating furnaces by a Rapid Fire Furnace, HME Nederland could save 21500 GJ of fuel per annum. Mentioned substitution also prevents the yearly emission of 1473 tonnes of carbon dioxide. The emissions of NOx will be comparable (1,5 ton /year).
The reduction of energy and cooling water (well water) costs can yearly be Euro 152.200, the reduction of maintenance costs can be Euro 6800 per year.
The results of the investigation are both of importance to the iron and steel industry and the non-ferro industry.