New developments in hybrid use of induction and plasma heating technologies for melting and holding ferrous and non-ferrous alloys

D. Eguizabal, L. Cobos, J. A. Iparraguirre, P. Rodriguez, I. Arocena

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In the following decade Europe will invest huge efforts to save energy and resources in energy intensive industrial processes. Foundry industry is one of the most energy intensive industries in the world and reducing this energy usage is a primary goal for the sector. The metal casting industry is heavily dependent on natural gas and electricity, and growing interest in energy efficiency has been driven by the impacts of energy cost volatility. Over the years, the foundry industry has been looking for an energy efficient rapid melting furnace with reduced losses from oxidation and contamination. The employ of hybrid heating technologies for foundry industry processes should be seen as one of the most innovative and efficient alternatives of the last years in the sector. This Research has the objective of assess the effect of hybridizing induction and plasma heating technologies in energy consumption for melting and holding ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. Tests have been carried out in a 125 litres capacity prototype using a plasma torch of 200 kW and an induction coil of 300 kW as maximum heating power. The materials used at these trials are commonly used at Aluminium and Cast Iron foundry industry, and the use of low-cost scraps has been specifically tested too. The main objective of the tests has been to measure the global energy consumption of melting and holding at casting temperature industrial alloys. An additional effect of the use of induction-plasma heating consists in increased melting rate. According to the methods presented, the energy supplied to the induction furnace and plasma device as well as melting duration counted from switching on the induction and plasma to overheating of the liquid metal to casting temperature was measured. It was found in next to industrial conditions that induction-plasma melting rate was significantly higher as compared to the single induction melting process. In the same way, the energy consumption is lower. The research carried out under these next to industrial conditions (1 ton of steel capacity furnace) has shown that the use of plasma torch in hybrid heating system with an induction furnace is effective, improves energetic indices of the melting process and increases the output of the induction furnace.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication71st World Foundry Congress
Subtitle of host publicationAdvanced Sustainable Foundry, WFC 2014
PublisherWorld Foundry Organization
ISBN (Electronic)9788461700875
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Event71st World Foundry Congress: Advanced Sustainable Foundry, WFC 2014 - Bilbao, Spain
Duration: 19 May 201421 May 2014

Publication series

Name71st World Foundry Congress: Advanced Sustainable Foundry, WFC 2014

Conference

Conference71st World Foundry Congress: Advanced Sustainable Foundry, WFC 2014
Country/TerritorySpain
CityBilbao
Period19/05/1421/05/14

Keywords

  • Efficiency
  • Foundry
  • Furnace
  • Hybrid
  • Induction
  • Plasma
  • SPIRE

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