COCONUT COIR AS THERMAL INSULATION IN METAL MELTING FURNACES: PERFORMANCE AND LIMITATIONS

Abstract

Extremely high temperature can cause severe harm and become a safety hazard. However, by insulating mini metal furnace can protect workers of heat hazard over time. This study was conducted to determine the effect of coconut coir in the outside temperature and humidity of a locally made metal melting foundry furnace. This established a process of constructing mini melting furnace with insulator using cement and cementitious waterproofing materials with coconut coir content. This investigates the effect on outside temperature and humidity using used lubricant oil as fuel. The mini metal furnace was an initial study of melting furnace, which was constructed by implementing various enhancements incorporating an additional element into the apparatus and was used to investigate the effectiveness of coconut coir in regulating the dispersion of high temperatures beyond the equipment. This involved applying a partial covering of coconut coir with cement and cementitious waterproofing in order to examine the impact on temperature and humidities in areas covered and uncovered by the insulator. Coating the mini metal melting furnace with a mixture of coconut husk powder and pozzolan cement introduces new features. Some areas of the furnace walls adjusted to 16.67% increase in thickness and an additional weight of 8.33%. Despite this, the total weight attributed to the coconut coir remains negligible. Other technical features of the furnace remain unchanged from the original design. During a brief period of burning using lubricant oil as fuel, the precision hygrometer and thermometer were used to measure the temperature and humidity in the air. it was noted that the outside temperature increased more rapidly in areas without insulator. Additionally, humidity displayed a swifter decrease in the uncovered areas than in the sections coated with insulator. However, the insulator ignited at extreme temperature and perfect humidity.