Storing & Drying Advancer®
Storing and Drying Requirements for ADVANCER® Kiln Shelves
ADVANCER® Kiln Shelves (silicon nitride-bonded silicon carbide) are refractory components and should be stored in a dry, enclosed area.
ADVANCER® refractory components exposed to prolonged moisture penetration may result in catastrophic failure (i.e. steam explosion) during any rapid heat-up process of the kiln. Accordingly, DO NOT expose ADVANCER® refractory components to any prolonged moisture source including rain, snow, condensation, etc.
The application of kiln wash on ADVANCER® refractory components is an acceptable practice and is not considered a source of prolonged moisture.
If any ADVANCER® refractory components are exposed to prolonged moisture, the product must be completely dried before it is used at temperatures exceeding 212ºF (100ºC). As a general guideline for the drying of ADVANCER® refractory components, the product must be held slightly above the boiling point of water for a sufficient length of time to expel any moisture and as much steam as possible. The following is a recommended drying cycle for ADVANCER® refractory components exposed to prolonged moisture.
Recommended Dry Out Procedure
- Heat from ambient to 210ºF (99ºC) at a rate of 50ºF (28ºC)/hour.
- Slow heating rate to 25ºF (14ºC)/hour to 230ºF (110ºC).
- Hold at 230ºF (110ºC) for 12 hours ensuring that the entire load has reached the soak temperature before the timing of the soak has begun.
- Raise temperature to 350-500ºF (177-260ºC) at a rate of 100ºF (56oC)/hour.
- Hold soak temperature for 16 hours ensuring that the entire load has reached the soak temperature before the timing of the soak has begun.
- Cool naturally/slowly by turning off the heating source.