EoW March 2010

technology news

Greener copper casting The double-furnace casting line supplied to Vatan Kablo, Turkey ▲ ▲

consumption, which also has an economic dimension. New developments with such twin-acting characteristics have been labelled GREENerCAST technology. GREENerCAST developments include improved refractory materials to reduce heat losses, fast switching power transistors (FSPT) to lower energy consumption, and double loop inductors with a special channel design that enhances heat and mass flows and reduces cooling needs for the inductor. A typical example of an Upcast line incorporating all the above GREENerCAST features is the unit started up last year by Vatan Kablo AS in Turkey. The casting line is a double furnace unit with a production capacity of 24,000tpa, satisfying the need for 8mm copper rod feedstock for the Turkish cable producer.

The Upcast® system for the production of copper and copper alloy rod is supplied exclusively by Upcast Oy, available in both single and double furnace configurations, with maximum outputs of 12,000tpa and 40,000tpa respectively. Single furnace lines can easily be expanded to double furnace configuration. Upcast copper rod is said to be suitable for all electrical applications and is a popular feedstock for: Fine and multi-wire drawing, where ductility requirements • are demanding Magnet wire production, where surface finish is of utmost • importance Continuous rotary extrusion processes, where tool wear • rate is a crucial factor Upcast is described as a ‘green’ technology; only electricity, compressed air and cooling water are needed to run the process, and no harmful emissions are released. With direct environmental effects said to be ‘practically nil’ Upcast Oy has concentrated on the indirect effects, especially energy

Upcast Oy – Finland Fax : +358 207 577 401 Email : info@upcast.com Website : www.upcast.com

48

EuroWire – March 2010