Development of Coal Fired Furnace for Small Scale Enterprises

摘要

In metal works involving metal heating, there has always been the problem of melting metal as part of the production processes. A coal fired furnace is developed using locally sourced materials like clay or bentonite, perlite, portland or masonry cement and silica sand as the refractory medium. In metallurgical industries electrical energy as a common heat source or gas has been the dominant fuel used. In developing countries (like Nigeria) where there is the problem of incessant power supply, high cost of fuel gas and high cost of importing furnace, the need arises for a locally developed furnace made from locally sourced materials. The furnace is a fabricated cylindrical metal housing with stands and having an inside lining comprising a mixture of locally sourced refractory agents, incorporating an air blower and a thermocouple readout. The refractory medium was first normalized by given it a moderate firing to prevent it from cracking. The furnace was heated and the crucible loaded with aluminium scraps. The scraps melted at a temperature range of 620 – 680oC. The outside wall temperature of the furnace was 55oC, indicating a good thermal resistance.