REVERBERATORY FURNACE Meaning and
Definition
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A reverberatory furnace is a type of industrial furnace characterized by the manner in which it generates and utilizes heat. The term "reverberatory" refers to the reflective nature of its interior, which causes the heat to reverberate or bounce back, ensuring maximum efficiency in the heating process.
This furnace typically consists of a melting chamber or hearth, wherein the substance to be heated, such as metal ore or glass, is placed. The hearth is enclosed by a roof and walls made from refractory materials, which help to retain and distribute heat evenly throughout the chamber. The roof usually consists of a sloping or arched design, further aiding in the reflection of heat downwards.
The heat source for a reverberatory furnace is external, often provided by the combustion of fuels like coal, natural gas, or oil in a separate combustion chamber. The hot gases produced from this combustion are directed into the reverberatory furnace chamber and reflect off the interior surfaces, transferring heat to the substances being processed.
Reverberatory furnaces are commonly used in the metallurgical and glass manufacturing industries, where precise and controlled heating is required. They are ideal for processes involving the smelting or refining of metals, as well as the formation and melting of glass. The versatility of these furnaces allows for the extraction of impurities and the separation of desirable components, leading to the production of purer materials.
Etymology of REVERBERATORY FURNACE
The word "reverberatory" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin verb "reverberare", meaning "to strike back, drive back, or recoil". This Latin verb is composed of two parts, "re-" which means "back" and "verberare", meaning "to strike, lash, or beat".
The term "reverberatory furnace" emerged in the late 18th century to describe a type of furnace used in various industrial processes. It gained this name due to the characteristic way in which heat and gases are reflected and reverberated back into the furnace chamber.
The word "furnace" comes from the Old French term "fornais", which originally referred to a brick oven used for baking. This word has its roots in the Latin word "fornax", meaning "oven" or "furnace".
