Metallurgical transformation using residual fuels: A case study in energy efficiency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37636/recit.v9n4e475Keywords:
Waste fuels, Energy efficiency, Conversion systems, Waste-to-energy, CFDAbstract
In the metallurgical industry, the use of fossil fuels generates high operating costs and pollutant emissions. At the same time, liquid waste streams—such as used oils—are often discarded without energy recovery due to their high viscosity. The objective of this study was to implement a combustion system for manufacturing processes that utilizes characterized waste fuels, ensuring thermal efficiency, emission reductions, and economic viability. The methodology included: physicochemical characterization of the waste fuel (viscosity, calorific value, chemical composition); design and integration of an injection system adapted for viscous fuels; CFD simulation of flow and combustion; and pilot tests on production lines to evaluate temperature, consumption, and emissions. The results demonstrated stable combustion of the waste fuel, achieving optimal temperatures (850–1,050 °C) for non-ferrous metallurgical processes. A 62–80% reduction in energy costs was achieved, along with a significant decrease in CO₂ and particulate emissions. The system proved to be economically viable, adaptable, and scalable. It is concluded that the utilization of waste fuels is an alternative that contributes to industrial sustainability by reducing costs and minimizing environmental impacts.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Martha Angélica Cano-Figueroa, Hugo Arcos-Gutiérrez, Víctor Hugo Mercado-Lemus, José Antonio Betancourt-Cantera, Marco Antonio Márquez-Vera
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