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Catalytic Gas and Infrared Ovens
As industrial manufacturing and coating companies worldwide, seek to improve their process heating methods for dry off, preheat and curing of coatings, they are increasingly finding the answer in catalytic gas infrared ovens. And, while finishing is a popular application for this product, Scott Can designs and supplies ovens for leather tanning, rubber curing, and many other uses. Their advanced technology and economical operation make the Scott Can catalytic gas oven a very attractive alternative for process heating requirements in many industries. Improved product quality, energy savings and faster turnaround are a few of the benefits enjoyed by companies using these ovens today.
General Description
The heating or curing force of the Scott Can oven is in the catalytic gas infrared emitters, which are arranged in a configuration that will best suit the type of work performed by each customer. With emitter face temperatures as high as 590°C (1100°F), the long wavelength of catalytic infrared energy closely matches the adsorption ability of many substrates and since the infrared heat is absorbed more efficiently, less energy and time are needed to get the job done. These emitters are highly efficient, converting fuel to heat energy with minimal losses. Virtually all potential fuel source emissions are oxidized in the catalytic heating process, and there is no NOx given off. Furthermore, any VOC's given off during the coating curing process which come in contact with the emitter face are destroyed. The gas catalytic emitters are low-firing and dull-burning, so no glaring light tires workers' eyes.
The emitters are fuelled by natural gas or propane, and following oven start up, only minimal electric power is required. Scott Can ovens can be designed to operate on a wide range of available electric power supplies from 120 volts to 600 volts.
Electrical and electronic functions are all controlled and monitored from a central control panel. This includes on/off, zone control, blower operation, conveyor interlocks and timers. Oven temperatures are also controlled electronically. Inputs from air, emitter or part temperatures provide electronic data to the panel, which in turn, controls the status of the appropriate gas valves. The panel provides coded alarms and self-diagnostic features for troubleshooting and includes a full complement of safety features. Controls are designed to keep oven start up and restart times to a minimal period thus increasing production rates.
The curing chamber is stainless steel lined and fully insulated. This design maximizes heat retention and reflectivity within the heating or curing chamber, and significantly reduces energy waste and costs.
Unsightly electrical conduit, gas piping, and the backs of the emitters can be hidden from view, but remain readily accessible, even during oven operation, by fitting removable, finished steel access panels to the fabricated steel support framework. These panels also serve to keep the equipment cool to the touch.
Advantages
- Energy Efficient When compared with both gas convection and electric infrared ovens, Scott Can catalytic gas ovens provide extremely favourable results.
- The cost of natural gas can be as much as 90% less than electricity.
- Since with infrared heat, only the substrate has to be heated, and not the entire product, considerably less energy is required.
- Scott Can's high efficiency catalytic emitters convert fuel to heat energy with minimal losses.
- The radiant heat, from the catalytic emitters, is largely absorbed by the product. The emitter's energy is not wasted heating the air in the oven, as it is with convection ovens.
- Process heating or curing times with catalytic gas can often be as much as 75% less than the time required by convection, so less energy is expended.
- Lower Operating Costs In addition to the gains made through energy efficiency, operating costs are also reduced.
- The faster heating or curing times, often more than three times faster, when compared with convection, mean faster or more production.
- The reduced floor area required by a catalytic gas infrared oven frees up valuable space for other equipment.
- Since only the substrate has to be heated, it cools faster, allowing it to be handled or packaged quickly.
- Low Maintenance
- No moving parts in the emitters to be cleaned or lubricated.
- No easily broken light bulbs or tubes to be replaced.
- High performance, long life catalytic pad design.
- All emitters and other parts readily accessible for adjustment or removal, if required.
- Fewer Rejects
- With only limited oven air movement, coated surfaces do not get contaminated with dirt or dust.
- The infrared curing process does not "skin" over the coating. This means that "solvent popping" or "out-gassing" does not occur.
- Painted surfaces are fully cured upon cool down, and no shrinkage takes place afterwards, leaving product corners or edges exposed.
- Environmentally Efficient and Safe
- No Nox emissions
- VOCs or hydrocarbons coming into contact with the emitter face are destroyed.
- No eye strain from bright light emissions.
- No "hot to touch" exterior surfaces.
Applications
There are a host of applications for the Scott Can oven. Its versatility, efficiency, economics and customized options and features make it natural choice in today's process heating market.
- Finishing Applications
- Chemical Wash Dry-off.
- Preheat before coating.
- Paint (both solvent and water borne)Curing Ovens and Booths.
- Powder Coating Curing
- Clear Coating Curing
- Preheat before or Postheat after a Convection Oven
- Leather Tanning and Curing
- Adhesive Setting
- Water Evaporation
- Shrink Wrapping.
- Rubber Curing and Forming
- Nylon Curing
- Fibreglass Curing
- Thermoforming
- Thread Drying
No matter the industry in which you are active; be it finishing, textiles, packaging, chemicals, plastics, rubber, metals, a Scott Can oven may be the answer to your process heating problems.