tuyere

A tuyere is a nozzle or pipe through which air or gas is blown into a furnace or forge to support combustion. By delivering a concentrated stream of oxygen, a tuyere helps raise flame temperature and control the combustion process in metalworking and related operations.

In industrial metal production, tuyeres are used to introduce the blast of air into furnaces such as blast furnaces and cupola furnaces. The air may be preheated in hot-blast systems to improve efficiency. Tuyeres are arranged around the furnace wall or in groups to distribute the air evenly to the combustion zone. Because they operate at extreme temperatures, industrial tuyeres are designed to be cooled and protected; common constructions include water-cooled copper or steel shells with refractory linings.

In blacksmithing and small-scale forging, a tuyere is a relatively small nozzle embedded in the forge through which air is blown by a bellows or mechanical blower. The fired air increases the rate of combustion in the coal or charcoal bed, allowing higher flame temperatures for metalworking. Tuyeres in forges are typically simple metal tubes, sometimes with features to regulate the size and direction of the air jet.

Overall, the tuyere serves as a critical interface between the air supply and the fuel within a furnace or forge, enabling precise control of heat and combustion efficiency. Its design and material construction reflect the operating temperatures and the need to withstand intense thermal and chemical environments.