Discussion on Energy Saving and Emission Reduction Technology of Heat Treatment Equipment

Global warming is one of the biggest threats to our environment. Therefore, energy efficiency measures as well as emission reduction have become a top priority for large energy consuming industrial sectors like the field of industrial furnaces. The change in the European energy policy has important significance for the industry in terms of reducing CO 2 emissions. Based on these challenges, this contribution highlights potential savings, which can be practically implemented today, as well as forward-looking solutions. In order to detect saving potentials, a mass- and energy balance was set up for a gas-fired pusher type furnace for gascarburizing. Focusing on the exhaust gas losses, the burner technology itself, but also alternative energy sources like hydrogen—even the changeover to electrical heating systems—are discussed in detail. In parallel, NO x emissions have to be taken into account. Furthermore, secondary energy saving measures like heat extraction are taken into consideration and incorporated into the evaluation. With respect to maintenance issues, the aspect of improving thermal insulation of heat treatment furnaces has been analyzed under economic aspects as well.