Fuel Saving Ideas for Metal and Ceramic Processing

An easy method is presented for analyzing sources of heat loss from industrial processing furnaces, kilns, and ovens; and thus for recognizing opportunities for fuel saving. This will relate to melting, heat treating and hot forming of metals such as steel, aluminum and copper; plus firing of glass and ceramic material such as structural clay products, sanitary wear, containers, porcelain and electronic ceramics. Fuel saving methods will be discussed as prescriptions for remedying the above-mentioned losses, including precise fuel/air ratio control, furnace pressure control, and heat recovery systems applicable to these high temperature furnaces. Special attention will be devoted to use of flue gases to generate steam and to preheat combustion air