Working with molten materials is intense and requires strict safety protocols. At American Crane & Equipment Co. (ACECO) we supply industries that manage molten materials with furnace charging equipment specially designed to handle high-risk loads, potential chemical corrosion, and high furnace temperatures.
Furnace Charging Equipment
Furnace charging equipment is responsible for transporting charge material to and from furnaces as safely and as efficiently as possible. There is a variety of equipment that can make up a furnace charging system and different industries and factories have differing needs. Examples include belt conveyors, vibrator conveyors, bucket charging systems and cranes.
Belt Conveyors
Belt conveyors move materials directly into a furnace and offer a smooth and continuous feed. They have heat-resistant belts, customized speed and capacity requirements, and enclosures that contain particulates. Belt conveyors also offer specific angle options, meaning these machines are very effective at moving materials from lower to higher levels.
Vibrator Conveyors
Vibrator conveyors are effective at transporting heavy, abrasive and irregularly shaped materials like foundry sand and minerals. They use a vibrating motion to move materials across a conveyor trough and are ideal for challenging environments because they can withstand intense heat and heavy loads. The speed and volume of materials entering the furnace via vibrator conveyors can be controlled by the operator and the vibrating motion breaks up large clumps of material. Vibrator conveyors often consume less energy and are generally easier to maintain, making them ideal equipment for a furnace charging system.
Bucket Charging Systems
Bucket charging systems often work with cranes or hoists to lift and tilt a bucket that contains a large load of material. This makes for efficient material transfer and can reduce emissions since the bucket deposits materials directly into the bucket. Buckets are ideal for dense or heavy materials such as slag which can be difficult to move via belt or vibrator conveyors. Bucket charging systems can also be customized to fit various furnace configurations and heights.
Electromagnetic Lifting Devices
Cranes equipped with electromagnetic lifting devices can be used to pick up and transfer charge materials. Cranes are essential for lifting and accurately placing materials into a furnace, particularly when charging systems involve high volumes or oversized materials. Cranes are also key because they have a greater degree of flexibility in movement, meaning they can move materials up, down, left, right, and rotationally, and in complex or restricted furnace layouts this is essential. Cranes also offer automated and remote-controlled operation which allows operators to manage charging from a safe distance.
Get Quality Solutions with ACECO
Our team at ACECO has custom engineered a variety of systems for companies dealing with charged materials such as our custom engineered scrap and ladle handling cranes that safely transport molten materials with maximum security and load control. These tools can range from ¼-ton hoists to equipment capable of 1,000 tons of overhead lifting capacity, and are built to meet and exceed the requirements of service classifications A through F. Our machines are known for their long-life spans and high quality, and each unit is fully assembled and completely tested prior to shipment, as well as supported by our comprehensive quality assurance program.
At ACECO we work with companies to customize the right system for your needs. Our team will walk through the best furnace charging system to get your operations running efficiently and safely, so that you can maintain the heat of productivity. Contact our team today to get started.
