Seco-Warwick Allied, India, recently commissioned two 60-metric-ton aluminum melting and holding furnaces for Hindalco Industries Ltd. The furnace design was prepared in conjunction with Seco-Warwick Corp. (USA). The furnaces are electrically heated with a hydraulic mechanism for tilting, and are designed for a melting rate of 1.3 metric tons per hour (minimum) each.
High inputs of fuel are required when melting aluminum; smaller amounts are required for holding the molten metal. Special attention is given to combustion control of fuel/air mixtures, furnace pressure, and temperature. Each system is equipped with solid state safety protection, high-temperature limits, and an alarm system.
The furnaces feature rugged steel construction reinforced with structural members at various key points. Points of localized stress such as door openings, tap and drain locations, and openings into external wells, receive additional reinforcement.
Burner placement is carefully analyzed to provide maximum coverage while providing the fastest melt rate possible. Special care is taken to select the correct burner so that just enough heat is applied to the furnace to do the job, but not too much as to cause problems with metal quality, high metal loss, or short furnace lining life.
The furnaces have been provided with doors for charging of solid metal or for skimming, and a door for charging of liquid metal by overhead crane. The scope of supply includes the furnace with heating, hydraulic system, PLC, and SCADA, with launders to feed an ingot casting machine. The launders lids have been designed for operation through a pneumatic cylinder arrangement.
Hindalco Industries Ltd., the flagship company of the Aditya Vikram Birla Group, seeks to be the growth engine of the group in the nonferrous metals business. A $41 billion corporation, the Aditya Birla Group is in the league of Fortune 500.
