Energy-efficiency in heat treatment and industrial furnace technology

Heat treatment and/or hardening processes are subject to a more or less high energy consumption and accordingly produce large amounts of CO2. It is estimated that about 40 % of the energy used in the industry is consumed for all thermal processes in corresponding plants and industrial furnaces. In addition, it must be taken into account that heat treatment and/or hardening plants have a service life of more than 30 to 40 years. It is therefore obvious that the modernization and the increase in the energy efficiency of these furnaces is a priority concern for the operators and manufacturers of these plants. The governments as well as the EU have made corresponding funding available, which make investments very interesting for the operator, also from an economic point of view. This article provides information on the selection of suitable energy efficiency measures and on financial support for their implementation.