Reàl J. Fradette

Vacuum/Surface Treating

Comparing Vacuum Furnace Graphite-Felt Insulation – PAN vs. Rayon

September 9, 2020

Most vacuum furnaces currently active in the heat-treating world incorporate some form of, or combination of, graphite-felt insulation, with either a foil or board internal facing in the furnace hot-zone construction. The graphite felt used in high-temperature furnaces is either PAN-based or Rayon-based.

VACUUM/SURFACE TREATING

Vacuum Furnace Leaks and Detection Techniques

Reàl J. Fradette William R. Jones

September 12, 2019

Many papers have been written on the subject of vacuum furnace leaks, how to detect them and how to find them.

Heat Treating

Projecting a Vacuum Furnace Leak Rate Based on Initial Pumping and Blank-off Pressure Level

Reàl J. Fradette William R. Jones

June 12, 2019

The overall furnace design and volume determines the required throughput of the pumping system and the ultimate vacuum expected.

Heat Treating

Rebates for Reducing Power Usage

Reàl J. Fradette Patricia Niederhaus

June 8, 2017

This article will highlight advanced furnace design features, illustrating both yearly power savings and possible power-company rebates.

Vacuum/Surface Treating

Vacuum Furnace Temperature Measurement

Reàl J. Fradette

September 9, 2015

Accurate temperature measurement of both the furnace hot zone and the workload is critical for a successful heat-treat process cycle.

Cover Feature | Vacuum/Surface Treating

A Futuristic Look at the North American Heat-Treating World

William R. Jones Reàl J. Fradette

March 4, 2015

The objective of this paper is to highlight the heat-treating markets of North America with respect to equipment and processing, comparing current 2014 status and projecting expectations for 2024.

How to Reduce Energy Requirements for Efficient Vacuum-Furnace Operation

Nicholas R. Cordisco Reàl J. Fradette

November 4, 2013

Of the many papers written on methods of reducing vacuum-furnace operating energy requirements, most tend to highlight one specific furnace area. This article will outline various methods of reducing energy requirements of several furnace functions.

Methods of Improving Vacuum Furnace Insulation Efficiencies

Reàl J. Fradette

September 6, 2013

For many years, vacuum furnace designers have tried to improve hot-zone designs with the hope of minimizing power losses to reduce operating costs.

Critical Areas in Vacuum Furnace Preventive Maintenance

Reàl J. Fradette William R. Jones

April 2, 2013

Regularly scheduled maintenance of vacuum furnaces ensures a safe operational environment for the equipment and the people working with the furnace. There are a variety of vacuum-furnace components and concerns that need to be properly and periodically maintained

Minimizing Electrical Power Costs in Operating Vacuum Furnaces

Nicholas R. Cordisco Reàl J. Fradette

January 4, 2011

With the increasing concern relating to electrical power costs for operating vacuum furnaces, it has become essential that all aspects of furnace cycle parameters and hot-zone efficiencies be thoroughly considered.

ARTICLES