Tonawanda Coke on markets, coke oven repair and more

13 October 2011

Michael Trembowicz of TONAWANDA COKE CORP will be presenting on Coke Oven Modular Rebuild and Advancements in the Technology Innovations track at the 15th Annual Met Coke World Summit 2011. Register today to hear more from Tonawanda Coke and many others!

What is modular technology and its benefits?
Vanocur Refractories' modular blocks are a minimal expanding shape which allows us to design and build to current battery dimensions without a concern of expansion. One of the many benefits of the modular blocks is their displacement of mortar joints vs. traditional silica bricks. Every Modular shape displaces at least 27 individual bricks and at least 2 tiers which is a + 90% reduction in mortar joints. The other great benefit to this technology is the speed and ease of installation. Vanocur Refractories design is unique in respect to their large size which changes the installation job from a bricklayer's job to a rigger's job - a workforce of 10-12 people working one 10 hour shift can complete a 4 throughwall rebuild in 30 days from push out to charge. This saves on both time of installation and also the enormous expense of paying experienced bricklayers. Lastly, the modules are far superior to silica brick because of the lack of expansion experienced when heated up to production temperatures.

Is there a large market for coke oven repairs?
As the coke market strengthens and producers need to address old or problems ovens, the market for repairs will continue to grow. As a general statement when the coke market is strong the producer needs as many in-service ovens as possible to remain efficient and competitive. As batteries continue to age and environmental regulations become more stringent, an expedited effective repair technology will be required to continue to operate.

On which projects are you currently working?
Our largest scale project currently underway is at Erie Coke Corporation. Within the last year we have completed 26 end-flue repairs and also 8 thru-wall repairs. Within the next 2 years we will be completing another 26 end-flue repairs and 20 more thru-wall repairs. The repairs encompass not only the oven wall but also the roofs and corbels all utilizing the patented Vanocur Refractories modular shapes.

Can you describe the international merchant coke market?
All I can comment on is the international foundry market has recently become more active in the US in the last 6 months telling us there is a shortage. We understand the shortage is mostly based in Europe.

With limited global supply, I expect that you are being kept busy at Tonawanda Coke - is this true?
Like most manufacturing, we have yet to see a rebound to levels pre 3rd quarter 2008.

For those of not familiar with Tonawanda Coke, can you describe your operation?
Tonawanda Coke is a merchant foundry coke producer. Our operation is similar to all by-product recovery ovens

Vanocur Refractories is a technology transfer company of Tonawanda Coke. Vanocur is the company that will accept potential customers current design drawings and revamp them to fit our modular shapes. From the engineering department the shapes are manufactured in our Tonawanda NY facility and shipped all over the world.

Register today to learn more at Met Coke 2011!