WASTE HEAT UTILIZATION TO INCREASE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN THE METALS INDUSTRY

Energy efficiency improvements achieved using heat recovery processes offer benefits to both the business case and environmental impact of metallurgical facilities. Global demand drives the development of lower and lower grade ore bodies. This trend results in higher energy intensity and consequently increased waste heat. Waste heat boilers and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) processes are becoming cost competitive methods of utilizing this waste heat. This study analyzes heat recovery from available sources to produce power using, High grade: waste heat boiler and steam turbine generator. This system will produce electricity, and/or process steam. Low grade: ORC to produce electricity. The cycle is well adapted to low-moderate temperature heat sources. Processes used in metallurgical plants, such as hot exhaust streams, cooling and condensers could benefit from application of these systems. The study demonstrates: The energy and cost saving potential of waste heat recovery technologies, The environmental benefit.