Numerical simulation of slab heating process in a regenerative walking beam reheating furnace

A simplified method is described to study the slab heating process in a regenerative walking beam reheating furnace. The boundary conditions of the furnace are matched with the burner properties in different zones to simulate the slab heating process and consider both the regenerative reversing combustion process and the slab movement. The simulated results agree well with the experimental results. The predicted results show that the slab temperature increases rapidly in the furnace preheating and heating zones. The slab surface temperature rises faster than the central point of the slab. The section temperature difference of the slab increases until the maximum value is reached in the heating zone. The slab temperature along its length is distributed unevenly, which is slightly higher near the burner and lower near the center of the furnace. The slab charging temperature has a great influence on its heating process. An increase in charging temperature reduces the section temperature difference, and the slab whole heating time is significantly shortened for satisfying the emission conditions.