The “H” in HVAC refers to Heating, which got some researchers in Wales thinking, “Just how hot can we make it get?” Turns out, they were able to create temperatures that were figuratively “out of this world,” according to a recent Goodway HVAC Blog. Now, “extreme heating” is not normal in the HVAC field – and certainly not something we’d recommend – but this particular team was creating an ultra-hot furnace for a Materials Under Extreme Conditions lab at Wuhan University of Technology in China. How hot did their experimental furnace get? Try 30,000 degrees Celsius – half as hot as the sun, and hot enough to boil alumina, the super strong material used to construct glass furnaces and make steel!They were able to reach that extreme temperature by levitating specimens in argon gas, then heating them with high-powered lasers. But how does this apply to the HVAC field? Furnace explosions at steel mills and at other workplaces that require super-heating furnaces do occur and can have dire consequences. As technology advances, we’re finding easier and better ways to heat and melt materials. But, as the heat ramps up, so do the risks. Which is why industrial operators must become even more aware of how seemingly mundane chores. Common tasks such as boiler cleanings, descaling and inspections are now more important than ever in order to catch small problems before they create larger perhaps deadly – ones. It’s because of potential risks when new HVAC technology isn’t cared for correctly that cause HVAC training programs focus heavily on proper planning, installation, and maintenance of heating equipment, as well as ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Are you fascinated by heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation? Click here to learn more about how the Fortis HVAC program can help you turn your interest into a great career.
