Mathematical modeling of mass, heat and fluid flow in a reverberatory furnace for melting nickel-containing raw materials

The article presents analytical results on the use and distribution of energy in reverberatory furnaces with medium pressure gas burners to melt nickel-containing raw materials, by means of a numerical simulation of the furnace's combustion space. The combustion flow and radiation of a reverberatory furnace powered by natural gas have been calculated and validated. The chemical composition of natural gas makes it the cleanest of fossil fuels, for this reason its use increases worldwide. The higher hydrogen/carbon ratio in its composition, compared to other fossil fuels, causes combustion to emit less CO₂ per unit of energy produced. The flue gas outlet duct and medium pressure burners are represented and located as in a typical design to determine the effect on the efficiency of the reverberatory furnace. The results show the temperature field, the mass fraction of oxygen and fuel within the furnace's combustion space and the comparison between the theoretical and practical efficiency of a furnace. (paper)