SECO/WARWICK has recently patented a power-management option for high-pressure-quench vacuum furnaces that reduces electrical consumption by creating a single system of alternate control of the heating and cooling processes using a single frequency converter. The system results in a minimum of 20% reduction in electrical consumption and improves efficiency by increasing the heating and cooling systems’ power factor. Since issuing the patent in May 2007, more than 10 HPQ vacuum furnaces are in successful operation utilizing this system.

The system has many operational benefits:
  • Step-less control of heating and cooling power
  • Programmable cooling rate controlled according to load temperature
  • Martempering quench capability
  • Works with various cooling gases
  • No blower motor startup over-current
  • Field-operating results demonstrate reduced equipment and maintenance costs