Abstract: A wafer boat cooldown device comprising a bottom plate and a rotatable table that is rotatable between a number of index positions. The rotatable table comprises at least two wafer boat positions for supporting a wafer boat. A vertically extending wall structure is mounted on the rotatable table and creates, at each wafer boat position, a wafer boat chamber having a gas supply area and a gas discharge area. The wafer boat cooldown device further comprises a plenum chamber which extends under the bottom plate. The plenum chamber accommodates at least one gas/liquid heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an improved burning system for industrial furnace burners (16), more specifically for tunnel type furnaces for firing ceramic materials, to improve the thermal efficiency and reduce the consumption by these furnaces in the process of firing load (10) such as floor tiles, tiles, sanitary material, refractories, porcelain, insulators, grindstone, tableware ceramic, red ceramic and ceramic in general, by a using flame rotation system, providing a radiant flame surface by dividing the flame into smaller intermittent flames.

Abstract: Part of an atmosphere gas in a heating zone and/or a soaking zone is sucked out and is cooled through a high-temperature gas passage of a heat exchanger by heat exchange with a gas in a low-temperature gas passage, then cooled through a gas cooler, then dehumidified to a dew point of ?45° C. or less in a dryer, then heated through the low-temperature gas passage of the heat exchanger by heat exchange with a gas in the high-temperature gas passage, and returned to the heating zone and/or the soaking zone. Part of gas flowing from the dryer toward the low-temperature gas passage of the heat exchanger is returned to a cooling zone. These can achieve a low dew point of ?45° C. or less with high energy efficiency.

Abstract: A hood-type annealing furnace for the thermal treatment of cold-rolled steel strip includes a base, a protective hood which can be placed on the latter and under which a protective gas heated by a gas burner is circulated by a blower, to heat the steel strip, rolled up particularly into a coil, under the protective hood to a temperature of at least 500° C. in a protective gas atmosphere. An electric heater fed by the public power network has a heating capacity correspondingly substantially to the heating capacity of the gas burner. The protective gas can be independently heated with the electric heater, alternatively to the gas burner, with the gas burner switched off, to a temperature above the recrystallization annealing temperature. A method for operating a hood-type annealing furnace is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas quenching method of the type that makes use of (i) a quenching cell (V1) which is intended to receive objects to be quenched with a quenching gas and (ii) a buffer capacity (V2) which is designed to contain the quenching gas.

Abstract: A diffuser (24) for an annealing furnace has a plurality of radially extending generally and vertically oriented vanes (40) for radially directing furnace gases. The vanes have top edges (42) defining a generally planar support and the top edges of the vanes have a notch (38) therein for receiving a conduit (34) preferably ring shaped that extend substantially around a center portion of the diffuser plate. The conduit (34) is connected to an inlet (32) for receiving enriching gases and exit ports (50) circumferentially space about said conduit (34) passing the enriching gases into the diffuser (24) to be mixed with ambient furnace gases.

Abstract: Quenched layers are formed without irregularities on the inner circumferential surface of a track bushing having a small inside diameter or on the inner circumferential surfaces of two or more track bushings which are subjected to quenching in an overlapped condition. To introduce a cooling medium for cooling the inner circumferential surface of the track bushing, a guide tube having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the track bushing is disposed on the side of the inner circumferential surface and the cooling medium introduced by the guide tube is diverted by a diverting member having a spherical or similar curved surface, such that the cooling medium is allowed to flow in a direction substantially parallel with an axial direction of the track bushing 1 within a space defined by the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube and the inner circumferential surface of the track bushing, thereby performing laminar flow cooling.

Abstract: A method and system of processing castings is provided in which one or more castings are deposited into a mobile furnace and moved from one station to another of a multi-station casting processing system. The interior of the mobile furnace is heated so as to maintain the temperature of the casting within a desired range of temperatures. The multi-station casting processing system may include a casting machine, a fluidized bed and a quench tank. The method may include transferring a casting into the mobile furnace and moving the furnace from one station to another.

Abstract: A hot meal object is quenched after heat treatment. A hot gas stream comprising at least 20% by volume of hydrogen is taken from for example a carburising chamber (4) of a furnace (2). The gas is cooled by passage through a heat exchanger (16), and is compressed in a compressor (18). The compressor (18) has an aftercooler (not shown) to remove heat of compression from the gas. The cooled, compressed gas flows through nozzles (26) into a quenching chamber (6). The gas leaves the nozzles (26) at a velocity of at least 50 m/s and impinges upon the hot metal object so as to effect its quencing.

Abstract: A device in hot isostatic pressing has first, second and third pumps. The first pump is adapted to pump a cooled pressure medium emanating from a cooling loop in the pressure vessel upwardly from a first space to a second pump which is arranged in a second space located above the first space but below a load space. The second pump is arranged to pump a mixture of the cooled pressure medium and a warm pressure medium emanating from the second space upwardly through the load space. The third pump is arranged in the second space to pump a warm pressure medium emanating from this space to the second pump for pumping the warm pressure medium by the second pump.

Abstract: A method of treating parts (34) in a treatment chamber (33) by hot-isostatic pressing with an inert gas as pressure medium and in the presence of a purifying agent (25a) for the inert gas comprises the steps of reducing the pressure in the treatment chamber (33), increasing the pressure again by introducing the inert gas, increasing the temperature in the treatment chamber (33) by activating heating elements (9a), and, after a certain holding time, reducing the pressure and the temperature again. Especially if the purifying agent (25a) is of the same material as the parts (34) being treated, the purifying effect of the purifying agent becomes insufficient. The effect of the purifying agent (25a) is improved according to the invention by bringing the inert gas, at least when being introduced, to circulate such that it is heated, passes through the purifying agent and is thereafter cooled before contacting the parts. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved apparatus and method of carburizing ferrous metal parts. In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises a radiant heater tube within which a source of hydrocarbon fuel is fully combusted, and a generator tube surrounding and forming a cavity around at least a portion of the radiant heater tube. The generator tube includes an input for air and enriching gas and an output to the process chamber of the furnace. The enriching gas is partially combusted or decomposed in the generator tube. This partially combusted gas is utilized to produce a carburizing gas for use in the process chamber of the furnace.

Abstract: This invention relates to the working of a metallic strip. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of working a length of metallic strip by heat treating under tensile force, to a length of metallic strip and to an apparatus for use in working a length of metallic strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of components by means of a gas mixture, comprising mainly a first light gas and minor amounts of a second gas being heavier than the first gas, has a treatment chamber (10) in which the treatment occurs and a concentration, and purification device (19, 29, 30) in which the gas mixture is concentrated and purified to increase the concentration of the first gas. The treatment chamber (10) comprises an outlet member (19) provided in an upper part of the treatment chamber (10) and means (14, 15) being arranged to move the gas mixture upwardly and out through the outlet member (19). Said means may comprise an inlet member (14) provided in a lower part of the treatment chamber (10) and arranged to supply additional gas and to admit a laminar inward flow of said additional gas.

Abstract: A method for the forming and feeding of a gaseous atmosphere having two components, at least one of which under the form of vapour obtained from liquid, envisages to bubble a first gaseous component within a liquid component kept under controlled conditions of pressure and temperature and then to remove the gas-vapour mixture having controlled composition. In order to realise the method according to the invention, a device is foreseen that comprises a saturator reservoir containing the liquid component, means to keep the level of the liquid in the reservoir substantially constant, means to bubble a flow of gaseous component within the saturator, as well as means to control pressure and temperature inside the saturator itself. The invention can be applied in particular to the forming of carburizing atmospheres and of atmospheres used in thermal treatments of steel materials, specially gas carburizing treatments.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetic annealing of amorphous metal alloy cores. The apparatus includes a fluidized bed for heating the core, a conveyor for transporting the core and immersing the core in the fluidized bed and at least one winding for applying a magnetic field to the core. The apparatus can include a chill bath and/or a second fluidized bed for cooling the core. A chamber can be provided between the two fluidized beds for slow cooling the core by convection and radiation prior to cooling the core at a faster rate in the second fluidized bed.

Abstract: A method of heat treating an amorphous metal alloy by immersing the alloy in a fluidized bed to heat the alloy to a temperature below its recrystallization temperature. The alloy is maintained in the fluidized bed for a time sufficient to reduce internal stresses While minimizing crystal growth and nucleation of crystallites in the alloy. Then, the alloy is removed from the fluidized bed and cooled. A magnetic field can be applied to the alloy before, during or after heating the alloy in the fluidized bed. The magnetic field is applied for a time sufficient to achieve substantial magnetic domain alignment while minimizing crystal growth and nucleation of crystallites in the alloy. The cooling step is effective to maintain the magnetic domain alignment in the alloy. The cooling step can be performed with a chill bath or a fluidized bed which is cooled by a circulating gas such as nitrogen or air. The alloy can be slowly cooled by convection and radiation after it is removed from the first fluidized bed.

Abstract: An improved convective heat transfer arrangement is disclosed achieving overall heat transfer efficiencies in the neighborhood of 30 Btu/(hr. ft.sup.2 .degree.F.). A heat transfer conduit including a heat transfer wall is axially divided into a plurality of axially extending heat transfer chambers by a plurality of transversely extending baffles. Each baffle is especially configured to have an axially extending recess formed therein through which extends an orifice opening. Heat transfer gas pumped through the conduit cascades through the heat transfer chambers forming and reforming nascent free standing jet streams through each baffle orifice which impinge the heat transfer wall to achieve very high heat transfer coefficients while efficiently utilizing the available heat in the heat transfer gas.

Abstract: A method of cooling steel parts from austenitic stage to a temperature that is higher than its Ms point after carburization of said steel part to carry out diffusion transformation, then carrying out a nitriding treatment and further applying shot peening, and in order to implement said method provide a carburizing zone, a cooling zone for carrying out diffusion transformation and a nitriding treatment zone connected through opening and shutting doors, and provide feeding devices in each of said zones to feed the steel parts to the next zone.

Abstract: A cooling system for the hot isostatic pressurizing equipment which is provided with valves and actuators at the lower part of the equipment so that they are not subject to thermal deformation. The valves and actuators are installed independently from each other so as to eliminate a need for increasing the diameter of the vessel.The valve is attached to a lower vent hole formed in the radial direction in the supporting cylinder installed on the inner bottom closure. The valve is energized in its closing direction by a spring and is operated by the actuator installed on the outer bottom closure detachable from the inner bottom closure.

Abstract: A metal oxidation treatment apparatus to form the passivation film on the surface of the metal to be oxidized such as stainless steel or the like, comprising an oxidation furnace, a gas inlet to introduce gas into said oxidation furnace, a discharge outlet to discharge the gas from said oxidation furnace, and a heater to heat said oxidation furnace to the predetermined temperature, so that the metal to be oxidized is heated and oxidized in dry oxidation atmosphere while gas is passed in said oxidation furnace.

Abstract: A metal oxidation treatment apparatus to form the passivation film on the surface of the metal to be oxidized such as stainless steel or the like, comprising an oxidation furnace, a gas inlet to introduce gas into said oxidation furnace, a discharge outlet to discharge the gas from said oxidation furnace, and a heater to heat said oxidation furnace to the predetermined temperature, so that the metal to be oxidized is heated and oxidized in dry oxidation atmosphere while gas is passed in said oxidation furnace.

Abstract: Process for heat treating articles by hardening them in a recirculating gas medium which is in contact with the treated articles, the hardening gas being cooled by means of a heat exchanger, of the type in which helium is used as hardening gas, and is stored under holding pressure in a buffer container, wherein at the end of a hardening operation, a helium load is extracted from the treatment enclosure, in final phase by means of pump until a primary vacuum is obtained, the extracted helium is brought to purifying pressure by means of a compressor associated to a mechanical filter, and the helium under purifying pressure is sent to a purifier in which impurities are removed, after which it is transferred, if desired, after recompression in the buffer container.

Abstract: An endothermic furnace for sintering metal includes a pair of U-shaped retort tubes which are mounted to the underside of a flat, rectangular lid, the lid being removably secured along the respective top vertical edges of the furnace chamber sidewalls and the retorts being removable with the lid. Each tube carries a catalyst and receives a carbonaceous gas mixture that is either combusted externally or internally of the chamber, the gas reacting with the catalyst to produce a desired endothermic gas product which heats each tube whereby to radiantly heat the chamber and which is piped back into the heat chamber, when cooled, to provide an oxygen-free atmosphere for the heat treating chamber.

Abstract: A heating mantle for heating materials, such as metals, alloys or inorganic chemicals in a retort, includes a tubular wall and annular chambers cooperating with said wall for forming a tortious path around the retort for hot gases. The mantle provides a very high convective heat transfer coefficient.

Abstract: A fluidized catalytic cracking process using a riser reactor to crack a mixture of high and low nitrogen content fresh feeds is operated to reduce NO.sub.x emissions in the regenerator flue gas. Segregation of the feed into high and low nitrogen content streams, and addition of the high nitrogen content feed to the base of the riser, followed by separate addition of the low nitrogen content feed higher up in the riser, reduces NO.sub.x emissions and reduces production of low value products from the FCC unit.

Abstract: Metal strip in coils is heat-treated by impinging jets of a temperature-controlled gaseous medium on the ends of the coils which are positioned with the coil axis horizontal. The medium is recirculated through heat exchangers. A rotating hearth furnace for such heat-treating has an annular hearth which carries coils in intermittent movement through successive stations in which the gaseous medium is directed on the coils.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for producing a regulated atmosphere in a heat treating furnace. In the preferred embodiment, liquid methanol is heated sufficiently to cause it to dissociate into hydrogen and carbon monoxide, i.e. the combustible components. These dissociated combustible components are then mixed with a relatively inert gas such as nitrogen. This mixture of combustibles and non-combustibles forms the atmosphere for the furnace. The proportion of one or more combustibles in the mixture is measured, and the flow of the inert gas into the mixer is regulated so as to maintain precisely the desired ratio of combustibles to non-combustibles in the furnace atmosphere. The invention includes various mechanisms for preventing unsafe temperature and pressure conditions, and for insuring that unwanted byproducts of dissociated methanol are not created.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating articles by heat and pressure and then cooling by forced circulation may have a pressurized heated chamber for holding such items to be treated, this chamber being positioned within a cooled, pressure sustaining enclosure, a pressure developing mechanism may be positioned at one side of this enclosure and may include a valving function for selectively drawing inert gas into the enclosure and into the heated chamber the heated chamber including a wall having a plurality of openings spaced throughout into the item-holding chamber, a passageway may extend from one end of this item-holding chamber, past the cooled area of the sustaining enclosure and onto the pressure developing mechanism whereby the valving function may be selectively operated allowing the pressure developing mechanism to circulate the gaseous medium within the apparatus more evenly and uniformly over all items held within the chamber, the heating operation of the chamber being selectively disabled during this circulati

Abstract: An apparatus or system for cooling the interior of an autoclave furnace vessel after it has been pressurized with a gas and heated. The system comprises a heat conducting conduit opening at one end to the furnace interior and at the other end to a shut-off valve exterior to the vessel. Intermediate the two ends of the conduit is a coil portion comprising a heat exchanger positioned at a location in the furnace where hot vessel gases may be forced through or past the coil. Furnace gases are forced into the conduit and therefore through the coiled portion where they are heated prior to being exhausted. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, there is a Joule-Thomson valve before the coiled portion of the conduit to reduce the temperature of the exhausting gases prior to arriving at the coiled portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to the generation of an atmosphere for the heat treatment of metals, incorporating an alcohol of the methanol type that decomposes by cracking.A generating plant comprises a nitrogen circuit connected to a pressure source, an alcohol circuit connected to a pressurized tank containing the alcohol in the liquid phase and an injector arranged to feed the alcohol and nitrogen into the furnace in the form of a mist of alcohol within a jet of nitrogen.The invention is applicable in particular to the hardening, heating prior to quenching, and annealing of steels.

Abstract: A burner within which there is a jet pump means. High pressure primary combustion air is fed to an inlet in the burner housing and then through the jet pump means. The high pressure air flowing through the jet pump means draws a secondary low pressure, high temperature air into the burner. The jet pump means entrains the secondary air within the primary air to form a combustion air mixture. A fuel means feeds fuel to the burner housing and the combustion air and fuel combine to form a suitable mixture for ignition. A swirler can be located within the means to feed the primary air to the inlet or within the burner itself. By swirling the primary air the flame pattern of the burner can be controlled. The burner of the present invention is particularly adaptable for soaking pits having a tile recuperator and the metallic recuperator disposed within a flue gas passageway.

Abstract: The invention relates to controlled atmosphere heat treating furnaces and particularly to furnaces for bright annealing of copper or its alloys. A new concept is proposed for conserving energy uses by first having a separate atmosphere producing system that fires constantly, independent of the temperature control and secondly having a cooling system that only extracts the excess heat produced by the combustion for atmosphere. In this way the furnace may be maintained at the desired operating temperatures regardless of variation of the work load, yet all of the heat generated by the atmosphere producing device is released within the furnace thereby eliminating unnecessary heat losses.