skip to main content

Riley Surface World uses cookies to give you the best experience on our website. If you continue we assume that you consent to receive cookies on our website. Read More

X
Machines & equipment for sale

Purpose of Air Flow During Heat Treatment

What is the Purpose of Air Flow During Heat Treatment?

A popular feature among our range of new and used ovens, air circulation is essential for many heat treatments and processes, but it isn’t necessary for all.

One of the primary purposes of an industrial oven is to remove moisture using the method of high temperatures; with or without an air circulation system, it can still be achieved. However, it does impact the efficiency of the process, especially for applications/treatments that require precision heating.

As one of the standard process parameters of surface heating, including temperature set point, fan speed and direction of airflow, continue reading to find out if air circulation is essential for your production.

Maintaining Temperature Uniformity Inside an Industrial Oven

Airflow (plus the direction it flows in) can significantly improve the temperature uniformity within the oven chamber, with higher airflow generally resulting in a greater heat consistency.

In general use ovens, the standard temperature uniformity in an oven is +/- 10°C, but this tolerance can be as precise at +/-1°C with the correct air circulation. A tighter temperature uniformity can be achieved by increasing the airflow for an increased rate of air circulation per minute.

To meet the circulation demand to achieve these finer temperature margins, motors and fans would be installed on the oven to move the air around the oven manually.

Types of Airflow Patterns and What Are They Used For?

A feature built in as part of the functional design, the airflow direction inside an industrial oven can determine what processes or components the oven is used for. The airflow pattern options are either vertical, horizontal or a combination; specific patterns lend themselves more beneficial to certain types of ovens. Examples include conveyor ovens favouring vertical airflow while batch ovens are frequently horizontal.

The airflow direction is chosen to minimise obstruction by the treated components, considering whether the parts are hung or laid flat on different types of shelving.

  • If the components are hanging or on solid shelving, the airflow direction would be horizontal. Beneficial for heat processes that take place in a batch oven with high volumes of components, this airflow pattern is still able to get around all the trays of components.
  • A vertical airflow would be common in general use and laboratory ovens, perfect for smaller components. These components are typically hung vertically or laid flat on metallic mesh shelves, allowing airflow to travel through the layers or components.
  • Combining the two directions for a horizontal/vertical airflow, the dual airflow direction is suitable for the larger surface areas of large components during heat treatment.

For each airflow pattern, inflow and outflow holes would be located within the chamber walls to manage the airflow direction. 

Ovens with No Airflow Systems

Having looked into the purposes of having an airflow circulation system inside your oven, many processes do not need the feature.

A type of oven that has nothing to gain from airflow circulation is a gravity convection oven. Designed for processes where air circulation would disturb or potentially impair/damage delicate components, these ovens have a lower temperature uniformity when compared to air-circulated ovens. If a process doesn’t need high precision heating like drying, curing, baking and pre-heating, convection ovens are frequently a more affordable option.

Gravity convection ovens rely on the natural air movement inside the chamber to distribute heat directly from the oven's heating elements rather than forced air circulation.

What are the Pros & Cons of Air Flow Systems in Ovens?

A popular but optional feature for industrial ovens, forced air circulation can greatly benefit many heat treatments but may not always be needed.

ProCon
  • Better temperature uniformity for increased heat precision.
  • Forced air circulation can heat treat components to a higher quality.
  • Improves efficiency of the process.
  • Reduces the amount of energy needed.
  • Lower production costs.
  • The air movement can risk damaging delicate components & coatings.
  • Ovens with built in airflow systems are more expensive.
  • Airflow isn’t an essential feature for all heating processes.
  • The incorrect airflow pattern can result in imperfections in the heat treatment.

Our Range of Industrial & Laboratory Ovens

If your production would benefit or not from forced air circulation, we have the ovens to cater to both.

Our used range of machines stocks a wide variety of ovens, some with forced air circulation and some without; why not check out what we have to offer?

Or if you're looking to invest in a new machine, we have no shortage of available models. The mainstay of our oven ranges use forced air circulation, but we have convection ovens available too. With a variety of features for various temperatures, we can provide you with the oven you need precisely to your requirements.

If you know your heat treatment requirements but are unsure which oven to go for, contact our sales team at 01922 45 8000 and we can help you.

Brand New
Superior Laboratory Oven (100 litre)
More Images Available

Riley 300°C Superior Laboratory Oven Range

A range of vertical ovens from 50-240 litres that operate at up to 300°C. Ovens are lined with a stainless steel chamber and include a fan and digital controls.

Stock No
NEW060
Category
Laboratory & Bench Top Ovens
Model
Riley GPS-OV Full Range
Internal Size (WxDxH mm) [?]
From 50-240 litres
Max Temp
300°C
Other Info
British Made
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Brand New
Laboratory Oven Range with Aluminised Steel Chamber (240 litre model)
More Images Available

Riley 250°C Laboratory Oven Range

A range of vertical ovens from 30-350 litres that operate at up to 250°C. Ovens are lined with a aluminised clad steel chamber and include a fan and digital controls.

Stock No
NEW061
Category
Laboratory & Bench Top Ovens
Model
Riley GP-OV Full Range
Internal Size (WxDxH mm) [?]
From 30-350 litres
Max Temp
250°C
Other Info
British Made
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Brand New
Heavy Duty Oven Range (350 litre model)
More Images Available

Riley 300°C Heavy Duty Vertical Oven Range

A range of heavy duty ovens from 200-1000 litres that operate at up to 300°C. Ovens are lined with a stainless steel chamber and include a fan and digital controls.

Stock No
NEW062
Category
Laboratory & Bench Top Ovens
Model
Riley HDV-OV Full Range
Internal Size (WxDxH mm) [?]
200 - 1000 litres
Max Temp
300°C
Other Info
British Made
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Brand New
Heavy Duty Horizontal Oven Range with stainless steel interior
More Images Available

Riley 300°C Heavy Duty Horizontal Oven Range

A range of horizontal heavy duty horizontal ovens with twin doors that operate at up to 300°C. Ovens are lined with a stainless steel chamber and include a fan and digital controls.

Stock No
NEW063
Category
Laboratory & Bench Top Ovens
Model
Riley HDH-OV Range
Internal Size (WxDxH mm) [?]
425 litres
Max Temp
300°C
Other Info
British Made
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Brand New
SNOL 300°C Industrial Oven (970/300 model shown)
More Images Available

SNOL 350°C Industrial Oven Range

350°C general purpose batch ovens, ideal for a vast range of low temperature thermal processes such as drying, curing and pre-heating.

Stock No
NEW070
Category
Industrial Ovens
Model
SNOL
Internal Size (WxDxH mm) [?]
Various
Max Temp
350°C
Condition
Brand New
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Brand New
SNOL 650°C High Temperature Oven Range (970/600 shown)
More Images Available

SNOL 650°C High Temperature Oven Range

General purpose high temperature, industrial, batch ovens which set the standard for a wide range of industrial processing applications

Stock No
NEW071
Category
Industrial Ovens
Model
SNOL
Internal Size (WxDxH mm) [?]
Various
Max Temp
650°C
Condition
Brand New
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Brand New
SNOL 650°C High Temperature Oven with Powered Door
Video Available

SNOL 650°C High Temperature Oven with Powered Door

General purpose high temperature, industrial, batch oven suitable for a wide range of industrial processing applications. Includes a vertical powered door.

Stock No
NEW072
Category
Industrial Ovens
Model
SNOL
Internal Size (WxDxH mm) [?]
600 x 750 x 900
Max Temp
650°C
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Brand New
SNOL 300°C Laboratory Oven Range with Viewing Window (120/300 shown)
Video Available

SNOL 300°C Laboratory Oven Range

A range of laboratory ovens 120-420 litres that operate at up to 300°C. Ovens are lined with a stainless steel chamber and include a fan and digital controls.

Stock No
NEW075
Category
Laboratory & Bench Top Ovens
Model
SNOL LSN11
Internal Size (WxDxH mm) [?]
Various
Max Temp
300°C
Condition
Brand New
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Brand New
300°C Laboratory Oven Range - All Stainless Steel (220/300 LSN ST shown)
More Images Available

SNOL 300°C Laboratory Oven Range - All Stainless Steel

A range of laboratory ovens 120-420 litres that operate at up to 300°C. Ovens are lined with a stainless steel chamber, clad with stainless steel panels and include a fan and digital controls.

Stock No
NEW076
Category
Laboratory & Bench Top Ovens
Model
SNOL LSN11 ST
Internal Size (WxDxH mm) [?]
Various
Max Temp
300°C
Condition
Brand New
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Brand New
Custom Built Oven for Tier 1 Automotive Manufacturer
More Images Available

SNOL Custom Build Furnaces & Ovens

Custom built ovens and furnaces to meet your project requirements and standards.

Stock No
NEW079
Category
Industrial Ovens
Model
SNOL
Condition
Brand New
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Brand New
Romer 200°C Industrial Oven (1.5 x 1.2 x 2.0 model shown)
Video Available

Romer 200°C Industrial Oven Range

200°C general purpose, electric, batch ovens from 3.4m3 upwards. Ideal for a vast range of low temperature thermal processes such as drying, curing and pre-heating.

Stock No
NEW080
Category
Industrial Ovens
Model
Romer
Internal Size (WxDxH mm) [?]
Various
Max Temp
200°C
Other Info
Touchscreen Control plus iCure Software
Condition
Brand New
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Brand New
Romer 200°C Convection Industrial Oven Range (2m x 2m x 2m model shown)
More Images Available

Romer 200°C Convection Industrial Oven Range

200°C electric, batch ovens from 3.4m3 upwards. Without a fan' these ovens are a very cost effective option or ideal for delicate processes that cannot tolerate air movement.

Stock No
NEW081
Category
Industrial Ovens
Model
Romer
Internal Size (WxDxH mm) [?]
Various
Max Temp
200°C
Other Info
Radiant heating
Condition
Brand New
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Brand New
Romer Essential Electric Oven Range (1.5 x 1.2 x 2m model shown)
More Images Available

Romer Essential Electric Oven Range

200°C general purpose, electric, industrial ovens from 3.4m3 upwards. Ideal for a vast range of low temperature thermal processes such as drying, curing and pre-heating. The Essential range is a cost effective solution where temperature recording is not required.

Stock No
NEW082
Category
Industrial Ovens
Model
Romer
Internal Size (WxDxH mm) [?]
Various
Max Temp
200°C
Condition
Brand New
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Brand New
Romer 300°C Industrial Oven
More Images Available

Romer 300°C Industrial Oven Range

350°C general purpose, electric, batch ovens from 0.9m3 to 8.4m3 in size. Ideal for low to medium temperature thermal processes such as drying, curing and pre-heating.

Stock No
NEW083
Category
Industrial Ovens
Model
Romer
Year of Manufacture
Brand New
Internal Size (WxDxH mm) [?]
Various
Max Temp
300°C
Other Info
Touchscreen Control plus iCure Software
Condition
Brand New
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Brand New
Romer 600°C Industrial Oven
Video Available

Romer 600°C Industrial Oven Range

600°C general purpose, electric, batch ovens from 0.9m3. Ideal for range of medium to high temperature thermal processes. Ideal for tempering, glass annealing, drying, preheating, and stress relieving of various materials.

Stock No
NEW084
Category
Industrial Ovens
Model
Romer
Year of Manufacture
Brand New
Internal Size (WxDxH mm) [?]
Various
Max Temp
600°C
Other Info
Touchscreen Control plus iCure Software
Condition
Brand New
Availability:
Available subject to build time
Price [?]
Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000