Modeling the Transfer of Radiant Energy to a Bulk Medium in Electric Furnaces with the Upper Position of Radiating Elements

Anew design of suspended radiating elements is developed for heating systems of electric furnaces with moving hearth platforms and modular-trigger furnaces. The transfer of radiant energy on the surface of firing modules and on the flow of expansible vermiculite is simulated. Analytical dependencies are obtained to calculate the temperatures of radiating elements, a refractory base, a heat-insulating cover, and grains of the material itself. The performance of modular-launch furnaces may significantly increase because the crowding of vermiculite in areas where firing modules are poured does not lead to the burnout of radiating elements, as observed in tape nichrome systems.