Gas fired industrial furnaces convert a heat source into thermal energy with the aim of achieving a higher temperature than what can be achieved with other systems. They perform a range of different functions, including materials testing, sintering, and tempering. While industrial furnaces can be used for different applications, the general components remain the same. This blog post will break down the components within an industrial furnace and explain their purpose.
Radiant Section
The radiant section is where the heating element is found, which is often a flame. The tubes or coils (often known as the radiant coil) in this section of the industrial furnace are heated by the radiation from the heating element.
The radiant coils are often made from carbon steel or high alloy steels and can be placed vertically or horizontally in this section depending on the type of industrial furnace. They are either arranged in cells or placed along the refractory wall.
Depending on the process-side pressure drop that is allowed, the radiant coil can be either single pass or multi pass.
Convection Section
Above the radiant section, you will find the convection section, this area cooler as it is used to recover any additional heat. Heat transfer also occurs in this section by convection. The tubes continue through to the convection section, but they are finned to increase the heat transfer.
In the convection section, you will often find a soot blower, as soot tends to gather in this area. A soot blower can use either air or water to remove deposits of soot from the industrial furnace.
The Burner
The burner is located at the bottom of the industrial furnace and fires the heating element upwards. Some furnaces do have side fired burners.
The flame is contained in the burner tile, which is made out of high temperature refractory. In order to control the shape or direction of the heating element, an air register is located below the burner.
The Flue Gas Stack
Located at the top of all heat transfer chambers the flue gas stack’s primary purpose is to protect the user of the furnace by collecting the flue gas and releasing it high into the atmosphere.
The flue gas stack has a stack damper, which regulates any heat lost through the stack.
Insulation
Insulation is used in an industrial furnace to reduce the amount of heat escaping the heated chamber, ensuring the required temperature can be achieved. Common materials used for insulation are ceramic fiber, firebrick, and castable refractories.
Learn more about Thermcraft’s industrial furnace parts and services
Industrial Furnaces from Thermcraft
Thermcraft have years of experience in manufacturing ready-to-ship and custom industrial furnaces. Regardless of your application needs, we are able to provide a solution. If you would like any more information about our industrial furnaces, please contact us.