Metal Minutes - SECO/WARWICK Heat Treat Newsletter
HEAT PROCESSING NEWS

CAB  Maintenance Tips

 

 

Conserving Furnace Atmosphere

from CAB Seminar talk entitled "Atmosphere Control" 

Furnace atmosphere consumption is a function of the configuration of the heating chamber, input and control system.  The following are some nitrogen conservation measures that can be incorporated in your scheduled maintenance program:

  • Maintain integrity of entrance and exit chamber curtains - Curtains that have been properly sized and are in good condition can do an exceptional job of sealing the furnace.  Curtains should make contact with the furnace belt, and the chamber should be designed so that the total length of curtain is  2-3 times the length of the typical part.  The part should be able to pass beneath the curtains without tipping, snagging or causing permanent deformation.

  • Proper Dry-Off Oven Operation - Proper oven temperature is necessary to assure that the entire part is heated enough to evaporate water.  Purging may be necessary to remove trapped water vapor from the parts.  This may be done with a hot air knife at the exit of the oven.  The oven must have adequate circulation and venting to remove water vapor.   If the oven exhaust and recirculation capacity is inadequate, it will be impossible to remove water vapor from the parts.  

  • Auxiliary Purge -Large parts or those being brazed with tanks may require the use of a high pressure nitrogen lance.  The lance should be positioned so that it injects nitrogen into one opening expelling air out of another.  It may be beneficial to add a sparge pipe in the top of the entrance purge chamber - this would force any trapped air out of the part as it passes beneath the curtains

 

The latest design, materials and equipment specifications should be obtained from the company before any reliance is placed on the enclosed since changes may occur due to product improvement.

We value your suggestions and comments, contact Beth Ryan, Marketing Communications at info@secowarwick.com, or call us at 814-332-8400.

 

SECO/WARWICK Corporation

 

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