Abstract: A furnace system includes a regenerative furnace with a melting tank and first and second regenerators. In a forward operating mode, combustion air enters and travels through the first regenerator before exiting the first regenerator into the melting tank while exhaust fluids exit the melting tank into the second regenerator and travels through the second regenerator before exiting the second regenerator. In a reverse operating mode, the flow is reversed. The system also includes a preheater for preheating materials supplied to the melting tank. Portions of the combustion air traveling through the first regenerator in the forward operating mode and the second regenerator in the reverse operating mode are diverted before entering the melting tank and mixed with fluids exhausted from the fluid outlet of the preheater for delivery to the fluid inlet of the preheater.

Abstract: A furnace system includes a regenerative furnace with a melting tank and first and second regenerators. In a forward operating mode, combustion air enters and travels through the first regenerator before exiting the first regenerator into the melting tank while exhaust fluids exit the melting tank into the second regenerator and travels through the second regenerator before exiting the second regenerator. In a reverse operating mode, the flow is reversed. The system also includes a preheater for preheating materials supplied to the melting tank. Portions of the combustion air traveling through the first regenerator in the forward operating mode and the second regenerator in the reverse operating mode are diverted before entering the melting tank and mixed with fluids exhausted from the fluid outlet of the preheater for delivery to the fluid inlet of the preheater.