Author(s)

K.K. Alaneme, S.O. Olanrewaju

Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Federal University of Technology, Akure, PMB 704, Nigeria.

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.

Diesel-fired; Furnace; Refractory; Design; Performance

K. Alaneme and S. Olanrewaju, "Design of a Diesel Fired Heat-Treatment Furnace," Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering, Vol. 9 No. 7, 2010, pp. 581-591. doi: 10.4236/jmmce.2010.97041.