Channel and coreless furnaces are the two types of induction furnaces. The channel induction furnace is best for metals which have lower melting points, while the coreless furnace is best utilized for metals with higher melting points. The coreless induction furnace is capable of melting the most difficult metals such as cast iron and stainless steel. Once materials like cast iron are melted, the channel induction furnace can then be used to maintain the iron in its melted state. This allows energy savings because the coreless furnace does not have to be used during times referred to as “peak” when the cost of electrical power is elevated.
The channel induction furnace incorporates a steel shell which is line with refractory material, and this is where the metal waiting to be melted is loaded into the furnace. The steel shell is attached to the heating unit via the channel. The induction unit features an iron core which is surrounded by the primary induction coil. When the metal is heated in the channel induction furnace, the way the heat moves through the coil creates a stirring action in the furnace content of the molten metal.
A water system is used to cool the channel induction furnace. Ratings of 10s of MW are often found in channel induction furnaces, and they provide the advantage of being able to handle capacities that can often amount to thousands of tons. The lining of a channel induction furnace possesses a much longer lifespan than any other furnace option. What is gained from this durability is additional cost savings on furnace parts.
Download water circulation for iron melting furnace.
Channel induction furnaces offer many benefits, including:
- Far superior reliability
- A functional design
- A simultaneous method for charging/tapping
- A much longer service lifespan
- The lowest possible energy consumption
- Simple and easy installation and operation
- Almost no maintenance down time at all
Hydraulic system allows the channel induction furnace to be leaned forward for tapping or tilted backward to optimize the de-slagging process. Hydraulics is contained in an attachment unit which is an extremely compact and space saving feature.
