Ambitious environmental protection targets and rising energy costs require operators of heat treatment plants in the high-temperature range to investigate what measures can be taken to improve the energy balance of their plants. The employees responsible for this at Rexnord Kette GmbH at the plant in Betzdorf first drew up a detailed matrix in which all the key parameters of the systems and heating technology were systematically recorded. In joint discussions with the technical support team of WS Wärmeprozesstechnik GmbH, they then developed sub-steps to implement the theoretical findings on the system and evaluate them step by step.
The project was started on a belt furnace that had already been modernized many years ago with standard recuperative burners. Initial, simple optimization steps ensured that 15% of energy could be saved immediately. In a second step, highly efficient REKUMAT® gapflow burners were retrofitted into the existing furnace. With the help of these extremely energy-efficient burners, which have proven reliable in many applications over years of operation, as well as further optimizations to the heat distribution, a total CO2 reduction of 35% was achieved during the course of the project compared to the previous construction status. Thanks to the WS patented FLOX® technology, the modernized system also achieves outstandingly low NOx emission values.
The successful project clearly demonstrates the opportunities that arise when system operators and technology suppliers, each with decades of experience, contribute their know-how to develop and implement a joint, coherent modernization concept.
WS has been known worldwide for decades as the undisputed technology and market leader in the field of industrial burner technology for the thermoprocessing industry. For next-generation products, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing are of course also used.
The WS Group was blessed with beautiful weather on April 30, 2025 when almost 500 guests accepted the invitation to "Dance into May" to celebrate the inauguration of two newly built halls in Renningen. With a large number of employees, customers, suppliers and political guests, the day was an entertaining experience that included in-depth technical discussions as well as joint networking.
Federal Cross of Merit for WS founder Joachim A. Wünning: As part of a festive ceremony, Joachim A. Wünning was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit on March 28, 2025. Awarded by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and presented by Klaus Brenner, the award honors Wünning's life's work.
New CNC lathe at WS - high-end solution for precision and quality in in-house production and new development. The lathe from SPINNER Werkeugmaschinenfabrik GmbH will complement the extensive machine park at WS in the future.
Just in time for the start of the year, the WS Service department is delighted to have taken over and used the new WS Service Center. After extensive conversion work in the newly acquired building, nothing now stands in the way of its use as the new control center for our service department.
There was a lot to celebrate at the WS Summer Party 2024. Around 250 guests spent a thoroughly successful day in Renningen in the best weather and found out about the many new developments in the WS Group. Good food and a cold drink or two ensured a great atmosphere and fond memories.
