Process and method for hot changing a VIM induction furnace

摘要

An apparatus, method and process directed to enabling a VIM induction furnace to be removed from a vacuum chamber while the induction furnace is still in a heated state without damaging the induction furnace. The induction furnace can include a power port that can be easily switched to an auxiliary cooling source to enable the induction furnace to be removed from the vacuum chamber while the induction furnace is still in a heated state.

主权项

1. A method for removing an induction furnace from a vacuum chamber prior to fully cooling said induction furnace comprising the steps of:
a) providing a first induction furnace that is positioned in a vacuum chamber, said first induction furnace at a temperature that requires cooling fluid to flow through said first induction furnace to prevent damage to said first induction furnace, said vacuum chamber includes a removable power port, said power port including a plurality of JIC power connectors that are removably connected to power leads of said power source that is positioned external to said vacuum chamber, at least one of said JIC power connectors includes a fluid baffle that at least partially directs a flow of cooling fluid in said JIC power connector to reduce regions of said JIC power connector that are absent said flow of cooling fluid; b) disconnecting said first induction furnace from a power source that is positioned external to said vacuum chamber; c) connecting an auxiliary cooling fluid source to said first induction furnace; and, d) removing said first induction furnace from said vacuum chamber while said auxiliary cooling fluid source is supplying cooling fluid to said first induction furnace, said first induction furnace at said time said first induction furnace is required from said vacuum chamber being at temperature that requires cooling fluid to flow through said first induction furnace to prevent damage to said first induction furnace.