An electric furnace burners ceramic objects by using electric power. The electric power is converted to heat energy and heat energy is what will ripen into a ceramic clay body. Combustion with electric furnace is by burning the most convenient and efficient as in electric furnaces typically have furnished supplies adequate control, such as switch / button igniter which also functions as a regulator (regulator of electricity), burning program (time and temperature of combustion), thermocouple -pyrometer as fuel temperature indicator.
Electric furnaces are widely used in the ceramic industry, especially large scale. Furnaces of this type comes from the UK, USA, Japan, and Taiwan. The operation of the furnace with electric power is a way to burn the most easy and effective especially now electric furnace fitted with a temperature-controlled, ie thermocouple-pyrometer that integrates with the furnace and some even equipped with the tools programmers combustion that has the ability to set the length of time the combustion in accordance with the desired.
Figure 41. Electric Furnace.
Reliability and weakness Electric Furnaces
Electric furnaces have multiple furnaces certain reliability when compared with other fuel types, namely:
1) Easy operation, equipped with a support tool that provides an easy way to operate, such as the thermocouple and pyrometer, the switch that serves as the electrical energy regulator (the key regulator of the flow of electrical energy) and burning program that timing can be set for the combustion process.
2) Operation creates no pollution, no noise is loud, and does not emit flames or smoke like another furnace.
3) combustion atmosphere neutral, allowing the results of combustion have the same uniformity.
4) The placement can be anywhere, forms the furnace is compact, practical, and clean so it can be placed at strategic places.
5) Great work safety system, the furnace is a unit which is compact, practical, and clean the electrical installation system that meets the standards.
6) The price of electric furnaces are relatively cheaper than the price of other types of furnaces.
7) Easy maintenance for electric furnaces have age or wear long time treatment needs. If there is a shift in the electrical coil, is returned to the position carefully. In addition to several reliability as above, an electric furnace also has weaknesses, among others:
- Can not be used for combustion with atmospheric reduction.
- Requires a relatively large electric power that it is difficult or impossible to operate an electric furnace in a place that is not enough electrical power.
- Spare parts mainly wire / electric coils are relatively expensive.