Development of an Improved Crucible Furnace Using Locally Sourced Materials for Teaching and Learning Purposes in Metallurgical Laboratory

Abstract

Technologies have become more affordable and penetrate every aspect of life, even in developing country, like Nigeria. However many of the users in developing countries are still finding difficulty in using the technologies due to lack of experience as they undergo a technological leap. The aim of this research work explores the approach to designing, developing an improved crucible furnace by using our locally sourced materials for teaching and learning purpose in Metallurgical Laboratory. This research was considered in order to eliminate the use of poor heat sources which contaminate the molten metal in a furnace. And also to eliminate the harmful effect of using coal as fuel, by lining the inner wall of the casing with refractory blocks made from heated mixture of kaolin, clay sawdust and water after which the inner pot and electromechanical devices (temperature controller, known as light indicator), were employed in the furnace assembled. During the performance of the equipment it was observed that the furnace has a fast heating rate 61.240C/min to attain a pre-set temperature of 1915°C, and a fuel consumption rate less than 1.4 liters/hr. It has good heat retaining capacity, and can easily be maintained and safe to use.