Lucifer Furnaces, Warrington PA, has designed a multi-unit modular Pot Furnace system for a major Aerospace Manufacture in the US. The end user is adding these furnaces to existing Lucifer Pot Furnaces in order to increase heat treat capacity. Each of the 4 Model 2057 Pot Furnaces is connected to a single freestanding NEMA 1 control panel. Each furnace is heated electrically with 18 KW of power to heavy duty coiled elements in removable holders on all 4 side walls. Roof and side covers bolted to the frame of each furnace can be removed for easy service access. The units are insulated with 5” of multi-layer insulation consisting of dry-fit hot face lightweight firebrick backed by cold face mineral wool. A vestibule at the top of each furnace reduces heat loss between the pot wall and firing chamber. The 10” ID x 10” Deep pots are constructed of RA300 alloy with 3/8” thick walls designed with a flange for sealing against the roof plate to minimize heat loss. Controls onboard include Honeywell DC3500 digital multiprogrammable cascade controllers which automatically interpret multiple thermocouple readings and adjust the inside/outside pot temperature to achieve the desired set point. Additional energy efficiency and power uniformity is maintained with SCR power units. Temperature is monitored with control thermocouples in the firing chamber between the heating elements and pot wall as well as separate sheathed thermocouples located in the pot. An overtemp system adds a safety feature by allowing for unattended operation and automatic shutdown in the event of an overtemp excursion.
