Porcelain Enamel

As a recognized leader in enameling, KMI offers furnaces engineered to maximize efficiency, achieve an optimum firing curve and minimize dirt generation/infiltration and maintenance.

KMI Systems' Furnaces

KMI designs furnaces to cure enamel (wet or powder) from any of the major enamel suppliers.  Our furnaces finish parts uniformly and completely without discoloration or dirt rejects. We offer various options, including batch, intermittent or continuous type systems. Our heating system (electric or gas) is designed to gradually and steadily raise the part temperature from ambient to set point (1400 to 1600°F). Once the part reaches the set point, its temperature will be maintained within 1/2 to 1% from the top to the bottom of the part throughout the conveyor path in the furnace.

KMI furnaces have superior features:

• Bottom ventilation assuring non-deterioration of concrete surface under the furnace.
• Proven outer shell expansion design preventing uncontrolled shell deflections.
• Proven interior alloy expansion control system design preventing premature degradation of internal alloy.
• Anticipated six to fourteen year interior alloy life based on proven installations after many years of observation.
• The only furnace package developed, serviced and backed by enamelists.
• Multi-zone control allowing effective tailoring of the firing curve.
• Top-to-bottom temperature control consistency with a bottom heat provision and consistent graduated top-to-bottom heat flux input. 10ºF over a six foot parts package is typical.
• Staggered joint blanket insulating system provides the lowest heat loss of all available systems.
• Lower specific heat and higher thermal conductivity as all internal alloy is 35% nickel-15% chrome.
• Integration of internal, external and secondary heat recovery systems deliver the greatest degree of energy efficiency available for enameling operations.
• Advanced firing package is unmatched in component reliability and repeatability of performance.
• The only manufacturer with a proven powder air seal design which seals the end of the furnace.
• Using combustion air preheat, it delivers 10% higher firing efficiency than comparable systems.
• With preheat, the only system with rich condition supervision and alarms to warn of unsafe operation.
• Alloy shoe plate track (304 SS) decreases both dirt and maintenance.
• Adequate clearance built into firing chamber to minimize wrecks caused by fallen parts.
• Effective centerwall design results in long life and low maintenance.
• Dog Leg or “T” entrance/exit minimizes radiation losses.
• Furnace assembly is reasonably portable. Can be disassembled in 9 foot segments and moved if required.
• Capacity can be readily increased by adding 9’-0” or 4’-6” hot zone modules. Only the rear of the furnace expands. Can be completed over two (2) one-week summer shut downs.

Cooling Tunnels

Located after dry off ovens, bake ovens or furnaces, cooling tunnels bring part temperature down for handling ease. The tunnels are counter current-type and are fabricated from standing seam steel panels supported by a rigid framework. They are equipped with vaneaxial-type supply and exhaust fans to move air for cooling. Normally, the convection cooling air is drawn from and exhausted to the outside.

Frit Reclaim

Frit reclaim helps improve quality, reduce operating cost, and generally make the use of porcelain enamel more competitive as a quality coating. A totally self-contained frit reclaim spray booth system minimizes waste effluent and maximizes material utilization. The objectives are to improve the sprayers' environment and end the back breaking shoveling of overspray.

Enamel Dryers

Enamel dryers are convection dryers that can be direct fired or utilize the waste heat from the furnace for additional energy savings.