Energy efficiency in heat treatment and industrial furnace technology

Heat treatment and/or hardening processes involve a high level of energy consumption and, consequently, produce large amounts of CO₂. It is estimated that around 40 per cent of the energy used in the industry is consumed by all thermal processes in the relevant plants and industrial furnaces. Furthermore, it must be borne in mind that heat treatment and/or hardening plants have a service life of more than 30 to 40 years. It is therefore clear that the modernisation and improved energy efficiency of these furnaces is a priority for the operators and manufacturers of these plants. Governments and the EU have made corresponding funding available, which makes investment very attractive for operators, including from an economic perspective. This article provides information on the selection of suitable energy efficiency measures and on financial support for their implementation.