4/22/2011

Using Industrial Ovens

By Mondo Humboldt


Industrial ovens are in the same family as autoclaves and are most likely found in a manufactures product list next to autoclaves. These types of ovens are constructed to certain specifications and need to meet inflexible requirements. Industrial ovens can be used for coating, curing, heating, pre-heating, component testing, and drying among other things. For smaller batch sizes, cabinet and bench ovens are used to meet production requirements and walk-in ovens are used to meet the larger batch requirements. For a higher production volume and a lower staging and handling cost, conveyor ovens are used. One drawback to using the conveyor system can be that the product going through has to be within a certain size and shape. Industrial conveyor ovens also come with manual modes or automatic modes.

Industrial walk-in ovens range from 5' H x 5' W x 5' D to 25'H x 30' W x 150' L. If the standard ovens are not what a customer is looking for, there are manufacturers who will build a custom oven. Most ovens can be purchased with one or two doors. The doors can be swing or vertical lift, either by means of a pneumatic cylinder or motor drive. Some manufacturers can also provide a man-door for quick access to the oven. Industrial ovens are designed with excellent air flow and temperature uniformity through dynamically balanced blowers for even baking and have temperatures that reach 1500 degrees F. The ovens can have many duct designs for optimal heating of parts.

Oven efficiency can be evaluated by determining the heat loss by airflow through the exhaust system, heat carry-out by product absorption, and heat carry-out by conveyor absorption. Heat loss can occur through oven roof, walls, and other openings. There are two primary heat sources involved in industrial ovens: electric or gas heating. Electric heating units include SCR (silicon controlled rectifier) power controls for smooth ramping and backup safety contractors for positive disconnect of the heater in case of high-limit temperature. Gas-heated units can include an FM-approved gas system with a standard or Low-Nox burners. The FM APPROVED mark is backed by scientific research and testing. This tells customers your product conforms to the highest standards and meets a specific set of specifications established by Factory Mutual Research Corporation.

A Common Principal Component (CPC) computer control system is used in some industrial ovens for complete automation and data-acquisition. This system can control electric or gas-fired ovens, and can also control and monitor vacuum lines on bonding and curing ovens. CPC is the world's leading software for composite curing and bonding in autoclaves, ovens, presses, and other equipment. CPC systems have been operating worldwide for more than 13 years, and have a proven field record in the most demanding applications. CPC systems can control walk-in and batch ovens used in the aerospace, composites, and coating industries. With multi-equipment capability, even small bench ovens can benefit from CPC.

ASC provides a complete selection of industrial ovens or autoclaves for any batch drying, coating, or composite curing needs. ASC developed a unique fabrication and design approach that enable them to manufacture the Econocalve. The Econoclave is the most efficient and affordable autoclave on the market. ASC can also recommend the right hardware for each application and also has some great software options to check out!




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