A recent innovation from FIRE srl, is the SHP forehearth, which features a design where the flue gases run through the superstructure, exchanging their energy with it. Alternative superstructure shape options enable the separation of flue gas zones (at the side) from the cooling zone (in the centre). This design has a hollow superstructure with integrated flue gas ducts and a Venturi system, which extracts flue gas in proportion to central cooling air pressure. When more cooling is required, the flue gas is extracted more rapidly in order to exchange less energy with the refractory. This process is self-regulating. The SHP forehearth needs less insulation to obtain the same homogeneity. It is very efficient therefore, and can be installed on furnaces where more throughput is needed but the gob points cannot be moved because of the cold end layout. Due to the innovative superstructure, the forehearth can achieve efficient cooling without compromising thermal homogeneity, thereby reducing fuel consumption. According to the manufacturer, this design can save up to seven days of building work compared with standard foreheaths.
