White Deer, PA - November 12, 2008 - The Blue M Friction-Aire® oven eliminates atmospheric explosions and ignitions when working with Class 1, Group D materials. Class 1 atmospheres contain flammable vapors, and Group D materials include solvents commonly used in finishing applications, such as lacquers and paints.
The ovens regulate temperature inside the chamber by using a high velocity airflow system to generate heat instead of a centralized heating element. The absence of a heating element eliminates an ignition source when working with atmospheres containing flammable vapors.
Uniform Temperature
The Friction-Aire maintains a constant temperature in the work chamber by circulating a large volume of air through the oven via a blower. A temperature sensitive bellows regulates how much ambient air circulates through the oven. Most of the air passes through a by-pass chamber so that minimal air enters the work chamber.
The chamber temperature matches the oven’s air temperature, thereby eliminating temperature stratification and hot spots.
Natural Temperature Interlock
If the air circulation stops for any reason, such as a blower failure, the temperature inherently drops. Dangerous temperature runaway conditions are eliminated.
Because the ovens lack a heating element, no timed purged cycle is necessary at start-up to clear the high vapor concentration. A high vapor level initially occurs due to the rapid evaporation of the liquid, and could ignite in ovens that use a heating element.
Built in Over Temperature Protection
A self-powered and self-sensing bellows system provides non-electrical over temperature protection. If the main control fails, the bellows will lock the exhaust vent open to quickly drop the temperature.
After the over temperature protection trips, the vent must be manually closed before operations can continue.
Fast Cool Down Rates
Typically, an empty oven will drop from 150°C to 50°C in 30 minutes.
Cost-Effective
The Friction-Aire’s design requires less maintenance and service because there are fewer components.
About TPS
Thermal Product Solutions, a division of SPX Corporation, manufactures thermal processing and environmental testing equipment. For more information about TPS and its Blue M brand of products, visit www.thermalproductsolutions.com.