Metallurgical Industries

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This is one of the most important consumers of energy. LPG is a superior fuel compared to other heavy fuels that improve the cost of operation. It also strikes an economic balance between fuel price and quality of the product.

Both ferrous (iron and steel) and non-ferrous (aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, tin etc.) metals are frequently treated and cast into shapes by melting and then pouring into suitable patterns/moulds. Heat treatment of metals is done through a process called annealing. This process is used to upsurge ductility and reduce the rigidity of a material. The change in the metal is brought about by reduction of dislocations in the structure of the material being annealed. Annealing is often done after the material has undergone a cold working process to prevent it from brittle failure or to make it more formable for subsequent operations. It is carried out in long ovens (tunnel ovens called “lehrs”) where the metals travel through a steel conveyor belt. Gas is used for direct firing and for temperature control as it is an ideal fuel for efficiently meeting the requirements of temperature regulation and high product quality.

In metal cutting, gas provides the perfect temperature required to provide clean cuts. Using gas also helps in achieving homogeneity as it provides flame stability, constant pressure and fuel consistency. This helps to strike a profitable balance between fuel price and product quality. Gas easily meets industry requirements and is an excellent fuel option in forging, wire drawing, casting, hole – piercing and the welding of non – ferrous metals.