Abstract: A system for heat treating a metal product has an annealing zone having a first preselected atmosphere condition, a cooling zone having a second preselected atmosphere condition different than the first preselected atmosphere condition, and a blueing zone having a third preselected atmosphere condition different than the first and second preselected atmosphere conditions. A graphical user interface allows an operator select one of the zones for displaying processing information pertaining to the selected zone. The processing information includes a computed ratio of gaseous hydrogen H2 (g) to water vapor H2O (g) for the respective preselected atmosphere condition. The graphical user interface allows an operator to control the respective preselected atmosphere based, at least in part, upon the computed ratio.

Abstract: A system for heat treating a metal product has an annealing zone having a first preselected atmosphere condition, a cooling zone having a second preselected atmosphere condition different than the first preselected atmosphere condition, and a blueing zone having a third preselected atmosphere condition different than the first and second preselected atmosphere conditions. A graphical user interface allows an operator select one of the zones for displaying processing information pertaining to the selected zone. The processing information includes a computed ratio of gaseous hydrogen H2 (g) to water vapor H2O (g) for the respective preselected atmosphere condition. The graphical user interface allows an operator to control the respective preselected atmosphere based, at least in part, upon the computed ratio.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring a heat treating atmosphere supply a preselected gas atmosphere at a preselected temperature to a heat treating furnace. The preselected temperature is not greater than a temperature at which wustite (FeO) forms. The methods sense the preselected gas atmosphere and the preselected temperature and compute a computed ratio of gaseous hydrogen H2 (g) to water vapor H2O (g) for the preselected atmosphere as a function of the sensed values.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a heat treating atmosphere derive from at least one sensor placed in situ in the atmosphere a process variable, which is indicative of the ratio of gaseous hydrogen H2 (g) to water vapor H2O (g) in the atmosphere. The systems and methods use the process variable, e.g., to control the atmosphere, or to record or display the process variable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a heat treating atmosphere derive from at least one sensor placed in situ in the atmosphere a process variable, which is indicative of the ratio of gaseous hydrogen H2 (g) to water vapor H2O (g) in the atmosphere. The systems and methods use the process variable, e.g., to control the atmosphere, or to record or display the process variable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a heat treating atmosphere derive from at least one sensor placed in situ in the atmosphere a process variable, which is indicative of the ratio of gaseous hydrogen H2 (g) to water vapor H2O (g) in the atmosphere. The systems and methods use the process variable, e.g., to control the atmosphere, or to record or display the process variable.

Abstract: Systems and methods monitor the activity of carbon in a heat treating atmosphere, e.g., where a two phase region is desired for spherodize annealing. The systems and methods generate a computed activity of carbon value for the gas atmosphere as a function of temperature, partial pressure of oxygen, and carbon monoxide content of the gas atmosphere, and without determining a carbon dioxide content of the gas atmosphere. The systems and methods can make use of the computed activity of carbon value, e.g., to control the gas atmosphere.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a heat treating atmosphere derive from at least one sensor placed in situ in the atmosphere a process variable, which is indicative of the ratio of gaseous hydrogen H2(g) to water vapor H2O(g) in the atmosphere. The systems and methods use the process variable, e.g., to control the atmosphere, or to record, or display the process variable.

Abstract: Systems and methods monitor the activity of carbon in a heat treating atmosphere, e.g., where a two phase region is desired for spherodize annealing. The systems and methods generate a computed activity of carbon value for the gas atmosphere as a function of temperature, partial pressure of oxygen, and carbon monoxide content of the gas atmosphere, and without determining a carbon dioxide content of the gas atmosphere. The systems and methods can make use of the computed activity of carbon value, e.g., to control the gas atmosphere.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a heat treating atmosphere derive from at least one sensor placed in situ in the atmosphere a process variable, which is indicative of the ratio of gaseous hydrogen H2 (g) to water vapor H2O (g) in the atmosphere. The systems and methods use the process variable, e.g., to control the atmosphere, or to record or display the process variable.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gas sampling system for analyzing the oxygen partial pressure in a gas carburizing atmosphere. The system is appropriate for remote sensing of gas when the probe can't be fitted in the heat treating apparatus. Sooting of the sampled gas tube and probe is eliminated by use of ceramic, non-catalytic surfaces in the measuring vessel. A ceramic feed pipe, with a small diameter, introduces the gas to be measured into the vessel and increases the velocity of the gas to avoid sooting.

Abstract: A control device and associated methodology select from at least two on-line sensors to assure an accurate and reliable feedback input to control the heat treating conditions within a furnace. The device and methodology also serve to provide an "alert" or "early warning" of gradual degradation of sensor performance, before ongoing heat treating operations are adversely affected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gas atmosphere sampling system for analyzing the oxygen partial pressure in a gas carburizing atmosphere. The system is appropriate for remote sensing of gas atmosphere when the probe can't be fitted in the heat treating apparatus. Sooting of the sampled gas tube and probe is eliminated by use of ceramic, non-catalytic surfaces in the measuring vessel. A ceramic feed pipe, with a small diameter, introduces the gas atmosphere to be measured into the vessel and increases the velocity of the gas atmosphere to avoid sooting.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor is provided with an electrolyte tube formed in two parts, one part is an elongated tube and the other part is a sacrificial pellet which thermally insulates the tube from thermal shock which can cause cracks in the tube.

Abstract: An oxygen probe for measuring the characteristics of furnace gases. The probe includes electrodes of a long lasting and relatively inexpensive nickel containing alloy. The probe is formed with apertures and internal passages for ventilating the three phase contact zones between gas, electrolyte, and electrodes with furnace gases, thereby minimizing errors due to catalytic reactions at the electrodes. The probe sheath may be composed of the same alloy as the electrodes, and the electrodes may be fabricated as an integral part of the sheath, so that the sheath serves both as a structural member and as an electrical conductor for conducting voltage generated within the electrodes. A gas pump may be used to assure adequate ventilation to the electrode-electrolyte interfaces.

Abstract: A probe comprising a tube made of solid electrolyte material is slidably mounted within a ceramic support tube which is mounted to project into the interior of a furnace. The end of the electrolyte tube is closed and the support tube has open ports or windows therein which expose the exterior end surface of the electrolyte tube to the hot furnace gases and causes a voltage to develop between the interior and the exterior surfaces of the electrolyte tube which is indicative of a furnace gas characterstic. A first electrode is supported between the ends of the electrolyte tube and the support tube, and a second electrode is supported within the inner end of the electrolyte tube. To prolong the life of the electrode, it is preferably made either of multiple layers of noble metal wire screens mounted in face-to-face relationship, a chemically stable electronic ceramic conductor such as cation-doped lanthanum chromite, or a noble metal screen coated with an electronic conducting ceramic cement.

Abstract: A probe comprising a tube made of solid electrolyte material is slidably mounted within a ceramic support tube which is mounted to project into the interior of a furnace. The end of the electrolyte tube is closed and the support tube has open ports or windows therein which expose the exterior end surface of the electrolyte tube to the hot furnace gases and causes a voltage to develop between the interior and the exterior surfaces of the electrolyte tube which is indicative of a furnace gas characteristic. A first electrode is supported between the ends of the electrolyte tube and the support tube, and a second electrode is supported within the inner end of the electrolyte tube.