Press Release

CENTORR/VACUUM INDUSTRIES INTRODUCES LINE OF SPECIALIZED BATCH AND CONTINUOUS FURNACES DESIGNED FOR SILICON CARBIDE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTERS AND REACTION BONDED SILICON CARBIDE ARTICLES

November 2001 - Nashua, NH -- Centorr/Vacuum Industries announced it has developed a variation of its standard Sintervac® line of batch furnaces designed specifically for SiC processing. This new furnace builds on the success of C/VI's experience in non-oxide ceramics and Tungsten Carbide hardmetals with modifications made specifically for SiC Diesel Particulate filter processing.

Centorr's design includes robust Graphite Tube and Block elements designed for use to 2800°C, with multiple zones of control for excellent temperature uniformity. The new "Graph-Tek" insulation package has been upgraded from common felt to our proprietary rigid board/CFC lining for long-term service even in the presence of process off-gassing or binder contamination. C/VI's Binder Removal System uses positive pressure flowthrough gas and includes a binder reservoir with integrated burnoff tower. The new dual flowthrough Sweepgas® system provides inert gas to both the chamber and retort ensures proper "sweeping" away of binders using preheated inert gas and minimum condensation of binder residue on the cold chamber walls. An optional design utilizes 1000°C heat for complete destruction of VOC's and the virtual elimination of offending exhaust byproducts. This proven system allows one furnace to accomplish two individual processes (binder removal + sintering), saving floor space, money, and maintenance costs for two separate pieces of capital equipment. Furnace control is via PLC/Programmable Controller or Centorr's in-house custom designed HMI visualization interface using award-winning Intellution® software. This event-based control offers extensive data acquisition functionality for supporting SPC and continuous improvement programs, and remote system operation.

The new Sintervac SiC is available in sizes from 2,3, 4.5, 9,16, and 25 cubic foot volumes.

Centorr's Cold-wall Graphite Pusher furnaces are designed for use in inert gas flowthrough or vacuum operation for temperatures up to 2500°C. They heat up and cool down in under 3 hours and provide unmatched temperature uniformity in a small cross-section.

Centorr/Vacuum Industries is a high temperature vacuum / controlled atmosphere furnace manufacturer with an installed base of over 5000 units worldwide. Their furnace offering ranges from large commercial and production units with hot zones over 3m x 3m, to smaller Lab and Research & Development furnaces for use at temperatures over 3000°C. They are located in Nashua, NH with a fully staffed Aftermarket Field Service group, and Applied Technology Center offering R&D support and toll production service. For more information please contact Scott K. Robinson at 603-595-7233 x 263.