Savings for coatings firm

Subcontract coating PICKED BY PACKER specialist, Northpoint, is achieving process efficiency gains and energy reduction benefits as the result of an oven refurbishment programme - at the heart of which is the latest technology from process gas burner specialist Lanemark International. The work at Northpoint's Cheshire factory is supported by the Carbon Trust, which has made interest-free loans available based on the CO2emission reductions that were forecast during the project planning phase.

The modified oven is dedicated to the powder coating of water processing pipes. Coatings are accredited to ISO 9000 2008 and meet the requirements of the Drinking Water Inspectorate which requires the burners to meet tight control parameters, such as close operating temperatures and variable dwell times, irrespective of product configuration and size - some of which can be up to 5t in weight, 2.5m in diameter and 6.5m long.

The gas and air burner control design uses variable speed motor controllers to ensure exactly the correct volume of combustion air is delivered to each burner, eliminating the air spill risk and minimising energy input.

Four Lanemark FD10-C (GA)N-3 modulating gas and air burners are installed with a total maximum heat input capacity of 1000kW.

The oven is now up to 15% more efficient - a figure which rises to 20%+ in the summer months.