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01/2014
2 PROPER FURNACE APPLICATION
2-1 GENERAL
2-1.1
While furnaces are extremely versatile, they are usually purchased with a specific
application in mind. If your process has changed significantly or if you should have
reason to doubt that a specific application is a proper use of the equipment, consult
the factory before proceeding.
2-1.2
Explanatory Material (Annex A1.1) of the National Fire Protection Association
Publication 86 "Standard for Ovens and Furnaces" states; in part:
"Explosions and fires in fuel-fired and electric heat utilization equipment constitute a
loss potential in life, property and production.”
Most failures can be traced back to human error. The most significant failures
include inadequate training of operators, lack of proper maintenance, and improper
application of equipment."
2-1.3
To protect the furnace, furnace contents, property and personnel, a responsible
person should be in attendance during operation.
Do not operate furnace
unattended
. Special attention must be paid to:
-Setting correct temperature.
-Placing flammable solvents in a furnace not designed for that
purpose.
-Placing combustibles in a furnace that does not have adequate fire
protection.
-Allowing the product to remain in the furnace too long, thereby
encouraging combustion.
-Using a furnace for a process other than that for which it was designed.
2-1.4
Furnace operator should shut down the furnace immediately and notify their
supervisor if there are changes in furnace performance, a safety interlock trips or,
in the case of fuel fired equipment, the smell of natural gas or propane is present.
The furnace should not be put back into production until the causes are found and
corrected.
2.2 FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS
2-2.1
Processing solvents in a non-solvent furnace, exceeding the design temperature, or
exceeding the maximum amount of solvent allowed in a furnace, could result in
fire
or explosion
and bodily injury or property loss.
If flammable solvents or vapors will be present in a furnace, the Occupational
Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires that it have a separately powered
forced exhauster of adequate size and other related safety devices not supplied as
standard equipment. Furnaces designed for this purpose have a caution plate and
Furnace Design Data Form showing the maximum gallons of solvent, or pounds of
powder coating, and the maximum operating temperature for which that specific
furnace has been designed. If in doubt, consult factory for details.
2-2.2
It shall be the user's responsibility to ensure that the amount of flammable solvent
placed in the furnace and the operating temperature does not exceed the design
capacity -- see Safety Design Form and furnace caution nameplate.
