SECO/WARWICK Allied installed seven soaking pit furnaces for Hindalco Industries Ltd. in Hirakud, India. The furnace design was prepared in conjunction with SECO/WARWICK Corp. (U.S.) and includes proprietary features such as side-mounted fans, a unique combination of fan and heater arrangements to produce separate control zones along the vertical length of the slabs, and the SECO/WARWICK patented adjustable baffle design. The furnaces are designed for vertical-loaded slabs of aluminum to process beverage-can body stock. Each furnace is designed for a maximum load of 128 metric tons, and the designed overall charge height is 5 meters (16.4 feet) maximum and 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) minimum for eight to 16 slabs per batch, which are stacked vertically.

An adjustable baffle has been provided in the furnace for proper air circulation in the event shorter slab heights are loaded. The furnace, which is designed for electrical heating with individual self-propelled lid (cover) trolley mechanism, has a complete PLC-based control and monitoring system.