Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the decarburization of steel components in a furnace during heat treating processes. The concentration of CO2 and/or CO in the furnace is monitored by an analyzer. Responsive to a signal from the analyzer indicating an elevated concentration of CO2 and/or CO, a gas injector injects inert gas into the furnace at a flow rate of at least about 2 renewals per hour.

Abstract: The recoiling temperature of a metal strip from a continuous heat treatment line is controlled by continuously passing the metal strip through an accumulator system where it passes around spaced accumulator rolls. While travelling through the accumulator, the metal strip is subjected to ambient cooling air and the length of aluminum strip travelling through the accumulator determines the amount of cooling that takes place. The length of the metal strip in the accumulator is in turn controlled by varying spacing between the accumulator rolls around which the metal strip travels. The spacing is preferably controlled by a programmed controller in response to temperature signals.

Abstract: In order to quickly and economically evaluate cleanliness of a metal with high representativity when quantities, compositions, etc., of non-metallic inclusion particles existing in a metal and resulting in product defects are evaluated by a sample collected during the production process of the metal, the present invention provides an evaluation method involving the steps of levitation-melting a metal piece for a predetermined time by cold crucible levitation-melting means, discharging non-metallic inclusion particles contained in the metal piece to the surface of a molten metal, and directly analyzing a curved and non-smooth sample surface after solidification by a fluorescent X-ray analysis method using an energy dispersion type spectroscope, or by other chemical or physical measurements, to measure or analyze the quantities of elements constituting the non-metallic inclusion particles and to determine quantity of the non-metallic inclusions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quality control of laser shock processing. The method includes measuring emissions and characteristics of a workpiece when subjected to a pulse of coherent energy from a laser. These empirically measured emissions and characteristics of the workpiece are correlated to theoretical shock pressure, residual stress profile, or fatigue life of the workpiece. The apparatus may include a radiometer or acoustic detection device for measuring these characteristics.

Abstract: A method of passivating the interior surface of a gas storage vessel to protect the surface against corrosion. The interior surface of the vessel is first dehydrated and then evacuated. A silicon hydride gas is introduced into the vessel. The vessel and silicon hydride gas contained therein are heated and pressurized to decompose the gase. A layer of silicon is deposited on the interior surface of the vessel. The duration of the silicon depositing step is controlled to prevent the formation of silicon dust in the vessel. The vessel is then purged with an inert gas to remove the silicon hydride gas. The vessel is cycled through the silicon depositing step until the entire interior surface of the vessel is covered with a layer of silicon. The vessel is then evacuated and cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for inductively heating and then quench hardening a portion of a workpiece, such as a several threads of a screw or bolt are disclosed. The system includes a conveyor system having a rotary conveyor for separating, aligning, and transporting each of the workpieces in aligned succession through an induction heater positioned about the rotary conveyor to heat-treat at least a portion of each of the workpieces. A sensor determines whether a workpiece is heat-treated to a minimum temperature and causes an ejector to separate heat-treated workpieces that have reached the minimum temperature from heat-treated workpieces that have failed to reach the minimum temperature. The separated workpieces are then quenched in a tank & separately removed automatically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for quantitatively measuring a metal phase contained in a galvanized layer by X-ray diffractometry, and a method of producing a galvanized steel sheet by using the method and apparatus. The diffracted X-ray intensity from a metal phase contained in the galvanized layer is increased to improve measurement accuracy, thereby permitting application to on-line measurement. The diffracted X-rays from the metal phase are measured over a predetermined range on a Debye ring, or measured at a plurality of positions on the Debye ring to increase the diffracted X-ray intensity, thereby improving measurement accuracy. The X-ray beam produced by an X-ray source is compressed and made parallel and monochromatic by a multilayer film mirror to increase diffracted X-ray intensity, improving measurement accuracy. Particularly, the present invention is applied to measurement of the degree of alloying of hot-dip galvanization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality of a laser peening process, which includes a test element, a mount for the test element, wherein the test element is mounted at a preselected point in the anticipated path of a laser pulse, the laser pulse irradiates the test element, the deflection of the test element is measured in the direction substantially perpendicular and away from the impacted surface of the test element, and the deflection measurement is compared to a previously generated chart showing the relationship between characteristics of test elements and desired material properties.

Abstract: A new austenitic stainless steel contains 0.1-1.0 mass % of Si and not more than 0.003 mass % of Al. Nonmetallic inclusion dispersed in a steel matrix is converted to MnO—SiO2—Al2O3 containing not less than 15 mass % of SiO2 and not more than 40 mass % of Al2O3. During steel making, molten steel is covered with basic slag and strongly deoxidized with a Si alloy whose Al content is controlled not more than 1.0 mass % in a vacuum or non-oxidizing atmosphere. The austenitic stainless steel sheet can be formed to an objective shape without occurrence of cracking due to its less crack-sensitivity and good formability.

Abstract: To identify and manufacture metallic glass forming alloys, large inertial forces or “g”-forces are used to sequentially separate crystalline phases (particles) as they sequentially form and grow in a molten alloy during gradual cooling of the alloy below its liquidus temperature. These forces physically remove and isolate the actual crystalline particles from the remaining liquid as they are formed. Under the influence of a large g-force, this is accomplished by rapid and efficient sedimentation and stratification. Further contamination and nascent solid “debris” in the form of oxides, carbides, or other foreign particles can be removed from the molten alloy using the same sedimentation/stratification technique. Finally, a method of efficiently cooling and solidifying the final low melting stratified and decontaminated liquid into a solid glass component is proposed which utilizes convective heat transport by a cooling gas.

Abstract: In a surface processing method for removing surface flaws, surface contaminants, and the like from a continuously cast metal product in a hot state, at least a portion of at least one metal product surface is cooled for a defined temperature decrease of a surface to be treated and a surface treatment is then performed. The device therefor has a cooling device for cooling at least a portion of at least one metal product surface for a defined temperature decrease of a surface to be treated and a surface treatment device downstream of the cooling device in the product conveying direction. The production arrangement for this has a continuous slab casting device, a heating arrangement with at least one of a heating device and a temperature equilibration device arranged downstream of the casting device. A hot mill train is arranged downstream of the heating arrangement in the conveying direction.

Abstract: In order to quickly and economically evaluate cleanliness of a metal with high representativity when quantities, compositions, etc., of non-metallic inclusion particles existing in a metal and resulting in product defects are evaluated by a sample collected during the production process of the metal, the present invention provides an evaluation method involving the steps of levitation-melting a metal piece for a predetermined time by cold crucible levitation-melting means, discharging non-metallic inclusion particles contained in the metal piece to the surface of a molten metal, and directly analyzing a curved and non-smooth sample surface after solidification by dissolving the surface and extracting and filtering the inclusions to measure or analyze the quantities of elements constituting the non-metallic inclusion particles and to determine quantity of the non-metallic inclusions.

Abstract: This marking method is carried out with an object to form a mark of high visibility on a surface of a metallic layer of such as a cover plate of a semiconductor device or the like without generating metallic debris or the like. According to this method, on a marking area of a metallic layer with a matte surface (Rmax: 0.5 to 5 &mgr;m), a laser beam is illuminated, thereby the metallic layer is melted, then re-solidified, thereby minute unevenness on the surface of the metallic layer is averaged and erased to be smooth. Thus formed marking portion reflects light specularly and is different in light reflectivity from an underlying portion which scatters light (diffuse reflection). Due to the difference of reflectivity, the marking portion can be visually discerned with excellency.

Abstract: A method of producing hot rolled steel having improved formability and minimal silver formation comprises the addition of Titanium and Boron to the molten steel to combine with and remove the free nitrogen prior to rolling: Titanium is added so that the amount of nitrogen remaining after Ti addition is about 0.0005 wt % to about 0.0025 wt % and Boron is added to remove the balance of the nitrogen by forming BN.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for beam welding of hardenable steels using a short-time heat treatment. A preferred area of application of the invention is motor vehicle and mechanical engineering. In the method according to the invention, the short-time heat treatment occurs first as the sole preheating in a defined manner, and then the beam welding begins after a defined cooling time, at the latest.

Abstract: Improved process for the annealing of drawn carbon steel rolls and coils of rolled carbon steel sheet. This process is characterized in that in the stage of roll heating the heating is stopped before reaching the temperature at which the reaction between carbon and H2O in the vapour phase starts. The core of the steel roll is then allowed to heat up progressively until its temperature reaches that of the outer part of the roll. With progressive removal of moisture from the core of the steel roll, heating is applied progressively until a minimum moisture level guaranteeing a sufficiently low partial pressure to avoid the reaction between the carbon in the steel and water vapour is reached. Heating is then continued up to the desired annealing temperature.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy plate for an automobile has a chemical composition containing 0.8 to 1.5% by mass of Si, 0.4 to 0.7% by mass of Mg and 0.5 to 0.8% by mass of Cu. The crystal grain size is 10 to 40 &mgr;m. Cu content obtained by analyzing the outermost surface of the aluminum alloy with an oxide film according to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is {fraction (1/10)} to ½ of the Cu content of the bulk of the aluminum alloy plate.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of treatment for work products of materials such as steel, bronze, plastic, etc. and particularly welded steel bodies by pulse impact energy, preferably ultrasonic, to relax fatigue and aging and extend expectant life. The treatment may occur (a) at original production, (b) during the active life period for maintenance or (c) after failure in a repair stage. The ultrasonic treatment improves the work product strength. In welded products residual stress patterns near the weld sites are relaxed and micro-stress defects such as voids and unusual grain boundaries are reduced. The basic method steps are non-destructive in nature, inducing interior pulse compression waves with ultrasonic transducers and accessory tools impacting an external product surface with enough impulse energy to heat and temporarily plasticize the metal interior and relax stresses.

Abstract: A starting workpiece of a titanium-base alloy having a temperature-composition phase diagram with a beta region and an alpha-beta region separated by a beta transus temperature is processed by first forging the starting workpiece at a first temperature in the beta region to form a billet, thereafter second forging the billet at a second temperature in the alpha-beta region, thereafter third forging the billet at a third temperature in the beta region, thereafter fourth forging the billet at a fourth temperature in the alpha-beta region so that the step of fourth forging accomplishes a reduction in cross-sectional area of from about 5 to about 40 percent, and thereafter ultrasonic testing the billet. The beta-region third forging step combined with a relatively small reduction during the alpha-beta-region fourth forging step produce a microstructure that is conducive to ultrasonic inspection with minimal interference from noise.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal strip which reduces the risk of the strip breaking over the course of a path, the strip being conveyed under stress in the strip direction and in which, in an upstream feed path of the metal strip, defects in the edges of the strip are detected and then measures are taken to reduce the risk of these defects causing the strip to break, in which method the strip is provided, in the region of the detected defect, with at least one notch in the strip direction, at a distance which is further away from the edge of the strip than the maximum dimension of the defect transversely with respect to the strip direction.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for casting, hot rolling and annealing of non-heat treatable aluminum alloys which comprises continuously casting, hot rolling, and, in-line with the hot rolling line, inductively heating the aluminum sheet. The induction heating system uses a feedback control to assure that the aluminum alloy is heated to the proper temperature based on one or a number of process variables, such as hot rolling exit temperature, hot rolled product exit rate in terms of speed and product dimensions, and sheet temperature at the exit of the induction heater. Variations in the induction heating temperature can be tolerated in the product without deviating from target mechanical properties.

Abstract: A package assembly is formed by applying flux to a device and/or a substrate and inspecting the applied flux to determine whether the amount applied is within a predetermined range. Embodiments include applying a rosin based flux on a laminate substrate and measuring the thickness of the applied flux with an interferometer.

Abstract: A single-point temperature control system is used with a multi-section furnace to control the exit temperature of a metal workpiece discharged from the furnace. The furnace consists of at least first, second and third sections. The temperature is sensed at the single temperature set point in the second section and compared with a desired set point temperature. The power to the second section is adjusted in order to maintain the desired set point temperature so that the metal workpiece exits the furnace at the required temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quality control of laser shock processing. The method includes measuring emissions and characteristics of a workpiece when subjected to a pulse of coherent energy from a laser. These empirically measured emissions and characteristics of the workpiece are correlated to theoretical shock pressure, residual stress profile, or fatigue life of the workpiece. The apparatus may include a radiometer or acoustic detection device for measuring these characteristics.

Abstract: A method for post-production precision modification and enhancement of pre-existing shape memory alloy (SMA) forms to precisely alter their chemical composition and properties and produce greater accuracy and versatility. The present process includes carefully controlled electrodeposition or electroless deposition of alloying agents such as Nickel, Copper, or other elements on the surface of the pre-existing SMA form to produce the desired shape memory properties, followed by application of a protective coating, then high temperature heat treatment in combination with gentle physical kneading to speed up the homogenization process (thermal diffusion) and produce rapid diffusion of the plated metal throughout the form. The present method may also use the skin effect of AC current for localized heat treatment of the SMA form and neutron activation tracer analysis for in-line quality control and diagnostics. The process can also be used to impart shape memory properties to non-SMA alloy forms.

Abstract: A process for heat treatment of a plastically moldable workpiece, by plastically molding the workpiece at a first temperature to form a shape, mechanically restraining the workpiece by means of form-fitting, bringing the workpiece to a second temperature and subjecting it at least partially to a heat treatment, and removing the workpiece, wherein mechanically restraining the workpiece by means of form-fitting is accomplished by embedding the workpiece in a densely packed pourable embedding material located in a container, wherein the embedding material is stressed. The invention also includes an apparatus for practicing the process.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring and controlling the quality of the galvannealed coating of steel strip immediately following the galvannealing step, wherein the hot galvanized coating of the steel strip produced by hot dipping is converted into FeZn phases by diffusion reactions through a thermal treatment in an annealing furnace at temperatures above the melting point of zinc. The measurement value used for the quality of the galvannealed coating of the steel strip is the visual appearance of the galvannealed coating recorded by a visual recording device in the form of measurement signals as the quality measurement value, wherein the measurement signals are processed by measurement technology and the resulting measurement values are used after conversion into control variables for the direct control of the annealing furnace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting and controlling the hydrogen corrosion and embrittlement behavior of steels in the presence of H2S. In the method, at least the following stages are carried out: determining a characteristic value l0 which is a function of the proportion of dislocations present in the lattice of a first steel sample treated under hardening conditions such that, after the hardening treatment, by quenching and tempering or by work hardening, the hardness of said steel reaches a maximum value at a threshold stress &sgr;threshold such that &sgr;threshold equals k·Rp0.2 k being less than or equal to Rp0.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided which enable the nondestructive testing of strength of a heat treated alloy. An alloy is insonified with an ultrasonic signal. The resulting convoluted signal is detected and the acoustic nonlinearity parameter is determined. The acoustic nonlinearity parameter shows a peak corresponding to a peak in material strength.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high purity cobalt sputter target having a single phase h.c.p. structure and a magnetic permeability less than the intrinsic magnetic permeability of the material. Substantially pure cobalt is cast and slowly cooled, such as at a rate of 15° C./min. Or less, to form a cast target of single phase h.c.p. crystallographic structure. This cast target is hot worked at a temperature of at least about 1000° C. to impart a strain of about 65% or greater into the cobalt material, followed by a slow, controlled cooling to room temperature, such as at a rate of 15° C./min. or less, to maintain the single phase h.c.p. crystallographic structure. The cooled target is then cold worked at substantially room temperature to impart a strain of about 5-20%. The sputter target of the present invention processed by this method has a magnetic permeability of less than about 9, grain sizes in the size range of about 70-160 &mgr;m, and average grain size of about 130 &mgr;m.

Abstract: Computer-based systems and methods of determining product parameters, performing process control, and/or classifying products are provided. These computer-based systems and methods analyze previous responses to different iterations of one or more tests and, based on this analysis, predict responses to future tests. The predictions are based on a classification and regression tree analysis. Also provided are computer-based systems which are pre-programmed with the results of at least one such analysis and which perform product parameter determination, process control, and/or product classifications based upon those results. The methods and computer systems are particularly well-suited for use in the context of manufacturing galvanneal-coated steel products (e.g., strips, sheets, plates, rods, wires, and the like), though it is understood that the methods and computer systems are not limited to use on such semi-finished products or their methods of manufacture.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for temper hardening flat metal products, comprising the following steps:introducing a flat product coming out of the furnace into a temper-hardening bay, depositing this flat product on supporting elements forming a lower substantially horizontal supporting table, causing a sudden cooling of the flat product in the deposited position, by spraying a temper-hardening liquid simultaneously on the whole of its upper surface and on the whole of its lower surface, removing the flat product from the temper-hardening bay, and further, before the sudden cooling, transferring retaining elements forming together a substantially horizontal retaining table to a horizontal retaining plane at a predetermined distance above the upper surface of the flat product and, during the sudden cooling, optionally retaining the flat product on the upper retaining table, within the limits imposed by the said horizontal plane. The invention also discloses a device for implementing this method.

Abstract: A protective atmosphere for the heat-treatment of metals is obtained by heating a reactor containing a Nickel-based catalyst to a temperature of between 1000.degree. C. and 1200.degree. C., feeding to the reactor a flow of nitrogen having an oxygen content of between 0.1% and 9% and a flow of hydrocarbons that is substantially stoichiometric to the content of oxygen in the flow of nitrogen to obtain CO and H.sub.2, and sending the gas from the catalytic reactor (2) to a heat-treatment furnace (1). The flow of hydrocarbons is interrupted periodically or by command while maintaining the flow of nitrogen, and is resumed after a preset or calculated time.

Abstract: A selectively heat treated side intrusion beam includes a beam body having a center portion heat treated and end portions not heat treated. The beam body is affixed to end brackets that couple the beam body to the automotive vehicle door. The method for forming a side intrusion beam includes the steps of moving beam stock through a heater; controlling the heater to cycle between an on-state and an off-state with respect to predetermined portions of the length of the beam; quenching the beam stock; and, cutting the beam stock at untreated portions to form the beam body.

Abstract: This invention aims at providing a method of continuously carburizing a metal strip, which is capable of providing industrially optimum carburization conditions while attaining non-soot-generating atmospheric data, desired carburization concentration distribution and desired carburization rate, in a case where a strip passed through a carburization furnace is carburized continuously in a surface reaction rate-governing area in which the carbon concentration in a superficial layer of the strip has not yet reached an equilibruim level with respect to the time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing a low-oxygen, low-carbon iron-based powder. The process comprises the steps of preparing a powder essentially consisting of iron and optionally at least one alloying element selected from the group consisting of chromium, manganese, copper, nickel, vanadium, niobium, boron, silicon, molybdenum, tungsten, decarburizing the powder in an atmosphere containing at least H.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O gases, measuring the concentration of at least one of the carbon oxides (alternatively gases) formed during the decarburisation process, or measuring the oxygen potential in at least 2 points located at a predetermined distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the furnace, adjusting the content of the H.sub.2 O gas in the decarburizing atmosphere with the aid of the measurement. Another alternative concerns measuring the carbon oxides in combination with measuring the oxygen potential.

Abstract: The present invention is a process to use aluminum alloy scrap to manufacture high quality machinable tooling plate. This is an new use for this scrap which has heretofore been used in lower quality products. The tooling plate thus made has superior properties when machined as it produces smaller chips and/or a limited of spirals from the plate. Large chips and long spirals create problems and a smaller chip greatly facilitates the machining operation.

Abstract: In order to quickly and economically evaluate cleanliness of a metal with high representativity when quantities, compositions, etc., of non-metallic inclusion particles existing in a metal and resulting in product defects are evaluated by a sample collected during the production process of the metal, the present invention provides an evaluation method involving the steps of levitation-melting a metal piece for a predetermined time by cold crucible levitation-melting means, discharging non-metallic inclusion particles contained in the metal piece to the surface of a molten metal, and directly analyzing a curved and non-smooth sample surface after solidification by a fluorescent X-ray analysis method using an energy dispersion type spectroscope, or by other chemical or physical measurements, to measure or analyze the quantities of elements constituting the non-metallic inclusion particles and to determine quantity of the non-metallic inclusions.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for induction heat treating, restraint quenching, and straightening an associated carbon steel truck structural member (30), having a web (32) and at least one flange (34) substantially perpendicular thereto, comprises a heat treating apparatus (22) for induction heating and restraint quenching the associated structural member (30). The heat treating apparatus (22) is operatively connected to a cooling conveyor (50). The cooling conveyor (50) is adapted for receiving the associated structural member (30) from the heat treating apparatus (22). A testing apparatus (24) is included for hardness testing the heat treated associated structural member. The testing apparatus (24) is adapted for receiving the associated structural member (30) from the cooling conveyor (52). A conveyor (54) is adapted for receiving the associated structural member (30) from the testing apparatus (24). A roller straightener (26) is operatively connected to the conveyor (54).

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a galvanneal induction furnace includes the steps of providing a steel strip having a molten zinc coating applied thereto and transporting the strip to an induction furnace in which the strip and coating are to be alloyed. The temperature which the strip is estimated to attain just prior to entering the furnace is then calculated. A temperature which the strip should achieve during the alloying reaction is then selected. The power which must be applied to the furnace to elevate the strip temperature from the estimated temperature to the alloying temperature is then calculated. Power is then supplied to the furnace.

Abstract: A process and device are disclosed for regulating the annealing power in at least one annealing section of a continuous annealing and processing line for continuously cast metal products. The speed of the cast products (D) passing through the continuous annealing device is detected, as well as the voltage currently applied to the annealing section, which is converted into an effective value (U.sub.c) by means of a control device (50). The voltage supplied to the annealing section is modified by a control signal derived from the determined effective value of the voltage, in order to achieve a predetermined annealing power value dependent on the measured speed. At least the current flowing in one annealing section is also detected and converted into an effective value. The annealing power actually supplied to the annealing section is calculated from said effective values. The voltage value is modified by a control device until a predetermined value of the annealing power is reached.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode utilizes as an electrode material a hydrogen-absorbing alloy having selectively oriented crystals, which is expressed in terms of a specific maximum value obtained from analysis of powder X-ray diffractometry. This electrode, in which the hydrogen-absorbing alloy used is hardly pulverized upon repeated charge-discharge cycles and oxidation thereof is suppressed, gives metal hydride alkaline secondary batteries having excellent cycle characteristics. A method for evaluating hydogen-absorbing alloys for electrode comprises, utilizing the fact that there exists a clear relationship between specific parameters obtained by analyzing data based on the hydrogen-absorbing alloy to be evaluated and the characteristics of the electrode obtained therefrom, preparing and using analytical curves with the specific parameters.

Abstract: A method of quenching a metal object comprising: (a) providing a reservoir of liquid coolant containing gas that has been dissolved therein; and (b) immersing the metal object in the reservoir to quench the metal. The gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen and carbon dioxide and is preferably carbon dioxide. The gas is preferably maintained within the range of 0.001 to 0.2 standard cubic feet of gas per gallon of coolant. The liquid coolant is preferably water. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir of liquid coolant is open to ambient pressure and temperature.

Abstract: In a method of producing a molten aluminum-killed steel for forming a thin steel sheet, molten steel tapped from a converter is decarburized to a predetermined carbon concentration by using a vacuum degasser, and Al is added to the molten steel in the vacuum degasser to deoxidize the molten steel. A material containing metallic Ca is then added to the molten steel to produce a Ca content of about 0.0005 to 0.005 wt %, and to satisfy [%Ca].times.[%S].ltoreq. about 2.times.1 0.sup.-5. Thereafter, degassing is performed on the molten steel.

Abstract: A method for estimating the inclusion content of a metal, the method involving three steps. The first step is to section the metal to create an exposed inner surface of the metal. The second step is to measure the reflectance of the exposed inner surface of the metal. The third step is to estimate the inclusion content of the metal from the reflectance. When a physical property of the metal, such as tensile strength, elongation or impact strength, is related to the inclusion content of the metal, then the physical property can be estimated from the reflectance of the exposed inner surface of the metal.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the heat treating of a part suspected of containing a lubricant in which the part is preheated to a temperature at which the lubricant vaporizes, the vaporized lubricant is converted to at least one gaseous by-product, the concentration of at least one of the by-products is then measured and heat treating of the part is conducted when the concentration of the measured by-product or total C--H bonds thereof reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for heat treating a metal component uses a first heating system having a first high intensity heating portion to rapidly heat the component to a desired temperature and a second heating portion to maintain the component temperature for solution heat treatment. The heating system is an indexing-type system which includes a plurality of individual heating stations to effect solution heat treatment of the component. Following quenching, a second heating system having a first high intensity heating portion to rapidly heat the component to a desired temperature and a second heating portion to maintain the component temperature artificially ages the component.

Abstract: The present invention presents a method and an apparatus for heat treating a metallic material by performing hydrogen absorption in or desorption from the metallic material. The method includes the steps of recovering the hydrogen gas released from a desorption step and recycling it to a hydrogen absorbing step. Hydrogen recovering can be performed either in a device containing a hydrogen absorbing alloy or in a second heat treating furnace containing the metallic material. Various controlling devices are used to regulate the process of heat treating and recovering of hydrogen gas.

Abstract: An installation for treating metal strip comprising a pickling line made up of a series of tanks filled with a pickling solution heated to a certain temperature, and through which the metal strip is successively passed before passing into a cold rolling mill, each tank being associated with an arrangement for adjusting the temperature of the solution in the tank, according to its position in the line. The installation comprises at least one complementary heating arrangement associated with a regulation system for maintaining the solution at the desired temperature according to variations in overall energy conditions, and comprising a heat pump for recovering at least part of the heat needed from a cooking circuit of the cold rolling mill.

Abstract: A plate temperature and an emissivity are determined at the outlet of an insulated heated zone, and compensations are established which reduce deviations between the respective measured values and the respective target values. A heat input is compensated for in accordance with the greater one of the compensations relating to the plate temperature and the emissivity, respectively. For a U-pattern material, .DELTA.Q is previously added to the heat input for the leading and the trailing end portion of the material. The band steel is irradiated by laser radiation at the outlet of the heating zone in order to detect the degree of alloying on the basis of the intensity of reflected radiation. When an unalloyed surface is detected, a target value of the heat input is modified. ITV camera is used to determine the optical reflectivity of the surface of the band steel at the outlet of a cooling zone in order to detect the degree of alloying.