Applications

• Iron Foundry
• Gray Metal Foundries
• Brass Foundries

Overview

Rotary melting has become popular in Europe, but there has been very little acceptance in the US. Currently, there are no rotary melters used in iron foundries, but there are a few used in brass and other non-ferrous applications.

Rotary Oxy-fuel Melting technology uses natural gas and liquid oxygen injected into a rotating furnace to achieve a higher temperature and a substantially reduced melt time; slag production is about the same as with electric, and less than with coke. Also, the emissions are very clean as compared to coke. Units can be used alone, or in a "duplex" mode, where the iron is first melted in the oxy-gas furnace, and then transferred to the electric induction furnaces for final melt and metallurgy adjustment.

• As compared to new electric induction furnaces, the oxy-gas can be 25 - 50% LESS cost, depending on the electric station requirements and who pays for it.
• Because of the very clean emissions, some coke fired furnace users may be forced to gas for reasons other than first cost. (Emissions are 2-3 lbs NOx/ ton metal or less if needed)
• Gas usage is 2.5 - 3 MCF/ton metal
• Electric rate should be $0.05/kwh or higher for favorable comparison
• Oxygen is significant cost factor, as 3 times as much Oxygen is uses as Natural Gas.
• Size of unit is significant; larger ton per hours is better payback on first cost

Source: Energy TechPro