Batch ovens are industrial ovens utilized to heat-treat a variety of substrates in diverse industrial processes. Among other applications, this includes the curing of powder products or even parts. In this particular process, a batch oven is designed to elevate heat levels of the finished substrates up to a given temperature to seamlessly cure their powder-coated finishes. As their name suggests, batch ovens process substrates in a number of small to large batches at a time. These sorts of industrial ovens come complete in either cabinet or walk-in models.
In the first option, the finished parts are put into containers and ultimately placed within the oven’s shelves. Alternatively, in the walk-in varieties, the substrates are put in wheeled racks or even carts and then rolled into the oven for curing. The loading of the batches is primarily carried out manually, but in some given situations, it can be performed automatically.
RTT Engineered Solutions
Batch Curing Ovens
A typical batch oven can reach a maximum temperature of more than 676oC (1250oF). These sorts of industrial ovens usually feature aluminized steel interiors, customizable ductwork, digital controllers, and even control panels.
GFS Finishing Solutions
Burn Off & Wash Booths
A batch oven can deliver a number of advantages when compared with other alternatives that are currently made available in the market. These varieties of industrial ovens are known as closed process ovens. This means the operation of a batch oven involves loading the substrates, shutting its doors, and lastly, heat-treating the parts. This obviously makes a batch oven very well suited for those applications where there is a great need to adhere to cleanroom requirements. In other words, these industrial ovens help in maintaining environmental control and isolation that is paramount in the powder coating process to deter contamination of the finished substrates.
Batch ovens can prove to be the ideal solution when it comes to processing big or unusually-shaped parts. This is particularly the case for the walk-in varieties which may comfortably accommodate substrates as big as light trucks. These industrial ovens can also be easily configured to work with trays and carts that are specially made to carry parts with unusual shapes. Upon comparison with most other industrial ovens, batch ovens happen to be more affordable to build upfront. This is especially so when compared with continuous industrial ovens, which require conveyor systems. A batch oven is also more cost-effective over time than most other alternatives since it necessitates less maintenance.
Let us now take a closer look at some of the key factors you should always consider when purchasing an industrial batch oven for your powder coating facility.
The average industrial batch oven operates at an interior uniform temperature of +/- 10oF. In some given circumstances, makers of these industrial ovens may be able to decrease this tolerance level to as low as +/- 1oF. Either way, to be in a good position of realizing a tighter chamber temperature uniformity, the volume of air within the oven has to be raised suitably. This means to achieve higher rates of air recirculation, your batch oven will require bigger motors and fans which will always affect its eventual cost.
Industrial batch ovens, like other sorts of these products, make use of proper airflow in their various functions that in this case, is curing powder-coated substrates. There happens to be a wide variety of airflow patterns you could settle for depending on the exact application you might have in mind. This includes the top-down, bottom-up, vertical, horizontal, or even combination airflow patterns. However, in the particular context of the batch oven, it tends to work best with the vertical airflow pattern.
Generally speaking, there are key kinds of heat sources for industrial ovens, batch ovens included. These are electric coil heaters, direct-fired gas heaters, and indirectly-fired gas heaters. When compared to the 2 other solutions, directly-fired gas heaters tend to be more efficient in their operations and cost less upfront due to the fact that they feature fewer components.
Directly-fired heaters make use of gases such as propane, butane, or even a blend of other gases to kindle open flames for heating a batch oven in the curing process. These sorts of gas burners are specifically designed to work in fresh flowing airstreams. One of the most notable benefits of directly-fired gas heaters is an impressive efficiency rate of 92%. They have a smaller footprint since they don’t have heat exchangers. Finally, these varieties of industrial batch oven heaters are widely acclaimed for their unparalleled flexibility of operations. This permits a much more effective temperature control along with a broader temperature range.
Indirectly-fired gas heaters create heat directly within their heat exchangers. One of the main advantages of these sorts of heating systems is that the byproducts of the combustion process are removed from the processed air, and are ultimately released into the atmosphere. Indirectly-fired heaters are explosion-proof because combustion doesn’t occur within the oven. This definitely signifies that there isn’t any necessity for installing explosion panels.
Lastly, there are electric heaters, which are set to work by transforming electric energy into heat through resistance. These types of batch oven heaters are positioned within ductwork to allow the air passing over them to be more controllable. This air may either be fresh or recirculated. The first option is usually necessary if ventilation of the process is required. The latter option is made use of to minimize power consumption and decrease the overall size of the heater. Some of the top benefits of electric batch oven heaters include them being simple to design and operate. This makes it infinitely easier to install and regulate their output. They also don’t produce any exhaust and may turn 0% out to permit operations at extremely low temperatures.
ZPar International is a foremost manufacturer of top-notch industrial powder coating ovens including the batch variety, from which you may choose the right solution for unique needs and requirements. We also produce diverse powder coating equipment and accessories such as batch powder booths, pretreatment units and more.
