ovens • kilns • quench tanks furnaces • ovens • kilns • quench tanks

XLC SERIESAlloy Retort Furnaces (for Hydrogen and Low Dew Point Inert Atmospheres)APPLICATIONSThe XLC Series Atmosphere Retort Furnacesrepresent an advanced design whichemphasizes process quality and control as wellas operator safety. The control system, alloyretort and flow system are completelyintegrated as one unified system. Any applicationrequiring 100% hydrogen or a mix ofhydrogen,carbon monoxide,natural gas orany other combustible atmosphere (aswell as any purely inert atmospheres) maybe used in the XLC Series. Hydrogenbrazing, magnetic steel processing, specialcoatings and stainless steel annealing aretypical examples. Any batch process thatcannot tolerate oxygen or that requires a highdegree of atmosphere reliability, repeatabilityand low dew point is a candidate for thisfurnace. Maximum temperature is 2200°F(1200°C) with Inconel retorts. Dependingon the purity of the gas used thesefurnaces can maintain a dew point aslow as -60°F (-50°C).FEATURESThis XLC 3348 shows the typical door cart and hydrogen control panel. The retort is“D” shaped corrugated inconel for the highest possible strength. A venturi cooler is also shown.FURNACE IS BASED ON XLE SERIESThe furnace system is a modified XLE Serieselectric furnace. (See pages 7-9).ALLOY RETORT FOR LOW DEW POINTThe XLC furnaces features an alloy retort totightly contain the atmosphere.This preventsoxygen infiltration, providing a very low dewpoint for clean processing and safe operation.Depending on the size and temperature,retorts are “D” shaped and/or corrugated forextra strength. The alloy normally used is 330alloy, Inconel 600 or 601, or may be otheralloys selected for specific applications.PLUG RETORT DOOR WITH SILICONERUBBER “O” RING WATER COOLED SEALRetort door is a deep plug (typically 12”deep) that protrudes into the retort cavity.The inside of the plug is insulated withceramic fiber. The door plug is made of thesame alloy as the retort and is completelysurrounded with the alloy rather thanexposing the refractory to the atmosphere asin some competitive designs. This insures thatno oxygen gets trapped in the insulation andlater reenters the chamber at high temperatures.There is a silicone rubber “O” ringseal around the perimeter of the machinedflange of the retort. This is cooled by waterwhich runs in an enclosed channel. Acomplete water cooling system includes aflow switch which interrupts power to thePage 14elements if there is no water flow. The dooris closed with quick release turn down latches.This forms an extremely tight seal and allowsvery low dew point operation. These sealswill withstand high pressures. Most doors(except the smallest ones) feature a cart thatholds the retort door (as shown above).Smaller doors are removed by hand.ATMOSPHERE SAMPLE PORTA sample port with a shut-off valve is provided.This is used to sample the atmosphere foroxygen, hydrogen and dew point.ATMOSPHERE CONTROLA variety of atmosphere control systems canbe provided. See page 16 for informationabout hydrogen systems. In addition, simpleregulators and flowmeters can be providedfor inert gas use. A pressure relief valve andretort pressure gauge are included.UMC800 CONTROL WITH PLC LOGICThe standard control for hydrogen systems isa Honeywell UMC800 program control withPLC logic control of the safety system. Inertsystems use a UDC2300 digital control. Allfuses, transformers, contactors and controlsare housed in a NEMA 1 panel. If hydrogen isused then a purged NEMA 12 control panel isstandard. Quiet, long life mercury powercontactors are standard, but the SCR powercontrol option is recommended for longerretort life. The thermocouple is a sheathedtype K inserted into the retort. Limit switchesshut off furnace power if the door is openedor the power panel back is removed.UDC2300 digital high limit back up controlwith manual reset, back up contactors andseparate thermocouple included.The thermocouplefor the high limit control is locatedbetween the retort and the elements.OPTIONS● REMOVABLE RETORT SYSTEM: Removableretorts allow faster cool down under atmosphere.However, retort life is reduced because of heatshock. This option is available only on the smallerretorts (10” & 12” wide retorts). Includesintegrated cart and track.● UMC800 DATALOGGER: The UMC800 caninclude a data recorder with up to 64 points of datainput.● POWERED VENTURI VENT: A 300, 600 or1250 CFH motor powered venturi will shorten thecool down rate of the furnace, especially in thelower temperature ranges. The venturi pulls cool airaround the outside of the retort without disturbingthe atmosphere inside. This is highly recommendedfor quicker turn-around, higher production ratesand lower atmosphere consumption. See page 3 andabove photograph.www.hotfurnace.com