Abstract
Present-day costs of standard fuels such as coal, oil, and gas have advanced to a high level and concepts must now be revised regarding so-called refuse fuels. Their value as low-cost substitute fuels, for steam generation, will depend largely upon the manner in which they are prepared, and upon the use of suitable furnace designs. A number of furnace designs have been developed to handle by-product fuels from oil-refinery operations, and the manufacture of steel, coke, lumber, pulp, and sugar. Others are still in various experimental stages and many improvements in methods of drying, feeding, and burning fuels will be presently available. The characteristics of several of these fuels are discussed, and actual furnace designs illustrate the manner in which they are fired to provide process steam and save fuel dollars.