High vacuum furnaces may be supplied as a front loading type, bottom loading, or belt type units. Each supply to suit the applications. The units illustrated has a vacuum capability of 10 to the minus 4 torr and operating temperature of 1200°C. Other units have been supplied including a recent installation having load dimensions of 1200 x 1200 x 1200, vacuum capacity of 10 to the minus 6 torr.

High pressure gas quench capability is also available as an option.

Vacuum Furnaces

Applications

Standard Features

The PTE Series of vacuum furnaces (Vertical External Quench) is engineered to offer unexcelled performance and ease of operation. The rugged, stand-alone support structure includes a service platform and establishes the foundation for mounting the chamber. The synchronized set of ball-screw drives provides smooth, vertical movement of the bottom head. In the lower position, the bottom head is powered in and out for loading and unloading.

The PTE heat exchanger, quench motor, and blower wheel are mounted in one, space saving external quench enclosure to allow for convenient, safe maintenance. Gas quench nozzles are arranged in the hot zone to surround the work load on all four sides for even quench gas distribution. In addition, gas nozzles are mounted on the bottom head panel of the hot zone allowing quench gas to flow up through the work load.

A variety of hot zone designs are available in the PTE Series from graphite insulation to all-metal radiation shields

Our products include:

• brazing,
• sintering
• heat treat furnaces
• vacuum ovens
• related equipment.

• Complete furnace assembly before shipment, according to customer specifications, including interconnecting wiring, cabling, conduiting and plumbing.
  
• Comprehensive system testing by PTE quality assurance team. Customers are invited to the testing to approve the furnace for shipment.
  
• When a furnace is prepared for shipment, precautions are taken to ensure re-assembly goes smoothly. All connection points are match marked for easy identification. Customers are provided with a complete drawing package to facilitate installation.
  
• Choice of a wide variety of hot zone insulation or all-metal shielded designs.
  
• Hot zone ring assemblies are fabricated of stainless steel for strength and durability.
  
• Heavy duty heating elements, in ribbed molybdenum completely surround the work zone to provide excellent temperature uniformity.
  
• Choice of graphite or molybdenum hearth rails.
  

• The double walled vacuum chamber incorporates a unique low volume, high pressure water jacket design that is proven to be energy efficient and minimize sediment accumulation.
  
• Full Lock autoclave-type door closure for safe and convenient positive pressure quenching.
  
• Ammeters and voltmeters allow operator to monitor and trim the power output for optimum power distribution.
  
• An oil drain line is added on the booster blower for fast and convenient oil changes.
  
• The mechanical and holding pumps are automatically air released when powering down to prevent aspiration of pump oil into the roughing or holding lines.
  
• Exclusive work thermocouple feed-through provides a reliable vacuum seal.
  
• Thermocouple design conveniently monitors the work load and performs uniformity surveys.
  
• The quench motor is thermally protected from excess temperature (190°F) and is equipped with an automatic shut-off and alarm.
  
• Heavy duty quench motor power feed-through provides reliable vacuum seal.
  
• Limit switches on the butterfly valves of the vacuum system provide reliable interlocking of all vacuum valves to protect the work load.
  
• All diffusion pumps are guarded to protect personnel from the risk of burns.
  
• A step-down transformer can be provided for the quench motor to prevent arcing and/or corona when quenching with argon while using a 460 volt motor.
  
• A variety of heating element support assemblies make heating element repair or replacement easy.
  
• Exclusive water-cooled hot zone power feed-throughs eliminate water leaks that occur over time with brazed feed-throughs.