A sintering furnace (1) for sintering dental workpieces (2), wherein the sintering furnace (1) has a heating element (3) with a receiving space (4) for receiving the workpiece (2) during sintering. The receiving space (4) is a portion of an interior space (5) within the heating element (3), and the heating element (3) comprises or consists of silicon carbide, wherein the heating element (3) is designed, at least in parts, as a slotted tube, and the slot (6) in the tube forming the heating element (3) has a helical configuration in a heating region (7), in which the heating element (3) encloses the receiving space (4).

The present invention relates to a microwave melting apparatus and system for investment casting the metals obtained therefrom. In addition to enhanced production capacity, the system allows for the use of both a broad range of metal alloys and a variety of forms including ingot, scrap, granulated and powdered metals not possible with induction systems generally.

Systems and processes for external combustion air preheating for providing preheated combustion air to a furnace. The furnace systems convective heating section includes multiple heating coils for waste heat recovery. The heating coils may be used for preheating a feed (feed preheat coils), heating a boiler feed water, superheating steam, or heating or superheating a feed stream prior to the feed being fed to the radiant coil. The waste heat in the combustion gas is also used to heat a heat transfer fluid, which may be used to pre-heat combustion air or for other purposes within the plant.

Systems and methods for fabrication of ceramics from celestial materials using microwave sintering and mechanical compression for space mining applications are disclosed. In one aspect, a chamber for sintering loose mineral material into solid ceramic shapes includes a plurality of zirconia insulting plates configured to clamp the mineral material and forming a cavity in which the mineral loose material is contained, and at least one dipole array configured to generate microwave energy and apply the microwave energy to the mineral material.

A dental oven for treatment of dental materials having one or more electric heating elements which extends adjacent to a heating space and is controlled by a heating controller. The heating controller regulates the temperature in the heating chamber and includes an output terminal for the heating element and an input terminal for temperature detection, which is electrically connected to a temperature detecting device, wherein the temperature detecting device has the one or more heating elements. The temperature sensing device includes a compensation device for compensation of nonlinearities at temperatures above 700° C. or in nonlinearities of the resistance of the heating element. The heating controller controls its output port based on the detected resistance of the heating element and on the compensation device.

A system for melting materials during the production of a glass or ceramic material is disclosed. A method for melting materials during the production of a glass or ceramic material is also disclosed. The system comprises a melt tank having an interior with a width and a length; and an electrode array comprising a plurality of elongate electrodes each extending at least partially across the width of the interior of the melt tank in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the interior of the melt tank. Each electrode within the electrode array is spaced apart from an adjacent electrode within the electrode array by from about 5 mm to 100 mm. The electrode array is configured such that during a heating operation, current flows between adjacent electrodes within the electrode array, such that heat is radiated from the electrodes to materials located within the interior of the melt tank.

Systems and methods for fabrication of ceramics from celestial materials using microwave sintering and mechanical compression for space mining applications are disclosed. In one aspect, a chamber for sintering loose mineral material into solid ceramic shapes includes a plurality of zirconia insulting plates configured to clamp the mineral material and forming a cavity in which the mineral loose material is contained, and at least one dipole array configured to generate microwave energy and apply the microwave energy to the mineral material.

A method and a device for adjusting the temperature of steel blanks, such that a plurality of temperature-adjusting stations are used in order to heat the steel blanks in stages with low temperature gradients.

A dental furnace for firing dental-ceramic compounds comprises a firing chamber for receiving ceramic elements to be fired. Further, a heating device for heating and firing the ceramic element is provided. The heating device comprises at least one heating element for producing IR radiation in the range of 0.8-5 μm.

Apparatuses for interfacing with an electrode provided with a melting furnace including a vessel and an electrode. In some embodiments, a support assembly (50) supports the electrode outside of the vessel, and includes a cart (102) or similar apparatus that permits or facilitates selective vertical movement of the electrode and selective transverse movement of the electrode. In some embodiments, a push assembly (52) interfaces with a rear face of the electrode outside of the vessel, and is operable to apply a pushing force onto the rear face. The push assembly can include one or more tracks (e.g., threaded screw) that supports a body between opposing arms of a fixed frame. The body can translate along the tracks to apply a pushing force onto the electrode.