INTERVIEW WITH THERSER UK

Established in 2009, Therser UK is the UK’s leading manufacturer of industrial kilns, furnaces, and associated automation systems, serving a wide range of industries from ceramics to aerospace. The company specializes in providing bespoke, energy-efficient thermal processing solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client. Therser UK’s extensive portfolio encompasses the design, manufacture, and installation of high-quality kilns, furnaces, dryers, and regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs), alongside offering comprehensive maintenance, repair, and engineering services. 

With a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation, Therser UK is committed to advancing green manufacturing practices, notably through the development of the UK’s first in-house test hydrogen kiln, positioning itself at the forefront of environmentally friendly thermal processing technologies.

Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?

Therser UK’s main areas of activity span a broad spectrum of thermal processing solutions and services, tailored to meet the diverse needs of various industrial sectors. 

These areas of activity include:

Kilns: Therser UK designs and manufactures a wide range of high-quality industrial kilns for different applications. Our offerings include lab kilns, tunnel kilns, roller kilns, intermittent kilns, and high-temperature kilns, catering to the ceramics industry and other sectors requiring precise thermal processing.

Furnaces: The company produces a variety of furnaces, including rotary hearth furnaces, lift-off furnaces, seal quench furnaces, batch roller hearth furnaces, walking beam furnaces, bogie hearth furnaces, elevator furnaces, mesh belt furnaces, pit furnaces, pusher furnaces, and roller hearth furnaces for heavy-duty and high-speed output applications. These furnaces are designed for use in the metals industry and other areas where controlled heating processes are essential.

Battery Materials: Recognizing the growing demand for battery materials, Therser UK offers kiln and furnace solutions tailored for the production of cathode and anode materials used in lithium-ion batteries. This includes specialized equipment for the thermal processing of battery materials, supporting the burgeoning electric vehicle and energy storage sectors.

Hydrogen Kilns: As part of their commitment to sustainability and innovation, Therser UK has developed the UK’s first in-house test hydrogen kiln. This groundbreaking project showcases the company’s leadership in exploring greener alternatives for industrial heating processes, utilizing hydrogen as a clean, renewable fuel source for kilns.

Fabrication: Therser UK provides comprehensive fabrication services, encompassing alloy fabrication, fabrication welding, and heavy fabrication. These services are customer-focused, covering the full process from concept to product testing, through to installation and after-sales support, ensuring solutions that meet the specific requirements of each client.

E.E: What’s the news about new products/services?

In an ambitious stride towards sustainable industrial processing, Therser UK, the premier manufacturer of industrial kilns and furnaces, has once again positioned itself at the forefront of innovation with the introduction of the UK’s largest hydrogen kiln. This groundbreaking advancement not only underscores Therser UK’s commitment to environmental stewardship but also showcases its comprehensive capabilities in advanced fabrication techniques.

The move towards hydrogen as a fuel source in kiln operations represents a significant leap forward in reducing the carbon footprint associated with industrial thermal processing. Hydrogen, known for its clean-burning properties, emits water vapor instead of carbon dioxide, offering a greener alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Therser UK’s development of a large-scale hydrogen kiln is a response to the growing demand for more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes across industries, including ceramics, metals, and battery materials.

Central to this innovation is Therser UK’s state-of-the-art fabrication services. The company’s expertise in alloy fabrication, welding, and heavy fabrication has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. By employing advanced fabrication techniques, Therser UK ensures that the hydrogen kiln not only meets the highest standards of efficiency and reliability but also adheres to the strictest environmental regulations.

The new hydrogen kiln is designed to cater to a wide range of industrial applications, offering customizable solutions to meet the specific needs of Therser UK’s diverse clientele. From the ceramics sector to the burgeoning field of aerospace production, this kiln is set to revolutionize thermal processing by providing a sustainable, high-efficiency alternative.

Therser UK’s venture into hydrogen kiln manufacturing is part of a broader initiative to promote sustainable innovation within the thermal processing industry. The company’s dedication to research and development, coupled with its extensive experience in kiln and furnace technology, positions Therser UK as a leader in the transition towards a more sustainable manufacturing future.

As industries worldwide continue to seek environmentally responsible solutions, Therser UK’s latest offering marks a significant milestone in the journey towards greener manufacturing practices. The UK’s largest hydrogen kiln, backed by Therser UK’s comprehensive fabrication services, is set to redefine standards, demonstrating that industrial efficiency and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand.

E.E: What are the ranges of products/services?

Kilns, Furnace, Automation, Fabrication, Alloy Fabrication, Refractory, Fibre lining, Relocations, upgrades.

E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?

The global push towards net-zero emissions is reshaping market trends across all sectors, including the industrial kiln market. Companies and governments worldwide are committing to reduce their carbon footprint, leading to a surge in demand for sustainable manufacturing practices and technologies. In this context, kilns with green credentials, such as those capable of utilizing renewable energy sources or reducing emissions, are becoming increasingly significant. Here’s an overview of market trends related to net-zero and green credentials for kilns:

Increased Adoption of Renewable Energy Sources

There’s a growing trend towards the use of renewable energy sources in kiln operations. Solar, wind, and particularly hydrogen are gaining traction as alternative fuels to power kilns. The development of hydrogen-fueled kilns, such as those pioneered by Therser UK, represents a significant step forward in this area. These technologies are not only cleaner but also align with global net-zero targets by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technologies

Carbon capture and storage technologies are becoming critical for industries aiming to achieve net-zero emissions. Kilns equipped with CCS can operate with traditional fuels while capturing CO2 emissions before they are released into the atmosphere. This approach allows for a smoother transition to greener alternatives by mitigating the environmental impact of current operations.

Energy Efficiency Improvements

Improving energy efficiency is a key trend in the kiln market. Manufacturers are focusing on designing kilns that require less energy to reach operational temperatures, thus reducing overall carbon emissions. Advanced insulation materials, more efficient burner technologies, and process optimization are some of the strategies being employed to enhance energy efficiency.

Regulatory Compliance and Green Certifications

As governments tighten environmental regulations, compliance is becoming a market driver. Kilns that meet strict environmental standards and possess green certifications are in higher demand. These credentials not only ensure regulatory compliance but also offer a competitive advantage in the market by appealing to environmentally conscious customers.

Circular Economy and Waste Heat Recovery

The principles of the circular economy are influencing kiln design and operation. Waste heat recovery systems, which capture and reuse heat from kiln operations, are becoming standard features. These systems improve overall energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing processes.

Green Financing and Incentives

The transition to greener kiln technologies is being supported by green financing and incentives. Governments and financial institutions are offering grants, loans, and tax incentives for companies investing in sustainable technologies. This financial support is accelerating the adoption of net-zero compliant kilns across industries.

E.E: What estimations do you have for the beginning of 2024?

Looking into 2024, Therser UK appears poised for further expansion and innovation, with plans to continue enhancing their product range and exploring new technologies to meet the evolving needs of their clients. The company’s dedication to providing bespoke thermal solutions and their proactive approach to sustainability and operational excellence make them a valuable partner in the industrial manufacturing sector.