High infrared emissivity coating for energy conservation and protection of inner surfaces in furnaces

The appearance of some new furnace construction materials, e.g. ceramic fibre insulations and high emissivity coatings (such as "ENECOAT") [1,2] requires the revision of the traditional wall structures. Research was done regarding a silicon carbide based furnace coating. Its emissivity is considerably greater than that of the material onto which it was applied. The basic phenomena resulting from the application of "ENECOAT" and its thermal effects were examined in the case of several continuous furnaces of brick factories. The increase of heat radiation due to "ENECOAT" coating of refractories decreases heat losses and results in better cooling of brick piles and some decrease in environmental pollution. The energy savings amounted to 4.8-6.2% and 3.8-4.4% in the case of natural gas fired and oil fired furnaces, respectively.