Radiation heat transfer in directly-fired natural gas furnaces: A review of literature

A critical review of literature of radiation heat transfer in directly fired industrial and metallurgical furnaces has been performed. The review has focused on multidimensional engineering radiative transfer models, experimental data base and validation of the models. The findings have revealed that the experimental work and model validation has been carried out primarily in Europe. Little work appears to have been done in the United States, because it has not been reported in the open literature, owing probably in part to proprietary considerations. Thermal systems models for predicting the thermal performance of furnaces have been also reviewed. It was found that a large number of models have been developed during the past 30 years for predicting heat transfer to the load in natural gas fired combustion systems. However, relatively few of the models have been validated using experimental data. Factors which influence the combustion process itself are discussed. Some schemes for enhancing heat transfer to the load and improving the thermal performance of furnaces are identified. 225 refs., 44 figs., 4 tabs.