Application of Induction Furnace

I don't consider myself an expert in the subject, but I have worked with a number of Lepel's over the years. I'm sure frequency will have varying effects on different metals, but most of the problems I've seen had to do with the coil design itself. Since the coil is basically an oversized inductor in an oscillator circuit, it's size and number of turns can be critical to transferring maximum power to the load. I'm sure someone here knows far more than I do.

This is what I call a well put question.

These guys offer a large range of induction heaters:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flyback_converter

with variable frequency, for different materials. So, the manufacturer should be able to explain if their MF generator can melt (with the necessary adjustments for frequency and power) Al or Cu on the same machine.

Hi:

I have no vested interests....nothing for sale.

Only experience.......limited to two areas. heating ferrous metals but not smelting/melting..( like blacksmithing ) and smelting precious metals.

We operate a precious metals refinery..both gas and induction heating.

Assuming you have some practical experience person available in using induction heaters/furnaces to aid you.... other posts refer to proper frequency........as this varies with material to be furnace.We use 10kHz ...15 kw unit for both. And a backup unit at 8kHz.

You have not indicated the type of "charge" placed in the induction field. It is critical the input power couples to the charge for speedy melts.

It is difficult to smelt gold dust ...due to low particulate mass....as opposed to gold bars with high particle mass. A mix does well.

If you are in a continuous production application your coil cooling/chiller capability will be critical......to preclude safety overheat/trip of the input induction coil. We use a chiller with distilled water ...to preclude any deposit build up inside the coil tubing.

Coil design ( the number of turns) is very sensitive to proper application in power efficiency consideration.

Crucible material can effect speed/efficiency...........some materials melt better with a reactive crucible...ie, silicon carbide....as opposed to non reactive fused silica crucible.

If your melting to pour time is critical...consider multiple furnace pots connected to

one larger power unit..switchable from two or more pots....with variable freq. you can alter frequency needed on a very custom type utilization/application. And this allows reloading while another pot is hooked in "on line"...and of a different metal.

Not a lot but this may stimulate your own mind......GOOD LUCK

Mr. Guy

perhaps advancements in Industrial microwave furnaces may help you. There have been many advances in the last year or two, and they may be tunable for your varying stock.

Mr. Guy in #3

Well done You have given good details of "Crucible" [pot].

I Rate it 7 in my view

Cheers !!!!!!!