Radiative heat transfer in furnaces: Flame and furnace models of the IFRF M1- and M2-trials

Abstract

Furnace heat transfer models—using the zone and flux methods—have previously beenevaluated against measurements from the M1-furnace trials of the International Flame Research Foundation. The M1 furnace configuration is shown to be insensitive to flame and combustion changes and is, therefore, a poor test of a model. A simple zoned model—using the Monte Carlo technique—is then evaluated on the later, more sensitive, M2-trials when the proportion of the furnace walls as a heat sink was increased. The model allows for variation in flame shape and the concentration of emitters between zones. A simple zoning for the end-fired furnace comprising a single flame zone, a recirculation region and two zones between the flame and the furnace exist is shown to be quite adequate for predictions of furnace heat transfer. A more detailed description of the flame and furnace may not be warranted even when the flow and combustion pattern is known in detail.