KME gbmh
Heat Recovery at KME
– Turning Waste Heat into Value
“The top priority is to save energy and also to same extent ensure sustainability.
– Robert Osterheider, Supply Engineer – KME GMbH
Our customers are also energy-driven and also demand a certain level of sustainability in our products (..)
they also want a more green thumb on our products, and we can do that through this system.”
project description
Sustainable energy and lower costs
A powerful plug & play heat recovery system was successfully delivered to KME, one of the world’s leading producers of copper and copper-based solutions. With a clear ambition to optimise energy consumption and reduce operational costs, KME partnered with us at Exodraft to implement a highly efficient system that turns waste heat into usable energy – with minimal disruption to production.
We fully assembled and tested the system at our Danish facility before delivery, enabling a fast-track installation on site in Osnabrück, Germany. In fact, the entire system was up and running in just four hours – a key benefit for KME, where uninterrupted operation is vital.
Designed to recover vast amounts of energy from one of KME’s high-temperature furnaces, the system now transforms surplus heat into hot water, which is distributed throughout the facility. This approach not only brings immediate cost savings but also plays an important role in KME’s broader sustainability efforts – helping them meet rising environmental expectations from customers across the globe.
the customer
Optimise processes and reduce energy expenses
KME is a global frontrunner in copper production and the further processing of copper-based products, with headquarters in Osnabrück, Germany. With a legacy built on precision, quality, and innovation, KME serves a wide range of industries – from construction and automotive to industrial engineering – where copper’s unique properties are essential to performance and durability.
As a company operating in a highly energy-intensive industry, KME continuously seeks new ways to optimise processes, reduce emissions, and deliver added value to its customers. Copper is inherently sustainable, as it can be recycled endlessly without losing quality. Still, KME’s global customers increasingly demand products with a stronger sustainability profile – and KME is determined to meet that demand head-on.
By investing in advanced energy solutions like heat recovery, KME is not only reducing its own operational costs but also reinforcing its position as a responsible and forward-thinking supplier in a competitive market.
Solution specifications
Plug-and-play heat recovery for high-temperature environments
The solution delivered to KME is a fully integrated plug & play heat recovery unit, custom-engineered to meet the demands of a high-temperature industrial environment. At the core of the system is a high-efficiency heat exchanger, designed to extract thermal energy from the exhaust of one of KME’s large copper furnaces – where copper blocks weighing up to five tonnes are heated to over 1000°C.
Once extracted, the recovered heat is converted into hot water, which is then distributed throughout the facility for use in various support processes. This not only reduces the need for conventional heating but significantly cuts energy consumption across the site.
To ensure a seamless integration, we developed the system in three phases at our facility in Denmark. Every component was tested under realistic operating conditions before KME’s team arrived for a full Factory Acceptance Test (FAT). This hands-on pre-approval ensured that the system met all expectations before delivery and allowed us to reduce installation time on site to just four hours.
The result: a robust, highly efficient energy solution that integrates effortlessly with existing infrastructure – delivering immediate energy savings and long-term sustainability benefits.
Handover and results
Noticeable reduction in energy consumption
The delivery and installation at KME were executed with precision and a strong focus on minimising production impact. Thanks to the modular design and thorough preparation at our Danish facility, we were able to carry out the entire on-site installation and commissioning in just four hours – a key advantage for an energy-intensive operation like KME’s, where downtime comes at a high cost.
The project was characterised by close collaboration, clear communication, and shared commitment to energy efficiency. From the initial planning stages through to the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and final installation, our team worked side by side with KME’s engineers to ensure a flawless implementation.
Today, the system is fully operational and delivering measurable results. KME is already seeing a significant reduction in energy consumption and associated costs. More importantly, the company has taken a tangible step forward in aligning its operations with the growing demand for sustainable solutions – both internally and from customers worldwide.
This project is a strong example of how industrial heat recovery can deliver real business value – quickly, reliably, and with long-term impact.
exodraft