Aluminum Sweat Furnaces

Permits

• The process of recycling aluminum results in the creation of toxins that are released into the air. Those who operate these furnaces must get a permit and must be able to show that their furnace can pass a dioxin/furan emission test or it must have a special afterburner that can remove the toxins from the environment at the end of the melting process.

Requirements

• The requirements to operate a sweat furnace are very specific to be in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's and individual state regulations. Sweat furnaces must be able to operate at a temperature of above 1600 degrees F or it must not emit 0.80 nanograms of dioxin/furan. To meet these requirements, the operator of the furnace may either install equipment or get the existing system tested.

Testing

• Performance testing is required of those sweat furnaces that do not have the afterburner that controls the emission of toxins. The afterburner can be used in lieu of testing requirements because it allows the sweat furnace to to perform at the standards required by states and by the EPA. Those who choose to not add the additional equipment must undergo compliance testing.

Reporting

• Reporting and record-keeping is required of all sweat furnace operators. EPA reporting requirements are strict and require that operators provide an initial notice of operation, notice that a performance test has been conducted, various reports related to the ongoing compliance with environmental standards, including semiannual excess emissions reports and any reports regarding the shutdown, start up or malfunctioning of the system. An ongoing annual certification is required also.