Abstract: A method of providing boiler tubes with a variably ribbed interior surface. A suitably dimensioned spindle with a channel having a desired pattern on the exterior surface of the spindle is wrapped by a wire-like member in the channel so as to form thereon a reverse image of the desired, patterned tube ribbing. A brazing metal paste is applied on the exterior surface of the wire-like member and the spindle is inserted into a tube to be ribbed. The wire-like member is released from the spindle to allow the wire-like member to conform to the inner surface of the tube, and the tube is heated to the melting temperature of the brazing metal paste so that the wire-like member bonds to the inner surface of the tube, and the metal tube is then cooled.

Abstract: A method of providing boiler tubes with a variably ribbed interior surface. A suitably dimensioned spindle with a channel having a desired pattern on the exterior surface of the spindle is wrapped by a wire-like member in the channel so as to form thereon a reverse image of the desired, patterned tube ribbing. A brazing metal paste is applied on the exterior surface of the wire-like member and the spindle is inserted into a tube to be ribbed. The wire-like member is released from the spindle to allow the wire-like member to conform to the inner surface of the tube, and the tube is heated to the melting temperature of the brazing metal paste so that the wire-like member bonds to the inner surface of the tube, and the metal tube is then cooled.

Abstract: A method for producing chromium carbide coatings on steel provides a steel component having a surface which is carburized to contain at least about 0.40% by weight carbon and is followed by chromizing the surface to form a chromium carbide coating on the surface.

Abstract: An improved process for chromizing and chrome-siliconizing 400-series stainless steel components, and in particular, 430 stainless steel components, such as boiler panel studs. The process includes the addition of between 0.12%-0.25% by weight of calcium fluoride salt to the conventional 4% by weight of ammonium chloride activator salt to the coating composition used in known diffusion coating processes. In a more preferred embodiment, small amounts of silicon powder, such as between about 0.12%-0.25% by weight, are added to the two salts and the diffusion coating material. A coating composition is provided as well.

Abstract: An improved process for chromizing commercial quantities of small, industrial, ferrous-based parts, such as but not limited to threaded connectors, pins, bolts, nuts, washers, fasteners, fittings, couplings, studs, etc., uses a retort filled with layers of parts coated with a chromium-containing slurry. The plurality of parts are arranged in layers on sheets of refractory felt paper and are heat treated simultaneously for causing the chromizing reaction between the slurry and the ferrous-based parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a target analyte diffused in a wall of a metal member provides a sample of the metal member which is cut to progressively reduce a wall thickness of the sample from zero at a first point on the sample to a selected depth at a second point on the sample. An x-ray analyzing system having an analyzing slot is moved past the sample between the first and second points. Data from the x-ray analyzing system during the translation of the sample is collected to analyze the analyte content.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved rapid solidification casting system which employs one or more metal conditioning brushes. The casting surface is cleaned by the brushes and the pressure on the brushes is adjusted so as to deposit a layer of the brush metal onto the casting surface, the casting surface so conditioned increases the quality of the resulting cast material.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved mirror optic article comprised of a continuous aluminum or aluminum alloy matrix having dispersed uniformly throughout particulate silicon carbide having an average particle diameter of 4 microns or less and having a reflective coating on at least one surface thereof.