Using Industrial Ovens
Industrial ovens are in the same family as autoclaves and are most likely found in a manufactures product list next to autoclaves. Industrial 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.
Walk-in ovens can vary in size from about 5 feet high, 5 feet wide, and 5 deep to about 25 feet high, 30 feet wide, and 150 feet long. This range usually covers most ovens. However, some manufacturers will custom make industrial ovens to meet special specifications. These ovens can also be made with one or two doors depending on preference. They can be doors that swing or lift vertically, controlled by a motor drive or pneumatic cylinder. The ovens can be made with a man-door for quicker access. Industrial ovens have a duct design to ensure the optimal heating of parts. They are designed to have good air flow and to maintain a stable and consistent heat throughout. Temperatures can reach 1500 Fahrenheit and use balanced blowers for even baking.
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.
If you are looking for equipment to help with batch heating or drying requirements, composite curing, and coating a good company to turn to is ASC Process Systems. ASC is a company out of California that supplies industrial ovens, autoclaves and other products and software worldwide. ASC has created the Econoclave, which is the most efficient and highest quality autoclave that can be bought. Not only that, the Econoclave is the most affordable to buy and to operate due to its breakaway design. What sets ASC apart from other oven manufacturers are ASC’s capability to provide the process equipment needed and also the appropriate software and hardware for your specifications.