Tokyo Kohtetsu Renews Heating Furnace for Effective Energy Use

Tokyo Kohtetsu, Japanese major electric furnace steel maker, renews a heating furnace in rolling process of Oyama iron works, Tochigi, Japan and converts fuel from heavy oil to LNG in order to reduce specific energy consumption and CO2 emission. The firm plans approximately 1.1 billion yen capex for fiscal 2011 starting in April as well as new investment for research and development. The firm tries to improve product quality and enhance customer satisfaction.

Tokyo Kohtetsu will stop operation of rolling mill for 40 days from August 15th and renew a heating furnace. The new furnace capacity is 60 tonnes per hour, the same level as an existing furnace. The new heating furnace can reduce specific energy consumption to 27 liters per tonne from present 31.5-32 liters per tonne and CO2 emission by over 30%. FDI burners blow out air and LNG separately and realize effective gas burning as well as less NOX.

Meanwhile, Tokyo Kohtetsu widens billet size lineup to maximum 6 meters of length from present 5.2 meters for international competitiveness. Billet width lineup is existing 120, 160, 170 millimeters.

The firm finished renewal of rolling stand last year. The firm examines fuel change of heating furnace in steel making and coloring lines to LNG from heavy oil in future. The firm also eyes conversion of continuous casting equipment.