Blast furnaces are used in iron smelting, with a tower shape and safety doors for feeding raw materials. They combine coal, iron ore, and flux to produce pig iron, and have remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages. Blast furnaces are still an important part of the steelmaking process and are relatively inexpensive to operate […]
Furnace annealing is a heating and cooling process used on various materials to improve their qualities. It is typically done in an annealing furnace, and the temperature and time depend on the material. This process improves ductility, strength, and electrical conductivity in metals, durability in glass and ceramics, and workability in different materials. It is […]
An annealing furnace heats materials to high temperatures to change their properties, commonly used in steelmaking to relieve internal stresses and produce a more uniform structure. The furnace must heat the material to a specific temperature, and the process can take 15 minutes to several hours. Natural gas is commonly used as a heating fuel, […]
The electric smelting furnace uses electricity to melt materials into liquid form for use in creating alloys or pouring into molds. Small versions use a heating element, while large electric arc furnaces use electrodes to create heat and melt materials. Once melted, the liquid metal can be poured into molds to solidify. The electric smelting […]
BTU is a unit of measurement for heat energy used in North America. It measures an oven’s ability to provide heat, with common measurements ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 BTUs. Efficiency measurements are also important, as they reflect the amount of energy required to produce heat. Calculators can help determine the necessary furnace BTU for […]
BTU is a unit of measurement for heat energy used in North America. It measures an oven’s ability to provide heat, with common measurements in the tens or hundreds of thousands. Efficiency measurements are also important, as they indicate how much energy is required to heat a home. Furnace BTU input and output numbers reflect […]
Melting furnaces heat materials to their melting point, with different types for different materials. Metals are the most common material melted, with the furnace being an efficient and controlled way to do so. There are four main types of furnaces: dome, electric arc, induction, and crucible. The cupola is the most popular form of smelting […]
Reverberatory furnaces, also known as open hearth furnaces, have been used for metal smelting since the 17th century. They are typically used to melt non-ferrous and softer-than-iron metals, relying on convection and radiation for heat transfer. While improvements have been made, they still have a limited temperature range and require more fuel than refractory furnaces. […]
An oven lock prevents the oven door from being opened and is an important safety feature, especially for households with children. Some ovens have a built-in lock, while others can be purchased inexpensively. Two types of locks are available, and most self-cleaning ovens have a built-in lockout. An oven lock is a simple safety feature […]
A muffle furnace is a small apparatus used in craft, industrial, and scientific laboratory environments to introduce heat at extremely high temperatures within an enclosed, insulated area. It historically reached high temperatures with a heating chamber isolated from the fuel source and by-products created and is usually made of ceramic or concrete. It can be […]
A crucible furnace is a specialized furnace used to melt materials held in fireproof crucibles. They are used in a variety of industries and can be gas or electric. They come in different sizes and are programmable for custom cycles. Safety precautions are necessary when operating. A crucible furnace is a furnace specifically designed for […]
The basic oxygen furnace is used to purify pig iron into molten steel by oxidizing impurities and adding oxygen. The furnace is lined with alkaline refractory materials and loaded with scrap steel and pig iron. Oxygen is blown through the mixture, creating a chemical reaction that raises the temperature and creates slag. The purified steel […]
Furnace ducts are used to distribute heat in buildings and homes. They are made of metal or plastic and can be placed under the floor, above the ceiling, or suspended from the ceiling. Furnaces are often connected to ducts, and it’s important to maintain seals in each segment. The ducts are joined together and have […]
An electric arc furnace uses an electric arc to melt materials, typically metals. It has a shell with a domed bowl, electrodes, and a refractory hearth. AC or DC power sources can be used, and additives are often used to promote chemical balance. Arc furnaces offer flexibility, quick shutdown and restart, and are cheaper to […]
A furnace engineer oversees the functions and repairs of industrial furnaces, ensuring safety and efficiency. They monitor operating conditions, carry out repairs, and plan rebuilds. A degree in engineering is usually required, and travel may be necessary. A furnace engineer oversees the functions, repair and productivity of an industrial furnace, commonly used in manufacturing facilities. […]
