Abstract: An integral high pressure rapid quenching vacuum furnace utilizing an electrical isolation transformer in the blower motor power control system in order to isolate the motor windings, reduce the possibility of gas ionization and eliminate ground faults, particularly when quenching in argon gas, is described. In order to achieve the desired mechanical properties of certain metal alloys being quenched using argon gas as a quenching medium in the high pressure gas vacuum furnace chamber, a 600 HP—460 Volt motor is required. A 460 Volt primary—460 Volt secondary [delta-delta] isolation transformer, having input and output windings separated by an electrostatic shield connected to ground is placed between the power source and the gas blower motor in the quenching chamber filled with argon gas. The 460 Volt power source is connected to a variable frequency drive (VFD) and the VFD is connected to the primary transformer winding. The secondary transformer winding connects 460 Volts to the blower motor windings.

Abstract: An integral high pressure rapid quenching vacuum furnace utilizing an electrical isolation transformer in the blower motor power control system in order to isolate the motor windings, reduce the possibility of gas ionization and eliminate ground faults, particularly when quenching in argon gas, is described. In order to achieve the desired mechanical properties of certain metal alloys being quenched using argon gas as a quenching medium in the high pressure gas vacuum furnace chamber, a 600 HP-460 Volt motor is required. A 460 Volt primary-460 Volt secondary [delta-delta] isolation transformer, having input and output windings separated by an electrostatic shield connected to ground is placed between the power source and the gas blower motor in the quenching chamber filled with argon gas. The 460 Volt power source is connected to a variable frequency drive (VFD) and the VFD is connected to the primary transformer winding. The secondary transformer winding connects 460 Volts to the blower motor windings.