FURNACE HEAT-UP, COOL-DOWN & THERMAL SOLUTIONS
DGC AFRICA, in strategic alliance with Hotwork International, delivers advanced thermal services for furnace and smelter operations across sub-Saharan Africa.
Hotwork International is a global leader in controlled furnace draining, furnace heat-up, cool-down, refractory dry-out, and regenerator repair services, with over 50 years of experience across more than 100,000 successful projects worldwide.
Our collaboration enhances DGC AFRICA’s turnkey furnace and smelter services by integrating world-class thermal technology with local execution capability. Together, we help clients achieve optimal performance, safety, and longevity of high-temperature assets - from commissioning through to shutdown and maintenance phases.
SERVICE OFFERING
COMPREHENSIVE
THERMAL SERVICES
REFRACTORY DRY-OUT & HEAT-UP
Hotwork’s proprietary dry-out technologies support a range of furnace linings, reducing the risk of refractory failure while meeting OEM and engineering specifications. Our mobile combustion systems ensure precision-controlled temperature increases tailored to the specific thermal profile of each project.
CONTROLLED COOL-DOWN SOLUTIONS
We provide expert cool-down services that help avoid structural damage and thermal shock during shutdowns. Our methods are proven to extend refractory life, reduce unplanned downtime, and preserve asset integrity to help our clients reduce maintenance costs while improving plant safety.
CONTROLLED FURNACE DRAINING
In shutdown scenarios where furnaces must be safely drained, we offer controlled furnace draining services that ensure the removal of molten material with maximum safety and minimal thermal stress. Our procedures reduce the risk of damage to furnace shells, refractory linings, and surrounding infrastructure, while supporting a smooth transition to maintenance or repair activities.
FURNACE REGENERATOR REPAIRS & THERMAL CONDITIONING
We offer comprehensive regenerator assessment, repair, and thermal conditioning services, helping plants recover efficiency and extend operating lifespans with minimal operational interruption.
CUSTOM SOLUTIONS FOR COMPLEX THERMAL SYSTEMS
From glass tanks and boilers to rotary kilns and smelters, our teams customise heat-up, cool-down, dry-out, and draining services for virtually any thermal process equipment.
Whether working with smelters, kilns, petrochemical furnaces or glass tanks, our services are tailored to each plant’s unique needs to ensure our clients remain productive, compliant, and safe.
APPLICATIONS
Our thermal services support a broad range of high-temperature industrial equipment:
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Smelters (Copper, Nickel, Ferroalloys)
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Furnaces (Reverberatory, Electric Arc, Induction, Flash, etc.)
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Kilns and Dryers
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Glass Plants
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Refineries and Petrochemical Plants
Our services are especially valuable during new plant commissioning, shutdown maintenance, refractory relining, or regenerator rebuilds.
BENEFITS
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, LOCAL EXECUTION
With Hotwork’s global best practices and DGC’s in-country presence and expertise, clients benefit from responsive support and high-quality thermal services.
RISK REDUCTION
Our precision-controlled thermal services reduce the risk of refractory failure, thermal shock, and costly production delays - including during complex draining and cooling processes.
EFFICIENCY & UPTIME
Our proven technologies and experienced teams enable faster commissioning, reduced maintenance time, and improved asset reliability.
SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
We adhere to international safety protocols while aligning with local site requirements and operational frameworks.
CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
Navigating Thermal Risk in High-Temperature Environments
REFRACTORY PERFORMANCE RISKS
We mitigate common failure modes by applying precise thermal ramp-up and cooldown protocols customised for each plant’s equipment and materials.
STIGHT SHUTDOWN WINDOWS
Our rapid mobilisation, pre-planning, and proven methodologies help reduce downtime while ensuring process integrity.
HIGH TEMPERATURE COMPLEXITY
Complex multi-zone temperature control is executed with high accuracy using Hotwork’s specialised burner systems and expert engineering support.
WHY DGC AFRICA
& HOTWORK
INTERNATIONAL?
When you partner with DGC AFRICA and Hotwork International, you get access to a world-class team with the technology, experience, and insight to manage complex thermal operations with confidence.
Our alliance combines unmatched thermal process expertise, technical capabilities, and project execution strength. Whether you’re commissioning a new furnace or conducting a critical shutdown, we offer proven, safe, and effective thermal services tailored to your operation.
Let DGC AFRICA and Hotwork International support your success with smart, efficient, and reliable furnace and smelter thermal solutions.
Our collaborative approach is built around your needs, and we’re ready to support your team at every stage of your process — with service, safety, and results you can count on.
