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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.

Pro	Con
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.

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

Purpose of Air Flow During Heat Treatment

Maintaining Temperature Uniformity Inside an Industrial Oven

Types of Airflow Patterns and What Are They Used For?

Ovens with No Airflow Systems

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

Our Range of Industrial & Laboratory Ovens

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