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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recirculation of atmosphere in a vacuum furnace which comprises a recirculation loop in which there is a low pressure line from the furnace chamber leading to a recirculation pump which pumps the recycled gas at a higher pressure to a high pressure line back into the furnace chamber. A means to analyze the furnace atmosphere is in communication with the high pressure line and signals its measurements of the atmosphere analysis to a valve on an enriching line. The enriching line passes enriched gas into either the high pressure line or the furnace chamber as the valve opens or closes. A means is provided to withdraw the gas from the furnace chamber in order to maintain the desired furnace chamber pressure as enriching gas is added.

Abstract: A vacuum furnace having a single chamber in which a workpiece is supported and heat treated. A unique cooling system is designed for adaption with the low pressure/high volume radial flow fan which is positioned interiorly of the furnace adjacent the vertically uppermost portion of the chamber. The system includes an exhaust opening in the top of the chamber and a plurality of small openings strategically located in the lower half of the chamber for improving the uniformity of the flow pattern of cooled gas circulated upwardly through the chamber for cooling a workpiece positioned in the chamber.