What Is A Class C Oven? Features Explained
We’ve all worked with an oven and some of us do it daily. Baking some cookies, roasting the turkey, making pizza, and so on. Even witnessed or worked on large commercial-grade food ovens.
These are all good have powerful working systems and are generally classified as regular ovens. But there are some Class C ovens or furnaces too. And what is a Class C oven you ask? They are the Hulks to your Ironman oven.
Class C ovens are industrial ovens. Which are used to process different materials like plastic, explosives, and rubber. They turn the raw materials into usable forms.
But there is more to them than meets the eye. And we are going to talk all about them.
What Is A Class C Oven Used For And Their Safety Features
As we mentioned earlier, class ovens are industrial ovens that process different materials in a flammable atmosphere. Also known as ‘Process Ovens’ or furnaces, they are used in huge processing plants that specialize in working with raw elements to make them usable.
Why Named Class C?
As with any other class of ovens, the Class C ovens also have to go by the National Fire Protection Association standards. NFPA 86 states that it should follow these specific guidelines, design, installation, construction, operation, and safety procedures to be an industrial processing oven. Hence the classification.
The Safety Features Of A Class C Oven
As Class C ovens are more than capable of handling and processing highly flammable and explosive materials, they come with a number of safety features.
Here are some of the most common ones.
- They have inbuilt Fire suppression systems.
- Interlocking system.
- Vents with explosion relief facility.
- Flame arrestors.
- Dedicated fuel shut-off valves.
Issues Regarding Class C Oven Operation
Class ovens are not easy to operate. This is due to their complex nature and highly flammable properties. Which is why they are only operated by highly trained professionals.
As they are hazardous and flammable due to their function, in case of any disaster, only a trained professional will be able to take proper action. Which is why they are classified as Class C.
A few well-known Class C oven manufacturers and ovens are,
- Blast Furnace Ovens from Primetals Technologies
- Continuous Annealing Furnaces from Tenova
- Fume Cure Ovens from Despatch Industries
- Plastics Processing Furnaces from Nissin Ishikawa
- Rubber Processing Furnaces from Furze & Smith
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers – FAQs
What is a Class D oven?
Class D ovens are industrial ovens that have pressure below the atmospheric level. It operates at a temperature above 5,000 degrees.
What is a Class A or Class B oven?
Class A ovens are industrial ovens that deal with flammable materials. Whereas Class B is also an industrial oven but doesn’t deal with flammable materials. Both of them have to go by the NFPA 86 requirements to be used as industrial devices.
What is required for a Class A oven?
A forced exhaust, airflow method, pressure relief panel, exhaust fan, and purge timer are required for a Class A oven.
Conclusion
Class C furnaces are industrial-grade ovens. They require trained individuals who know what they are doing. At the same time, they need to be placed by following your area’s NFPA rules. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, you will have to face legal action from the fire department.
