Abstract: A process gas preparation device for an industrial furnace system is disclosed. The gas preparation device includes a preparation reactor having a catalyst. A gas feed line and a gas return line are connected between the industrial furnace and the preparation reactor to form a closed loop. A compressor is situated upstream from the preparation reactor in the feed line. The preparation reactor is also connected with supply lines for hydrocarbon gas and air to be supplied to the preparation reactor. The process gas preparation device also includes a control device with which process gas preparation and return can be regulated and controlled. The gas feed line also has a shut-off valve. The control device can check the functional state of the catalyst by measuring the pressure differential across the catalyst and can initiate a burn-out process therein to clear clogging of the catalyst.

Abstract: A process for quenching heat treated metal parts using a liquid quenchant and high pressure is disclosed. In general, the process includes the steps of providing a load of heat treated metal parts in a pressure vessel wherein the load is at an elevated temperature after being heat treated. In a subsequent step, a liquid quenchant is injected into the pressure vessel such that a vapor of the liquid quenchant forms rapidly in the pressure vessel and cools the metal parts. The step of injecting the liquid quenchant into the pressure vessel is continued for a time sufficient to establish a desired peak vapor pressure in the pressure vessel. An apparatus for carrying out the disclosed process is also described.

Abstract: A process gas preparation device for an industrial furnace system is disclosed. The gas preparation device includes a preparation reactor having a catalyst. A gas feed line and a gas return line are connected between the industrial furnace and the preparation reactor to form a closed loop. A compressor is situated upstream from the preparation reactor in the feed line. The preparation reactor is also connected with supply lines for hydrocarbon gas and air to be supplied to the preparation reactor. The process gas preparation device also includes a control device with which process gas preparation and return can be regulated and controlled. The gas feed line also has a shut-off valve. The control device can check the functional state of the catalyst by measuring the pressure differential across the catalyst and can initiate a burn-out process therein to clear clogging of the catalyst.

Abstract: In a device for preparing process gases (3) for heat treatments of metallic materials/workpieces, the respective process gas (3) is to be fed into at least one treatment chamber (1.1) in an industrial furnace (1) having been practically fully prepared, homogenised and heated, and the method is to be carried out both with newly built and particularly with already existing installations of industrial furnaces (1) with the aid of the device, wherein the process gas (3) is prepared with compression at temperatures uncoupled from the temperature in the treatment chamber (1.1), in a process separate from the heat treatment process in the treatment chamber (1.1), and in a temperature range up to about 1250° C., and is rendered usable for economical and low-emission heat treatment (FIG. 3).

Abstract: For regulating process gases for heat treatments of metal materials/workpieces in industrial furnaces (1), which have at least one treatment chamber (2), at least one burnoff point (4) having at least one first valve (4.1), and a regulator (5) having pressure meter (5.1), the burnoff point (4) is only to be opened as a function of requirements related to the process gas. For this purpose, in a first step, with open first valve (4.1), a quantity of a flushing gas (6.1) of the gas mixture (6) of the respective process gas is supplied in a controlled manner to the industrial furnace (1) and then burned off, in a second step, the valve (4.1) is closed, the industrial furnace (1) is regulated to a preset furnace pressure and this is permanently detected via the pressure meter (5.1), in a third step, with the target pressure of the industrial furnace achieved, this pressure is detected via the pressure meter (5.1) and maintained, the first valve (4.1) further remaining closed.

Abstract: In a method and with a device for preparing process gases (3) for heat treatments of metallic materials/workpieces, the respective process gas (3) is to be fed into at least one treatment chamber (1.1) in an industrial furnace (1) having been practically fully prepared, homogenised and heated, and the method is to be carried out both with newly built and particularly with already existing installations of industrial furnaces (1) with the aid of the device, wherein the process gas (3) is prepared with compression at temperatures uncoupled from the temperature in the treatment chamber (1.1), in a process separate from the heat treatment process in the treatment chamber (1.1), and in a temperature range up to about 1250° C., and is rendered usable for economical and low-emission heat treatment (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A method and a device for the heat treatment of metal materials in an industrial furnace involves a heating chamber having a treatment chamber and a quenching chamber utilizing protective gas and reaction gas.

Abstract: A process for quenching heat treated metal parts using a liquid quenchant and high pressure is disclosed. In general, the process includes the steps of providing a load of heat treated metal parts in a pressure vessel wherein the load is at an elevated temperature after being heat treated. In a subsequent step, a liquid quenchant is injected into the pressure vessel such that a vapor of the liquid quenchant forms rapidly in the pressure vessel and cools the metal parts. The step of injecting the liquid quenchant into the pressure vessel is continued for a time sufficient to establish a desired peak vapor pressure in the pressure vessel. An apparatus for carrying out the disclosed process is also described.

Abstract: For regulating process gases for heat treatments of metal materials/workpieces in industrial furnaces (1), which have at least one treatment chamber (2), at least one burnoff point (4) having at least one first valve (4.1), and a regulator (5) having pressure meter (5.1), the burnoff point (4) is only to be opened as a function of requirements related to the process gas. For this purpose, in a first step, with open first valve (4.1), a quantity of a flushing gas (6.1) of the gas mixture (6) of the respective process gas is supplied in a controlled manner to the industrial furnace (1) and then burned off, in a second step, the valve (4.1) is closed, the industrial furnace (1) is regulated to a preset furnace pressure and this is permanently detected via the pressure meter (5.1), in a third step, with the target pressure of the industrial furnace achieved, this pressure is detected via the pressure meter (5.1) and maintained, the first valve (4.1) further remaining closed.

Abstract: In a method and with a device for preparing process gases (3) for heat treatments of metallic materials/workpieces, the respective process gas (3) is to be fed into at least one treatment chamber (1.1) in an industrial furnace (1) having been practically fully prepared, homogenised and heated, and the method is to be carried out both with newly built and particularly with already existing installations of industrial furnaces (1) with the aid of the device, wherein the process gas (3) is prepared with compression at temperatures uncoupled from the temperature in the treatment chamber (1.1), in a process separate from the heat treatment process in the treatment chamber (1.1), and in a temperature range up to about 1250° C., and is rendered usable for economical and low-emission heat treatment (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A method and a device for the heat treatment of metal materials in an industrial furnace involves a heating chamber having a treatment chamber and a quenching chamber utilizing inert gas and reaction gas.

Abstract: A process for heat treating metal workpieces contains with respect to an efficient process control the following successive operations following directly one after the other: a heating phase; an enrichment phase; a first cooling phase; a bonding phase; a second cooling phase; and a concluding quenching phase. Workpieces processed by a method of this type are distinguished by a comparatively great fatigue limit and fatigue strength with simultaneous high resistance to wear and tear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal atmospheric furnace for heat treating, in particular, metallic workpieces at high temperatures. In order to crate a furnace that, while having a simple design and being easy to operate at the same time, enables a transfer of heat-treated workpieces into a quenching device while concluding the atmosphere surrounding the furnace, the invention provides that a horizontal atmospheric furnace for heat treating, in particular, metallic work pieces at high temperatures with a preferably cylindrical furnace chamber and with a furnace door that closes the furnace chamber in a gas-tight manner. Said furnace door is mounted in a manner that enables it to be displaced inside a door case. Which forms a lock that can be closed in a gas-tight manner.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the thermal treatment of metallic workpieces with which gas quenching can be obtained that is low in distortion, even for workpieces with an undulating shape or workpieces that are projectingly stackable are provided. In accordance with the method, after being heated the workpieces are cooled in a quenching chamber with a quenching gas, whereby the quenching gas is intentionally caused to flow around the workpieces by means of guide channels that have a closed lateral surface and that enclose the workpieces along the direction of flow of the quenching gas. The apparatus comprises a quenching chamber in which the workpieces can be cooled with a quenching gas, and wherein guide channels are provided to ensure that the quenching gas flows around the workpieces, the guide channels having a closed lateral surface and enclosing the workpieces along the direction of flow of the quenching gas.

Abstract: A process for heat treating metal workpieces contains with respect to an efficient process control the following successive operations following directly one after the other: a heating phase; an enrichment phase; a first cooling phase; a boriding phase; a second cooling phase; and a concluding quenching phase. Workpieces processed by a method of this type are distinguished by a comparatively great fatigue limit and fatigue strength with simultaneous high resistance to wear and tear.

Abstract: A process for heat treating metal workpieces contains with respect to an efficient process control the following successive operations following directly one after the other: a heating phase; an enrichment phase; a first cooling phase; a boriding phase; a second cooling phase; and a concluding quenching phase. Workpieces processed by a method of this type are distinguished by a comparatively great fatigue limit and fatigue strength with simultaneous high resistance to wear and tear.

Abstract: A process for heat treating metal workpieces, especially for the combined carburizing, boriding and hardening of ferrous products, contains with respect to an efficient process control the following successive operations following directly one after the other:

Abstract: A method is provided for the thermal treatment of metal workpieces in a gas atmosphere containing nitrogen, in particular for nitrocarburizing iron articles. In order to obtain enhanced resistance to wear and corrosion in the treated workpieces, the nitrogen and carbon content present in the connecting layer of the case of the treated workpieces are intentionally adjusted by appropriately selecting the nitride coefficient KN and the carburizing coefficient KC of a reaction gas that contains ammonia, whereby hydrocarbons are added to the reaction gas for producing a relatively high carbon content in the connecting layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for heat treatment of metal workpieces obtain a substantially uniform nitride layer, even in workpieces comprising high alloy iron articles. The following method steps are provided: a) heating the workpieces to a temperature between 400° C. and 500° C. in a gas atmosphere comprising only ammonia; b) continuing to heat the workpieces to a temperature between 500° C. and 700° C. in a gas atmosphere containing ammonia and an added oxidizing agent; c) maintaining the workpieces at this temperature and in this gas atmosphere for a period of between 0.1 hour and 5 hours; d) continuing to maintain the workpieces at this temperature for a period of between 1 hour and 100 hours in a gas atmosphere containing ammonia or containing ammonia and a carbon-releasing substance; and, e) cooling the workpieces to room temperature.

Abstract: A method for plasma carburization of metal workpieces in a furnace includes the step of introducing a mixture of propane and methane into the furnace atmosphere. The propane and methane mixture is cleaved under process conditions of plasma carburization to release pure carbon into the furnace atmosphere.