Reverberatory Furnace

Reverberatory Furnace, a furnace so constructed that ores and other materials may be heated in it without coming in direct contact with the fuel. It consists essentially of three parts—viz. a fireplace at one end; in the middle a flat bed or sole, on which the material to be heated is placed; and at the other end a chimney to create a draught and to carry off the smoke or fume. Between the fireplace and the bed a fire-bridge is placed, and the whole built over with a flat arch, dipping towards the chimney. The flame plays over the fire-bridge, and the heat is reflected, or reverberated, on the material beneath; hence the name. See COPPER, LEAD, and IRON (puddling furnace).