Industrial Furnaces and Kilns – Definition and Characteristics
Industrial furnaces and kilns are pieces of equipment designed to heat, dry, melt, and harden, among other processes, on an industrial scale.
They are used in various industries such as metallurgical, foundry, ceramics, automotive, aerospace, construction, refractories, and electronics, among many others.
To choose the most suitable furnace or kiln, consider the following beforehand:
- Heating process. Which involves knowing the type of heat treatment required according to the industry.
- Temperature range. Because depending on the material, the application, and the process temperature, the type of furnace or kiln may vary. Knowing the required minimum or maximum ranges is essential as one of the first selection criteria.
- Heat source. Furnaces and kilns can work with natural or LP Gas, electricity, or other fuel types, each with advantages and disadvantages.
- Control systems: Having control over temperature and other variables for consistency throughout the process is necessary.
- Size of the equipment. Dimensions must be considered since it is necessary to know beforehand the amount of material to be processed per load, in order that the most efficient design is achieved.
- Energy efficiency. This will save on operating costs and reduce environmental impact.
- Safety in line with standards. Finally, this set of regulations intends to minimize risks near or around industrial furnaces and kilns. An example is the NFPA 86 standard, among others.
At NUTEC Bickley, we have a wide variety of furnaces and kilns customized according to the needs of users. In addition, we offer the service of project development with engineering for our clients. Request a quote from our advisors today.
Differences Between Furnaces, Kilns, Ovens, and Dryers
Each has unique characteristics that differentiate them. For example:
- Furnaces. They are designed to heat treat ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
- Kilns. They are designed for ceramic products, glass, and other materials.
Both furnaces and kilns handle temperature processes above 930°F (500°C).
Ovens & Dryers work for both metallurgy and ceramics. However, they can only handle lower temperatures, below 930°F (500°C), and are used during heat treatment and drying.