heating furnace

What is a heating furnace?

A heating furnace is a device that is used to heat materials to a specified temperature from low to high temperatures. To maintain the temperature, heat is pumped inside the furnace. The equipment is different depending on the heat source, such as electric or gas, and the size and configuration of the equipment also changes depending on the material to be processed. At our company, in recent years, we recommend electric type due to CO2 reduction and carbon neutrality.

Features of heating furnace

Equipment planning for low to high temperatures is possible. There are various types of furnace atmospheres, including inert gas (nitrogen, argon, etc.), oxidizing gas (oxygen, etc.), reducing gas (hydrogen, ammonia, etc.), and carburizing gas (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon gas). Equipment suitable for the processing time, such as a continuous furnace or a batch furnace. Automation including the door can also be supported. Electric type, gas type (city gas, propane, LNG) and liquid fuel type (heavy oil, kerosene) are available.

Principle, structure and mechanism of heating furnace

Basic structure of heating furnace

Principle of heating furnace

A furnace that heats an object using thermal energy. Widely applicable and used in all industrial applications. Currently, there are electric furnaces and gas furnaces.

Heating method

resistance heating

Resistance heating is the principle of generating heat using electrical resistance. In a resistance heating furnace, a heating element (heater) made of highly conductive material is passed through an electric current to generate heat called Joule heat. A heater heats an object by directly contacting it and transferring heat.

induction heating

Induction heating is a principle that creates a high-frequency electromagnetic field that induces an induced current in an object to generate heat. In induction heating furnaces, high-frequency coils (induction coils) are made and electromagnetic fields act on objects. When an object is exposed to an electromagnetic field, an induced current is generated within the object, creating Joule heat and heating the object.

cooling method

There are several common methods of cooling furnaces. Some typical cooling methods are described below.

Natural cooling (air cooling)

Natural cooling is a method in which the furnace is left to cool naturally after the heating process. This is a simple and low cost cooling method as the heat in the furnace is naturally dissipated to the surrounding environment. However, the cooling time may be relatively long.

Forced cooling (fan cooling)

Forced cooling is the method of using fans or chillers to increase the cooling rate of the furnace. A fan circulates cooling air through the furnace and expels heat efficiently. This will reduce the cooling time. Forced cooling is effective in processes where cooling speed is important or when it is necessary to move quickly to the next step.

water cooling

Water cooling is a method of cooling a furnace using water. Cooling water circulates through cooling channels and pipes in the furnace, absorbing and discharging heat. Water cooling has high cooling capacity and controllability, and is effective in high temperature and high heat load situations.

gas cooling

Gas cooling is a method of cooling the heating furnace with gas. Typically, cooling gas passes through the furnace, absorbing heat and cooling. This method is particularly suitable for cooling hot processes and certain raw materials. Cooling gas types include nitrogen, helium, and argon gas.

Furnace cooling methods are selected according to the raw materials used and the requirements of the process. We select the appropriate cooling method by considering factors such as cooling speed, uniformity of cooling, and energy efficiency.

production system

batch heating furnace

A batch heating furnace is a method that heats a fixed amount of raw materials (batch) at a time. The raw material is put into the furnace, goes through a series of heating processes, and is taken out. Heating time and temperature can be adjusted for each process. Batch-by-batch operations are required and the amount of raw material that can be processed at one time is limited. Conditions can be changed for each process.

Continuous heating furnace

A continuous heating furnace is a method in which raw materials are continuously supplied and heated at a constant rate. The raw material passes through the furnace and is processed through a series of heating zones. Higher productivity than batch type due to continuous feeding and discharging. The heating time and temperature are constant, ensuring consistent quality throughout the process.

tubular furnace

A tubular furnace is a method in which raw materials are passed through a long tube and the circumference of the tube is heated. The raw material flows at a constant speed and passes through the heating zone. A tubular furnace is a form of continuous heating furnace that provides continuous supply and uniform quality. In addition, specific reactions and heat treatments are possible by controlling the shape of the tube and the flowing raw materials.

Elevating heating furnace

Elevating heating furnace is a method of heating raw materials using an elevating platform with a heating zone. Raw materials are placed on a platform and heated while being raised and lowered as needed. This method enables uniform heating of the bottom and sides of the raw material, and is suitable for processing complicated-shaped or large-sized raw materials.

rotary kiln

This method heats the raw material while rotating it. By heating the raw material while rotating it, even heating and uniformity can be obtained.Click here for details

atmosphere gas

• Atmospheric atmosphere is available.
• Compatible with inert gas atmosphere. Nitrogen, Argon, etc.
• Applicable to oxidizing gas atmosphere. Oxygen, water vapor, etc. Please inquire about oxygen concentration.
• A reducing gas atmosphere is available. There are hydrogen, special gases, etc. Please inquire about the details of concentration and gas characteristics.

Product lineup of heating furnaces

Automatic transfer heating furnace

Heating device for deformed material. After heating, this is a special heating device that includes a transfer device that carries the material to the next process, the furnace itself moves, and the material is collected and transferred by an arm. View product details

vacuum furnace

A vacuum furnace for drying ceramic raw materials, firing, and firing and drying special metals.View product details

mesh belt oven furnace

A mesh belt oven for continuous drying and baking of irregular shaped objects.View product details

Annealing furnace (annealing furnace)

We provide energy-saving and high-efficiency inter-feed annealing equipment that performs bright annealing in an inert atmosphere by directly reducing and burning enameled wires or aluminum wires with fuel gas. View product details

baking furnace

We provide energy-saving, high-speed enameled wire baking furnaces that operate enameled wire or aluminum wire using both a direct combustion burner and a catalytic combustion heat recovery system. View product details

Vertical high temperature furnace

Carbon heater type high temperature vertical heating furnace (crucible type). View product details

Ancillary Equipment Lineup for Heating Furnace

Conveyor

This is a comprehensive facility that combines a furnace and a transfer device. It is also possible to design a transfer device that transfers the processed material between heating furnaces. View product details

Exhaust gas device

We can design and manufacture gas type exhaust gas equipment. View product details

Air-fuel ratio controller

This is a preset type device that determines the opening of the gas/air control damper by operating the touch panel and controls the air-fuel ratio. View product details

Flow until introduction

• Based on the customer's request, we examine the specifications and create an estimate (for raw materials that Tanabe has never handled, we conduct verification tests and proceed with the examination of the specifications).
• We propose equipment specifications and equipment costs to customers.
• If there is an order from the customer, we will start designing and manufacturing.
• If there are any changes to your order, repeat steps 1 to 3 according to the changes.
• After production is completed, the system is brought to the site, installation work is carried out, and trial operation is carried out.

Validation test

We can conduct verification tests for equipment introduction according to the customer's heat treatment needs for research and development purposes (variety improvement and next-generation powder development) or verification for rotary kiln.

Flow of testing efforts

• meeting: We will discuss the test purpose and desired conditions at the meeting.
• Test plan drafting: Based on the results of the meeting, we propose a test plan that the customer desires.
• Reflection in facility specifications: We will conduct a test in the presence of the customer. Batch method is also available.
• test run: Organize data such as temperature conditions and processing time, and evaluate the results against the plan.
• Summary of result evaluation data: The test results are reflected in the equipment specifications, and the equipment specifications are proposed.

Demonstration test/examination

After-sales service

We are performing maintenance on the delivered equipment. From half a year to a year, please make a request each time. Our company can make proposals according to the customer's request, such as dispatching only a supervisor or including workers.

FAQ

How to measure and control the temperature inside the furnace

Furnace temperature measurement is mainly used by installing a temperature measuring instrument inside the furnace and non-contact measurement such as a radiation thermometer. The control method is to connect the thermometer to the control device and perform automatic control.

What kind of equipment can you make?

There are a wide variety of heating furnaces such as heating furnaces and vacuum furnaces. It varies depending on temperature, size, material used, atmosphere, etc. We provide custom-made equipment and facilities while listening to the needs of our customers.

Is it possible to make it explosion-proof?

The heating furnace itself cannot be made explosion-proof. Explosion-proof specifications can be partially selected for instrumentation equipment, etc.

Do you have test equipment?

We have a small test machine for heating furnaces. We listen to what our customers want. It is carried out under various conditions such as the required sample amount, temperature, and atmosphere. The place where the test equipment is located is the head office (Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture).

Do you have a track record of delivering products overseas?

We have a track record of delivery to various countries. There are many Asian regions for heating furnaces, and we also have a track record in the United States and France.

What can the furnace atmosphere do?

The atmosphere inside the furnace is mainly an air atmosphere or an inert atmosphere. Compatible with argon gas, nitrogen gas, etc.

Can you handle maintenance for me?

We provide maintenance support. We conduct semi-annual inspections and annual inspections based on our proposals and customer requests. If there are equipment maintenance workers at the customer's business office or factory, we may dispatch only instructors from our company to cooperate with them. We also provide support including workers.

what is the maximum size

As a result, we have manufactured a 17m x 11m x 2mH disk-shaped heating furnace, although the maximum size is connected. In this method, the products to be processed are placed in a predetermined place, and a box with a heater installed is placed on top and connected. Since there are many heating furnaces with different specifications, we listen to customer needs and make optimal proposals.