50 actually set up and produce their own heat while doing so—to drive out the chemical water from the material. This makes it much easier and faster to bake out prior to start up. There are also new super insulating materials that go against the inside steel shell that greatly reduces casing temperatures, saving energy and helps to keep the plant cooler in the summer months. 8. What training is offered postsale? Plant personnel needs to be trained thoroughly on the operation, maintenance, and cleaning of furnaces. That means operators of the unit, maintenance personnel, and supervisors all need to understand how the unit operates and the best way to operate it to get the most efficiencies. This may involve several different training sessions by different qualified vendors. REMEMBER: If your operators are not properly trained then you cannot blame the manufacturer when it is operated incorrectly. Much of today’s equipment features technological enhancements that mandates operators to be professionally trained in order to operate them. 9. How safe is this unit to operate? Once again training is the key here. In the case of an aluminum melting furnace operators may be standing in front of an open door cleaning the oxide from the refractory and the internal temperature is 18000F. Proper PPE is essential in keeping workers safe in that environment for cleaning, fluxing, and maintenance. When a furnace goes out there is only one safe way to relight the unit. 10. How many years have you been in business and how many employees do you have? I can tell you it makes a lot of difference dealing with an established company with a reputation and history of being a well-run organization. You do not stay in business very long doing shotty work. How many service people and parts salespeople do you have? If I need service how long till someone answers? These are important sub-questions to the main question of how many people work in your organization. Contact: DAVE WHITE [email protected] 11. Finally, why should I buy this furnace from you? Not your company but you! If your salesperson is not committed to you and your success then why bother with their equipment. The selling game has changed drastically in the last few years and now more than ever you need to feel good about the person you are buying from. If you are not comfortable with him, you will not ask for his help if something goes wrong. No matter which furnace type you choose, ensure it is selected for the right reasons. You and your company will be happier in the long run. Picture courtesy of The Schaefer Group, Inc.
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