Control & Optimization of Furnaces - FOCS

FOCS is Prevas' proprietary solution for heating and annealing furnaces. The system is currently used in approximately 90% of all steel production in Scandinavia – a strong testament to its reliability, technical excellence and business value.

Sustainable production starts with proper management.

Per Åhman, FOCS Specialist

FOCS with us

Steel production is energy intensive. With FOCS, you can reduce energy consumption by up to 20%, while streamlining the production flow – in some cases increasing capacity by over 25%. Advanced real-time temperature calculations control both heating curves and the rate through the furnace, based on the unique properties of each material.

FOCS is a flexible solution suitable for batch furnaces, continuous furnaces and annealing processes. Since it functions as a superior system, it can often be integrated without changing existing safety systems or "hot charging".

FOCS is in operation at companies such as SSAB, Outokumpu, Ovako, Sandvik, Celsa Group – as well as at many other players in Europe, Asia, North and South America.

Why invest in FOCS?

In a market where efficiency and quality are crucial, FOCS provides a clear advantage. It is not just about saving resources – it is about controlling the process smarter, more precisely and tailored to real needs.

By adapting each heating profile to dimension, material and quality, FOCS ensures consistent product quality and minimizes energy losses. The system also synchronizes with other parts of the production and ensures that the material is delivered in the right condition – at the right time.

Thanks to its smart control and clear visualization, FOCS becomes a powerful tool for both operators and production management.

What we can help you with

We take overall responsibility for planning, configuring and installing FOCS in your business – adapted to the type of oven, production flow and quality requirements.

Do you already have a control system in place? We analyze the potential of your process and implement FOCS as an overarching system for increased efficiency and precision.

We train operators, technicians and production management in how FOCS works and how you can get the most out of the system – on site or digitally.

FOCS communicates seamlessly with existing automation solutions, business systems and production planning – for an optimized overall flow.

Our support team is ready to help you with everything from troubleshooting to further development of functionality. We work long-term – as a partner in your production.

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Our technical know-how

FOCS is developed and managed by a dedicated team with cutting-edge expertise in thermodynamics, control technology and software design. The system is based on physically modeled heat transfer, advanced control strategies (feed-forward and feedback) and real-time data flows.

FOCS features:

  • Interactive operator interface.
  • Real-time calculation of temperature in each material.
  • Precision control of temperature zones.
  • Adaptation of furnace speed to upstream and downstream flows.
  • Full reporting per material, including energy, time and position.
  • Management of shutdowns, mixed fuels, hot charging and special requirements.
We help industry save energy without compromising on quality – that's the core of FOCS.

Martin Östberg, Project Manager and System Developer at Prevas