A cupola furnace is a type of melting furnace used in foundries to melt cast iron. It's a vertical, cylindrical structure made of steel and lined with refractory materials to withstand high temperatures. The name "cupola" comes from its dome-like shape.
How Does it Work?
- Charging: The furnace is loaded with alternating layers of coke (fuel) and iron (pig iron or scrap). Limestone is also added as a flux to remove impurities.
- Ignition: The coke is ignited, and air is blown into the furnace through tuyeres (openings near the bottom).
- Melting: The heat from the burning coke melts the iron.
- Tapping: Molten iron is tapped out from the bottom of the furnace into ladles for casting.