All units in the ECF range have a maximum operating temperature of 1200°C. Maximum temperature uniformity is provided by two side-wall heating elements manufactured from high temperature resistance wire spirals embedded into cast refractory slabs. An exhaust chimney is fitted as standard.
The insulated door opens upwards and outwards keeping the hot face insulation away from the operator. A door switch isolates power from the heating elements whenever the door is opened for maximum operator safety. The use of double skin construction allows natural air convection to maintain a cool outer case.
Optional extras:
Metal retorts - a variety of metal retorts is available for use with this range of furnaces. This type of retort is generally used to cater for the following process conditions:
- to maintain controlled atmospheres within the heated chamber;
- to protect the heating elements and insulation from chemical attack by aggressive volatiles given off by fluxes acids, etc
.
Four sided heating - this option upgrades the standard two sided heating to four sided heating and is recommended in the following circumstances:
- for use with metal retorts and ceramic liners;
- to improve chamber temperature uniformity to meet specific process requirements;
- to uprate the furnace power to cope with large loads.