The SECO/WARWICK Group will supply a tube annealing furnace for a leading European steel components manufacturer. This is the third line of this type that will operate in the company, and the second atmospheric line ordered for the Swedish production facilities. The partner previously ordered vacuum and retort furnaces from SECO/WARWICK. The current order will be used to produce components for small modular reactors (SMR).
The tube annealing system
The atmospheric electric furnace technological line is intended for bright annealing of high-alloy tubes in accordance with the customer’s requirements. Heat treatment in the furnace takes place in an atmosphere of pure hydrogen, at a maximum temperature of 1200° C.
“The furnace was created specifically for this partner’s needs. It will allow them to increase production capacity in the Scandinavian market. This is extremely important as the demand for high-alloy components in this market has increased along with the increased interest and production of small nuclear reactors. It is an unusual construction, verified through analysis and simulations, and implemented in reality. It offers very good technological results after the annealing process,” explains Piotr Skarbiński, Vice President of the Aluminum and CAB Business Segments at the SECO/WARWICK Group.
Small nuclear reactors from SECO/WARWICK
According to expert forecasts, in the next 20 years, Sweden’s demand for electricity will double due to the electrification of industry and transport, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In winter, during periods of high energy demand, the Swedes are forced to import electricity.
Sweden has 6 nuclear reactors, which account for 30% of energy production. The country’s government recently announced the need to build at least 10 conventional nuclear reactors by 2045. Additionally, new regulations will be introduced to enable the construction of small modular nuclear reactors SMR.
Small nuclear reactors are attracting attention as one of the possibilities to supplement power in national power systems. Due to their small size and low power, they have many useful applications. They can be built in locations far from the transmission network, but they can also serve as local heat sources for industry, urban heating networks, or seawater desalination. “Modularity” means they can be produced entirely in the factory and then delivered and installed on-site in modules. Therefore, they are called “small modular reactors” – SMR.
Currently, there are over 70 commercial SMR projects being developed worldwide for various applications such as electricity production, hybrid energy systems, heating, water desalination, and steam production for industrial applications.
“SECO/WARWICK is a pioneer in modern metal heat treatment technologies used in various industries, including the energy sector. The technical solutions applied in this technological line will achieve the highest strength and structural parameters of the treated elements and ensure the versatility and repeatability of production for different lengths of details. The essence of the project is that we are delivering a custom-made device for the third time, which the client is very satisfied with, and which meets their technical and technological expectations,” said Mariusz Raszewski, Deputy Director of the AP and ATM Sales Department at SECO/WARWICK.
