Foundry Emissions and Carbon Additives

Foundries are under pressure to reduce smoke, odour and emissions. The choice of carbon additive matters.

Sources of emissions

When hot metal meets green sand, carbon additives release volatile organic compounds and smoke.

Gilsonite’s role

Because gilsonite works at lower dosages than many coal additives, the total amount of carbon in the sand can be reduced. Lower dosage can mean less smoke per tonne of castings.

Other measures

• Optimize additive levels using LOI control
• Improve ventilation and capture at pouring and shake-out
• Consider hybrid additives

Measuring improvement

Track smoke opacity, odour complaints and emissions tests before and after changes.

Main emission points

• Pouring
• Cooling lines
• Shake-out
• Sand handling

Strategies

Practical tip

Many foundries overdose carbon “to be safe”. Systematic LOI control usually reveals room to reduce additions without hurting quality.

See foundry grade gilsonite and gilsonite vs. sea coal.