Recuperation
The above image is from an article titled Recuperators and Glass Furnaces: An Overview, from Glass Notes (2011) written by Hugh Jenkins of Big Island Glass. Click Here to view the full article~
What Is Recuperation?
Recuperation is the recovery and utilization of waste heat energy in glass making equipment such as Furnaces and Reheating Chambers.
Recuperators are heat exchange structures that transfers heat from spent air (that typically escapes through the flue) and reintroduces this heated air into the burner. This heated air is then mixed with gas through the use of a nozzle mix burner system.
Recuperation can reduce energy consumption and therefore increase energy efficiency by utilizing heat energy that would otherwise be lost.
This image is from Correll Glass Studios website, which offers many texts about recuperation and glass equipment. Click Here to Read about Recuperation from Charlie Correll
Benefits
Recuperated equipment recovers waste heat energy and redirects it to the burner system for combustion therefore reducing the overall amount of energy required to power hot glass studio equipment
The cost of installation can be returned quickly, and the savings will continue for years to come
Contemplations
Recuperated furnaces have what is referred to as a “Flywheel Effect” which means that once they get hot, they stay that way. Once they are cold, it takes more energy to heat them back up
Recycled heat and expanding fresh air make regular adjusting of the air over the last few hours of a high melt necessary
Maintenance can be complicated and time consuming
Consider the size of your studio and the amount of glass you require when investing in glass making equipment
