Ladle heating: improving combustion

Energy conservation in ladle preheating and drying in the steel industry is reviewed and modern technology in this area is discussed. In a joint effort development and testing project, significant advances have been obtained which are described. The conventional method of preheating, curing, and holding ladles is discussed as well as the new advanced technology (AT) heater. Efficiency for the AT heater is 59% compared to 3% for the conventional heater. Heating time is reduced and a higher temperature (2000/sup 0/F) is obtained in a shorter time. Also, temperature distribution on the surface of the AT heater is much more even than for the conventional heater. On an annual basis, savings of about $200,000 have been reported using the AT heater. Also, it is reported that the furnace tap temperature may be reduced by 75/sup 0/F when the higher temperature, uniformly heated AT heater is used. Longer ladle life (as much as 100% longer) has also been reported by using the new AT heater, resulting in a sizeable savings. (MJJ)