Fives installs first PREMIX oxygen enrichment system on furnace

Fives has successfully completed the first PREMIX oxygen enrichment project on an existing billet reheating furnace in Portugal.

PREMIX is an oxygen system which can inject the gas into the combustion airduct upstream of the burners, enhancing combustion efficiency.

Oiane Gerrikagoitia, a Thermal Process Technical Expert at Fives, said: “By introducing additional oxygen, we are improving combustion, which allows for higher temperatures without increasing fuel usage, contributing to both cost savings and reduced CO2 emissions."

Using the new system, a furnace at the the largest rebar production plant of the MEGASA Group (SN MAIA Siderurgia Nacional steel plant) was able to increase oxygen levels by 25% with around 6% fuel savings.

A key factor in the success of the project was the implementation of pre-assembled technology, which reduced operational downtime.

Koldobika Tafalla Gonzalez, a Services & Technical Expertise Director at Fives Steel Spain, said: “We were able to perform the majority of the installation while the furnace was still running, ensuring that production continued smoothly and without significant delays."

The partnership between SN Maia Siderurgia Nacional and Fives was positive and collaborative throughout the project, with strong communication and mutual support from both sides.