Abstract
This research is centered on the design of a diesel fired heat-treatment furnace using locally sourced materials. The design philosophy is to eliminate the use of heating elements requiring electric power which is poorly supplied in the country. Design drawings were produced and mild steel was used for the fabrication of the furnace casing, while the other components needed for the design were selected based on functionality, durability, cost and local availability. The furnace was assembled by lining the inner wall of the casing with refractory blocks made from heated mixture of kaolin, clay, sawdust and water after which the inner pot and electro technical devices (temperature controller, light indicator etc) were positioned. Testing was subsequently performed to evaluate the performance of the furnace. It was observed that the furnace has a fast heating rate (61.24 0 C/min to attain a pre-set temperature of 900 0 C); and a fuel consumption rate less than 1.41litres/hr. It was also observed that the furnace has good heat retaining capacity; can be easily maintained and safe for use.
Highlights
The modification of microstructures to achieve desired properties is a fundamental approach in metallic materials development
The materials utilized for the design of the diesel fired heat-treatment furnace are: 2mm thick steel sheets, kaolin clay derived from two deposits in south western Nigeria – Ijapo and Ikere Clays, silica refractory bricks, hard wood saw dust, temperature controller, thermocouple, switch, light indicators, wire, diesel, plug, burner, and chrome based alloy steel pot
This research was centered on the design of a diesel fired heat-treatment furnace using locally sourced materials
Summary
The modification of microstructures to achieve desired properties is a fundamental approach in metallic materials development. In the Universities and research institutes this situation has affected research output for many research scholars who are interested in microstructure development through heat-treatment. This challenge is the motivation for this research aimed at the development of a portable heat-treating furnace that relies on diesel to fire and generate the heat needed to raise the temperature of the furnace to the desired level. The elimination of the use of heating elements which requires electric power to function is the fundamental design principle justifying the research work. The design on completion will significantly reduce the dependence on electric muffle furnaces and guarantee uninterrupted experimental heat-treatment research work
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