More than 140 delegates joined the first Future of Furnaces event on 14th September, which was aimed at uniting the glass, aluminium and steel sectors to discuss developments in furnace technology.
Held in association with Furnaces International, the two-day Future of Furnaces event had speakers from around the world attending discussions on the hopeful future of furnaces and Industry 4.0 developments.
Opening the event was Fabrice Rivet, Environment, Health and Safety Director, FEVE who spoke on ‘Securing our Industry’s Future: Towards Climate-Neutral Container Glass’.
The keynote speaker spoke of the glass industry's goal towards carbon neutrality, focusing on the importance of electricity as a replacement for fossil fuels.
A focus on the importance of Industry 4.0 changes was emphasised throughout the event, starting with Rene Meuleman, Director of Business Development, CelSian, who gave a presentation on ‘Tools that Reduce Energy Demanded by Furnaces While Keeping Quality and Furnace Lifetime in Tact’.
His final message concluded the key message of the presentation, ‘Data is very important… it is key for the development of industries.”
This message was reiterated by Mark Allen, Sales Director, Mechatherm.
The company conducted a study, which researched the possibility of ‘furnaces being intelligent enough to improve its own performance’ using data to produce AI software.
As well as AI intelligence and data collection, re-evaluating the format of the furnace was also a theme touched upon.
David D’Aoust, Sales Manager – Drosrite, PyroGenesis Canada Inc, introduced the audience to plasma furnaces, whilst Stuart Hakes, Chief Executive, F.I.C. (UK) Limited and Dirk Schnurpfeil, Research and Development, Sorg evaluated the benefits and realistic goals of a hybrid horizontal furnace.
The event returned for its second day, which is in collaboration with the British Industrial Furnace Constructors Association (BIFCA).
This event hosted The Standards Seminar, which has been adapted following the current climate of COVID-19.
The day’s presentations evaluated the safety standards, the evolving EN746 series and changes following Brexit for the furnace industry.
If you missed any of the presentations, the platform provides its delegates with access to all presentations and speeches on demand.
The event platform also provides networking contacts with industry specialists and additional resources to widen your understanding of the future of furnaces.
If you were unable to attend both days of the event, as a delegate you will have access to the whole platform for a further 30 days.
Registration is still open and starts from just £65.
To register for the event follow the link below:
