Heat Applications India Private Limited

Controlled Furnace Cool Down & Refractory Contraction Control
As much attention to the control of temperature levels and distribution must be given when bringing a furnace down for repair as when initially putting it into production, Increasing demands on furnace production inevitably lead to uneven wear of the various types of refractories and the need for partial repairs during the over all life of the furnace.

 

Reversing the heat up procedure and maintaining a steady and controlled cool down after a smooth takeover from the furnace firing system gives the best chance of preserving the integrity of the refractories to be retained.

At a temperature around 200°C the burner system is switched off, but the combustion air fan is left running to complete the cooling up to ambient.

 

This process is often accompanied by the HAL Technicians taking control of the furnace contraction during the vital period, and making the necessary adjustment to the refractory retaining steel structure.

Heat up

"As critical to the overall life of the furnace as the quality of materials and standard of construction is the degree of control exercised over the initial heat up to working temperatures.

Employing large volumes of rapidly circulating heated products from our range of Gas, Oil and Duel Fuel High Velocity Burners temperatures from as low as 35°C on light off to in excess of 1100°C on change over to production burners are readily achieved with control increments of 1°C/hr. being routine. The High Velocity Burners produces high volumes of turbulent hot gases which, with the furnace placed on positive pressure, ensure even distribution of heat throughout the structure.

Expansion

Vital to the overall success of any furnace heat up or cool down is the accuracy with which the furnace expansion or contraction has been measured and subsequently controlled by careful adjustment to the retaining steel structure.

The main indicator of movement is by reading the rise or fall of the furnace melter crown, working end crown and regenerator crown centerlines (where applicable). This is achieved by frequent monitoring of the movement throughout the operation.

Hal can provide knowledgeable personnel for a full inspection of glass melting furnaces following rebuild, and during a campaign in hot condition, also we can provide a comprehensive report on our findings relating to the structural integrity

In the event of our client going for a complete rebuild of the furnace, we can offer a rapid cool down with our high velocity burners incorporating a steam injection process. This method enables us to cool down most furnaces within 48 hours period, representing a significant saving on furnace down time

Full turnkey operations on glass-to-glass projects, this includes the draining, cool down and contraction control (where necessary) of the furnace refractories. The demolition and subsequent part or total furnace re-builds, this to include any steelwork alterations and we can assist with the procurement of any auxiliary equipment associated with the procurement of any auxiliary equipment associated with the furnace. Finally the heat up and cullet filling to include and expansion control of new or repaired furnace.