Pusher Type Reheating Furnace: An Overview

By Author: jr furnance
Total Articles: 24
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Introduction
A pusher type reheating furnace is a key component in the metal processing industry, particularly in the production of steel and other metals. This type of furnace is used to heat metal billets, blooms, or slabs to a specific temperature, making them malleable for further processing such as rolling, forging, or extrusion. The reheating process is crucial for ensuring the quality and mechanical properties of the final product.

Structure and Design
The pusher type reheating furnace is characterized by its horizontal design, which includes a series of hearths where the metal pieces are placed. The furnace consists of several key components:

Charging Area: This is where cold metal billets, blooms, or slabs are loaded into the furnace.
Heating Zones: The furnace is divided into different zones, each with precise temperature control. These zones include:
Preheating Zone: Where the metal is gradually heated to prevent thermal shock.
Heating Zone: Where the metal reaches its target temperature.
Soaking Zone: Where the temperature is maintained uniformly throughout the metal.
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... Discharging Area: This is where the heated metal is removed for further processing.
Working Principle
The operation of a pusher type reheating furnace involves the following steps:

Loading: Metal pieces are loaded onto a conveyor or a series of rollers at the charging end.
Pushing: A hydraulic or mechanical pusher moves the metal pieces through the furnace. The continuous pushing action ensures a steady flow of metal through the heating zones.
Heating: As the metal moves through the furnace, it is exposed to high temperatures from burners located along the length of the furnace. The heat is transferred through convection and radiation, ensuring uniform heating.
Soaking: In the soaking zone, the metal is held at the target temperature to ensure uniform temperature distribution throughout the piece.
Discharging: Finally, the heated metal is pushed out of the furnace and transported to the next stage of processing.
Advantages
The pusher type reheating furnace offers several advantages:

Uniform Heating: The design ensures that metal pieces are heated uniformly, reducing the risk of defects.
High Throughput: The continuous operation allows for high processing rates, making it suitable for large-scale production.
Energy Efficiency: Modern pusher type furnaces are designed with energy efficiency in mind, utilizing advanced burner technology and heat recovery systems.
Versatility: They can handle a wide range of metal sizes and shapes, making them suitable for various applications.
Applications
Pusher type reheating furnaces are widely used in industries such as:

Steel Mills: For heating billets, blooms, and slabs before rolling or forging.
Aluminum Plants: For preheating aluminum ingots before extrusion or rolling.
Copper Mills: For heating copper billets or slabs before processing.
Innovations and Future Trends
The future of pusher type reheating furnaces lies in further improving energy efficiency and automation. Innovations such as regenerative burners, advanced control systems, and predictive maintenance technologies are being integrated to enhance performance. Additionally, the focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions is driving the development of more sustainable furnace designs.

Conclusion
The pusher type reheating furnace remains a vital technology in the metal processing industry. Its ability to uniformly heat large quantities of metal efficiently and reliably makes it an indispensable tool in modern manufacturing. As technology advances, these furnaces will continue to evolve, offering even greater efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability.