One of the most important advances in batch integral quench (BIQ) furnace systems has been the development of innovative control systems. Many BIQ manufacturers have developed their own highly sophisticated and cutting-edge control systems.
This Technical Tuesday, we explore one such system written by Daniel Hill, PE, sales engineer at AFC-Holcroft. This original content article was originally published in the February 2021 Air and Atmospheres, the IQ Edition.
Sales Engineer
AFC-Holcroft
Source: AFC-Holcroft
With continuing advancements of smart devices, integrated controls systems, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), we have at our fingertips an abundance of data, both the traditional and newly developed. How to convert that data into useful information, and more importantly how to leverage that information into day-to-day operations to reap the benefits, becomes the difference maker in a competitive landscape.
Recognizing these trends, AFC-Holcroft has built upon a suite of software modules that includes Remote Diagnostics™ to also offer Maintenance Module™ and Calibration Mode™. All three modules are in commercial service having been integrated with BatchMaster™ controls system features on Universal Batch Integral Quench (UBQ) furnaces. End-user response and adoption have been positive with new synergies and feedback leading to ongoing enhancements. In this article, we will discuss how these advancements are affecting the future of furnace diagnostics and some examples of their benefits in many day-to-day situations.
Dynamic Furnace Calibration & Diagnostics
Perhaps the most interesting of the three modules is the Calibration Mode, a patent-pending diagnostics software designed to dynamically test furnace operation for verification of proper functionality over a wide range of subsystems and devices. Notably, furnace and quenchant heating/cooling thermal loads are strategically cycled for response monitoring of typical production needs. Likewise, furnace atmosphere is cycled for response and stability. Additional systems and metrics such as agitation attributes, tray motion and positioning, time to quench, and elevator operation are activated and evaluated.
Once the calibration cycle is complete, the data and responses are compared to original commissioning data and design thresholds to generate a time-stamped diagnostic report with straightforward pass/fail results. With this module, the operator can ensure proper operation at a moment’s notice without additional external testing devices and have the data available to back it up.
It was designed to integrate optional device packages to elevate its diagnostics capabilities exponentially by targeting efficiency and optimization of operation including:
- Combustion efficiency monitoring
- Vibration monitoring
- Power consumption monitoring
Process Troubleshooting
As its base premise, this module was created as a means for operators to proactively verify that the furnace is both fully operational and responding as designed. But what happens if it is not? Calibration Mode can be initialized at any time for deeper analyses by first reporting the current status of subsystems and devices and then for further comparison against initial commissioning data or cumulatively against any previous calibration iterations, making it a powerful tool for rapid diagnostics.
With the auto-generated reports and comparison tools in hand, operators or maintenance team members can pivot directly into troubleshooting any deficiencies identified for quick resolution. Once more, a follow-up can be run to ensure the deficiency is corrected after making appropriate adjustments or repairs. This saves valuable time and resources, improves availability, and likely increases profitability.
Source: AFC-Holcroft
Compliance with Industry Specifications
Whether following automotive (CQI-9), aerospace (AMS2750), military, energy, or other specifications, universal themes requiring the user to implement regular assessments, surveys, and the monitoring of the process equipment are paramount. Today, the Calibration Mode is being used to supplement these efforts in a number of ways:
- Creating reports with Calibration Mode for job audit in annual Heat Treat System Assessments (HTSAs)
- Producing objective evidence for process equipment validation before and after a major rebuild or modification
- Collecting and analyzing data over time and reacting to it
- Running with TUS as another layer of equipment verification
- Running with Quench System Monitoring as another layer of verification
PPAP, Control Plan, & PSW Inclusion
The production part approval process (PPAP) must be a collaboration between the customer and heat treater to ensure a clear understanding of all elements before, during, and after the processing. Calibration Mode can be utilized as a verification tool initially when processing parts for a PPAP to document the furnace capability and that it is meeting original OEM specifications. If repair or rebuilds are required while that PPAP is still valid, Calibration Mode can be run to demonstrate the equipment in operational condition on a Part Submission Warrant (PSW). Moreover, Calibration Mode can be incorporated into control plans both as a control method for ongoing production and also as part of a reaction plan to diagnose nonconformance.
Dedicated Equipment Vs. Changeover of Equipment Running Multiple Processes
A major benefit of batch processing equipment is the inherent flexibility it offers–especially to commercial heat treaters who are serving multiple customers with many different processes. Often customer specifications for heat treating include clauses preferring dedicated equipment with strict allowances on changeover of equipment. Typically, changeover of equipment for multiple processes requires customer personnel to review and approve the heat treater’s changeover procedures and must include verification prior to start of production (including atmosphere). This changeover process must be documented in the heat treater’s process control plan. Consider running Calibration Mode at changeovers as a means to consistently verify conditions and provide documentation to the benefit of all involved.
Intelligent Preventative Maintenance
Maintenance Module™ also takes advantage of the latest advancements. This module is designed and pre-programmed to include the OEM recommended preventative maintenance tasks based upon pre-defined intervals, sometimes utilizing conditional statements, or where appropriate, predictive algorithms based upon operating time, temperatures, and number of cycles. This database of tasks and report queries provides an intelligent roadmap for the preventative maintenance of the furnace. As such, maintenance task statuses are elevated and flagged for action complementary to accrued usage and actual conditions so that all-important resources can be prioritized and best served.
Source: AFC-Holcroft
Leveraging Diagnostics through the Cloud
Finally, Remote Diagnostics™ was conceived to increase furnace uptime and availability through the analysis of equipment performance data. Real, data-driven reliability and maintainability (R&M) information supports continuous improvement efforts. As a first step, the abundance of data delivered through the IIoT is aggregated to effectively parse, diagnose, and highlight operational inefficiencies.
Next, virtual conference sessions are led by AFC-Holcroft personnel to collaborate with users on best practices, identify training needs, aid in knowledge capture, and provide optimization plans moving forward in a classic continuous improvement cycle.
Interestingly enough, it has become a source of synergy for continuous improvement efforts by allowing us to better understand users’ needs and incorporating them into designs and equipment of the future.
Addressing important day-to-day situations, Calibration Mode, Maintenance Module, and Remote Diagnostics are helpful tools for the forward-thinking BIQ furnace operator.
About the Author: Daniel Hill, PE, is a sales engineer with AFC-Holcroft, based in Wixom, Michigan. AFC-Holcroft is a leading North American manufacturer of industrial furnace systems used in the heat treatment of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
