Methods to improve fuel utilization for open top anode baking furnaces

Abstract

As a baking furnace ages, cracks and openings develop in the furnace which allow outside air to enter. Unless proper corrective actions are implemented, gas consumption can increase, final baking temperatures can decrease, and baked anode properties can deteriorate. In this paper, methods are presented for improving the efficiency of fuel utilization for aging furnaces, and thereby lowering fuel consumption, while maintaining or improving anode finishing temperatures and anode properties.