Radiation Recuperators

Radiation recuperators are high temperature heat exchangers that utilize radiation heat transfer to preheat combustion air or gas for the purpose of saving fuel. By recovering heat from the hot waste gas exiting a furnace and transferring it to the combustion air feeding the burners, fuel usage can be reduced by an average of thirty-five percent (35%), and in many cases, greater savings are realized. Waste gas temperatures entering radiation recuperators are usually in the 2000°F to 2500°F range, and combustion air preheat temperatures are usually in the 800°F to 1400°F range.

For very high temperature industrial furnaces, such as glass melting furnaces, recuperators are valuable tools for increasing furnace efficiency. Up to seventy-five percent (75%) of the available energy in the fuel may be carried out of the furnace in the waste gas, therefore, heat recovery is essential for fuel conservation and economical operation. With fuel costs rising, recuperation is certain to play a vital role in the future.