Tecnalia Research & Innovation is using its new “plasma torch” to improve metal casting processes. The new system improves metallurgical quality, minimizes operational costs and saves energy.
Plasma technolog
To achieve this, the organization has used a high-powered thermal plasma when molten metal needs to be poured from a ladle or a furnace. The plasma enables heating the required amount of metal at particular temperature and at accurate moment of casting. Precision is important in this process, as the overheated metal gets oxidized easily and can lose its properties. Hence, fusion temperature has to be controlled to the highest level.
The “plasma torch” allows programming the temperature range, at which metal casting is carried out and the range is maintained automatically throughout the process. The key attribute of the plasma technology is that the casting operation can be assumed using an external heating element that is separate from the furnace. This facilitates maintenance tasks and decreases general casting costs. SERT Metal has been licensed to market the plasma torch system. Lingotes Especiales, based in Valladolid, Spain, and Fuchosa, a blast furnace company in Bizkaia, Spain, have already installed the system and highlight its performance.