TITLE:
Design of a Diesel Fired Heat-Treatment Furnace
AUTHORS:
K.K. Alaneme, S.O. Olanrewaju
KEYWORDS:
Diesel-fired; Furnace; Refractory; Design; Performance
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.9 No.7,
July
20,
2010
ABSTRACT: This research is centered on the design of a diesel fired heat-treatment furnace using locally
sourced materials. The design philosophy is to eliminate the use of heating elements requiring
electric power which is poorly supplied in the country. Design drawings were produced and mild
steel was used for the fabrication of the furnace casing, while the other components needed for
the design were selected based on functionality, durability, cost and local availability. The
furnace was assembled by lining the inner wall of the casing with refractory blocks made from
heated mixture of kaolin, clay, sawdust and water after which the inner pot and electro technical
devices (temperature controller, light indicator etc) were positioned. Testing was subsequently
performed to evaluate the performance of the furnace. It was observed that the furnace has a fast
heating rate (61.24℃/min to attain a pre-set temperature of 900℃); and a fuel consumption rate
less than 1.41litres/hr. It was also observed that the furnace has good heat retaining capacity;
can be easily maintained and safe for use.