The energy required to operate a 1550°F (845°C) porcelain enamel (PE) furnace is enormous. As a normal part of the process, the exhaust gas temperature from a non-preheated combustion furnace is 1100°F (593°C). This paper will review how the waste heat can be utilized downstream of the furnace and provide energy for other processes in the plant.Before we get into the waste heat utilization, we would like to set the stage, so to speak. Each plant which has a porcelain enamel coating process is unique because the size, quantity of furnaces, size and weight of products, plant layout and location in the world is different. So when we talk about how much energy can be captured and re-used, we will be using a generic 24 burner, 14,400 MBTU input furnace. Since each facility is different, it will change the final analysis. However, we are trying to point to the opportunities that can then be applied to real world situations at a particular facility. Depending on the size and quantity of furnaces and other plant processes at a particular plant, what works at one plant may be totally different at another. Each facility needs to be looked at individually to determine what uses of the waste heat would generate the greatest benefits and payback.
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