Abstract: A method for measuring the temperature at various locations in a furnace adapted to heat-treat a metal part commences by placing one or more devices at various location within the furnace. Each device is an inorganic/metallic skeletal structure residual from firing a mixture of binder and one or more of inorganic or metallic particles at a temperature that chars the binder to form the inorganic/metallic skeletal structure of a determined shape. A physical parameter of the skeletal structure determined shape is monitored after firing of the furnace. Then, the monitored physical parameter is compared to a plot of temperature versus the physical parameter to determine the temperature of the furnace at the various locations.

Abstract: A method for measuring the temperature at various locations in a furnace adapted to heat-treat a metal part commences by placing one or more devices at various location within the furnace. Each device is an inorganic/metallic skeletal structure residual from firing a mixture of binder and one or more of inorganic or metallic particles at a temperature that chars the binder to form the inorganic/metallic skeletal structure of a determined shape. A physical parameter of the skeletal structure determined shape is monitored after firing of the furnace. Then, the monitored physical parameter is compared to a plot of temperature versus the physical parameter to determine the temperature of the furnace at the various locations.

Abstract: An automated thermal analysis system and method for the detection and quantitative measurement of analytes having thermally-induced, energy events and associated enthalpy changes is described. The system and method are automated to simplify data acquisition and analysis and to enhance sensitivity. The temperature of at least one sample containing at least one analyte having a thermally-induced, energy event is measured upon heating or cooling through the temperature range of the energy event of the analyte to derive a time-temperature curve corresponding to the enthalpy change of the analyte. From the time-temperature curve and a preselected reference parameter derived therefrom in the vicinity of the energy event region of the analyte, analyte concentration in the sample may be derived from a calibration curve correlating the preselected reference parameter to a normalized sample weight or volume.

Abstract: An electrically heated kiln having a ventilation system in accordance with the present invention includes a hinged upper wall, a lower wall, and side walls forming a firing chamber. The kiln further includes an upper ventilation aperture formed in the upper wall and a lower ventilation aperture formed in the lower wall. A duct connects the lower aperture with the outside environment. An exhaust fan, coupled to the duct, draws incoming air into the kiln through the upper aperture, downwardly through the kiln, and outwardly through the lower aperture into the duct to be expelled outside. The downward movement of the air and kiln gases causes turbulence near the upper portion of the kiln to create a more uniform temperature within the kiln. The apertures are sized and the draw rate is selected so as to provide proper ventilation of the kiln. The draw rate is preferably between 8% and 45% of the kiln volume per minute when measured at room temperature through the lower aperture.

Abstract: An electrically heated kiln having a ventilation system in accordance with the present invention includes a hinged upper wall, a lower wall, and side walls forming a firing chamber. The kiln further includes an upper ventilation aperture formed in the upper wall and a lower ventilation aperture formed in the lower wall. A duct connects the lower aperture with the outside environment. An exhaust fan, coupled to the duct, draws incoming air into the kiln through the upper aperture, downwardly through the kiln, and outwardly through the lower aperture into the duct to be expelled outside. The downward movement of the air and kiln gases causes turbulence near the upper portion of the kiln to create a more uniform temperature within the kiln. The apertures are sized and the draw rate is selected so as to provide proper ventilation of the kiln. The draw rate is preferably between 8% and 45% of the kiln volume per minute when measured at room temperature through the lower aperture.

Abstract: A microcomputer control system for a furnace is disclosed which provides accurate control of the temperature of the furnace such that the temperature can be quickly increased to a predetermined desired temperature without overshooting the desired temperature. The control system determines the tuning constants of the furnace as a function of the system's response to a predetermined input and, thereafter, uses the determined tuning constants to accurately control the temperature of the furnace. The control system employs a novel method for increasing the temperature of a furnace wherein full power is applied to the furnace heat source until the microcomputer makes the determination, based upon the furnace tuning constants, that power supplied to the furnace must be reduced to prevent the temperature of the furnace from overshooting the desired temperature.

Abstract: An efficient method for using a periodic kiln to heat ceramic material to a state of maturation, and the apparatus for carrying out the method, duplicate the action of pyrometric cones. In a microcomputer, data is stored describing the relationship between rates of temperature increase and deformation temperatures for several numbered pyrometric cones. The kiln operator selects the cone number for use in the firing operation and then activates both the apparatus and the kiln's heating elements. Using a thermocouple, the microcomputer periodically measures kiln temperature and calculates the average rate of temperature increase inside the kiln (the rate need not be controlled). The rate is then used, in conjunction with the stored data, to determine the temperature at which the ceramic material will have matured. If the present temperature in the kiln is greater than or equal to this maturation temperature, the microcomputer sounds an alarm or shuts off the heating elements.