What is the main purpose of baffle plates in a furnace?

• A. Enhance combustion
• B. Change the direction of flow of heated gases
• C. Reduce emissions
• D. Increase pressure

Answer: (B)

Baffle plates in a furnace primarily serve the function of altering the direction of flow of heated gases. By changing the flow direction, baffles can increase the efficiency of heat transfer within the furnace. This is crucial for ensuring that the heated gases make consistent contact with the surfaces that need to be heated, thereby optimizing the overall thermal efficiency of the furnace.

Additionally, by directing gases more effectively, baffle plates can help to promote better mixing of combustion gases, which can contribute to more uniform temperature distribution throughout the furnace. This design consideration is significant in various applications, especially in large industrial furnaces, where balancing temperature and improving energy efficiency are essential for performance and safety.

While enhancing combustion, reducing emissions, and increasing pressure might be secondary benefits in some systems, the primary and most straightforward role of baffle plates is their capacity to control and redirect gas flow within the furnace.