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The paper provides mathematical modelling results of radiation flow formation in the work space of the smelting (glassmaking, open-hearth) furnace with different heating patterns and flow distribution over the surface of the bath and enclosing structures. A significant influence of the flame length upon technical and economic parameters of furnace operation was found out.

Currently, about 80% of all industrial chemical reactions are carried out with the help of catalysts or depend on catalytic processes. In this case, catalysts containing platinum group metals (hereinafter - PGM) occupy a special position, due to their high catalytic activity and selectivity. A significant part of the net global demand for PGM is for the production of catalysts, accounting for approximately 45% for platinum, 30% for palladium, 92% for rhodium, 35% for ruthenium, 15% for iridium. The most important condition for the economical use of catalysts containing precious metals is their efficient recycling, which will be discussed below.