A Review of Various Fuels for Furnaces

Fuel selection is one of the most decisive factors influencing the design, efficiency, and sustainability of industrial furnaces. The type of fuel employed affects the energy balance, thermal efficiency, emission profile, and long-term operating costs. This review examines the major classes of furnace fuels-gaseous, liquid, solid, and waste-highlighting their properties, advantages, limitations, and environmental implications. Comparative attention is given to traditional fossil-based fuels alongside emerging alternatives such as hydrogen, biomass, and waste-derived fuels. Historical and contemporary research demonstrates how fuel choice influences flame characteristics, heat transfer, refractory life, and overall system performance. The review concludes with a comparative assessment of the fuels and an outlook on future trends, emphasizing the global shift toward cleaner combustion, renewable energy sources, and integration with carbon capture technologies.

Keywords:

furnace fuels , combustion , thermal efficiency , emissions , gaseous fuels , liquid fuels , solid fuels , waste-derived fuels , renewable energy