Evaluate energy costs before selecting process heating equipment

This article compares the relative costs of electricity, No. 2 fuel oil, and natural gas as means of providing energy to process equipment. The cost of the fuel sources for particular forge processes is examined. It is shown that the higher the process temperature is, the more energy is lost up the exhaust flue (in a natural gas-fired furnace). The latest innovations-fiber linings, sealed burners, and recuperators--should be added to natural gas or fuel oil-fired furnaces to maximize their efficiency. Conclusions drawn from the table indicate that: No. 2 fuel oil is projected to be less expensive than electricity by 1985, and a recuperated forge furnace using natural gas is less expensive than electricity as well.