Abstract: Control process for a furnace for baking carbon anodes comprising: longitudinal hollow partitions in each of which a flow of hot baking gas may circulate, hollow partitions together defining cells to receive the anodes to be baked, and a heating system rotating in relation to the hollow partitions comprising an upstream blowing ramp blowing air into the various partitions, a downstream suction ramp sucking gas from the various partitions and at least one heating ramp. This process comprises a natural pre-heating phase of the partitions and anodes which release combustible, volatile matter which burns inside the hollow partitions as a degassing in a natural pre-heating zone of the furnace downstream of the heating ramp. According to the invention, gas flows circulating in the hollow partitions are modified so as to control gas flows passing through a first natural pre-heating zone from gas flows leaving a second natural pre-heating zone to control the location of the degassing front.

Abstract: An air feeding device for producing anodes in an annular kiln includes at least one kiln unit having a heating zone, a firing zone, and a cooling zone, each having a plurality of kiln chambers which are interconnected by heating channels, are formed as heat exchangers and are used to receive anodes. Primary air is introduced into the cooling zone by a primary air feeding device for the passage of air through the kiln unit and, once it has passed through the firing zone, being discharged from the heating zone as flue gas by means of an exhaust device. Secondary air is fed into the heating zone upstream of the exhaust device by a secondary air feeding device.

Abstract: Contemplated devices and methods reduce heat loss and energy demand in a ring furnace by heating an additional oxygen containing stream in a supplemental oxygen conduit that is thermally coupled to a flue duct of a cooling zone. The so heated additional oxygen containing stream is then fed to the firing and/or pre-heat zones to increases combustion of volatiles and to reduce fuel demand by recycling waste heat to the firing and/or pre-heat zones.

Abstract: A kiln includes a hollow housing which has an upper and lower wall, an inlet and outlet. The lower wall of the housing is provided with a first set of baffles spaced from one another along the length of the housing and extending towards the upper wall of the housing. The upper wall of the housing is provided with a second set of baffles spaced from one another along the length of the housing and extending towards the lower wall. The first and second sets of baffles bound betweem them a gap defining a transport path for items to be treated. At least one set of baffles is adjustable so as to vary the width of the gap.