A manufacturer of vacuum insulation panels will use an electric walk-in oven to dry compressed insulation sheets at a maximum temperature of 500°F.

The enhanced-duty oven, built and delivered by Lewco Inc., includes a top-mounted electric heater box. A high efficiency circulation fan delivers horizontal airflow, providing uniform heat throughout the workspace. A small exhaust fan is included to discharge the moisture-laden air and pull in fresh makeup air.

Zero-speed switches on the fans eliminate nuisance shutdowns common with differential-pressure switches, according to the manufacturer. A custom multi-level cart also was included for the operator to roll the parts into and out of the oven with ease. The cart was designed with enough space between the shelves to allow proper airflow for drying.

The manufacturer required the oven to meet strict temperature uniformity requirements of ±10°F (±5.6°C) at an operating temperature of 500°F (260°C). A nine-point temperature uniformity test was conducted, and the results exceeded specifications.