Ecological effect of modernization of a metallurgical furnace

In the paper, a feasible ecological effect of modernization of a conventional metallurgical furnace intended for charge material preheating before plastic working processes is described. The modernization activities involved replacement of the previous recuperator, the negative pressure control system of the furnace and a proposal for application of modern low emission burners. The suggested design of a recuperator with a higher energy recovery level due to a decreased flue gas temperature will contribute to reduced consumption of electrical energy that is necessary for the extraction ventilator drive. The modernization activities led to decreased total process-induced CO2 emissions resulting from lower consumption of gas and electrical energy (nearly 11 % in relation to the state before the modernization).