Enameling furnace conversion from gas firing to electrical heating

Introduction

Market studies show that most industrial enameling furnaces are currently heated by natural gas or LPG.

Companies may consider to convert their enameling furnaces from gas to electrical heating in order to reduce their local carbon footprint and/or reduce dependency on (Russian) natural gas.

However, such conversion to electrical heating might have greater implications than originally anticipated.

Firing conditions

The primary function of an enameling furnace is to maintain the applied porcelain/vitreous enamel coating at the correct firing temperature for a certain minimum time.

Converting to electrical heating can may result in longer firing time due to reduced preheating of the incoming goods and increase temperature differences between top & bottom of products especially at “Ferro style” gas fired furnaces with S-type radiant tubes & metal flue.

In consequence the hourly output of such enameling furnace may reduce significantly after conversion to electrical heating.

Energy cost

Most enameling furnaces are nowadays gas heated, because gas is in many regions of the world the cheapest energy medium.

Converting to electrical heating may therefore initially result in an increase of your energy costs.

Heating of secondary processes

The remaining energy of combustion gases from gas fired enameling furnaces is often used for heating of secondary processes within the enameling shop, like heating dryers and/or pretreatment systems.

Converting your enameling furnace to electrical heating may also require an additional capital expenditure for converting the heating of equipment at secondary processes.

Electrification

In case of a furnace conversion to electrical heating, the factory’s main electricity transformer may need to be upgraded.

The global energy transition towards electrification of many classical fossil fuel applications, such as heating houses & powering vehicles, may lead to electricity shortages, because rapid increasing electrical demand exceed available central power generation capacity and/or constrains in electrical distribution networks.

Benefit from our experience

We have been involved in the design & installation of industrial enameling furnaces since 1984 and may assist you with the conversion of your enameling furnace by providing the following services :

• Review of strategic options
• Furnace inspection
• Concept engineering
• Project management

Contact us

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