Laboratory Ovens & Heating Devices
Several styles and models of ovens are available. The most commonly used
ovens in the materials testing industry are listed; however, should you
require an oven not listed, we can help you. Please contact us.
When choosing a laboratory oven you should consider the following:
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Temperature-You will want to select
an oven with a maximum temperature rating greater than your maximum
temperature requirements. This will allow the set temperature to
be maintained more accurately. |
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Circulation-Ovens use either gravity convection
or mechanical draft (forced draft) to heat the oven contents. Gravity
convection ovens may have "cold" and/or "hot"
spots as the air inside the oven can become stagnant. Circulation
depends on the difference in the air temperature within the oven.
Typically, mechanical or forced draft ovens have fans that induce
air flow through the oven to produce even heating. Many ASTM and
AASHTO standards require use of a forced draft oven. |
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Size-Sample container size, the number of samples
and personal preference are important factors in properly sizing
an oven. An oven with extra interior capacity might be nice to have
but oversized ovens require more energy to heat, special electrical
power and can take up valuable space in the laboratory. Multiple
smaller ovens rather than one large oven may be a good choice. Nevertheless,
large ovens do have a place in the high-production laboratory or
when large sample sizes are needed such as aggregate or asphalt
testing. |
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Mounting-Should it be a table top or floor mount
model? |
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Motor protection- Should it be explosion-proof
for volatile samples? |
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Controls-Digital controls allow the operator
to easily set the temperature requirements and display the actual
oven temperature. |
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Location-Choose your oven location carefully.
Proper location can be a great time saver. Scales, balances and
ovens are the most frequently used items in the materials lab. Placing
them in the flow path of samples in the laboratory can be a great
time and labor saver. Ovens are often placed along a wall, with
the scales and balances located beside the oven or on a work table
in front of the oven. Be sure to consider exhaust requirements as
well! |
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