Technological and Energy Capabilities of Electric Two-Module Pouring Furnaces with Upper Heating System

Abstract

A new modified two-module electric modular-pouring furnace with an upper heating system of heaters and an additional “zero” (non-electrified) module is considered. By eliminating the lower third firing module, a reduction of energy consumption by a third compared to the three-module prototype furnace was achieved. Suspended emitting elements, which are not only energetically more efficient than the previous ones made of strip heaters, but also constructively provide double the furnace throughput due to the suspension under thermal covers, are used in the modules. This leads to a doubling of its performance. Altogether, it gives a decrease in the specific energy consumption of vermiculite firing in a new two-module furnace to a level of 50.4 J/m3.