Merseyside manufacturer ANH Refractories Europe is helping the world’s largest recycler of drinks cans drive manufacturing efficiency and protect furnaces from extreme temperatures.
Wirral-based ANH manufactures refractory materials – heat-resistant products used to line the inside of kilns, incinerators and furnaces.
World leading Novelis Recycling in Warrington, which recycles 40 billion drinks cans a year – weighing 130,000 tonnes – has chosen to use ANH products in its used drinks can recycling process.
ANH Refractories Europe managing director Peter Rooney said the firm’s refractories are specially designed to drive efficiency by reflecting rather than absorbing heat.
They also play a key role in protecting manufacturing infrastructure subject to high thermal shock.
“Novelis is a world leader in its field carrying out recycling operations,” said Mr Rooney. “It works on a huge scale and its decision to use our products is a clear indication of our manufacturing standards. ANH refractories play a crucial role in the aluminium recycling process. They need to operate in extreme conditions as they will be subject to ultra-high temperatures. It is therefore essential they are high quality, durable and reliable.”
Novelis will be using the Versaflow 65/AL C Adtech refractories, a coarse-grained low cement brick specifically designed for use in aluminium processes. It remains strong at 816C and is resistant to metal penetration to the same temperature.
The company will also use the Greengun-85 P Plus coating for the walls of the furnaces. This phosphate-bonded plastic gunning product is ideal for application directly to the walls of Novelis’ aluminium furnaces, providing a highly resistant covering.
Mr Rooney said ANH has spent many years developing expertise in manufacturing refractory products: “We have one of the largest portfolios of refractory products in the world and a broad range of specialised industrial products,” he said.“For these firms it is vital to be able to handle and manipulate refractories in a hot environment with total control, confidence and safety. Faults and substandard refractories can lead to major disruption and loss of production time.
“Essentially, the performance of refractory components has a direct impact on productivity and profit potential. The key message we want to communicate is that expert guidance on refractory solutions can drive greater efficiency in the manufacturing process.”