Background information:

Running 3 phase into my shop would cost in excess of US$10k.  Moving the shop would cost more.  I have a 7.5 hp phase converter to run 3 phase motor needs below that size, and have the amperage to install a bigger pc if needed.  

Actual question:

At current production I'm a year or 2 from buying an induction heater.  Starting the research now, am also asking manufacturers this  question, but would love to know what the brain trust here opines.  Can I run a 3 phase induction heater on a well designed and installed phase converter?

 

Edited September 25, 201510 yr by Judson Yaggy

cost a fortune in conversions,  why not not buy for the rates power supply you have?

Assume you meant rated power?

I'm an architectural guy, I don't make many bottle openers or key fobs.  The single phase units look like they work well but for stock sizes smaller than what I typically work.  I'll run the numbers but would be surprised if running a phase converter under load is more expensive than propane.  Even without factoring in the net metering from my solar panels.  

My original question stands, could I run a larger induction heater off a phase converter or are we into perpetual motion machine territory here?

im no expert but from what I know most IHs first turn the input into dc with a bridge rectifier

Ask the manufacturer to be sure. It's wattage issue

Frosty The Lucky..

 

I am facing much the same. I am reckoning on a phase converter for the smaller motors and a three phase generator for the big motors and the welders. The induction heater ( if I get a project that will pay for it) would be run off the generator as well.

Alan

I have a 18kw single phase and I'm really cuffed with it!

On small stuff(12 x 12) I can't keep up using hebo type machines ,16 sq is about perfect,20 sq and I have to wait a minute or two (seems real slow these days

I have a 18kw single phase and I'm really cuffed with it!

Is that cuffed to bits, or chuffed round the ear?

Alan

On removing some stubborn M36 nuts the other day it took about 2.5 minuets to bright red and that's not too bad?

Have you seen those wand style induction heaters for the motor trade? Specifically for heating up seized nuts. Take the heater to the job rather than the other way around.

Alan

You can make one yourself there a couple on the net. I just moved my machine by adding extra coolant hose

I do make all my own coils, bit of practice and uncle Bob has a manbag

There is some good info on this archived over on the NWBA forum.  Grant ran his  on a rotary, i believe it was a 30KW machine.  You would surely need a larger phase converter, like 20 hp or more to run the 25 KW.  Honestly I would say get the single phase unit because you are wasting time without it, two years is too long to wait.

Good info Nuge, if Grant did it that's good enough for me!  I'll read thru the NWBA stuff.  Thanks.

Ian, what is the make and model of your 18kw unit?  All I've found so far are 15kw in single phase.  

You've probably only found 15kVA in single phase. You really need to look at wattage instead. The commonly available LH-15A is 15kVA but 7.5kW. 7.5kW is over 30A @ 240v. 15kW would be over 60A!