How to Reduce Energy Requirements for Efficient Vacuum Furnace Operation
Author: Réal Fradette, Senior Technical Consultant, Solar Manufacturing
Originally Published: June 2012
Of the many papers written on methods of reducing vacuum-furnace operating energy requirements, most tend to highlight one specific furnace area. This article outlines various methods of reducing energy requirements of several furnace functions. The following will be discussed:
- Controlling and minimizing hot zone energy losses
- Variable frequency drives on vacuum pumps and gas cooling motors
- Minimizing diffusion pump energy consumption
- VFDs and temperature controlling logic on cooling water system
- Conclusions