Matrix temperature control by recirculation in thermal regenerators using waste steam

Addition of steam to combustion air in thermal regenerator, though considerably increases their thermal ratios also lowers the matrix surface temperatures. Recirculation of a part of combustion air is proposed to control the matrix temperature in regenerators employing steam injection. It has been predicted that with 20% recirculation the minimum matrix temperature is increased by about 50°C. Though there is a little drop in the regenerator thermal ratios, which are already substantially increased by steam injection.