Air Products has signed contracts with more than 20 recycled copper manufacturers in China to provide its oxy-fuel product that it says improves productivity and material qualities compared to conventional air-fuel technologies. It also decreases harmful emissions and reduces energy consumption and fuel costs.

Dashan Copper, a scrap copper recycling company in Tianjin, Northern China, is the first to use Air Products’ oxy-fuel in China. The adoption has resulted in about two-thirds savings in fuel consumption, reduced emissions and enhanced operational flexibilities.

The product for recycled copper includes the supply of oxygen, a patented oxy-fuel burner, and fully integrated control equipment. In addition, the company provides computational simulations with advanced visualization techniques, as well as services such as commissioning, process optimization, maintenance, safety training, engineering support, and in-depth knowledge and expertise in copper smelting.

According to China’s Five Year Plan for Non-ferrous metals industry, recycled copper will represent 40 percent of copper production by 2015.  However, recycled copper manufacturers are facing increasing challenges of rising raw material costs and stringent environmental regulations while they try to stay competitive and achieve sustainable growth.