Novel Furnace Material Investigation

Abstract A novel high temperature furnace design underwent burn-in testing to qualify the structure and associated control and process systems as a complete and operable system. The retort furnace design includes a UNS N06230 retort body surrounded by an element cavity, buffer liner plates, insulation, and a heat shield. During and after burn-in testing, several anomalies were observed, including discoloration of the retort, evidence of arcing, unexpected deposits, cracked and shattered buffer liner plates, and anomalous power and temperature spikes. A visual inspection and laboratory analysis of the deconstructed system was performed to investigate individual components. This paper will discuss the failure investigation and root cause analysis of the failed material components and anomalous readings.