| Client | Brush Wellman Inc. |
| Facility | The Middough Building |
| Location | Cleveland, OH |
Both Installed Manipulators
S.A.Technology was contracted by Brush Wellman to design, fabricate, install, and test a pair of complete beryllium production systems. These systems include reduction furnace carts, robotic cleaning manipulators, three different end effector tools, and tool storage carts. All of the systems had to meet strict containment requirements, including furnace room environmental monitoring and furnace exhaust gas ventilation. The manipulators were designed to be operated remotely, using a camera system and remote control consoles. To reduce system downtime during cleaning operations, the manipulators and cleaning tools were designed to operate within the furnace at 1600 °F. Heat transfer calculations and simulation models were developed to create a highly heat-resistant design, which was verified using SAT’s high temperature test furnace. An entire mockup of the Brush Wellman furnace bay was created in the SAT facility to allow for full in-house testing and demonstration for the client. After test completion, the systems were crated, shipped to the client’s facility, and installed by SAT personnel.
Furnace Cart & Tool Cart
Equipment Feature Overview:
- Manipulator and cleaning tools designed and tested to operate in 1600 °F environments
- Fully programmable for set cycle times
- Precision alignment of furnace assembly on rail system
- High temperature refractory material integrated into heat shielding system
- Reduced system downtime during cleaning operation
- Reducing water infiltration due to inclement weather
- Systems include furnace carts, robotic cleaning manipulators, three different end effector tools, and tool storage carts
Installed Manipulator