ABB has secured a significant order from GNA alutech, a leading aluminum furnace builder and a member of the Ebner Group, to supply four electromagnetic stirrers (AL-EMS) for an expansion project at a U.S. aluminum alloys mill. This initiative marks a significant step towards bolstering sustainable manufacturing practices within the U.S. aluminum industry.
The order is pivotal for the aluminum producer, which stands as the only mill in the United States specializing in common alloys crucial for sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. The mill is currently undergoing a comprehensive expansion to construct a new melting and casting complex aimed at boosting its annual production capacity beyond the existing 325,000 tons. This expansion underscores the manufacturer's commitment to reshoring, recycling, and sustainable practices throughout its operations.
Scheduled for commissioning in late 2024, ABB's water-cooled AL-EMS technology will play a crucial role in enhancing the safety, consistency, and efficiency of aluminum furnace operations at the facility. The technology is renowned for its ability to significantly increase productivity by up to 25 percent, reduce energy consumption by 10 percent, and decrease dross generation by 15 percent. These benefits have been demonstrated across more than 400 aluminum furnace installations worldwide.
The integration of ABB's AL-EMS is expected to yield substantial improvements for the aluminum producer, including increased aluminum yield, rapid chemical and temperature homogenization, and a quick return on investment within six to twelve months. Additionally, the water-cooling feature of the AL-EMS will ensure the longevity of the stirrer coils by maintaining lower operating temperatures, thereby minimizing wear and tear and reducing maintenance needs.
