Oven for heating articles on conveyor

Abstract

An oven (500) for applying heat to articles (116) on a conveyor (114) is disclosed, comprising: an air inlet (102); an internal circulation path (108) comprising a main heat source (109); an exhaust port (112); the supplementary airflow path (104) opens into the internal circulation path (108); the supplemental airflow path (104) comprises: a set of supplemental air outlets (402) for exiting supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path (104), the set of supplemental air outlets (402) comprising: one or more nozzles (402a) for directing supplemental air onto a conveyor (114); and an internal circulation path inlet (502) for receiving make-up air at a location along the internal circulation path (108) such that the make-up air first mixes with circulation air before being injected toward the conveyor (114); and, the supplemental airflow path (104) comprises a valve (504) for controlling the amount of supplemental air allowed to enter the internal circulation path (108) via the internal circulation path inlet (502).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an oven for applying heat to articles on a conveyor. BACKGROUND

[0002] During a manufacturing process associated with an article, an oven can be used to apply heat to the article. For example, heat can be applied to an article to dry the article (e.g., to evaporate water or other kinds of solvent from the surface of the article) and / or to treat a substance (using heat) applied to the article. For example, heat is applied to a material applied to an article to cure the material. For another example, heat is applied to one or more paint materials applied to an article to cure the paint materials.

[0003] When heat is applied to an applied substance (e.g., paint material), certain volatile molecules can be released and become incorporated into the air surrounding the article. Therefore, the air within the oven needs to be managed. To generate heat, ovens proposed in some prior art generally use some form of fuel, such as natural gas. For example, natural gas is combusted to generate heat within the oven.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a number of improvements and / or solutions to the problems identified above in relation to ovens. SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an oven for applying heat to articles on a conveyor, the oven comprising: an air intake configured to receive an inflow of make-up air into a make-up air flow path; an internal circulation path comprising a primary heat source, air circulatable within the internal circulation path; an air exhaust configured to exhaust the air along the internal circulation path out of the oven so as to control an amount of contaminants flowing within the internal circulation path; the make-up air flow path merging into the internal circulation path; the make-up air flow path comprising: a set of make-up air outlets allowing the make-up air to exit the make-up air flow path; the set of make-up air outlets comprising: one or more nozzles configured to direct the make-up air onto the conveyor; and an internal circulation path inlet configured to receive the make-up air from the make-up air flow path at a location along the internal circulation path such that the make-up air mixes with the circulating air before being ejected towards the conveyor; and, the make-up air flow path comprising a valve configured to control an amount of make-up air allowed to enter the internal circulation path via the internal circulation path inlet.

[0006] Optionally, the oven comprises: a nozzle temperature detector installed upstream of the one or more nozzles and configured to detect one or more parameters indicative of a temperature of the make-up air passing through the one or more nozzles; and, a nozzle air flow detector installed upstream of the one or more nozzles and configured to detect one or more parameters indicative of an air flow of the make-up air pre-entering the one or more nozzles.

[0007] Optionally, the valve is controlled in accordance with a nozzle speed of the make-up air passing through the one or more nozzles, wherein the nozzle speed is determined based on the one or more parameters detected by the nozzle temperature detector and the one or more parameters detected by the nozzle air flow detector.

[0008] Optionally, the nozzle speed is controlled by the valve not to exceed a nozzle speed threshold.

[0009] Optionally, the nozzle speed threshold is in a range between 4 m / s and 11 m / s.

[0010] Optionally, the make-up air flow path comprises a make-up air flow generator configured to cause an inflow of make-up air through the air intake.

[0011] Optionally, the make-up air flow generator is configured to cause the inflow of the make-up air so as to replace air expelled from the air exhaust.

[0012] Optionally, the make-up air flow generator is configured to be controlled to provide a temperature-normalized inlet flow rate of the inflow received at the air intake that is the same or similar to a temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate of air expelled via the air exhaust.

[0013] Optionally, the oven comprises: an exhaust air flow detector configured to detect one or more parameters indicative of an air flow of air expelled via the air exhaust; and, an exhaust air flow temperature detector configured to detect one or more parameters indicative of a temperature of air expelled via the air exhaust, wherein the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate is determined based on the one or more parameters detected by the exhaust air flow detector and the one or more parameters detected by the exhaust air flow temperature detector.

[0014] Optionally, the oven includes an inlet airflow detector configured to detect one or more parameters indicative of the inflow air stream received at the air inlet, and an inlet airflow temperature detector configured to detect one or more parameters indicative of a temperature of the make-up air received at the air inlet, wherein the temperature normalized inlet flow rate is determined based on the one or more parameters detected by the inlet airflow detector and the one or more parameters detected by the inlet airflow temperature detector.

[0015] Optionally, the make-up air flow path includes a set of make-up air outlets configured to provide the make-up air from the make-up air flow path to a first location within the oven as part of the internal circulation path and / or to a second location within the oven as part of the internal circulation path, thereby merging the make-up air flow path into the internal circulation path, wherein: the first location is towards an entry point of the conveyor into the oven heating zone, and the second location is towards an exit point of the conveyor out of the heating zone.

[0016] Optionally, the set of make-up air outlets includes one or more nozzles configured to direct the make-up air onto the conveyor.

[0017] Optionally, the make-up air merging via the set of make-up air outlets towards the first location and / or the second location generates an air pressure greater than an ambient air pressure outside the oven at or proximate to the first location and / or the second location, respectively.

[0018] Optionally, the air inlet can be a first air inlet, the oven includes a second air inlet configured to receive an inflow of make-up air into the make-up air flow path; the make-up air flow path includes a first make-up air passageway to receive the make-up air from the first air inlet and a second make-up air passageway to receive the make-up air from the second air inlet.

[0019] Optionally, the set of make-up air outlets is configured to provide make-up air from the make-up air flow path to the first location and the second location; the first make-up air passageway leads to the first location, and the second make-up air passageway leads to the second location.

[0020] Optionally, the make-up air flow path includes an electric heater configured to provide heat to the make-up air flowing in the make-up air flow path prior to merging the make-up air into the internal circulation path.

[0021] Optionally, the primary heat source is a gas burner chamber located in the internal circulation path, through which the circulating air can pass.

[0022] Optionally, the gas burner chamber can be supplied with a gas comprising hydrogen, and the gas burner chamber can generate a flame exposed to the circulating air.

[0023] Optionally, the gas can be a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas, or the gas can be a mixture of hydrogen and liquefied petroleum gas.

[0024] Optionally, the heat exchange mechanism is controlled to directly provide heat to the make-up air, so that the make-up air has a temperature higher than ambient temperature before merging into the internal circulation path.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an oven system for applying heat to an article on a conveyor, the oven system comprising: a plurality of ovens as described in the first aspect; and a conveyor configured to convey the article in a conveying direction, wherein: the plurality of ovens are arranged linearly along the conveying direction; and the conveyor is configured to convey the article to and through a respective heating zone of each of the plurality of ovens.

[0026] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method for drying an article and / or curing paint material applied to an article, the method comprising: conveying the article on a conveyor through an oven, the oven comprising: an inlet configured to receive an inflow of make-up air into a make-up air flow path; an internal circulation path comprising a primary heat source, air circulatable within the internal circulation path; an outlet configured to expel air from the internal circulation path out of the oven so as to control an amount of contaminants flowing within the internal circulation path; wherein the make-up air flow path merges into the internal circulation path; the make-up air flow path comprising: a set of make-up air outlets allowing the make-up air to exit the make-up air flow path; the set of make-up air outlets comprising: one or more nozzles configured to direct the make-up air onto the conveyor; and an internal circulation path inlet configured to receive the make-up air from the make-up air flow path at a location along the internal circulation path such that the make-up air mixes with the circulating air before being ejected towards the conveyor; and, the make-up air flow path comprising a valve configured to control an amount of make-up air allowed to enter the internal circulation path via the internal circulation path inlet; and, controlling a nozzle speed of the make-up air through the one or more nozzles by controlling the valve.

[0027] Optionally, in the method according to the third aspect, the make-up air flow path of the oven comprises an electric heater providing heat to the make-up air flowing in the make-up air flow path before the make-up air merges into the internal circulation path; and the method comprises operating the electric heater to provide heat to the make-up air before the make-up air received through the inlet merges into the internal circulation path.

[0028] Optionally, in the method according to the third aspect, the make-up air flow path of the oven comprises a make-up air flow generator configured to cause an inflow of make-up air through the inlet at a flow rate so as to replace the air expelled from the outlet; and the method comprises operating the make-up air flow generator to provide the make-up air at a flow rate so as to replace the air expelled from the outlet when in use.

[0029] Optionally, in the method as described in the third aspect, the make-up airflow path of the oven comprises a set of make-up air outlets configured to provide make-up air from the make-up airflow path to a first location within the oven as part of the internal circulation path and / or to a second location within the oven as part of the internal circulation path, thereby merging the make-up airflow path into the internal circulation path, wherein: the first location is towards an entry point of the conveyor into the oven heating zone and the second location is towards an exit point of the conveyor out of the heating zone; and the method comprises: operating the oven to provide the make-up air from the make-up airflow path to the first location and / or to the second location using the set of make-up air outlets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a simplified diagram of an oven as described in the examples.

[0032] Figure 2 is a simplified diagram of an oven as described in the first set of examples Figure 1 is a simplified diagram of a first example of the oven shown.

[0033] Figure 3 is a simplified diagram of an oven as described in the second set of examples Figure 1 is a simplified diagram of a second example of the oven shown.

[0034] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C is a simplified diagram of an oven as described in the third set of examples Figure 1 is a simplified diagram of a third example of the oven shown.

[0035] Figure 5 is a simplified diagram of an oven as described in the fourth set of examples Figure 1 is a simplified diagram of a fourth example of the oven shown.

[0036] Figure 6 is a simplified diagram of an oven system as described in the examples.

[0037] Figure 7 is a flow diagram of a first method as described in the first set of examples.

[0038] Figure 8 is a flow diagram of a second method as described in the second set of examples.

[0039] Figure 9 is a flow diagram of a third method as described in the third set of examples.

[0040] Figure 10is a flowchart of a first method as described in the first set of examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present disclosure relates to an oven for applying heat to articles on a conveyor. In examples, the oven includes an air intake for receiving an inflow of make-up air. According to examples, the oven includes an internal circulation path including a primary heat source, air circulates within the internal circulation path, and an air exhaust configured to exhaust air from the internal circulation path out of the oven so as to control an amount of contaminants flowing within the internal circulation path. For example, the primary heat source provides heat to the circulating air circulating within the internal circulation path. Various more particular examples of the disclosed oven are discussed below.

[0042] Figure 1 is a simplified diagram of an oven 100 according to examples. The oven 100 includes an air intake 102 configured to receive an inflow of make-up air into a make-up air flow path 104. In Figure 1 In examples, the flow of make-up air flowing within the make-up air flow path 104 is represented by solid arrows 106. In Figure 1 In examples, the make-up air flow path 104 is a single passageway. However, in some examples, the make-up air flow path 104 can include multiple different passageways that together form the make-up air flow path 104.

[0043] In these examples, the oven 100 includes an internal circulation path 108 including a primary heat source 109. Existing air within the oven 100 circulates within the internal circulation path 108. In other words, the internal circulation path 108 is used for air circulation within the oven 100. In other words, the internal circulation path 108 causes air within the oven 100 to flow in a circulating manner between different regions of the oven 100. In this description, the term “circulating air” is used to refer to air circulating within the internal circulation path 108. The flow of circulating air within the internal circulation path 108 is generally represented by dashed arrows 110.

[0044] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the oven includes a heat source. For example, in the case of the oven classes referred to herein, there is typically a heat source that is capable of maintaining the air circulating in the internal circulation path 108 at (or relatively close to) a desired temperature. In these examples, the primary heat source 109 provides heat to the circulating air to maintain a desired temperature of the circulating air.

[0045] In these examples, the oven 100 includes an exhaust 112. The exhaust 112 is configured to exhaust air from the internal circulation path 108 out of the oven 100. Reference is made herein to "circulating air" being exhausted or "exhausted air." It will be understood that in either case, reference is made to the exhaust of air that is present within the internal circulation path 108 within the oven 100.

[0046] A conveyor 114 is shown in these examples. For example, the articles 116 can be conveyed through the oven 100 on the conveyor 114. For example, the oven 100 can include a body 406 within which certain parts of the oven 100 are housed. Within the body 406 can be a heating zone 408. The heating zone 408 is a location in which articles are intended to be positioned in order to be heated by the oven 100. For example, the heating zone 408 is part of the internal circulation path 108. For example, the internal circulation path 108 can include one or more passageways that direct circulating air. The one or more passageways of the internal circulation path 108 can merge into the heating zone 408 and receive circulating air from the heating zone 408. For example, the conveyor 114 is positioned in the heating zone 408 such that articles conveyed on the conveyor 114 are heated while positioned in the heating zone 408.

[0047] For example, the conveyor 114 can be in the form of a belt conveyor, a conveyor with rollers, etc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various types of conveyors can be used to move articles from one location to another during a manufacturing process. For example, as a portion of the conveyor 114 is positioned in the heating zone 408, a conveyor belt of the conveyor can be moved relative to the oven 100 to transport the articles 116 through the oven 100 in a direction of conveyance 410.

[0048] As described above, in examples in which the oven 100 is used to apply heat to the articles 116. The articles 116 can have one or more substances applied thereon that are reactive to the heat applied by the oven 100, and the oven 100 can be intended for use in applying heat to such articles. In some examples, the articles 116 have one or more substances applied thereon that are capable of releasing a contaminant into the air in a region of the article 116. For example, the exhaust 112 is configured to exhaust air from the internal circulation path 108 in order to control an amount of the contaminant flowing within the internal circulation path 108.

[0049] For example, as air is exhausted via the exhaust 112, air is drawn out of the internal circulation path 108. Thus, at least some of the contaminant molecules that can have been mixed into the air circulating within the internal circulation path 108 can thereby be removed.

[0050] As described above, some of the recirculated air can be vented to control the amount of one or more contaminants flowing within the internal recirculation path 108. In some examples, the amount of recirculated air to be vented can be determined based on explosion limit calculations. For example, explosion limit calculations can be performed to determine a contaminant threshold for the amount (or concentration) of contaminants tolerable within the internal recirculation path 108 without making the explosion risk exceed the desired / acceptable range. The oven can then be controlled to not exceed the contaminant threshold. For example, explosion limit calculations can be based on the weight of one or more solvents present on the articles 116 entering the oven and the number of such articles entering the oven per unit time. For example, contaminants are introduced into the internal recirculation path 108 due to the evaporation of one or more solvents inside the oven.

[0051] For example, the amount of recirculated air discharged can be controlled so as not to exceed a contaminant threshold. For example, one or more dampers in the path of the discharged recirculated air can be controlled so as not to exceed the contaminant threshold. Alternatively or alternatively, an exhaust airflow generator can be provided and controlled to discharge sufficient recirculated air to exceed the contaminant threshold.

[0052] For example, replacing lost air with supplemental air (which does not contain contaminants before mixing with recirculating air) can also help control contaminant concentrations so as to help not exceed contaminant thresholds. The term "supplemental" air is used herein. In examples, supplemental air can be any gas suitable for use within oven 100 that does not contain any significant amounts of contaminants that may be present in the internal recirculation path 108 during use. For example, supplemental air can simply be fresh air from the external environment of oven 100. In some examples, supplemental air may be drawn from outdoor space and fed to the air inlet 102 of oven 100. In some examples, supplemental air can be air with a specific composition. For example, supplemental air with a specific composition may be stored (e.g., in a gas storage container) and then fed into oven 100. The type of supplemental air used can depend on the type of operation the oven is used for, the type of items being processed, the type of substance being coated on the items, etc.

[0053] For example, when air is removed via exhaust port 112, it may be necessary to introduce replacement air into oven 100 to take its place in internal circulation path 108. This replacement air is referred to herein as “replenish” air and is drawn in via intake port 102.

[0054] In these examples, supplemental airflow path 104 merges into internal circulation path 108. For example, supplemental airflow path 104 merges into the area of ​​oven 100 where air already circulates within internal circulation path 108. For example, after the supplemental air leaves supplemental airflow path 104, it mixes with the air circulating within internal circulation path 108. For example, supplemental air merging into internal circulation path 108 includes supplemental air that is directly supplied to heating zone 408 (e.g., directly directed to conveyor 114 before any significant opportunity for the supplemental air to mix with circulating air).

[0055] In some examples, the purpose of oven 100 is to apply heat to articles on which one or more substances are present. For example, article 116 is an article coated with one or more paints. For example, oven 100 can be used to dry article 116 by evaporating one or more substances (such as water or other solvents). For example, oven 100 can be used to cure or partially cure one or more paints applied to article 100.

[0056] In some examples, article 116 is a food container, such as a can. Article 116 may include various materials used for such containers, such as aluminum. However, article 116 can be any kind of article in which heat may be expected to be applied during the manufacturing process, and is not limited to a particular food container.

[0057] In some examples, oven 100 includes one or more processors that communicate with one or more components of oven 100. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Alternatively or alternatively, a control system including one or more processors may be provided, the control system being located outside the oven 100. For example, one or more processors may be configured to transmit data to and / or from one or more components of the oven 100. For example, one or more processors may be configured to transmit control signals to one or more components of the oven 100. As another example, one or more processors may be configured to receive detection signals from one or more components of the oven 100. In the following description (for the sake of brevity and simplicity), references are made to a single processor performing certain tasks.

[0058] For example, a processor communicates with a computer-readable storage device that stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform certain tasks according to the examples described herein. The computer-readable storage device can be used for long-term data storage, such as a hard disk drive, flash memory, solid-state drive, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), etc.

[0059] For example, the processor also communicates with a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (such as random access memory (RAM)) for short-term data storage in preparation of operations. Those skilled in the art will understand how the processor can be configured with other data processing components to provide functionality relevant to the described example. For instance, the processor controls the amount of recirculated air emitted as described above by communicating / exchanging signals with appropriate components of the oven 100 (such as exhaust fans, associated detectors, etc.).

[0060] It should be noted that various flow paths are mentioned in this document. A specific flow path may include a single passage for airflow, or it may include multiple passages. Multiple passages may share an inlet and / or outlet, or they may have separate respective inlets and / or outlets.

[0061] The following discussion focuses on a more specific example of oven 100. In the description of the following examples, the same reference numerals are used for similar features.

[0062] First set of examples

[0063] The first set of examples is from the previous section... Figure 1 A more specific version of the described example. In addition to the features discussed above, in the oven according to the first set of examples, the supplementary airflow path 104 includes an electric heater to provide heat to the supplementary air flowing in the supplementary airflow path before it merges into the internal circulation path 108.

[0064] Figure 2 This is a simplified schematic of the first oven 200 as described in the first set of examples. The first oven 200 represents... Figure 1 A more specific example of the oven 100 shown.

[0065] exist Figure 2 In the examples shown, an electric heater 202 is provided. In these examples, the electric heater 202 is positioned relative to the supplementary airflow path 104 such that the electric heater provides heat to the supplementary air upstream of any point where the supplementary air merges with the internal circulation path 108.

[0066] As described above, a primary heat source 109 is provided for providing heat to the circulating air. In these examples, an electric heater 202 is an auxiliary heat source. In these examples, the electric heater 202 provides heat directly to the makeup air. For example, the electric heater 202 is configured to preheat the makeup air before it mixes with the circulating air. For example, the electric heater 202 is controlled to provide heat directly to the makeup air such that the makeup air has a temperature higher than the ambient temperature before it enters the internal circulation path 108.

[0067] Advantageously, this means that less heat needs to be provided to the circulating air in order to maintain a particular temperature when make-up air is added to the circulating air. For example, pre-heating the make-up air using the electric heater 202 reduces the demand for the primary heat source 109. For example, if the make-up air is not pre-heated and mixed with the circulating air, the primary heat source 109 needs to provide more heat per unit time in order to maintain the circulating air at a particular temperature. On the other hand, if the make-up air is at a higher temperature (due to operation of the electric heater 202) before being mixed with the circulating air, the primary heat source 109 only needs to provide relatively less heat per unit time to the circulating air in order to maintain the same temperature.

[0068] In some examples, the primary heat source 109 is a gas burner chamber located in the internal circulation path 108 through which the circulating air passes. For example, the gas burner chamber 109 generates heat by combusting a gas (which can be a mixture of gases).

[0069] For example, providing the electric heater 202 reduces the demand for the gas burner chamber 109, which advantageously means that the gas burner chamber 109 can consume less gas during operation. Thus, the first oven 200 according to these examples can use less fuel for the gas burner chamber 109. The first oven 200 can be referred to as a hybrid oven. For example, the first oven 200 is a hybrid oven in the sense that it utilises two different types of energy source to provide heat. In these particular examples, the first oven 200 uses electricity and gas.

[0070] The electric heater 202 can be an electric resistance heater. For example, the electric heater 202 comprises an electrically conductive element which generates heat when an electric current is passed through the electrically conductive element. In some other examples, the electric heater can be a convection heater. In some examples, the electric heater can be an in-line heater.

[0071] As described above, the electric heater 202 provides heat to the make-up air before the make-up air merges into the internal circulation path 108. Furthermore, as described above, contamination can mix in the circulating air flowing within the internal circulation path 108. For example, inserting an electric heater into an air flow path can introduce physical features (e.g. a particular surface area) on which particles from the air circulating within the path can deposit and build up. It can be undesirable to provide such physical features in the internal circulation path 108 to avoid the deposition and build-up of contamination. For example, such deposition and build-up can have an adverse effect on the operation of the oven. As described earlier, because the contamination can be volatile, the circulating air can be vented based on an explosive limit calculation. In some examples, the contamination can be undesirable because the risk of an uncontrolled reaction (such as an explosion) can increase if the contamination builds up on such physical features beyond a threshold.

[0072] It is advantageous that positioning the electric heater 202 in the described manner provides heat to the make-up air before the make-up air has a chance to mix with the circulating air, which means that additional physical features are not added to the flow path of air containing contamination while still providing the advantage of adding an electric heat source.

[0073] In some examples, the gas burner chamber 109 is supplied with a gas containing hydrogen, and the gas burner chamber 109 is configured to generate a flame that can be exposed to the circulating air. For example, the gas burner chamber 109 forms a region of the internal circulation path 108 such that the gas burner chamber 109 receives circulating air, applies heat to the received circulating air, and releases the heated air into the remainder of the internal circulation path 108.

[0074] In some such examples, the gas is a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas, or the gas is a mixture of hydrogen and liquefied petroleum gas. On the other hand, in some examples, the gas contains hydrogen and does not contain natural gas. It is advantageous that using hydrogen means that carbon emissions associated with using the first oven 200 are reduced. For example, if the gas contained only natural gas (which burns to cause carbon emissions), then the carbon emissions would be higher than if hydrogen was incorporated into the gas.

[0075] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the costs associated with hydrogen are higher. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that obtaining hydrogen is more expensive than obtaining natural gas. For example, while the operating costs associated with using hydrogen may be lower in some cases, the capital costs associated with hydrogen are higher. Those skilled in the art will also understand that there may be logistical difficulties associated with obtaining hydrogen (e.g., related to a specific amount of supply, transportation of hydrogen, storage of hydrogen, etc.). However, the use of hydrogen becomes more feasible for a given usage scenario requiring a smaller amount of hydrogen. For example, the described barriers to using hydrogen may be less significant (less harmful) for a smaller amount of hydrogen compared to a larger amount. The first oven 200 according to these examples reduces the amount of gas that needs to be consumed by the gas burner chamber 109. This reduction makes the use of hydrogen more feasible in these examples.

[0076] Therefore, the manner in which the first oven 200 includes the electric heater 202 makes it more feasible for the main heat source 109 to contain hydrogen in its combustion gas. The first oven 200 employs both an electric heat source and another heat source of burning fuel; in a sense, the first oven can be defined as a “hybrid” oven.

[0077] In some examples, the supplementary airflow path 104 includes a supplementary airflow generator. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image), the supplemental airflow generator is configured to cause the inflow of supplemental air through the air inlet 102. For example, the supplemental airflow generator can be configured to control the amount of supplemental air added to the internal circulation path 108. For example, when more supplemental air is needed, the supplemental airflow generator can be operated to cause more supplemental air to flow through the air inlet 102. For example, by operating the supplemental airflow generator, supplemental air can be actively pushed into the supplemental airflow path 104. In some examples, the supplemental airflow generator is a component that generates airflow by means of physical motion (such as rotation, for example, the supplemental airflow generator is a fan).

[0078] For example, the features described in the first set of examples can be combined with any other features described in this article.

[0079] According to the first set of examples, a method is provided. For example, a method according to the first set of examples for drying an article and / or curing a paint applied to an article (e.g., such as article 116). For example, the method may be used solely to dry water present on the article. For example, the method may be used to dry the article by removing other solvents from it (e.g., evaporating them). For example, the method may be used to cure a paint. Figure 7A flowchart of a first method 700 according to the first set of examples is shown. In block 702 of the first method 700 it is recited that the articles 116 on the conveyor 114 are conveyed through the first oven 200. In some examples of the first method 700, the first oven 200 as described in the first set of examples is used. In other words, in these examples, an oven comprising the described electric heater 202 is used. In block 704 of the first method 700 it is recited that the electric heater 202 is operated to provide heat to make-up air received through the air inlet 102 before the make-up air merges into the internal circulation path 108.

[0080] Based on this approach, a method of heating make-up air to be supplied to the internal circulation path 108 to achieve preheating is provided. For example, the use of the first method 700 provides the advantages discussed above in relation to the first oven 200.

[0081] Second set of examples

[0082] The second set of examples is a more specific version of the examples described above in relation to the first set of examples. In some examples, the features of the second set of examples can also be combined with the features described in relation to the first set of examples. In these examples, in addition to the features discussed above in relation to the first set of examples, the make-up air flow generator is configured to cause the inflow of make-up air through the air inlet 102 at a flow rate so as to replace the air expelled from the air outlet 112. Figure 1 Figure 1

[0083] Figure 3 A simplified diagram of a second oven 300 according to the second set of examples is shown. The second oven 300 is a more specific example of the oven 100 shown above. Figure 1

[0084] In the example shown in Figure 3 there is a make-up air flow generator 302. As described above, in some examples, the make-up air flow generator 302 comprises a fan configured to cause air to enter the air inlet 102 from outside the second oven 300. For example, the make-up air flow generator 302 is configured to be controlled to vary the intensity of the make-up air caused by the make-up air flow generator to enter the air inlet 102. For example, the speed of the fan can be controlled in dependence on the amount of air expelled from the air outlet 112.

[0085] ​​​As an example, the supplemental air flow generator 302 can be controlled by a processor as described (e.g., provided as part of the second oven 300 or externally). In some examples, the supplemental air flow generator 302 is configured to be controlled to provide a temperature-normalized inlet flow rate of supplemental air received at the air intake 102 that is the same or similar to a temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate of air exhausted via the air exhaust 112. For example, the supplemental air flow generator 302 is configured to provide and controlled to provide a temperature-normalized inlet flow rate that is suitable to replace air exhausted via the air exhaust 112 within the second oven 300. It will be appreciated that, for example, a fan can be selected according to speed ranges, size, and other operating characteristics to move the desired amount of air per unit time.

[0086] In these examples, a temperature-normalized flow rate refers to a flow rate of air flow normalized via the temperature of the air. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a flow rate corresponds to the volume of air moved per unit time (e.g., the velocity of the air flow multiplied by the area through which the air passes), and is measured in m3 / s. For example, the density of air (the number of air molecules per unit volume of air) can vary according to temperature. In contrast, hotter air can have a lower density, and cooler air can have a higher density. Thus, a flow rate of air flow can mean that the amount of air flowing through a point varies (e.g., the number of air molecules varies) according to the temperature of the air. 3

[0087] For example, if the temperature of the air in question is known, a flow rate value associated with the air can be normalized according to the temperature to obtain a temperature-normalized flow rate. For example, temperature-normalized flow rates can be compared without regard to temperature to provide information about the amount of air entering or leaving the second oven 300. In some examples, a temperature-normalized flow rate is determined using the following equation.

[0088]

[0089] In equation (1) above, Qnrepresents a temperature-normalized flow rate, Qtrepresents an actual flow rate (not normalized by temperature), and T represents an actual temperature.

[0090] For example, a temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate reflects the amount of recirculated air (e.g., the number of moles of recirculated air or the number of molecules of recirculated air) that leaves the second oven 300 via the air exhaust 112. To maintain a desired amount of air circulating within the internal circulation path 108 of the second oven 300, lost air is replaced by supplemental air flowing in via the air intake 102. Controlling the supplemental air flow generator 302 in the manner described controls the flow of supplemental air to achieve the input of an appropriate amount of supplemental air to replace recirculated air that has been exhausted.​

[0091] For example, if the temperature normalized inlet flow rate is the same (or similar) to the temperature normalized exhaust flow rate, then the amount (in terms of moles or number of molecules) of intake make-up air is the same (or similar) to the amount (in terms of moles or number of molecules) of exhaust air regardless of the temperature difference between the intake make-up air and the exhaust air.

[0092] In some examples, it is necessary to determine the temperature normalized exhaust flow rate of the recirculated air being exhausted. For example, the recirculated air being exhausted (e.g., as the recirculated air is being exhausted) can be measured to determine the temperature normalized exhaust flow rate.

[0093] In some examples, the second oven 300 includes an exhaust air flow detector 304 that detects one or more parameters indicative of the air flow being exhausted via the exhaust port 112. For example, the exhaust air flow detector 304 is placed in a suitable position relative to the exhaust port 112 so as to be able to detect one or more parameters associated with the air being exhausted from the exhaust port 112.

[0094] In some examples, the second oven 300 includes an exhaust air flow temperature detector 306 that detects one or more parameters indicative of the temperature of the air being exhausted via the exhaust port 112. For example, the exhaust air flow temperature detector 306 is placed in a suitable position so as to be able to measure one or more parameters corresponding to the temperature of the air. In other words, both detectors 304, 306 measure the same air. In this way, the speed measurement corresponds to the temperature measurement.

[0095] In some examples, the exhaust air flow detector 304 can be a differential pressure sensor that measures the static pressure and the dynamic pressure (examples of the respective one or more parameters detected by the exhaust air flow detector 304), which can then be used to determine the total pressure associated with the air flowing through the exhaust port 112. After determining the total pressure, a dynamic pressure calculation can then be used to determine the speed of the air flowing through the exhaust port 112. It will be appreciated that, by virtue of the exhaust air flow temperature detector 306, the temperature of the air flowing through the exhaust port 112 is known, and from this the density of the air can also be determined and used in the relevant calculations. The determined speed, in combination with the dimensions (e.g., diameter) of the exhaust port 112 (or a duct associated with the exhaust port 112, as the case can be), can be used to determine the volume of air being exhausted per unit of time (in other words, the exhaust flow rate).

[0096] In these examples, the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate is determined based on one or more parameters detected by the exhaust gas flow detector and one or more parameters detected by the exhaust gas flow temperature detector. In other words, the flow of exhaust air is determined in the manner described above, and normalized according to equation (1) above to yield the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate.

[0097] For example, the exhaust gas flow detector 304 is in communication with the processor as described. Also for example, the exhaust gas flow temperature detector 306 is in communication with the processor as described. The processor can receive one or more parameters detected by the exhaust gas flow detector 304 and one or more parameters detected by the exhaust gas flow temperature detector 306. The processor can then use these parameters to determine the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various parameters capable of indicating temperature can be employed (e.g., resistance of a circuit component in a resistance temperature detector that measures temperature based on changes in resistance).

[0098] Accordingly, an indication of the amount of air being exhausted through the exhaust port 112 can be determined. As described above, the amount of recirculated air that should be exhausted can be determined based on an explosion limit calculation. For example, the processor controls the amount of air that is exhausted according to the described explosion limit calculation. For example, the use of the exhaust gas flow detector 304 and the exhaust gas flow temperature detector 306 can additionally allow for better control of the amount of recirculated air that is exhausted so as to remain below the threshold associated with the explosion limit calculation.

[0099] The processor can then be in communication with the makeup gas flow generator 302 to manipulate the makeup gas flow generator 302 to produce the same (or similar) temperature-normalized inlet flow rate so that the exhausted air is replaced so as to not run out of recirculated air.

[0100] For example, the processor sends a control signal to the makeup gas flow generator 302 to cause the makeup gas flow generator 302 to produce the same / similar temperature-normalized inlet flow rate. In some examples, the processor can access a predetermined signal that is to be sent to the makeup gas flow generator 302 according to the desired temperature-normalized inlet flow rate. For example, the processor can access data indicating a correspondence between control signals to be sent to the makeup gas flow generator 302 and the temperature-normalized flow rate provided by the makeup gas flow generator 302 in response to the signals. The processor can then determine the appropriate signal according to the data and the desired temperature-normalized flow rate, and send that signal to the makeup gas flow generator 302. As an example, the processor controls the amount of electrical power to be supplied to a fan (e.g., the makeup gas flow generator 302).

[0101] In some examples, the second oven 300 may not include the exhaust gas flow detector 304 and the exhaust gas flow temperature detector 306. As described above, the processor can control the amount of discharged recirculated air in other ways. For example, the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate can be determined based on the control method of the discharged recirculated air. For example, an exhaust gas flow generator (such as an exhaust fan) can be provided. Figure 3 (Not shown in the diagram) to cause some of the recirculated air in the recirculated air to be discharged through exhaust port 112. For example, the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate can be determined based on the operation of the exhaust flow generator. For example, the processor can determine the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate based on the temperature maintained by the recirculated air and the intensity of driving the exhaust flow generator. For example, the processor can perform control to drive the exhaust flow generator such that the associated exhaust flow rate corresponds to the desired exhaust flow rate, thereby maintaining the system within the contaminant threshold range.

[0102] Alternatively or alternatively, the second oven 300 may include an inlet airflow detector 308. In these examples, the inlet airflow detector 308 detects one or more parameters indicating the incoming airflow received at the inlet 102. In some examples, the second oven 300 includes an inlet airflow temperature detector 310, which detects one or more parameters indicating the temperature of the air received at the inlet 102. In other words, the inlet airflow temperature detector 310 detects the temperature of the received supplementary air. In these examples, the supplementary airflow generator 302 may be controlled based on the parameters detected by the inlet airflow detector 308 and the inlet airflow temperature detector 310.

[0103] For example, the temperature-normalized inlet velocity can be determined based on one or more parameters detected by the inlet airflow detector 308 and one or more parameters detected by the inlet airflow temperature detector 310. For example, the temperature-normalized inlet velocity can be determined in a manner similar to that described above regarding the temperature-normalized exhaust velocity. In such examples, the supplementary airflow generator 302 can be controlled such that the determined temperature-normalized inlet velocity (based on measurements from the relevant detectors) becomes the same as or similar to the temperature-normalized exhaust velocity (determined based on the described exhaust airflow detectors 304, 306 or otherwise).

[0104] For example, the processor can determine the temperature-normalized inlet flow rate and compare it with the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate. Based on the determined difference between the temperature-normalized inlet flow rate and the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate, the processor can control the operation of the supplementary airflow generator 302 to reduce or eliminate the difference.

[0105] Reference is made herein to the same or similar flow rates. It will be appreciated that the temperature normalized flow rate of the inhaled air and the exhausted air are made equal, with the aim of maintaining the air circulating within the internal circulation path 108 at a particular amount. Thus, as used herein, "similar" means that the flow rates in question are sufficiently similar (e.g., substantially the same within an acceptable tolerance) such that the operation of the oven is not significantly affected by an undesirable decrease or increase in the amount of circulating air in the internal circulation path 108.

[0106] As described earlier, the circulating air can be maintained within the contaminant threshold range by controlling the amount of circulating air that is exhausted. A second set of examples provides ways of matching the inflow of make-up air to the exhaust flow rate (e.g., setting the exhaust flow rate to maintain the system below the contaminant threshold), so that make-up air that is free of contaminants is able to properly replace the exhausted circulating air that does not exceed the contaminant threshold.

[0107] According to the second set of examples, a method can be provided. For example, the method provided according to the second set of examples can be used to dry an article and / or to cure a paint material applied to an article (e.g., such as the article 116). For example, the method can be used to dry only water present on an article. For example, the method can be used to dry an article by removing other solvents (e.g., evaporating other solvents) from the article. For example, the method can be used to cause a paint material to cure. Figure 8 A flowchart of a second method 800 according to the second set of examples is shown. In block 802 of the second method 800, it is recited that the article 116 on the conveyor 114 is conveyed through the second oven 300. In these examples of the second method 800, the second oven 300 according to the second set of examples is used. In other words, in these examples, the make-up air flow path 104 includes the make-up air flow generator 302 configured to cause the inflow of make-up air through the air inlet 102 at a flow rate to replace the air exhausted from the air outlet 112.

[0108] In block 804 of the second method 800, it is recited that the make-up air flow generator 302 is operated to provide a flow rate of make-up air to replace, in use, the air exhausted from the air outlet 112. In this way, a method of controlling the amount of air within the second oven 300 is provided, such that the exhausted circulating air is replaced by a corresponding amount of make-up air. For example, the use of the second method 800 provides the advantages discussed above with respect to the second oven 300.

[0109] Third set of examples

[0110] A third set of examples is the first set of examples described earlier Figure 1more specific versions of the described examples. In some examples, the features of the third group of examples can also be combined with the features described for the first group of examples and / or the features described for the second group of examples. In these examples, in addition to the features discussed above in relation to Figure 1 the supplemental air flow path 104 includes an air flow generator configured to cause the inflow of supplemental air through the air intake 102. For example, the air flow generator in these examples can be as described above in relation to the second group of examples. In these examples, the supplemental air flow path 104 includes a set of supplemental air outlets configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental air flow path 104 to a first location within the oven as part of the internal circulation path 108 and / or to a second location within the oven as part of the internal circulation path 108, thereby merging the supplemental air flow path 104 into the internal circulation path 108. In these examples, the first location is towards an entry point of the conveyor 114 into the heating zone 408 of the oven, and the second location is towards an exit point of the conveyor out of the heating zone 408.

[0111] In some examples, the set of supplemental air outlets is configured to provide supplemental air to the first location. In other examples, the set of supplemental air outlets is configured to provide supplemental air to the second location. In some examples, the set of supplemental air outlets is configured to provide supplemental air to both the first location and the second location. Thus, supplemental air can be delivered to a desired location within the oven, for example at a particular region of the heating zone 408 and directed onto the conveyor 114.

[0112] Figure 4A is a first simplified illustration of a third oven 400 according to a third group of examples. The third oven 400 is Figure 1 a more specific example of the oven 100 shown. In the example of Figure 4, a set of supplemental air outlets 402 is provided.

[0113] In some examples, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 includes one supplemental air outlet. In other examples, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 includes a plurality of supplemental air outlets. In some examples, at least some of the supplemental air outlets 402 are provided in the form of a nozzle. In some examples, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 includes one or more nozzles that direct supplemental air onto the conveyor 114.

[0114] In examples where Figure 4A the set of supplemental air outlets 402 includes one nozzle 402a (hereinafter referred to as a first nozzle 402a) that directs supplemental air onto the conveyor 114. In examples where Figure 4AIn the example, the first nozzle 402a is configured to provide supplemental air to a first position 404, which corresponds to the position where the conveyor 114 enters the vicinity of the third oven 400 in the conveying direction 410. In other words, the first position 404 is oriented towards the entry point of the conveyor 114 into the heating zone of the third oven 400. For example, as Figure 4A to Figure 4C As shown, the first position is closer to the entry point of the conveyor 114 into the heating zone 408 than the center of the heating zone 408 of the third oven 400. As described above, the heating zone 408 is a portion of the interior of the body 406 of the third oven 400 surrounding the conveyor 114. For example, the heating zone 408 is the area in which recirculated air circulates. For example, the heating zone 408 is part of the internal circulation path 108. In these examples, the first nozzle 402a is configured, based on its position within the third oven 400, to provide supplemental air to the first position 404.

[0115] An advantage is that, since the first nozzle 402a is configured to direct supplemental air to the first position 404, the conveyed article 116 first encounters supplemental air (which does not contain significant contaminants), because at the first position, the supplemental air begins to mix with the circulating air present in the heating zone 408. For example, as the article 116 moves further into the heating zone 408, the concentration of contaminants can increase.

[0116] As described above, in some examples, features may be incorporated into the first set of examples. For example, the third oven 400 may include an electric heater 202. Figure 4A (Not shown in the diagram) to provide heat to the supplemental air before it enters the internal circulation path 108. Therefore, in some examples, the supplemental air may be preheated. In some such examples, the preheated supplemental air may have a temperature higher than ambient temperature but lower than the temperature of the circulating air. In such examples, directing the preheated supplemental air to the first location 404 allows the article 116 to experience a more gradual temperature rise upon entering the oven. For example, if preheated supplemental air were not provided to the first location 404, the article 116 might experience a more extreme temperature gradient upon entering the heating zone 408. For example, the conveyor 114 transports articles, such as article 116, through the heating zone 408 as indicated by arrow 410. For example, a gradual temperature rise during article heating provides a better temperature profile, which in some cases is beneficial for article shaping, prevents over-curing, reduces excess contaminants, and improves the final cured product.

[0117] In some examples, the supplemental air that is channeled via the set of supplemental air outlets 402 toward the first location and / or the second location generates a pressure that is greater than the ambient air pressure outside the third oven 400 at or near the first location and / or the second location, respectively. For example, the third oven 400 is vented to the environment at the locations where the conveyor 114 enters and exits the body 406 of the third oven 400. For example, the body 406 can be provided with an opening at a first end (near the first location 404) for receiving the conveyor 114, and can be provided with another opening at a second end opposite the first end for the conveyor 114 to exit the body 406.

[0118] For example, because the third oven 400 is vented to the environment near the first location 404 where the conveyor 114 enters the body 406 of the third oven 400, air can be drawn into the third oven 400 at the location where the conveyor 114 enters the body 406. For example, when the circulating air is exhausted through the exhaust 112, a negative pressure can be generated in the internal circulation path 108 in the heating zone 408, causing air to be drawn in. Such air draw-in can be undesirable. For example, the location and / or amount of air drawn in by this means can not be well controlled. Furthermore, in the particular example where the electric heater 202 is provided, it is desirable that the supplemental air that is drawn in to replace the exhausted air is pre-heated, and drawing in cooler ambient air can be undesirable.

[0119] However, in the example of Figure 4A it is advantageous that the first nozzle 402a is configured to direct supplemental air to the first location 404 to generate an additional pressure (greater than the ambient air pressure outside the third oven 400) near the first location 404, which, due to the presence of the pressure, inhibits ambient air from being drawn in near the first location 404. Figure 4B is a second simplified illustration of the third oven 400 as shown in the third set of examples. In the example of Figure 4B the set of supplemental air outlets 402 is configured to provide supplemental air to both the first location 404 and the second location 412. In these examples, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 includes a first nozzle 402a and a second nozzle 402b. The second nozzle 402b is positioned to provide supplemental air to the second location 412 (toward the location where the conveyor 114 exits the third oven 400). For example, as shown in Figure 4B and Figure 4C the second location is closer to the exit point of the conveyor 114 from the heating zone 408 than the second location is to the center of the heating zone 408 of the third oven 400.

[0120] In the example of Figure 4BIn the example of Fig. 4, the second nozzle 402b is configured to direct make-up air to the second location 412 to likewise generate an additional air pressure (greater than the ambient air pressure outside the third oven 400) in the vicinity of the second location 412, which due to the presence of said air pressure, suppresses the intake of air in the vicinity of the second location 412. In Figure 4B In the example of Fig. 4, the intake of ambient air in the vicinity of the first location 404 and the second location 412 is suppressed.

[0121] Based on this approach, control over how or where make-up air is delivered into the internal circulation path 108 can be obtained. Moreover, based on this approach, for example, the flow rate of make-up air delivered into the oven can be controlled more finely (by controlling the make-up air flow generator). Furthermore, in examples where pre-heating of the make-up air is desired, the inflow of ambient temperature air in the vicinity of the first location 404 can be avoided, such that a temperature gradient within the heating zone 408 (in the direction of the arrow 410) can be controlled better as the article 116 moves towards the center of the heating zone 408 (in the direction of the conveyance direction 410). For example, the highest temperature within the third oven 400 can be located at or in the vicinity of the center of the heating zone 408. For example, controlling the degree of progression of the temperature increase can be considered in dependence of the paint material applied to the article 116. For example, the desired degree of progression of the temperature increase can depend on the thickness of the paint material applied to the article 116 and / or the composition of the paint material.

[0122] In some examples, one or more extraction inlets can be provided in the vicinity of the first location 404 (which can be inside the body 406 or outside the body 406), and / or one or more extraction inlets can be provided in the vicinity of the second location 412 (which can be inside the body 406 or outside the body 406). For example, the extraction inlets are configured to extract air that attempts to escape the oven at a location where the conveyor 114 enters the oven in the vicinity of the first location 404, and / or to extract air that attempts to escape the oven at a location where the conveyor 114 exits. For example, the extraction inlets are configured to extract air that attempts to enter the oven at a location where the conveyor 114 enters the oven in the vicinity of the first location 404, and / or to extract air that attempts to enter the oven at a location where the conveyor 114 exits. The one or more extraction inlets (whether in the vicinity of the first location 404 or in the vicinity of the second location 412) form part of the internal circulation path 108. For example, any air extracted by the one or more extraction inlets is channeled to the internal circulation path. In Figure 4C In the example of Fig. 4, extraction inlets numbered 403 and 405 are shown. Such extraction inlets 403, 405 can additionally or alternatively be provided in the vicinity of the second location 412 (but Figure 4C are not shown in Fig. 4).

[0123] InFigure 4B In the example, controlled cooling of article 116 can be achieved as it moves to the outlet of the third oven 400. For example, since preheated supplemental air (mentioned in the example where electric heater 202 is present) is supplied at the second position 412, a more gradual temperature gradient can be achieved between the peak temperature in the heating zone 408 and the temperature outside the third oven 400 when article 116 leaves the body 406. Furthermore, it is also possible to expose article 116 to supplemental air (which contains no significant contaminants) earlier than in the third oven 400. For example, exposing article 116 to relatively uncontaminated air earlier can improve the quality of the paint on article 116. Figure 4B The arrangement shown provides these advantages.

[0124] exist Figure 4B In the example, the supplementary airflow path 104 receives supplementary air from the air inlet 102 and then splits it into different paths, allowing the supplementary air to be supplied to different locations within the third oven 400. However, in Figure 4B In the example, different pathways of the supplementary airflow path 104 can receive air from the same air inlet 102. Figure 4C This is a simplified schematic of the third oven 400 as described in the third set of examples. In some examples, the air inlet 102 is a first air inlet, and the third oven 400 includes a second air inlet 414 configured to receive an inflow of supplemental air into the supplemental airflow path 104.

[0125] In these examples, the supplemental airflow path 104 includes a first supplemental air passage 104a that receives supplemental air from the first air inlet 102 and a second supplemental air passage 104b that receives supplemental air from the second air inlet 414. As mentioned herein, the term "supplemental airflow path" may include one or more different passages for airflow and is not limited to a single passage.

[0126] In some examples (such as) Figure 4CIn some examples, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 can be configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path to both the first location 404 and the second location 412. In some such examples, the first supplemental air passageway 104a leads to the first location 404 and the second supplemental air passageway 104b leads to the second location 412. In other words, supplemental air is provided through the first air inlet 102 to the first supplemental air passageway 104a (of the supplemental airflow path 104) leading to the first nozzle 402a, which directs the supplemental air to the first location 404. For example, supplemental air can also be provided through the second air inlet 414 to the second supplemental air passageway 104b (of the supplemental airflow path 104) leading to the second nozzle 402b, which directs the supplemental air to the second location 412. In examples, multiple nozzles can be provided for directing supplemental air to the first location 404 and / or multiple nozzles can be provided for directing supplemental air to the second location 412.

[0127] In some examples, however, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 can be configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path 104 to only one of the first location 404 or the second location 412. In these examples, the third oven 400 can still include the first air inlet 102 for providing supplemental air to the first supplemental air passageway 104a and the second air inlet 414 for providing air to the second supplemental air passageway 104b. However, the first supplemental air passageway 104a and the second supplemental air passageway 104b can merge (come together) before the supplemental air flowing in each reaches the set of supplemental air outlets 402. The particular configuration used can depend on the external environment of the third oven 400 (from which supplemental air is to be collected), the amount of supplemental air desired, the desired delivery configuration of the supplemental air within the oven, etc.

[0128] In examples that include the second air inlet 414, the supplemental airflow generator 302 described above can be a first supplemental airflow generator 302, and a second supplemental airflow generator 416 can additionally be provided configured to cause the inflow of supplemental air through the second air inlet 414.

[0129] As described above, features of the third set of examples can be combined with features described in relation to any of the other examples. In examples in which the flow rate of the incoming make-up air is controlled so as to replace air expelled from the exhaust port 112, the first make-up air flow generator 302 and the second make-up air flow generator 416 can be controlled to achieve this. For example, the first make-up air flow generator 302 and the second make-up air flow generator 416 can be controlled to provide a total temperature-normalized inlet flow rate of the incoming air received at the first air inlet 102 and the second air inlet 414 that is the same as or similar to the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate of air expelled via the exhaust port 112.

[0130] For example, the inlet air flow detector 308 discussed above can be a first inlet velocity detector associated with the first air inlet 102, and the inlet air flow temperature detector 310 discussed above can be a first inlet temperature detector associated with the first air inlet 102. For example, a second inlet velocity detector associated with the second air inlet 414 can also be provided, which is similar in function to the first inlet air flow detector 308 but is associated with the second air inlet 414. For example, a second inlet temperature detector associated with the second air inlet 414 can also be provided, which is similar in function to the first inlet air flow temperature detector 310 but is associated with the second air inlet 414 (these detectors are not shown in FIG. 1). For example, the temperature-normalized inlet flow rate of the first air inlet 102 can be added to the temperature-normalized inlet flow rate of the second air inlet 414 to give a total temperature-normalized inlet flow rate, which can be compared to the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate as described above. Figure 4C

[0131] According to the third set of examples, a method is provided. For example, the method provided according to the third set of examples can be used to dry an article and / or to cure paint material applied to an article (e.g. such as the article 116). For example, the method can be used to dry water present on an article only. For example, the method can be used to dry an article by removing other solvents (e.g. evaporating the other solvents) from the article. For example, the method can be used to cure paint material. Figure 9 ​A flowchart of a third method 900 according to a third set of examples is shown. Block 902 of the third method 900 describes conveying an item 116 on a conveyor 114 through a third oven 400. In these examples of the third method 900, the third oven 400 as described in the third set of examples is used. In other words, in these examples, the supplementary airflow path 104 includes: a supplementary airflow generator 302 configured to cause an inflow of supplementary air through an air inlet 102; and a set of supplementary air outlets 402 configured to provide supplementary air from the supplementary airflow path 104 to a first position 404 within the third oven 400 as part of an internal circulation path 108 and / or a second position 412 within the third oven 400 as part of the internal circulation path 108, thereby merging the supplementary airflow path into the internal circulation path 108. In these examples of the third method 900, the first position 404 is an entry point toward the conveyor 114 entering the heating zone 408 of the third oven 400, and the second position 412 is an exit point toward the conveyor 114 leaving the heating zone 408.

[0132] Block 904 of the third method 900 describes operating the third oven 400 to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path 104 to the first position 404 and / or the second position 412 using the aforementioned set of supplemental air outlets 402. Based on this, a method is provided to directly provide supplemental air to a specific location within the third oven 400.

[0133] Fourth set of examples

[0134] The fourth set of examples is from the previous ones about Figure 1 A more specific version of the described examples. In some examples, the features of the fourth set of examples may also be combined with the features of the first set of examples and / or the features of the second set of examples and / or the features of the third set of examples. In these examples, in addition to the features mentioned above... Figure 1In addition to the described features, the supplemental airflow path 104 includes a set of supplemental air outlets to allow supplemental air to exit the supplemental airflow path 104. In these examples, the set of supplemental air outlets includes one or more nozzles configured to direct supplemental air onto the conveyor 114. For example, the set of supplemental air outlets in these examples may include a first nozzle 402a and / or a second nozzle 402b described in the third set of examples above. In the following description, the same reference numeral "402" is used for the set of supplemental air outlets as in the third set of examples. In these examples, the set of supplemental air outlets also includes an internal circulation path inlet. The internal circulation path inlet is configured to receive supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path 104 at a location along the internal circulation path 108, such that the supplemental air is mixed with circulating air before being injected toward the conveyor 114.

[0135] For example, an internal circulation path inlet supplies supplemental air to the internal circulation path 108 at a location other than within the heating zone 408 where the conveyor 114 is intended to be positioned. For example, the internal circulation path inlet can supply supplemental air to one or more passages of the internal circulation path 108 in a manner that mixes the supplemental air with circulating air before reaching the heating zone 408. For example, the internal circulation path inlet can be positioned relative to a passage of the internal circulation path 108, away from the location where the passage merges into the heating zone 408.

[0136] In these examples, the supplemental airflow path 104 includes a valve configured to control the amount of supplemental air allowed to enter the internal circulation path 108 via the internal circulation path inlet. As described above, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 may include nozzles directing supplemental air to the conveyor 114. Control of the flow of supplemental air within the oven can be further provided by providing valves for controlling the supplemental air converging into the internal circulation path 108 at different points.

[0137] Figure 5 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the fourth oven 500 as described in the fourth set of examples. The fourth oven 500 is... Figure 1 A more specific example of the oven 100 shown.

[0138] exist Figure 5 In the examples, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 includes a first nozzle 402a and an internal circulation path inlet 502. In these examples, the supplemental airflow path is divided into different pathways, such that supplemental air is directed to the first nozzle 402a and the internal circulation path inlet 502. Figure 5 In the example, there is a supplementary air junction 506, at which the supplementary airflow path 104 is divided into different paths.

[0139] A valve 504 is provided in these examples. The valve 504 is installed in the passageway to the internal circulation path inlet 502. For example, when the valve 504 is open, make-up air is permitted to flow to the internal circulation path inlet 502. However, when the valve 504 is fully closed, then make-up air is prevented (or severely inhibited) from flowing to the internal circulation path inlet 502. Different degrees of opening of the valve 504 can allow different amounts of make-up air to flow to the internal circulation path inlet 502. In some examples, the valve 504 can allow for a number of discrete notches between fully open and fully closed. In other examples, the valve 504 can allow for continuous adjustment between fully open and fully closed. The manner in which the valve 504 is configured can depend on the degree of precision required for control of the amount of make-up air to be flowed to the internal circulation path inlet 502.

[0140] In some examples, the fourth oven 500 includes a nozzle temperature detector installed upstream of the one or more nozzles and configured to detect one or more parameters indicative of a temperature of make-up air passing through the one or more nozzles. In Figure 5 In examples in which a nozzle temperature detector 508 is provided. For example, the nozzle temperature detector 508 is positioned to measure a temperature of make-up air immediately as it exits via the first nozzle 402a. In Figure 5 In examples in which a nozzle temperature detector 508 is provided, the nozzle temperature detector 508 is positioned after (downstream of) the junction 506.

[0141] In examples in which an electric heater 202 is provided to provide heat to make-up air prior to the make-up air merging into the internal circulation path 108, the nozzle temperature detector 508 is installed downstream of the electric heater. With such an arrangement, the nozzle temperature detector 508 can measure a temperature of make-up air after it has been pre-heated by the electric heater 202.

[0142] In some examples, the fourth oven 500 includes a nozzle air flow detector installed upstream of the one or more nozzles and configured to detect one or more parameters indicative of an air flow of make-up air proximate to the one or more nozzles. In Figure 5 In examples in which a nozzle air flow detector 510 is provided. The nozzle air flow detector 510 is installed after the junction 506 and detects respective one or more parameters associated with make-up air, taking into account the make-up air that is flowed to the internal circulation path inlet 502 by the valve 504. It will be appreciated that the flow rate of make-up air through the first nozzle 402a will depend on the amount of make-up air that is allowed to flow to the internal circulation path inlet 502 by the valve 504.

[0143] In some examples, valve 504 is controlled based on the nozzle velocity of supplemental air passing through one or more nozzles, wherein the nozzle velocity is determined based on one or more parameters detected by a nozzle temperature detector and one or more parameters detected by a nozzle airflow detector. The nozzle velocity depends on the amount of air allowed to pass through valve 504. Therefore, by controlling valve 504, the nozzle velocity through the nozzles can be controlled.

[0144] For example, the temperature-normalized velocity of the make-up air immediately upstream of one or more nozzles can be determined using a method similar to that described for the temperature-normalized inlet velocity and temperature-normalized exhaust velocity, based on detections by nozzle temperature detectors and nozzle airflow detectors. For example, the associated velocity (using the velocity values ​​described above) can be determined using the area of ​​the duct immediately upstream of one or more nozzles. One or more nozzles may have different cross-sectional areas at the nozzle exit through which the make-up air passes. Taking a single nozzle as an example, the nozzle velocity can be determined using the temperature-normalized velocity of the make-up air immediately upstream of that nozzle and the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle exit. For example, the velocity of the make-up air leaving the nozzle (in m / s) can be determined by dividing the temperature-normalized velocity of the make-up air immediately upstream of the nozzle by the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle exit.

[0145] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, only one nozzle is depicted to direct supplemental air onto conveyor 114. Therefore, it is appropriate to properly mount the nozzle airflow detector 510 before the nozzle to determine the velocity of the supplemental air flowing through the nozzle. In other examples, if there are more than one nozzle for directing supplemental air onto conveyor 114, a nozzle airflow detector may be appropriately provided for each nozzle.

[0146] exist Figure 5 In the example, the nozzle is a first nozzle 402a, and valve 504 is controlled based on the nozzle velocity of supplemental air passing through the first nozzle 402a. In examples with more than one nozzle, valve 504 may be controlled based on the corresponding nozzle velocity associated with each nozzle. However, in some examples with more than one nozzle, valve 504 may still be controlled based on the nozzle velocity associated with one nozzle (or a subset of nozzles). For example, it may be desirable to control only the temperature-normalized flow rate associated with some of the nozzles, and valve 504 may be controlled based on the temperature-normalized flow rate determined only for those nozzles.

[0147] As described above, temperature-normalized flow rate refers to the velocity of the airflow normalized to the temperature of the air, indicating the amount of airflow independent of temperature and associated density variations. In some examples, control valve 504 ensures that the nozzle velocity (of one or more nozzles for which such control is desired) does not exceed a nozzle velocity threshold.

[0148] by Figure 5 For example, it might be desirable to ensure that the nozzle speed of the first nozzle 402a does not exceed a nozzle speed threshold. For instance, as... Figure 10 As shown in (and other figures), the first nozzle 402a is configured to direct supplemental air onto the conveyor 114. When the article 116 is aligned with the first nozzle 402a, the first nozzle 402a directs supplemental air onto the article 116. If the air directed onto the article 116 is too fast (depending on the shape of the article 116), the airflow may blow the article 116 over. The article 116 being blown over on the conveyor 114 is undesirable (for various reasons, as those skilled in the art will understand, such as damaging uncured paint, causing problems in subsequent manufacturing steps, etc.).

[0149] For example, the nozzle speed threshold can be selected based on the shape of the article 116 processed in the fourth oven 500. As an example, a higher nozzle speed threshold might be suitable for articles with a wider base, while a relatively lower nozzle speed threshold might be suitable for articles with a relatively narrow base. The valve 504 can be opened / closed to different degrees to maintain the nozzle speed below a specific desired threshold. In some examples, the nozzle speed threshold is 11 m / s. In some examples, the nozzle speed threshold is between 4 m / s and 7 m / s. In some specific examples, the nozzle speed threshold is 7 m / s.

[0150] In examples that include a supplemental airflow generator 302, control of the nozzle speed may be particularly advantageous because, due to the action of the supplemental airflow generator 302, supplemental air may potentially be delivered at a higher flow rate.

[0151] As an example, valve 504 may be controlled by the described processor (e.g., the processor may be part of the oven or located outside the oven).

[0152] According to the fourth set of examples, a method is provided. For example, the method provided according to the fourth set of examples can be used to dry an article and / or cure a paint applied to an article (e.g., such as article 116). For example, the method can be used simply to dry water present on the article. For example, the method can be used to dry the article by removing other solvents from the article (e.g., evaporating them). For example, the method can be used to cure a paint. Oven systemA flowchart of the fourth method 1000 according to the fourth set of examples is shown. Block 1002 of the fourth method 1000 describes conveying an article 116 on a conveyor 114 through a fourth oven 500. In these examples of the fourth method 1000, the fourth oven 500 as described in the fourth set of examples is used.

[0153] Block 1004 of the fourth method 1000 describes controlling the nozzle speed of supplementary air passing through one or more nozzles by controlling valve 504. Based on this, a method for controlling the flow rate of supplementary air guided onto a conveyor is provided.

[0154] Figure 1 to Figure 5

[0155] In some examples, an oven system for applying heat to articles on a conveyor may be provided. The oven system may include multiple ovens according to any of the examples described herein. Furthermore, the oven system may include a conveyor configured to convey articles in a conveying direction. For example, the oven system includes… Figure 4B The conveyor 114 shown is configured to transport items 116 in the conveying direction 410.

[0156] In these examples, multiple ovens are arranged linearly along the conveying direction, and a conveyor is configured to transport items through a corresponding heating zone of each of the multiple ovens. For example, two or more ovens according to any of the described examples may be arranged linearly along the conveying direction and configured with a conveyor such that corresponding portions of the conveyor are positioned within the heating zone of each of those ovens. In the examples described herein, the conveyor is used to pass items through the described oven so that the items can be heat-treated within the oven.

[0157] For example, two or more linearly arranged ovens may include ovens according to different examples described herein. For example, the system may include a first oven (including an electric heater) according to a first set of examples and an oven according to... Figure 6 The example is a second oven. The characteristics selected for each oven in the system may depend on the specific heat treatment / heat processing procedure to which the article will be applied. For example, each oven may be operated to provide circulating air at different temperatures to each other according to the desired heat treatment.

[0158] Figure 6This is a simplified schematic of an example oven system 600. In these examples, a first system oven 602, a second system oven 604, and a third system oven 606 are provided. In these examples, similar features present within these different system ovens 602, 604, and 606 utilize the same reference numerals as those used for similar features in the previously described examples. In these examples, in each of the first system ovens 602, 604, and 606, the supplementary airflow path 104 includes an electric heater 202 to provide heat to the supplementary air flowing in the supplementary airflow path before it merges into the internal circulation path 108. In these examples, in each of the first system ovens 602, 604, and 606, the supplementary airflow path 104 includes a supplementary airflow generator 302 configured to cause an inflow of supplementary air at a certain velocity through the inlet 102 to replace the air discharged from the outlet 112.

[0159] In these examples, in each of the first system oven 602, the second system oven 604, and the third system oven 606, the supplemental airflow path 104 includes a set of supplemental air outlets configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path 104 to a first and / or a second location, thereby converging the supplemental airflow path 104 into an internal circulation path (where the first location faces the entry point of the conveyor 114 into the corresponding heating zone of each oven, and the second location faces the exit point of the conveyor leaving the corresponding heating zone of each oven). In the case of the first system oven 602 and the second system oven 604, the set of supplemental air outlets 402 includes nozzles 402a configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path 104 to a corresponding first location 404 of the conveyor 114. As mentioned herein, there is a "first location" for each of the ovens discussed. The first location of the first system oven 602 faces the entry point of the conveyor 114 into the first system oven 602. The first position of the second system oven 604 is a different position 114 compared to the first position of the first system oven 602. The first position of the second system oven 604 faces the entry point of the conveyor 114 into the second system oven 604.

[0160] In these examples, in the first system oven 602 and the second system oven 604, supplemental air is directed toward a first position 404 of each respective oven. However, in the case of the third system oven 606 in these examples, the set of supplemental air outlets is configured to provide supplemental air to a second position 412, which is located toward the exit point of the conveyor in direction 410 from the third system oven 606. For example, the third system oven 606 includes a nozzle 402a, which is positioned to direct supplemental air toward the second position 412 within the third system oven 606.

[0161] In these examples, it may be desirable for article 116 to experience a gradual increase in temperature by first encountering supplemental air preheated from nozzle 402a of the first system oven 602. As an example, in this way, two or more ovens arranged linearly can apply different temperatures to article 116 as it is conveyed on conveyor 114 through all the linearly arranged system ovens 602, 604, 606. For example, the peak temperature in the second system oven 604 may be higher than the peak temperature in the first system oven 602. For example, nozzle 402a of the second system oven 604 may provide supplemental air drawn in by the corresponding inlet 102 of the second system oven 604 at a temperature higher than the peak temperature in the first system oven 602 to a first position 404 of the second system oven 604. The temperature may also be lower than the peak temperature in the second system oven 604, so that article 116 is further preheated before experiencing a higher temperature in the second system oven 604.

[0162] For example, the peak temperature within the third system oven 606 may be higher than the peak temperature within the second system oven 604. For example, the nozzle 402b of the third system oven 606 is positioned to direct supplemental air preheated by the electric heater 202 of the third system oven 606 to a second position 412 of the third system oven 606. For example, delivering preheated supplemental air at the second position of the third system oven 606 can provide controlled / gradual cooling to the article 116 as it leaves the third system oven 606 and enters the external environment (where the ambient temperature may be significantly lower than the temperature inside the third system oven 606).

[0163] In these examples, in each of the first system oven 602, the second system oven 604, and the third system oven 606, the supplemental airflow path 104 includes a set of supplemental air outlets, said set of supplemental air outlets including one or more nozzles configured to direct supplemental air away from the respective supplemental airflow path. In these examples, in each of the first system oven 602, the second system oven 604, and the third system oven 606, the supplemental airflow path 104 also includes an internal circulation path inlet 502, said internal circulation path inlet being configured to receive supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path at a location along the internal circulation path 108, such that the supplemental air is mixed with circulating air before being injected toward the conveyor. In these examples, in each of the first system oven 602, the second system oven 604, and the third system oven 606, the supplemental airflow path 104 also includes a valve 504, said valve being configured to control the amount of supplemental air allowed to enter the internal circulation path 108 via the internal circulation path inlet 502.

[0164] Therefore, in these examples, each of the first system oven 602, the second system oven 604, and the third system oven 606 includes features from each of the first, second, third, and fourth sets of examples. In the examples, features from any one or more sets of the first, second, third, and fourth sets of examples may be omitted from any one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth system ovens. Based on this, a highly configurable oven system for applying heat to articles can be provided.

[0165] although Figure 6 Not shown, but in some examples, the first system oven 602 may include an extraction inlet near a first location 404 (the first location may be inside or outside the body 406). Although ​ Not shown, but in some examples, the third system oven 606 may include one or more extraction inlets near the second location 412 (the second location may be inside or outside the body 406).

[0166] Various specific examples have been described above. It should be noted that all documents and materials submitted concurrently with or prior to this specification, relating to this application and publicly available for review together with this specification, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0167] All features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination except for combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0168] Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features having the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly stated, each disclosed feature is merely one example of a series of equivalent or similar features.

[0169] This invention is not limited to the details of the examples described above. The invention extends to any novel feature or any novel combination thereof disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel step or any novel combination thereof of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. An oven for applying heat to articles on a conveyor, characterized by, The oven comprises: an air intake configured to receive an inflow of make-up air into a make-up air flow path; an internal circulation path comprising a primary heat source, wherein air circulates within the internal circulation path; an air exhaust configured to exhaust air from the internal circulation path out of the oven so as to control an amount of contaminants flowing within the internal circulation path; wherein the make-up air flow path merges into the internal circulation path, wherein the make-up air flow path comprises: a set of make-up air outlets allowing the make-up air to exit the make-up air flow path, the set of make-up air outlets comprising: one or more nozzles configured to direct the make-up air onto the conveyor; and, an internal circulation path intake configured to receive make-up air from the make-up air flow path at a location along the internal circulation path such that the make-up air mixes with the circulating air before being sprayed towards the conveyor, and, the make-up air flow path comprises a valve configured to control an amount of make-up air allowed to enter the internal circulation path via the internal circulation path intake.

2. The oven of claim 1, wherein, The oven comprises: a nozzle temperature detector installed upstream of the one or more nozzles and configured to detect one or more parameters indicative of a temperature of the make-up air passing through the one or more nozzles; and, a nozzle air flow detector installed upstream of the one or more nozzles and configured to detect one or more parameters indicative of an air flow of the make-up air proximate to the one or more nozzles.

3. The oven of claim 2, wherein: the valve is controlled based on a nozzle velocity of the make-up air passing through the one or more nozzles, wherein the nozzle velocity is determined by the one or more parameters detected by the nozzle temperature detector and the one or more parameters detected by the nozzle air flow detector.

4. The oven of claim 3, wherein: the valve is controlled so that the nozzle velocity does not exceed a nozzle velocity threshold.

5. The oven of claim 4, wherein: the nozzle velocity threshold is between 4 m / s and 11 m / s.

6. The oven of any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the make-up air flow path comprises a make-up air flow generator configured to cause the inflow of make-up air through the air intake.

7. The oven of claim 6, wherein: the make-up air flow generator is configured to cause the inflow of make-up air so as to replace the air exhausted from the air exhaust.

8. The oven of claim 7, wherein: The supplemental airflow generator is configured to be controlled to provide a temperature-normalized inlet flow rate of the inflow received at the intake port that is the same as or similar to a temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate of air exhausted via the exhaust port.

9. The oven of claim 8, wherein, The oven comprises: an exhaust airflow detector configured to detect one or more parameters indicative of an airflow of air exhausted via the exhaust port; and, an exhaust airflow temperature detector configured to detect one or more parameters indicative of a temperature of air exhausted via the exhaust port, wherein the temperature-normalized exhaust flow rate is determined based on the one or more parameters detected by the exhaust airflow detector and the one or more parameters detected by the exhaust airflow temperature detector.

10. Oven according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that The oven comprises: an inlet airflow detector configured to detect one or more parameters indicative of an airflow of air received at the intake port; and an inlet airflow temperature detector configured to detect one or more parameters indicative of a temperature of air received at the intake port, wherein the temperature-normalized inlet flow rate is determined based on the one or more parameters detected by the inlet airflow detector and the one or more parameters detected by the inlet airflow temperature detector.

11. The oven of any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein: the supplemental airflow path comprises a set of supplemental air outlets configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path to a first location within the oven as part of the internal circulation path and to a second location within the oven as part of the internal circulation path, thereby merging the supplemental airflow path into the internal circulation path, wherein: the first location is towards an entry point of the conveyor into the oven heating zone and the second location is towards an exit point of the conveyor out of the heating zone.

12. The oven of claim 11, wherein: the set of supplemental air outlets comprises one or more nozzles configured to direct the supplemental air onto the conveyor.

13. The oven of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein: the supplemental air, when merged via the set of supplemental air outlets to the first location and the second location, creates an air pressure at or proximate to the first location and the second location, respectively, that is greater than an ambient air pressure outside of the oven.

14. The oven of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: the intake port is a first intake port, and the oven further comprises a second intake port configured to receive an inflow of supplemental air into the supplemental airflow path; and the supplemental airflow path comprises a first supplemental air passageway that receives supplemental air from the first intake port and a second supplemental air passageway that receives supplemental air from the second intake port.

15. The oven of claim 14, wherein: the set of supplemental air outlets are configured to provide supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path to the first location and the second location; and, the first supplemental air passageway leads to the first location and the second supplemental air passageway leads to the second location.

16. The oven of any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the supplemental airflow path includes a heat exchange mechanism configured to provide heat to the supplemental air flowing in the supplemental airflow path before the supplemental air merges into the internal circulation path.

17. The oven of claim 16, wherein: the primary heat source is a gas burner chamber located in the internal circulation path through which the circulating air passes.

18. The oven of claim 17, wherein: the gas burner chamber is supplied with a gas that includes hydrogen and is configured to generate a flame that is exposed to the circulating air.

19. The oven of claim 18, wherein: the gas is a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas or the gas is a mixture of hydrogen and liquefied petroleum gas.

20. The oven of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein: the heat exchange mechanism provides heat directly to the supplemental air such that the supplemental air is at a temperature higher than ambient temperature before the supplemental air merges into the internal circulation path.

21. An oven system for applying heat to articles on a conveyor, characterized by, the oven system includes: a plurality of ovens as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20; and, a conveyor configured to convey the article in a direction of conveyance, wherein: the plurality of ovens are linearly arranged along the direction of conveyance; and, the conveyor is configured to convey the article through a respective heating zone of each of the plurality of ovens.

22. A method for drying an article and / or curing a paint material applied to an article, characterized by, the method includes: conveying the article on a conveyor through an oven, the oven including: an air intake configured to receive an inflow of supplemental air into a supplemental airflow path; an internal circulation path including a primary heat source, wherein air circulates within the internal circulation path; an air exhaust configured to exhaust air from the internal circulation path out of the oven to control an amount of contaminants flowing within the internal circulation path; wherein the supplemental airflow path merges into the internal circulation path, wherein the supplemental airflow path includes: a set of supplemental air outlets that allow the supplemental air to exit the supplemental airflow path, the set of supplemental air outlets including: one or more nozzles configured to direct the supplemental air onto the conveyor; and an internal circulation path inlet configured to receive supplemental air from the supplemental airflow path at a location along the internal circulation path such that the supplemental air mixes with the circulating air before being ejected toward the conveyor, and, The make-up airflow path of the oven includes a valve configured to control an amount of make-up air admitted into the internal circulation path via the internal circulation path inlet, and The make-up air is controlled to pass through the one or more nozzles by controlling the valve.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein: The make-up airflow path of the oven includes an electric heater that provides heat to the make-up air flowing in the make-up airflow path before the make-up air merges into the internal circulation path; and The method includes operating the electric heater to provide heat to the make-up air before the make-up air received through the air intake merges into the internal circulation path.

24. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein: The make-up airflow path of the oven includes a make-up airflow generator configured to cause a flow of make-up air through the air intake at a flow rate to replace the air expelled from the air exhaust; and The method includes operating the make-up airflow generator to provide the make-up air at a flow rate to replace the air expelled from the air exhaust when in use.

25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein: The make-up airflow path of the oven includes a set of make-up air outlets configured to provide make-up air from the make-up airflow path to a first location within the oven that is part of the internal circulation path and / or a second location within the oven that is part of the internal circulation path, thereby causing the make-up airflow path to merge into the internal circulation path, wherein: The first location is towards an entry point of the conveyor into the heating zone of the oven and the second location is towards an exit point of the conveyor out of the heating zone; and The method includes operating the oven to provide the make-up air from the make-up airflow path to the first location and / or the second location using the set of make-up air outlets.

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