Traditional technologies began to be phased out in favor of more flexible modern technologies as time passed. This happens in the metal casting industry as well. The induction furnace is an example of smelting furnace development in the metal casting industry. In this article, we will go over the parts of an induction furnace.
The induction furnace operates on the same principle as a transformer, which operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction. The primary coil receives alternating current from the power source and the secondary coil. The secondary coil (melting raw material) is placed in a magnetic field to induce an induction current in the primary coil. The induction current generates heat, which melts the metal.
To avoid workplace accidents, induction furnace operators must understand the components of an induction furnace. The induction furnace is made up of several parts, which are explained below.
6 Parts of an induction furnace
1. Spot
The spot is a type of funnel. Serves as a repository for smelted metal liquid.
2. Crucible
A crucible is a chamber that is used to heat metal.
3. Lining
The lining is a heat-resistant material used to sheathe crucible walls. It is a layer that comes into contact with metal liquids. The lining is classified into three types: acid for cast iron, the base for steel, and neutral for either iron or steel.
4. Antenna
Antennas play an important role in detecting leaks as sensors. There will be an explosion if the lining is damaged due to cracking, erosion, and eroded lining, which causes the metal liquid to penetrate the crucible and the metal liquid to continue to damage the coil in which there is water. In the event of a leak, the sensor will shut down the power.
5. Coil (inductor)
A coil is a component made up of wire windings that generate electric current.
6. Refractory
A refractory material is one that can withstand high temperatures. Refractory materials can withstand temperatures ranging from 1000°C to 2000°C. Refractory materials can also maintain their properties in the presence of mechanical stresses, as well as hot gases, metal liquids, and slags.
The steps of the induction smelting operation are described below:
- Entering the basic materials.
- Preheating time: 10-15 minutes, with a load of 10 Kw applied.
- Increase load of 60-120 Kw.
- Once the ingredients have begun to melt, add the next ingredient.
- Increase of 120 – 190 Kw (full power), and continue until the entire material has melted.
- Add alloy materials.
- Before sampling, determine the temperature of the liquid.
- If it has reached equilibrium temperature, take the sample composition to the laboratory for analysis.
- With a load of 60 kW, temperatures are held slightly above boiling.
- If the composition has not reached the desired target, make corrections (addition of alloy materials).
- Raise the temperature until the desired tapping temperature is reached.
- Tapping.
That concludes the discussion about parts of metal-casting induction furnaces.