Performance analysis of the ring furnace used for baking industrial carbon electrodes

Abstract

Abstract A model is developed for the purpose of analyzing the performance of the ring furnace and the effect of various operational parameters on energy consumption, furnace behavior and product quality. The model combines an energy balance on the gaseous stream and a calculation of heat transfer inside the solids. The process is a semi‐continuous counterflow heat exchange, further complicated by other phenomena such as air infiltration into the flue, evolution of volatile matter, and heat losses. Several simulation runs are made which succeed in reproducing the various real‐life operating conditions, and predicting furnace behavior and efficiency for other conditions. The model proves to be a useful tool for the analysis of this important and costly equipment of the aluminium industry.