Unique Alfa Laval technology recovers industrial waste heat for reuse in Hamburg's district heating network

LUND, Sweden, May 10, 2022

Aurubis Group is a leading global provider of non-ferrous metals and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide. The related sulphuric acid process releases significant amounts of heat which was previously cooled with water from the River Elbe and thus left unutilized. Some years ago, Aurubis contacted Alfa Laval with a request to design a heat recovery process based on customized plate heat exchangers, fully adapted to cope with the high demands of corrosion, high pressure and extreme temperatures. This collaboration resulted in a process based on unique Alfa Laval plate heat exchanger technology designed to meet these requirements.

Now Alfa Laval will supply heat exchangers for the next phase, with delivery scheduled for 2023 and 2024. The expanded process installation will enable yearly savings of 100,000 tonnes CO2 emissions.

"Our efficient plate heat exchanger technology saves energy and reduces carbon emissions, which is beneficial for both our customers and society. Today, four out of five heat exchangers sold within the Energy division are related to energy efficiency, energy savings and reuse where they make a difference also in a wider and broader scale," says Thomas Møller, President of the Energy Division.

Did you know… Alfa Laval's plate heat exchanger technology is 20-50 percent more efficient than conventional technology used by the industry.

This is Alfa Laval

Alfa Laval is a world leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling, and is active in the areas of Energy, Marine, and Food & Water, offering its expertise, products, and service to a wide range of industries in some 100 countries. The company is committed to optimizing processes, creating responsible growth, and driving progress to support customers in achieving their business goals and sustainability targets.