Introduction
Tilting furnaces are an essential part of many manufacturing processes as they provide a way to heat materials efficiently to the required temperature in a controlled atmosphere. In a tilt furnace, heated air is introduced into the furnace chamber at the base, and the molten material is then introduced in batches at the top of the chamber and allowed to drop down the walls into the chamber. This allows for fast, uniform heating of the entire load, and gives a uniform heat profile which is beneficial for many manufacturing processes.
In order to ensure optimal efficiency and performance in a tilt furnace, an appropriate gas supply is required. There are a variety of gas sources which can be used as a suitable gas supply for a tilt furnace, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. This paper will discuss the various gas supply options for tilting furnaces, their application in specific consumers and provide an overview of their benefits and drawbacks.
Gas supply sources
Natural gas is the most commonly used gas supply source for tilting furnaces. It is readily available, relatively inexpensive and provides a reliable source of fuel. Natural gas is composed mainly of methane, and therefore is a clean burning fuel which helps to reduce pollution levels.
Propane is also a common source of fuel for tilting furnaces. It is a liquid fuel which can be stored in tanks, and is easily portable. Propane has a higher energy content than natural gas and therefore requires less of it to achieve the same heat output.
Alternatively, fuel oil can be used as a gas supply for a tilt furnace. Fuel oil is a heavier, less efficient fuel than natural gas or propane, but it can provide an advantage in certain applications. In particular, fuel oil can be used in furnaces where there is a need for a longer burn time for the operation or where there is a requirement for the furnace to be able to cope with large fluctuations in temperature.
Other sources of fuel which can be used in tilting furnaces include wood, coal, and biomass. Of these, wood is probably the most commonly used while coal and biomass are more suitable for industrial applications.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The main advantages of using a gas supplied to a tilt furnace are that it is easy to install, affordable and offers a reliable fuel supply. It also provides an efficient way to heat the materials, while having a very low environmental impact as the fuel is typically clean burning.
However, gas supplied furnaces also have some disadvantages. These include the fact that the gas may not be available in areas where it is needed and that any leakage from the furnace can be dangerous. Additionally, the fuel source can be expensive and there may be restrictions on the quantity or types of fuel which can be used in certain locations.
Lastly, certain fuel sources such as wood and coal may have a high environmental impact, as the smoke and particles which are produced can be damaging to health, and also have an adverse impact on air quality.
Conclusion
Gas supplies are an essential part of many manufacturing processes, and there is a wide range of sources which can be used as a fuel supply for tilt furnaces. These sources all have their own advantages and disadvantages, and so the best choice of fuel supply will depend on the application and location in which the furnace is being used.
Overall, natural gas is the most popular fuel source for tilting furnaces, due to its availability, affordability and clean burning properties. However, for applications where longer burns or greater temperature fluctuations are required, fuel oil can be a suitable option, while wood and coal are suitable for industrial applications. It is also important to consider the environmental impact of the chosen fuel source.
