Vibrating furnace sidewalls
using the Refractory Vibration System
The sidewalls are vibrated using a four-legged
machine, each leg being equipped with a pneumatic, eccentric air vibrator.
A central cylinder extends the spring-loaded legs against the interior
of the form, simultaneously delivering equal force to the four contact
points. Smaller capacity furnaces use a 3-legged vibrator.
The unit is lowered to the bottom of the
furnace with vibration beginning one inch (25 mm) above the base of
the form. The legs are adjusted against the angle of the taper using
an air valve to ensure that contact is controlled and consistent during
vibration. Vibration is concentrated in the tapered section of the
form where maximum compaction is critical to long lining life. Eight
of the typically fourteen minutes total vibration time is spent in
this area. The machine is then slowly pulled up the form, ensuring
equal treatment for the entire length of the parallel section.
Conventional
vibration is either by direct vibration of the refractory or by
vibrating the form. Both methods are labour intensive, time consuming
and do not adequately vibrate the tapered section where premature
wear commonly occurs.
Conventional
vibration is either by direct vibration of the refractory or by
vibrating the form. Both methods are labour intensive, time consuming
and do not adequately vibrate the tapered section where premature
wear commonly occurs.