Abstract: Methods and systems for oxidizing an interconnect for a fuel cell stack include introducing at least one interconnect to an oxidizing gas containing water vapor, the oxidizing gas being at least substantially free of nitrogen, and oxidizing the at least one interconnect in the presence of the oxidizing gas at an elevated temperature. The oxidation may be performed at a sub-atmospheric pressure. The oxidation of the interconnect may be a controlled oxidation that is performed prior to incorporating the interconnect into a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: The process includes heating of steel alloy parts in the presence of hydrogen prior to introduction of, for example, carburizing gas, preferably acetylene, in the presence of a diluent carrier gas. The process uses a continuous cycle involving only one carburizing (boost) step and one diffusion step, and high velocity gas quenching. The process is advantageously carried out in a unique, versatile vacuum furnace (also having high internal pressure capability) that provides very high velocity, continuous flow gas quenching, and a furnace design, including a long, low profile work zone configuration and quench gas recirculation equipment and flow pattern that facilitates high velocity gas flow. The entire process is accomplished in a single self-contained chamber of the furnace.