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[August 2003]
Kanthal Launches New Silicon Carbide Heating Element
TA new grade of silicon carbide heating element has been launched by furnace heating specialists, Kanthal AB.Called Kanthal Globar® SD, the new element has high mechanical strength, a lower rate of reaction with the process atmosphere, longer life potential and has been designed for maximum performance in the widest range of high temperature applications. Combining the best features of the existing Kanthal Hot Rod, Silit ED and Globar LL products, Globar SD is a more versatile, high quality element offering repeatable and reliable performance.
Globar SD elements are extruded from a closely controlled blend of high purity, alpha silicon carbide grain, which is then recrystallised at over 2500°C to form a strong, self bonded structure, with uniform heating charactistics.
Manufactured in a one-piece or three-piece construction, depending on the application, and in a range of sizes, Globar SD elements can be supplied as straight rods or as multi - leg elements. Special glazes and coatings are available for added protection in aggressive furnace atmospheres
Porosity and average grain size are the two main features that determine the life and performance of recrystallised silicon carbide heating elements. The new Globar SD elements are less porous than other Kanthal elements and have a relatively large grain size. These features reduce the total surface area of silicon carbide that is exposed to the furnace atmosphere, and this reduces the rate of resistance increase over time.
The rate of resistance increase is the most convenient measure of element performance since it determines the theoretical life that can be achieved. Globar SD elements have demonstrated excellent performance in laboratory tests and rates of resistance increase are much lower than those of Kanthal’s existing range of recrystallised elements and of all major competitors’ products tested under the same conditions.This extensive laboratory testing programme has been supplemented by field trials. Over 2,000 Globar SD elements have been installed in furnaces throughout Europe, Africa and Asia and have performed well in a variety of applications - from continuous and batch production of ferrites at 1200 - 1450°C, to low pressure aluminium diecasting, continuous heat treatment of steels, float glass production and firing alumina ceramics.
Globar SD elements are available in a range of sizes and resistance values designed directly to replace all types of silicon carbide element, from all the world’s major manufacturers.
Kanthal AB
PO Box 502
S-734 27
Halstahammar
Sweden
Tel +46 220 210 00
Fax +46 220 163 50
Email: info@kanthal.com
Web: www.kanthal.com
ENDS