A detailed evaluation of furnace heating systems will be performed.  Topics of discussion will include application guidelines for both gas fired and electrically heated furnaces.  Heating system selection will consider operating temperature, processing atmosphere and heating method (radiant or convective heating) along with heating system orientation within the furnace chamber.

The evaluation will consist of a comparison of operating costs, environmental considerations and lifetime maintenance costs of the various systems.  Systems to be evaluated consist of alloy radiant tubes (single ended, U-tube, etc.), ceramic radiant tubes (single ended and U-tubes) and a variety of electrical element designs.  Actual case studies of the various heating systems will be presented with respect to maintenance and operating costs.