The latest-generation John Cockerill processing and the corresponding mathematical models are designed to process the widest possible range of products, from steels with a very low carbon content to very high-resistance steels of any width. They also minimise thermal inertia and follow for greater energy efficiency, as well as allowing process settings to be changed more quickly.
The best possible heating solution is determined based on physical, mechanical and thermal models that can be used to anticipate how the strip will behave on the line.
Non-oxidising ceramic fibre furnaces, Iconel P or PP radiant tubes, the latest-generation jet coolers and patented mathematical models designed to monitor all process conditions, both temporary and permanent, are just some of the technologies we use to ensure that John Cockerill furnaces offer the very best in cutting-edge design.
John Cockerill has set the benchmark with its Blowstab® patented strip stabilising and cooling system, controlling the vibration of the strip within the jet cooler and after the zinc pot. Dynamically controlling the tension in the strip, the roller profile and the temperature of the strip on a global level makes it possible to optimise the entire process, as well as the quality of the product.
John Cockerill’s mathematical models have been successfully adopted not only with our own furnaces but also with those of our main competitors for the purposes of improving both productivity and the quality of the strip.
Our Range of Furnaces
- For continuous galvanising lines (CGLs) and continuous annealing lines (CALs)
- Non-oxidising furnaces (NOFs)
- Radiant tube furnaces (RTFs)
- All other types of special chamber
- Blowstab®, IWAC® and Ultra Dry Cooling (UDC®) systems
- L-TOP® (vertical furnaces) and LHTOP® (horizontal furnaces) mathematical models
- For stainless steel processing lines
- Hot rolling only (for annealing and pickling lines)
- Cold rolling only (for annealing and pickling lines)
- Combination of hot and cold rolling (for annealing and pickling lines)
- Bright annealing with high internal purity (vertical or horizontal)
- Bright annealing with muffle tubes (vertical or horizontal)
- For silicon steel processing lines
Key Benefits:
- Dynamic overall process control;
- Latest-generation burners;
- Extremely efficient combustion modes;
- The most appropriate thermal treatment for high-resistance steel;
- Patented high-performance cooling systems;
- Reduced alloy content to facilitate recycling;
- Optimal heating and cooling curves to achieve the desired strip properties at the lowest possible energy cost;
- Digital simulations for optimal design;
- Equipment compliance and efficiency;
- Dedicated operator interface and process data management;
- Mathematical models to improve furnace efficiency;
- Optimization of energy consumption;
- Specialist training and onsite support.
Innovatively designed furnaces
With over 60 years of furnace experience, we design electric, gas, and hybrid furnaces for steel, aluminium, titanium, and nickel alloys — serving automotive, aerospace, defence, and forging sectors.
Furnace range:
- Chamber and car-bottom
- Vertical/horizontal pit
- Rotary and ring
- Continuous production designs
Furnace types:
- Box furnaces;
- Tilting furnaces;
- Bogie hearth furnaces;
- Controlled atmosphere bell furnaces;
- Roller hearth furnaces;
- Flexible thermal treatment lines;
- Rotary hearth furnaces;
- Vertical tempering furnaces;
- Aluminium melting furnaces;
- Continuous and discontinuous treatment lines.
Performance:
- Uniform heating and controlled atmospheres
- Up to 30% energy savings
- Digital twins for pre-validation
- Long lifespan and easy maintenance
Reheating Furnaces – Energy Efficiency and Product Quality
Our Optimfl@me® and RTOP® (Reheating Thermal Optimisation Process) technologies redefine reheating performance, combining combustion control, heat recovery, and digital modelling for optimal temperature uniformity and minimal emissions.
Highlights:
- Double Regenerative Burners (DRB) – maximum heat recovery, ultra-low NOx.
- RTOP® real-time thermal simulation – precise control and 10% energy savings.
- Descalizer® – reduces oxidation and water use.
- SMC® algorithm – ensures uniform heat distribution and surface quality.
Benefits:
- 10 °C higher output uniformity
- 10% lower energy use
- Reduced scale formation
- Easy mobile supervision with OPExS® GoMobile™
Available in gas-fired or hybrid gas/electric versions, these furnaces support full decarbonisation pathways.