Development Features of Thermal and Gas-Dynamic Performance of Mineral Wool Cupola Furnace

Abstract

Major unit for mineral melt production in industry is a shaft (cupola) furnace. Such type units are noted for the ease of fabrication and maintenance, high melting rate (up to 100-150 t/m2 per day), as well as high heat utilization efficiency (up to 60-80 % of the total supply). Design disadvantages may include inefficient workspace side-view, poor thermal and gas dynamic performance, lack of practical methods to impact the melting process. Another pressing problem is related to melt production in the amount of no more than 3 t/h, with the average coke consumption of up to 24-270 kg/t, and the overheating temperature level of no more than 1350-1400 °С. Thermal and gas dynamic performance analysis of mineral wool cupola furnace, based on evaluation of zone balance model demonstrated that mineral melt is produced under conditions of essential nonuniformity of the bed temperature, gas phase composition and heat exchange conditions, both throughout the bed height and the unit cross section.