Study of an Electric Furnace Physical Model for Firing Vermiculite with a “Zero” Module

Abstract

Results are considered for experimental research carried out in a test furnace for checking the possibility of completing heat assimilation by vermiculite grains and structure formation within them due to transfer of vermiculite exergy into mechanical transformation energy in a so-called “zero” module with reduced energy requirement. A relationship is established by experiment for vermiculite product density at the inlet to the “zero” module and at the outlet from it on temperature of the heater surfaces in the furnace electric modules. Time is determined for passage of a vermiculite grain through the “zero” module, and a value of complete heat assimilation factor is established correcting the analytical model of the process. An analytical expression is provided describing vermiculite heat assimilation taking account of the correcting completeness factor. It is shown that use of a “zero” module may reduce the energy requirement and firing power requirement by 10 – 20% in relation to “zero” module installation location.