Abstract: A method for treating a component comprising a metallic or ceramic material with a crystalline, semi-crystalline or amorphous structure. According to the method, to case-harden the component, at least part of the surface of the component is exposed to an oil jet, while the temperature of the oil and/or the component is regulated. Also disclosed is a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A fluid composition is prepared by esterification of (a) at least one synthetic alcohol and (b) a mixture of fatty acids, including at least oleic and linoleic acids, and at least one of a mixture comprising a Miristic acid, Palmitoleic acid, Margarinic acid, Margaroleic acid, ?-Linoleic acid, Arachidic acid, Eicosenoic Behenic acid, and Erucic acid. The fatty acids can also include at least one of stearic acid and palmitic acid. The composition can be used as, or as part of, a quenching bath for a metal.

Abstract: Aqueous media for quenching metal substrates are provided and contain (i) a polyvinylpyrrolidone/polyvinylcaprolactam copolymer and (ii) one or more of a second polymer, which is selected from (a) a substituted oxazoline polymer; (b) a poly(oxyethylene-oxyalkylene)glycol; or (c) a polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer. The quenching bath provides reduced cooling rates through the martensite temperature ranges. Also provided are processes for quenching metal substrates using these quenching media.

Abstract: Aqueous media for quenching metal substrates are provided and contain (i) a polyvinylpyrrolidone/polyvinylcaprolactam copolymer and (ii) one or more of a second polymer, which is selected from (a) a substituted oxazoline polymer; (b) a poly(oxyethylene-oxyalkylene) glycol; or (c) a polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer. The quenching bath provides reduced cooling rates through the martensite temperature ranges. Also provided are processes for quenching metal substrates using these quenching media.

Abstract: A process for quenching heat treated metal parts using a liquid quenchant and high pressure is disclosed. In general, the process includes the steps of providing a load of heat treated metal parts in a pressure vessel wherein the load is at an elevated temperature after being heat treated. In a subsequent step, a liquid quenchant is injected into the pressure vessel such that a vapor of the liquid quenchant forms rapidly in the pressure vessel and cools the metal parts. The step of injecting the liquid quenchant into the pressure vessel is continued for a time sufficient to establish a desired peak vapor pressure in the pressure vessel. An apparatus for carrying out the disclosed process is also described.

Abstract: Aqueous metal quenching media comprising vinyllactam/acrylamide copolymers

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the heat treatment of workpieces in a heat treatment furnace, wherein the treatment atmosphere in the heat treatment furnace is circulated. According to the invention, a propellant is injected into the heat treatment furnace in such a manner that the treatment atmosphere is essentially circulated by the injected propellant.

Abstract: Aqueous media for quenching metal substrates are provided and contain (i) a polyvinylpyrrolidone/polyvinylcaprolactam copolymer and (ii) one or more of a second polymer, which is selected from (a) a substituted oxazoline polymer; (b) a poly(oxyethylene-oxyalkylene) glycol; or (c) a polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer. The quenching bath provides reduced cooling rates through the martensite temperature ranges. Also provided are processes for quenching metal substrates using these quenching media.

Abstract: Disclosed is a quenching medium for treating a heated metal part, said medium comprising water and a polyacrylate terpolymer comprising acrylamide and/or methacrylamide monomer units, acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid monomer units and alkyl alkoxylate allyl ether monomer units where the acid groups are in the form of an alkali metal salt and where the alkyl alkoxylate allyl ether monomers are of the formula where n is an integer from 1 to about 30, R is ethylene, propylene or butylene and G is an alkyl group of 8 to 30 carbon atoms. Also disclosed is a method for quenching a heated metal part, which process comprises immersing said metal part in the quenching medium. Also disclosed are the polyacrylate ternary copolymers.

Abstract: A holder having a baseplate with a tang extending rearwardly therefrom, a plurality of openings for receiving fasteners and a plurality of legs extending from the baseplate, the tang being heat treated or work hardened to harden the tang and facilitate its detachment for non-friable substrate applications. Work hardening may be accomplished, for example, by heating and quenching the tang to increase both its hardness and its brittleness to a level that allows the tang to be broken off with an impact force but not when inserted into a friable substrate so that the holder retains greater functionality.

Abstract: Aqueous media for quenching metal substrates are provided and contain (i) a polyvinylpyrrolidone/polyvinylcaprolactam copolymer and (ii) one or more of a second polymer, which is selected from (a) a substituted oxazoline polymer; (b) a poly(oxyethylene-oxyalkylene) glycol; or (c) a polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer. The quenching bath provides reduced cooling rates through the martensite temperature ranges. Also provided are processes for quenching metal substrates using these quenching media.

Abstract: Provided is a quenching method capable of producing quenched articles having little distortion and having a desired hardness. The quenching method with a coolant is specifically so controlled that the surface of the quenching bath is kept under pressure all the time throughout the step of cooling the articles being processed therein.

Abstract: To provide a method for simply and easily causing only IGSCC to initiate and grow in a specimen, which can retain corrosion resistance through passivation, under atmospheric pressure in a short time, an aqueous solution of potassium tetrathionate is brought into contact with the specimen capable of retaining corrosion resistance through passivation. The potassium tetrathionate concentration, temperature and pH value of the aqueous solution are from 0.3 to 6 wt. %, from 5 to 60° C., and from 3 to 6, respectively.

Abstract: A reflection mask blank and a method of producing a reflection mask blank by forming, on a substrate, at least a multilayer reflection film for reflecting exposure light and an absorber layer formed on the multilayer reflection film for absorbing the exposure light. In order to avoid change over lapsed time in properties of the multilayer reflection film, the substrate with the multilayer reflection film is subjected to heat treatment. The heat treatment is during deposition and/or after deposition of the multilayer reflection film. A reflection mask is made from the reflection mask blank according to a reflection mask production method and a semiconductor is made from the reflection mask according to a semiconductor production method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for simultaneously cleaning and annealing a plated semiconductor workpiece. A chamber for simultaneously cleaning and annealing a semiconductor workpiece is provided herein. The method according to the present invention includes the steps rinsing the workpiece with mineral acids and DI water, then simultaneously cleaning/annealing the workpiece with heated deoxygenated DI water. By this present method, tool cross contamination by way of plated metal is greatly reduced, and also grain recovery and grain growth at room temperature is greatly accelerated. Thus, the annealing time of grain growth is dramatically reduced using the present method and apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to application of eco-friendly starch solution as a quenching medium for heated metal parts fabricated from steel, alloy steel, aluminum and aluminum alloys. Depending on the material grade, critical temperature and desired cooling rate, various types of starch solution can be used and the composition and concentration of the starch quenchant can be tailored to provide the required cooling characteristics for wide range of materials. In particular the starch solutions have the potential to replace quenching oil. The starch solutions are environmentally friendly, having no toxic fumes and no after usage disposal liabilities as compared to oil fumes.

Abstract: The pickling process of the present invention is designed for pickling electrical steel strip in a continuous fashion and comprises at least one pickling tank equipped with at least one set of sprayers designed to spray the top and bottom surfaces of a steel strip with a solution comprised of hydrogen peroxide prior to and/or after the strip is immersed in a solution contained in a pickling tank. The set(s) of sprayers in each of the pickling tanks are located above the level of the pickle bath solution, rather than being located in separate spray tanks. Upon exiting the final pickling tank, the strip is brushed/scrubbed to loosen any residual scale to form a clean strip.

Abstract: Provided is a quenching method capable of producing quenched articles having little distortion and having a desired hardness. The quenching method with a coolant is specifically so controlled that the surface of the quenching bath is kept under pressure all the time throughout the step of cooling the articles being processed therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quenching an elongated metal workpiece, such as a pipe, bar, tube, or the like, involves, moving the elongated metal workpiece to be quenched longitudinally through at least one rotating spray unit having a plurality of outlets disposed in a substantially even arrangement over an inner surface thereof through which sprays of quenching fluid are directed at the metal workpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed are stainless steel parts, particularly, parts of electronic apparatus, with which troubles caused by so-called “sulfide gas” mainly of H2S must be avoided. Release of the sulfide gas from the parts is effectively suppressed. The parts have high hardness and corrosion resistance, and can be produced with high finishing accuracy. The stainless steel parts are produced by processing a ferritic or a martensitic stainless steel of a specific alloy composition by forging and/or machining to the shape of the part followed by quenching and tempering, or quenching and tempering followed by machining to the shape of the part, and applying a solution of oxidative acid to the surface of the part so as to dissolve and remove sulfides existing on the surface of the part.

Abstract: This invention relates to application of eco-friendly starch solution as a quenching medium for heated metal parts fabricated from steel, alloy steel, aluminum and aluminum alloys. Depending on the material grade, critical temperature and desired cooling rate, various types of starch solution can be used and the composition and concentration of the starch quenchant can be tailored to provide the required cooling characteristics for wide range of materials. In particular the starch solutions have the potential to replace quenching oil. The starch solutions are environmentally friendly, having no toxic fumes and no after usage disposal liabilities as compared to oil fumes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for efficient utilization of a cryogen in inerting of solid and molten metals are presented. One method and apparatus of the invention includes providing a source of liquid cryogen; transporting the liquid cryogen through a conduit connected to the source of liquid cryogen to a gas/liquid separator, wherein a portion of the liquid cryogen transforms into gaseous cryogen en route; transporting a portion of the liquid cryogen through a first conduit connecting the gas/liquid separator to a cryogen supply nozzle; transporting the gaseous cryogen through a second conduit connecting the gas/liquid separator to a cryogen supply nozzle; and flowing at least a portion of liquid cryogen and at least a portion of the gaseous cryogen through the cryogen nozzle separately and near a surface of solid or molten metal. Thus liquid that transforms into gaseous cryogen en route from storage is not vented and not wasted, but used in inerting of solid or molten metals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process comprised of a controllably variable liquid quenching means for metal alloys at or above the Leidenfrost temperature without metal alloy distortion.

Abstract: A distortion control method that can suppress distortion of a member during quenching and a cooling power measuring device that can precisely measure cooling power are provided. In the distortion control method, when the member is subjected to quenching using liquid cooling medium, the cooling power of the cooling medium being used is maintained within a prescribed range, so that variation in distortion suffered by the member is restricted.

Abstract: A method of controlling bulk absorption of atomic hydrogen and facilitating degassing of hydrogen from a metal or metal alloy workpiece during heat treatments in furnaces with ambient and/or moisture-laden atmospheres, the method includes exposing the surface of the workpiece to an acidified inorganic salt solution or dispersion, with the inorganic salt of the solution containing a transition metal cation and a sulfate, phosphate or nitrate anion, before being subjected to said heat-treatment, said transition metal cation having an equal or positive standard reduction half-reaction potential relative to metal or metal alloy workpiece, the workpiece exposed to the acidified transition metal sulfate, phosphate or nitrate salt is subjected to a heat treatment.

Abstract: A workpiece is heated by first forming an ionized gas plasma around the workpiece. A positive potential is applied to the workpiece to accelerate electrons from the plasma into the workpiece. The workpiece is uniformly surface heated by the energy directed into the workpiece by the electrons. The workpiece is cooled by providing a flow of a pressurized liquid material such as carbon dioxide having a triple point. The liquid material is expanded through a nozzle to form solid particles that contact the surface of the workpiece and remove heat from it by subliming.

Abstract: A method of quenching a metal object having steps of: (a) providing a liquid coolant having a temperature from about 100.degree. F. to about 180.degree. F. and containing about 0.01 to about 0.1 standard cubic feet of carbon dioxide gas per gallon of water dissolved therein; and (b) spraying the liquid coolant on the metal object to quench the metal object.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for heat treating light-metal castings, particularly cylinder heads for piston engines, in which, after solidifying and removing the castings from the mold, they are solution treated with the residual casting heat at approximately 530.degree. C., are quenched, aged at approximately 170 to 210.degree. C. and are then cooled to room temperature. The castings are quenched individually with a mist-type fine mixture of air and water, which is nozzle sprayed on all sides by forced convection flow only to approximately 130 to 160.degree. C., and are charged at this temperature, while utilizing the residual heat, into an aging furnace. The evaporation heat of the water is utilized as latent cooling heat. The forming water vapor, carried away by the workpieces, is condensed and the condensed water is guided back to moisten the air/water mixture.

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: A nuclear reactor annealing apparatus and method for annealing a vessel of the reactor by utilizing a non-aqueous fluid, a means for replacing water in the vessel with the non-aqueous fluid, a means for heating the non-aqueous fluid to a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined length of time. The non-aqueous fluid creates less pressure than water at the same temperature and is in communication with said vessel so that heating the non-aqueous fluid in turn heats the vessel thereby annealing the vessel. A can device is used to anneal only a portion of the vessel walls.

Abstract: A method of quenching metal components utilizing a water based quenching composition which includes a polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer of high molecular weight and in relatively high concentrations and thereafter power washing the parts to remove the polymeric film. Another preferred embodiment uses the same high molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone in combination with two rust inhibiting agents which greatly extend the time during which the quenchant film left on the quenched parts remains water soluable, while still providing an excellent approximation of the cooling curve characteristic of an oil quenchant.