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From Water and Wastewater.com Industry News
“This $1.8 million investment represents our commitment to having the best, leading manufacturing technology available in the world,” says Rick Jones, Vice President of Sales for ESPC. “The new porcelain enameling furnace is not only the world’s largest, it is also the highest efficiency furnace available. “We anticipate a 15.5 percent increase in line speed, a 13.4 percent reduction in cycle time and a 32 percent boost in through-put (measured in pounds) per hour with this new furnace technology,” Jones says. The new furnace has a number of new features that will improve quality and reliability while lowering maintenance costs. It differs from the previous one in that it is “U” shaped – rather than straight-lined – for greater “baking” efficiency. A 120-foot long hot zone provides precise temperature control, while a 78-foot preheating zone heats cold sheets entering the furnace, thereby lowering energy requirements. In all, five advanced temperature control zones regulate the coating process. The result is the highest quality sheets of glass-fused-to-steel every time. The substantial investment in plant operations reinforces the commitment of CST Industries, Inc., parent company of ESPC, to the DeKalb, Illinois manufacturing site, Jones adds. All glass-fused-to-steel storage products are manufactured in DeKalb, where ESPC employs 156 people. The DeKalb operation also boasts a 2,500-ton Danley Press, the largest in the tank industry. ESPC is also the only bolted tank manufacturing company using Edge Coating technology to prevent corrosion and maintain tank integrity and longevity. Even though the new furnace required six weeks to install, shipment of new orders for the company’s Harvestore®, Slurrystore® and Aquastore® brands were not delayed, Jones says. "We are always searching the world for new innovations in glass-fused-to-steel technology,” Jones concludes. “This investment enhances our ability to meet and exceed customer expectations for a state-of-the-art product.” For more information visit: http://www.aquastore.com/ © Copyright 1998 - 2008 Water and Wastewater.com |
