In this partnership, Kanthal brings forth its cutting-edge industrial heating technology, while Ceba boasts expertise in engineering heating equipment. Olivier Tanguy, Key Account Manager at Kanthal, Business Development Steel, and Roberto Zitti, Sales Director at Ceba, share insights into the genesis of this alliance, its foundation, challenges, and future course of action.

Partnership Driven by Decarbonization

Olivier Tanguy, Key Account Manager at Kanthal, Business Development Steel.Ladle heaters are specialized industrial equipment used to preheat ladles - large vessels used to transport molten metal. These heaters play a crucial role in drying new refractories, preheating the lining to avoid thermal shock, and maintaining the ladle's temperature to prevent premature solidification of the molten metal before further processing. The traditional landscape of ladle and tundish preheating still heavily relies on fossil fuels and is ripe for transformation in this age of decarbonization.

Recognizing this pressing need, Kanthal and Ceba have strategically aligned their resources to offer forward-thinking electrified alternatives. Tanguy underscores the synergy between the two companies, saying, "Our collaboration with Ceba was a natural fit. Their expertise in ladle and tundish preheaters, combined with our electric heating technology, positions us as leaders in this transition towards sustainability."

Highlighting the industry's drive towards sustainability, Tanguy adds, "The impetus for this partnership stems from the steel industry's decarbonization efforts."

Zitti, emphasizing the strategic rationale behind the partnership, says, "Kanthal's leadership in heating elements made them an ideal partner for our foray into electric ladle preheaters, aligning perfectly with our commitment to sustainability."

Sustainability Benefits of Electrifying Heating Systems in Ladle Heaters:

• Zero emissions of NOx, SOx, CO2, and carbon monoxide.
• Efficiency up to 95%, compared to only 30% to 45% for gas.
• Carbon footprint drastically decreased.

Beyond Sustainability:

Roberto Zitti, Sales Director at Ceba.The technology demonstrates significant potential across all power-intensive metallurgy segments, from steel manufacturing to silicon and aluminum, offering multifaceted advantages of electric solutions. Tanguy and Zitti highlight some additional benefits:

• Enhanced precision in temperature control compared to oil and gas, resulting in improved process control which may lead to increased refractory lifetime.

Furthermore, electric ladle heating systems can achieve a comprehensive range of chamber temperatures, spanning from 600°C up to 1,350°C (1,112°F to 2,732°F), with an element temperature reaching up to 1,650°C (3,002°F). They are also suitable for metals such as brass, copper, and aluminum, which typically require lower melting temperatures.

Scaling Up for Success:

While we've established the advantages of switching to electric heating systems, there are apparent challenges to tackle as well. Both Tanguy and Zitti point out the necessity of scaling up solutions for larger ladle sizes while maintaining performance standards, but they also acknowledge these hurdles while remaining optimistic about the innovation potential.

We are working to develop solutions that are much more powerful and robust, all while maintaining performance standards.

"We currently have a mid-size solution, but we need to upscale. We are working to develop solutions that are much more powerful and robust, all while maintaining performance standards," explains Zitti.

In addition, Tanguy highlights another hurdle: the availability of renewable electricity. However, he raises an important point about the efficiency gains associated with electricity, even if it's not sourced from renewable sources.

"The efficiency gains with electricity will still have a positive impact on sustainability, even if the electricity is not green. While it may not be the ultimate solution, using electric heaters is beneficial, even in countries producing electricity with coal," says Tanguy.

Vision for the Future:

Tanguy and Zitti recognize that while investing in state-of-the-art electric heaters may initially seem expensive, the benefits of these advanced systems far outweigh the costs. Customers who choose electric ladle heating systems can expect superior returns on their investment, especially in areas with access to renewable energy sources.

Tanguy emphasizes that this partnership is driven by a commitment to meeting customers’ needs and aims to position them as global leaders in electric ladle heating technology. Zitti shares Ceba’s wish to replace their existing installations worldwide with electric heaters, ensuring customers benefit from cutting-edge technology and improved performance.

Through collaborative technical cooperation, they intend to share expertise in iron and steel while leveraging knowledge of electric heating elements. Additionally, by sharing their sales network, both companies aim to enhance market accessibility and customer satisfaction.

In summary, Tanguy and Zitti hope that this collaboration will foster an ecosystem of innovation that benefits their customers and the industry as a whole.