Improved Combustion Thermal Efficiency With Compact Recuperator Design

Thermal efficiency of the radiant tube combustion system is improved by utilizing advanced recuperative equipments. These equipments are self recuperative single ended radiant tube and plug-in type recuperators. In order to increase their applicabilities, advanced ceramic materials are being used to manufacture the critical components exposed to higher flue gas temperature i.e. 2000 degrees F. + or 1079 degrees C. Preliminary design methods to manufacture these equipments indicate that ceramic recuperators can compete against conventional single ended and plug-in recuperators. Preliminary test results indicate that a higher preheat temperature from the ceramic recuperator is possible when the plug-in design is used.