Foshan Xianhu Laboratory & partners: new ammonia-fueled, zero-carbon aluminium furnace unveiled in China

Click to learn more. The new ammonia-fueled, aluminium heating rod furnace developed by China-based Foshan Xianhu Laboratory. Commercial implementation of the technology would see it replace the conventional natural gas powered multi-bar furnace that is currently used. Source: Foshan Xianhu Laboratory.

Foshan Xianhu Laboratory has unveiled a new zero-carbon, ammonia-fueled aluminium rod heating furnace for the aluminium processing industry. The equipment can be a pathway to decarbonising aluminium processing, replacing the traditional gas-fueled multi-bar furnace. The new technology is a product of joint R&D between Xianhu Laboratory and Guangdong Energy-Saving Technology Co., who are experienced in zero-carbon combustion and the high temperature industry.

Aluminium production is one of the main economic activities of Foshan and the South China Sea region, but is also a major energy consumer and carbon emitter. As heating processes in aluminium production account for a high proportion of the energy consumed overall, replacement with ammonia-powered alternatives can play a crucial role in decarbonising the overall process.

Guests at the launch toured the zero-carbon combustion centre, and saw real-time operations of the ammonia-fueled furnace. According to the press release, equipment tests have shown excellent temperature uniformity, zero carbon emissions and no sulfur oxides or soot. Nitrogen oxide emissions from the equipment are also “far below the national ultra-low standard”, indicating the technology’s potential for commercial applications.

Foshan Xianhu Laboratory has also developed and piloted an ammonia-powered ceramics fabrication line with tile manufacturer Monalisa Group, demonstrating similar emissions profiles, no safety issues, and no compromise in quality of the final product. To enhance ammonia safety, during the unveiling of the aluminium furnace, the project team highlighted measures such as adherence to strict operation specifications, automated control and remote monitoring systems.

Onwards, the parties plan to further their collaboration and construct a complete “zero-carbon combustion demonstration production line” based on this demonstration.