A pusher furnace is a continuous thermal processing system designed to heat materials in a controlled manner across multiple temperature zones. This type of furnace is particularly useful for materials that are not flowable or have irregular shapes, as they are typically loaded onto boats or trays which are then pushed through the furnace.
Operation and Advantages: Materials are placed on boats or trays and then loaded onto a pusher plate. These boats are then pushed into the furnace, usually one at a time, using a mechanism such as a pneumatic or ball screw pusher. The rate at which they are pushed can be adjusted to meet specific processing needs. The use of boats and trays means that the shape and flowability of the material are not limiting factors, allowing for the treatment of a wide variety of materials.
Pusher furnaces are more efficient than batch furnaces in terms of time and energy usage. They do not require constant thermal cycling, which not only saves time but also extends the life of the furnace's insulation. This efficiency is further enhanced by the presence of multiple independently controlled temperature zones, both along the length and width of the furnace, allowing for precise control over the heating process.
Applications: Pusher furnaces are used in various industrial processes including sintering, reduction of metal oxides, calcination, carbonization, purification, debinding, and parts processing. They are particularly crucial in the production of materials such as uranium dioxide fuel pellets, tungsten carbide powders, and aerospace alloys. For example, they are extensively used in the sintering of uranium dioxide fuel pellets for nuclear applications.
In metallurgical applications, pusher furnaces are used for processes like annealing, normalizing, hardening, tempering, and isothermal annealing of various components. They are also utilized in the pre-firing of molds in the aerospace industry, where cooling tunnels are often integrated to facilitate controlled cooling of products.
Design and Features: The design of pusher furnaces incorporates advanced features such as graphite pushers for high-temperature applications, strategic heating element placement for optimal temperature uniformity, and advanced insulation designs to reduce energy consumption. Sophisticated gas distribution technology ensures accurate control of atmosphere dew points along the furnace's length. The modular construction of these furnaces facilitates easy maintenance and replacement of parts, minimizing installation efforts in the field.
Conclusion: Pusher furnaces are versatile and efficient systems that play a critical role in various high-temperature industrial processes. Their ability to handle a wide range of materials and shapes, coupled with their energy efficiency and precise temperature control, makes them indispensable in industries ranging from nuclear fuel production to aerospace component manufacturing.
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