Industrial or laboratory furnaces, incinerators and ovens

Tender description

The University of Birmingham has been funded to investigate the melting of metals and alloys up to 1400oC in a furnace that does not use water as the primary cooling medium for either the main furnace chamber or the ancillary equipment. In order to demonstrate this capability an existing research furnace has been identified as the experimental vehicle but modification is needed to enable the furnace to function in the required manner. This furnace currently uses water as the cooling medium and the modifications need to be completed in such a way that the furnace continues to operate in a safe manner both for the operators of the furnace and also for the furnace vessel itself. The University of Birmingham has a long and proven track record in developing casting technology for high value components. This is highlighted by the long collaboration with Rolls-Royce for the development of technologies for turbine components for Gas Turbine engines culminating in the High Temperature Research Centre, and partnership between the University, Rolls-Royce and HEFCE. The University has recently been awarded a contract to investigate the casting of metals and alloys up to 1400oC in a furnace that does not use water as the primary cooling medium for either the main furnace chamber or the ancillary equipment. In order to demonstrate this capability an existing research furnace has been identified as the experimental vehicle but some modification is needed to enable the furnace to function in the required manner. This furnace currently uses water as the cooling medium and the modifications need to be completed in such a way that the furnace continues to operate in a safe manner both for the operators of the furnace and also for the furnace vessel itself. Due to their knowledge of and involvement with this furnace since it was built Vacuum Furnace Engineering are the ideal partner to support this work. The University proposes top place the contract for the furnace modification on Vacuum Furnace Engineering for the following reasons: 1) They are familiar with this furnace, having been involved in both the construction and the movement of the furnace to the current location and as such can modify the furnace without endangering the safe operation of the furnace. Maintaining and also guaranteeing the safe operation of the furnace is paramount. 2) The detail of the furnace, in terms of functioning systems, contains design information that is proprietary to Vacuum Furnace Engineering and difficult to pass on to any other party to assist with the modifications planned. 3) They have many years experience in delivering casting and heat treatment systems and have been the maintenance provider for this furnace since initial installation. 4) Vacuum Furnace Engineering are the preferred supplier by the ultimate customer and funder for this project. Given these considerations, with operator and equipment safety being the key consideration, then Vacuum Furnace Engineering are chosen as the supplier for the proposed modification to the research furnace.