Regenerator flow control

A method of operating a regenerator of the type which includes a gas-pervious bed of refractory material, an air distributing space communicating with said bed along its length, and a flue communicating with said air distributing space at one end thereof;

• wherein during an exhaust cycle, hot exhaust gases are passed through the refractory bed thereby heating the refractory material, into the air distributing space, and out of the flue;
• and during a firing cycle, air is passed from the flue, to the air distributing space, and through the refractory bed to extract the heat stored in the refractory material;
• the improvement comprising:
• positioning a baffle in the air distributing space during the firing cycle so as to divert air through a portion of the refractory bed which is subject to localized overheating in the exhaust cycle, so as to preferentially cool that portion;
• and
• removing the baffle from the air-diverting position during the exhaust cycle so as to permit free flow of exhaust gases through the air distributing space and out the flue.