Fire resistance testing furnace

infraredcustomindustrial

Ceramicx collaborated with Weco International in helping to design a custom industrial research and development furnace for the client. The main challenge was getting the furnace oven to reach 1,100°C (2,012°F) to simulate the re-entry conditions from space. The client was provided with various design concepts, that through consultation were developed over many months into the final furnace oven and control system. Various insulation and glass types were considered in order to achieve the high temperatures. The Ceramicx team built the stand-alone oven completely in stainless-steel, with short wave quartz halogen heating elements. The elements were mounted on each wall of the oven, and specifically above and below the target material. The oven was lined with specialised high-temperature insulation, with fabricated stainless-steel housings locating everything in place. Two observation ports, built in thermocouples and pyrometers (non-contact infrared sensors) allow the client to fully see the process and have accurate control of the oven’s temperature. The oven also has a viewing window for a FLIR camera. The control system was designed and built by Ceramicx to suit the client’s requirements. Ceramicx completed the infrared heating system in approximately 6 weeks, including all the work from welding through to load testing every circuit.