Talk:Induction furnace

Types

There exist two distinct types of induction furnaces, namely coreless ( a negative term) thus suggesting a furnace with a core, i.e. channel induction furnace. I can do some work on the update of this page, is that cool with you guys? TCKruger 09:06, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Induction furnace

Yes, please add more information. I am trying to build a small scale induction furnace for use with iron, steel and bronze/copper/tin using 120v or 240v 60 Hz power source. I used to know the math on how much energy is transfered based on distances, windings, amperage etc. but have forgotten in my old age. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.130.230.235 (talk) 07:00, 31 March 2009 (UTC)

someone tell more about induction furnaces Rafathucho (talk) 15:19, 23 February 2018 (UTC)

Refining

I think that the base assumption that induction furnaces do not refine is a misconception of the process. The charge need not be pure to start with, although it certainly makes it easier on the lab guys when they have to figure out the percentages of refining elements to add to the mix prior to the pour. Crucible alloying is much easier in an induction furnace due to the simplicity of the chemistry vs an old Bessemer process or an arc furnace, both of which must be analyzed during the heat before the final alloy and chemistry adjustments are made.

The semiconductor industry actually started out using induction furnaces to zone refine silicon boluses - the melt zone tended to collect the impurities since the frozen zone consisted of macro-crystalline material.

For a small shop, I agree - a small or medium induction furnace would not probably be used for refining. I don't think I would bother with it if I trusted my source material or the casting contract were non-specific as to metal properties.

--Dmummert (talk) 04:40, 19 November 2010 (UTC)

pictures/animations

pictures/animations would really enhance this article.

174.112.104.110 (talk) 22:03, 24 March 2012 (UTC)

The term "solenoid"

Andy, why do you feel the term "solenoid" is misleading? --Chetvorno^TALK 00:42, 27 March 2015 (UTC)

It implies a proportionately long, thin coil with a ferromagnetic core. Handy for concentrating magnetic flux through a small area, but unnecessary for induction heating. Induction heating works fine with pancake coils too. Most of the practical coils for heating are approximately square in proportion (comparable height and diameter). Andy Dingley (talk) 00:51, 27 March 2015 (UTC)

I'm not aware it has that implication. A solenoid is simply a cylindrical coil of wire that generates a magnetic field: [1], [2], [3]. Pancake coils, while used in induction cooktops, are not used in induction furnaces because the most efficient geometry is to have the coil surround the charge. The term "solenoid" is widely used for the coil in induction furnaces: [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11] --Chetvorno^TALK 01:30, 27 March 2015 (UTC)

It's a subtle point, but in languages as far back as ancient Greek, "solenoid" does have the implication of being a confined channel, so as to deliver the flux in a constrained area. Handy for many electromagnetic tasks, but just not needed for an induction furnace - as the coils are placed around the heated volume there's no problem in passing the flux through the needed volume. Helmholtz coils would work fine too.

Obviously there are many uses (albeit generally at the less precise end of definitions) that throw "solenoid" around rather carelessly. Doesn't mean we should drop to that level of imprecision though. I note that Induction heating has just sprouted "electromagnet" too, which is totally failing with the wrong end of the stick 8-(

Incidentally pancakes are (or have been) used. One of the oldest industrial handbooks I have on induction heating uses them specifically for some cases where there's a melt being produced and it's simply difficult to provide a more upright arrangement. I'll see if I can find it in the bookquake upstairs. Andy Dingley (talk) 01:58, 27 March 2015 (UTC)

History

When was this developed and by whom? 194.207.180.128 (talk) 05:46, 5 December 2023 (UTC)