Electric resistance furnaces — Application technologies

Electric resistance furnaces are the best-known and most widespread form of industrial electrothermal equipment. They continue to be the subject of numerous improvements, the fruit of sustained research and development efforts to make them evolve to better meet the needs expressed by industrial users. The main components of a resistance furnace are

• an enclosure (laboratory or heating chamber) made of insulating or refractory materials, designed to reduce heat loss through transmission to the outside. It varies in shape, load handling method and type of operation;

• electrical resistors located on the vault, floor or side walls of the enclosure. They are powered either directly from the mains, or via one or more transformers, and are associated with a power modulation system controlled by a temperature control system;

• of the load to be treated, characterized by its shape, nature and initial temperature.

The article describes in detail the various components (enclosure, electrical resistors, electrical power supply, control systems), and gives some essential information on the operating conditions, advantages and limitations of using an electric furnace.

The complete study of the subject includes the articles :

• – Electric resistance furnaces. General presentation ;

• [D 5 911] – Electric resistance furnaces. Application technologies (this article) ;

• – Electric resistance furnaces. Industrial applications ;

• – Electric resistance furnaces "To find out more".