Solar Atmospheres of Western Pennsylvania recently completed a hot zone replacement on one of their larger horizontal car bottom vacuum furnaces. This is the second hot zone rebuild over the 17 years of furnace operation. The furnace, with a work zone measuring 54”W x 54”H x 144”L and a load capacity of 50,000 pounds, has been in service since 2003, and is the first furnace built by our sister company, Solar Manufacturing. 

The furnace has a maximum operating temperature of 2800°F and performs many different daily thermal cycles ranging from 500°F – 2750°F. The furnace has a front door and a back door to allow complete access during the loading and unloading of the furnace from either end. 

The hot zone consists of three ring assemblies along the length of the furnace to support the furnace graphite felt insulation and the circular graphite heating elements. Insulation and heating elements are also provided on the loading cars to provide uniform heating on the bottom of the furnace hot zone.

The insulation was replaced on the rings and doors, and new heating elements were installed on the entire length of the furnace. This rebuild has resulted in essentially a “new furnace” condition – ready for the next 17 years.