Linde to Supply First Flameless Oxyfuel System in Finland
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Outokumpu selects latest Linde preheating technology for Tornio plant
London, UK, 17 September 2008 - The Linde Group today announced its agreement with international stainless steel producer Outokumpu for a new flameless oxyfuel preheating system for its ferrochrome converter in Tornio, Finland. The self-cooled flameless oxyfuel system will replace the existing conventional water-cooled oxyfuel system, providing Outokumpu with more economical and environmentally friendly production. The new 2.5 MW flameless oxyfuel system for drying and preheating of the ferrochrome converter will be commissioned in September 2008.
This will be Finland's first flameless oxyfuel system installation and will provide Outokumpu's Tornio Works with reduced heating cycles, greater energy efficiency and up to 50% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
"Flameless oxyfuel delivers a simple, compact and low weight installation as compared to an air fuel system with a recuperator or regenerative solution. It is seen as the best available technology for heating and not only allows for ultra low NOx emissions, but brings extended refractory life through more uniform temperature distribution" said Joachim von Scheele, Marketing Manager, Metals and Glass Industries, Linde Gases Division.
"It is Outokumpu's policy to follow and implement technology that decreases fuel consumption and CO2 and NOx-emissions. Linde's flameless oxyfuel system is a compelling technology that fulfils this need. Outokumpu is now investing in the flameless oxyfuel system and will continue to utilise technologies that increase output while saving energy and reducing emissions," said Mr Mauri Kauppi, Steel Melting Shop and Hot Rolling Mill Manager, Outokumpu.
Linde has installed 30 flameless oxyfuel systems over the past five years, primarily in reheat and annealing furnaces, some using low calorific fuels. For drying and preheating of ladles and converters, flameless oxyfuel has already been successfully used at five other major steel works.
About The Linde Group
The Linde Group is a world leading gases and engineering company with more than 50,000 employees working in over 100 countries worldwide. In the financial year 2007, it achieved sales of EUR 12.3 billion. The Linde Group's strategy is geared towards earnings-based, sustainable growth that focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services.
Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment - in each of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. Linde is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.
For more information, see The Linde Group web site at www.linde.com
About Outokumpu and Production at Tornio Plant
Outokumpu is a leading international stainless steel producer with production plants in Finland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. Outokumpu's products, technologies and services are used worldwide across a large number of sectors, including the process industry, industrial machinery, building, construction and electrical industry, transportation, electronics and information technology, as well as catering and households.
Its integrated stainless steel production plant at Tornio, Finland, produces 1.3 billion tonnes of stainless steel per year. An important component in the Tornio production process is the integrated use of ferrochrome. Before adding ferrochrome to the production process, it needs to be processed in a special converter. It is for this ferrochrome converter that Outokumpu has signed the agreement for the flameless oxyfuel preheating system.
Contacts:
Dr. Joachim von Scheele
Marketing Manager - Metals & Glass Industries, Market Development
Linde Gases Division, The Linde Group
T: +49-89-31001-196,
E: joachim.von.scheele@linde-gas.com
Dr Thomas Hagn
Technical Communications
The Linde Group
T: +49 (0)89 35757-1322
