Heating system

The furnaces can be either gas-fired or electrically heated. Gas-fired furnaces use self-recuperative high velocity burners with maximum efficiency, while electrical heating allows CO2-free operation.

Using the intense furnace air recirculation, high convection achieves a high heating rate and a homogeneous temperature distribution within the ingot without local overheating and a streak-free surface.

Temperature control is based upon a mathematical model and the actual temperature and achieves a highly homogeneous temperature distribution. Press-on thermocouples monitor the heating up process of the ingots.

Atmosphere

As a standard, the ingots are heated up under air atmosphere. For special applications or alloys, the furnace can also be designed for the use of a nitrogen atmosphere.

Cooling

Cooling of the ingots to rolling temperature after homogenizing inside the furnace takes place in a high-performance cooling system.

The optional HiPreQ® quench arranged downstream improves the strength of special 6xxx alloys.

Process model

The integrated process model - the “digital twin” - optimizes the entire plant. Due to real-time calculation of the temperature distribution in the ingot, heat input takes place in a precisely controlled manner. That way, the temperature overshoot can be used in the best way possible. It reduces the heating-up time and allows short cycle times, while, at the same time, increasing process repeatability. Press-on thermocouples continuously deliver actual temperature values the process model can be compared with. By making efficient use of the energy, it reduces costs and saves valuable resources.

Handling

Loading and unloading

The pusher-type furnaces are loaded and unloaded by means of fork lift trucks. Long-life skid systems with low friction values ensure the safe and smooth transport of the ingots. The skid shoes are conveyed back to the loading end of the furnace either by monorail or by carriage system.

Options

If, apart from the standard ingot length, short ingots are also processed frequently, the pusher-type furnace can also be arranged in parallel configuration. That way, the normal length ingots can be preheated in single file and the short ones in double file, so that a higher throughput can be achieved for the short ingots.

In order to reduce energy losses via the doors, we have developed the patented SLE Pusher Furnace. 

We also offer tailor-made process models for existing furnace plants. We supply the necessary hardware and software and integrate the model into the existing control software.

Scope of supply

We supply the entire plant including feeding, pusher and discharge equipment from a single source. Arrangement and concept are tailored to meet the customer’s individual requirements with regard to space and layout as well as the hand-over and take-over points.