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StrikoWestofen mobile heating station

Mobile Heating to Guard Against Thermal Shock

Oct. 8, 2018
Electric heating system protects ceramic risers, filling tubes, and promotes better logistics and foundry safety

STRIKOWESTOFEN’s newly developed mobile heating station allows ceramic components to be heated directly on site, meaning that riser tubes, filling funnels, etc., can be carefully heated to the ideal temperature of 400°C immediately before use. To date, this heating process often is performed incorrectly and haphazardly, risking damage to the ceramics and injury to foundry workers.

Thermal shock is the result when a sudden temperature change induces mechanical tension between an area of a part or structure that is heated and part that is still cold, causing it to crack or rupture. This phenomenon may be seen in the ceramic components of dosing furnaces, such as riser tubes or filling funnels, and it is the reason these components should be heated carefully before use in the furnace. However, if this is done using the wrong methods, causing more damage than it prevents.

The StrikoWestofen proposal to the problem of thermal shock is a mobile heating station that raises the temperature of ceramic components uniformly to the ideal temperature. The unit can be used anywhere and can be placed immediately adjacent to the dosing furnace. This promotes better foundry logistics, as ceramic parts can be used after heating without having to be transported first.

The station is heated electrically using a CEE 16-ampere standard plug; no special adapter is necessary.

In addition, the new station has two separate heating zones that can be regulated independently. This allows components to be heated to different temperatures at the same time.

Freely selectable adapter rings allow flexible use. They also simplify handling for the employees and protect them from injury.

“The advantages of our mobile heating station are obvious: the uniform heating of the ceramic components extends their life span. Plant downtime due to repairs can be minimized, and this in turn has a positive effect on the productivity of the foundry,” explained Holger Stephan, vice president of the Aftermarket Sales Support & Service.

The heater is available in Europe and Asia, and it will be introduced in North America during Q4 2018.
Learn more at www.strikowestofen.com.