Pit furnaces for ingot heating

Electricity is the world’s fastest-growing form of energy. For producers of steel and other high-strength metals, transitioning from gas to electric heating in furnaces reduces energy consumption and improves the reliability of the industrial process.

Whereas pit furnaces have traditionally been heated using open-flame gas- or oil-fired heaters, the ingot heating process stands to benefit substantially from making the switch to electric. So says Krister Wickman, Global Product Manager High Temperature Tubes, Tubothal® and Bayonet Heating Elements at Kanthal.

With all the efforts underway to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, we’ve seen increased demand for conversions and revamps of furnace heating systems from gas to electric

“With all the efforts underway to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, we’ve seen increased demand for conversions and revamps of furnace heating systems from gas to electric,” he says. Aside from producers of steel and other high-strength metals looking to retrofit existing systems, he says, potential customers also include OEMs that produce new furnaces.

As climate awareness becomes the new normal, electric solutions are hotter than ever. Kanthal’s electric resistance elements leave no carbon footprint, provided the electricity they use is generated from clean, renewable energy. Even when the electricity source is a fossil-based power plant, an electric heating system delivers considerably better overall resource efficiency.

90 PERCENT EFFICIENCY

Moreover, when used in a furnace, energy losses from electric elements are extremely low. Delivering efficiency levels of more than 90 percent, electric heating systems can reduce the energy use of a pit furnace by up to 70 percent.

“Whereas gas or oil-fired furnaces release a lot of energy through the stack, an electrically fired furnace is more of a closed system in which most of the heat generated stays inside the furnace,” says Wickman, who is quick to dispel the widely held misconception that electric heaters are not equipped to deliver the highest temperatures.

“With our wide range of products and heating elements – ranging from metallic elements to Globar® (siliconcarbide) and Kanthal® Super (molybdenum disilicide) elements – Kanthal can deliver energy-efficient heating solutions for furnace temperatures up to 1,500 degrees Celsius (2,730 degrees Fahrenheit),” he adds.

QUIETER AND CLEANER

CaptionKrister Wickman, Global Product Manager High Temperature Tubes, Tubothal® and Bayonet Heating Elements at Kanthal.Energy efficiency is by no means the only reason to make the switch to electric. Electric heaters do not emit any excess heat, harmful nitrous oxide or poisonous carbon monoxide, making them safer for operators. While gas burners tend to be both noisy and polluting, Kanthal’s electric solutions are quieter and cleaner than any gas- or oil-driven alternative.

Wickman explains that another drawback of open-flame-fired furnaces is non-uniform furnace temperatures creating potentially damaging local hot spots.

“Whereas gas flames are extremely hot at the point of maximum combustion, the surrounding space is significantly cooler. On the other hand, electric heaters ensure temperature uniformity and even heat distribution throughout,” says Wickman. “This creates a reliable, repeatable heating process that enhances the overall quality of the end product, regardless of the temperature requirement.”

Five key benefits of electric heating in pit furnaces

Electric heating solutions offer considerable benefits to producers of steel and other high-strength metals. Here are five important reasons to switch from gas to electric in pit furnaces for ingot heating.

  • Minimal climate impact
    Electric heating is the future-proof solution for companies seeking to minimize their climate impact. Kanthal’s electric resistance elements leave no carbon footprint, provided the electricity they use is generated from a clean, renewable source. Electric heating systems also consume considerably less power, contributing to better overall resource efficiency.
  • Optimal thermal efficiency
    Whereas gas- or oil-fired furnaces release a significant amount of energy through the stack, an electrical solution means that most of the heat generated remains within the furnace. With thermal efficiency of more than 90 percent, businesses stand to save up to 70 percent on their energy bills when converting a pit furnace from gas to electric heating.
  • Safe working environment
    Kanthal’s electric resistance elements contribute to a safer, cleaner working environment. Noisy, polluting and hot, gas burners can be risky to operators and are cumbersome to use, while Kanthal’s electric solutions are quiet, safe and clean. Furthermore, electric heaters produce no harmful nitrous oxide or poisonous carbon monoxide gas.
  • Reliable process
    Gas burners produce local hot spots that may damage the material in the furnace due to overheating. On the other hand, electric heaters ensure temperature uniformity and even heat distribution throughout. The result is a reliable, repeatable heating process, regardless of the temperature requirement.
  • Accurate temperature control
    While temperature control with a gas heater is largely guesswork, Kanthal’s systems are equipped with thermal controls, enabling you to get the temperature just right every time. This improves quality and saves time in the production process.

Connected products

Here you can find the Kanthal product offering

Kanthal® Super

Kanthal® Super

Robust electric molybdenum disilicide (MoSi₂) industrial heating elements - designed for high temperatures, superior performance, extended lifespan, and unmatched flexibility. 

See product details
Globar® SiC heating elements

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