Exlabesa, a prominent player in the aluminium industry, is set to enhance its aluminium recycling operations at its plant located in the province of A Coruña, Spain.
With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, the company has once again turned to Hertwich Engineering, a renowned SMS group company, for technological support. The latest investment includes a continuous homogenising furnace, an air cooling station, a long-billet stacker, and a semi-automatic PET strapping system, adding significant capacity to the already impressive recycling capabilities of the facility.
Back in 2018, Exlabesa initiated its journey to enhance production by commissioning a second continuous homogenising plant and later adding a multi-chamber melting furnace, both of which were supplied by Hertwich. With this new expansion, the continuous homogenisation capacity at the northwest Spanish site is expected to increase by 30,000 tons, raising the total output to approximately 80,000 tons per year.
The cutting-edge melting furnace recently brought into operation is specifically engineered for the production of recycled billets sourced from post-consumer aluminium scrap, which, having completed its lifecycle, requires innovative processing techniques. The integration of the new continuous homogenising facility will significantly increase the plant’s ability to process production scrap, enabling Exlabesa to reduce its reliance on primary aluminium, thereby conserving valuable natural resources.
This strategic investment not only exemplifies Exlabesa’s commitment to sustainable practices and CO2 reduction but also underscores the company’s dedication to fostering a cleaner and more efficient manufacturing process that aligns with the principles of the circular economy. By enhancing its capabilities, Exlabesa is well-positioned to meet the growing market demand for high-quality recycled aluminium products, positioning itself among the most advanced foundries globally.
Gerold Keune, CEO of Hertwich Engineering, highlighted the importance of tailored solutions, stating, “Finding solutions that are individually tailored to the needs of customers is one of Hertwich Engineering’s strengths. Our expansion of continuous homogenisation operations at the Exlabesa plant fits perfectly into the existing production environment. And last but not least, it is an investment in the sustainability of aluminium production. This endeavor also underscores our commitment to long-term cooperation and partnership. We believe in forging strong alliances with our clients, built on trust and shared goals.”
The newly implemented system will produce aluminium billets with diameters ranging from 178 to 406 millimeters and a length of 7.0 meters, accommodating all alloys within Exlabesa’s diverse portfolio. One of the standout features of Hertwich’s continuous system, in contrast to traditional chamber homogenisation, is its ability to ensure uniform treatment of aluminium billets. The continuous heat treatment within the homogenising furnace, at temperatures reaching up to 590 degrees Celsius, provides precise control over the heating process, allowing for the attainment of a uniform microstructure in the billets prior to entering the air cooling station. This meticulous process guarantees billets of high quality with optimal metallurgical properties while simultaneously reducing the energy consumption required for homogenisation.
Upon completion of the production process, the billets are systematically stacked and strapped using environmentally friendly plastic straps, further aligning with Exlabesa’s sustainability objectives.
In summary, Exlabesa’s expansion in A Coruña, bolstered by advanced technology from Hertwich Engineering, not only enhances recycling capabilities but also reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainable practices in the aluminium industry. This significant step toward greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact demonstrates Exlabesa’s leadership and responsibility in the evolving landscape of aluminium production.
Source:Glass Technology Services with additional information added by GlassBalkan
