Abstract: Apparatuses and processes for evaluating degradation and potential failure of components in an industrial heat treatment system include means and steps for establishing process settings for a baseline process cycle, collecting sensor data for at least one non-process control performance parameter during the baseline process cycle to establish a set of benchmark performance data, performing a calibration process cycle using the established process settings and collecting sensor data for the at least one non-process control performance parameter to establish a set of calibration performance data, and comparing the calibration performance data to the benchmark performance data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring quench characteristics of a fluid. The apparatus includes a probe with an energy input device electrically connected to a display unit to monitor temperature, media flow characteristics and media heat transfer characteristics. The method includes continuously measuring thermal energy transfer in a quenching media by measuring the surrounding fluid's heat transfer relative to input probe energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring quench characteristics of a fluid. The apparatus includes a probe with an energy input device electrically connected to a display unit to monitor temperature, media flow characteristics and media heat transfer characteristics. The method includes continuously measuring thermal energy transfer in a quenching media by measuring the surrounding fluid's heat transfer relative to input probe energy.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the production of brazed aluminum products on a continuous flow basis includes, in sequence, a flux application zone (12), a tunnel furnace (14), a cooling zone (15,16) and a transportation element (25) for conveying (26) component parts or products though the apparatus, the transportation element including a closed loop conveyor having both conveying (26) and return (27) runs within the tunnel furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the production of brazed aluminium products on a continuous flow basis includes, in sequence, a flux application zone (12), a tunnel furnace (14), a cooling zone (15,16) and a transportation element (25) for conveying (26) component parts or products though the apparatus, the transportation element including a closed loop conveyor having both conveying (26) and return (27) runs within the tunnel furnace.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a gas generator system includes a combustion chamber having an insulation coupled to an inside surface thereof, a retort having a catalyst therein disposed within the combustion chamber, and an access door coupled to a side of the combustion chamber. The access door allows removal of the retort from the side of the combustion chamber. According to another embodiment of the invention, a gas generator system includes a combustion chamber having an insulation coupled to an inside surface thereof, a retort having a catalyst therein disposed within the combustion chamber, and a recuperator disposed proximate an open bottom of the combustion chamber. The recuperator prevents secondary combustion air from traveling in a direct path into the combustion chamber from outside the open bottom of the combustion chamber and raises the temperature of the secondary combustion air.