Month: November 2023

One of the major attributes of the fluidized bed is the high rate at which heat can be transferred from the bed of particles to an immersed object. Coefficients of heat transfer on the order of 400 to 740 W/m2 · K (70 to 130 Btu/ft2 · h · °F) are possible. This heat flow rate is two to ten times higher than that provided by normal convection or radiation. In addition, the rate of heat transfer in the full bed is relatively independent of the emissivity of the object that is immersed and the temperature level.

The figure illustrates the nature of heat transfer in a fluidized bed. Under curve 1, the bed is nonfluidized in a static state with low heat transfer rates that increase only slightly with velocity. After the minimum fluidization velocity (Vmf) is reached, the heat transfer coefficient, or HTC (h), increases rapidly over a comparatively narrow velocity range (curve 2). At a certain optimal velocity (Vopt), the HTC reaches a maximum (hmax) and then tends to diminish as the fluidized bed attains more gaslike properties (curve 3). The actual heat transfer rate experienced in the fluidized bed depends on the fluidizing gas velocity and its thermal conductivity, the size and density of the bed particles, their thermophysical properties, and on the geometry and structural design features of the furnace.

For more information, click on the link below (subscription required). Then scroll to Figure 8.
R Schneider; R. Mesquita; W Schützenhöfer, Distortion in Tool Steels, ASM International, 2014
https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v04d.a0005958

Soochow University, China, successfully demonstrated a novel high alloying element maraging steel (HA-MS1) prepared by laser metal deposition (LMD). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) phase transformation analysis on the as-deposited (AF) specimens was conducted and the reasonable aging heat treatment (AT) and solution + aging heat treatment (ST + AT) were subsequently proposed.

These specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), hardness test, wear test and potentiodynamic polarization test for microstructure, phase, hardness, tribological and corrosive properties. The grain refinement and a large number of Ni3(Ti, Mo) intermetallic compounds in the matrix after AT resulted in superior hardness and wear resistance, while leading to poor corrosion resistance. This phenomenon resulted in a decreasing compatibility of mechanical properties than the AT specimens, but the specimens aged at 490 °C after solution treatment at 820 °C had the best corrosion resistance, mainly due to their good surface and more densification.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12540-022-01218-4

Bodycote ,Macclesfield, UK, the world’s leading provider of heat treatment and specialist thermal processing services, announced a number of strategic steps to enhance and drive further growth in its Specialist Technologies business, through the expansion of the Group’s Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) footprint and scale in the US.

• Lake City HT based in Warsaw, Indiana, a leading Medical market HIP and vacuum heat treatment business primarily supplying the orthopaedic implant market as well as Civil Aerospace customers.
• Stack Metallurgical Group based in the Pacific Northwest of the US, a key provider of HIP, heat treatment and metal finishing services primarily for the Civil Aerospace, Defence and Energy markets.

The businesses are highly complementary to Bodycote’s existing operations and will both expand our geographic footprint in North America and provide additional customer reach. The businesses comprise two HIP and three heat treatment sites, which will be integrated into Bodycote’s existing Specialist Technologies business and Aerospace, Defence and Energy classical heat treatment business respectively.

https://www.bodycote.com/press-releases/press-release-2023/acquisition-of-two-specialist-technology-focussed-businesses-for-145m-and-plans-for-the-opening-of-a-new-hip-facility-in-southern-california/

Constellium, Paris, announced the completion of the sale of three of its soft alloy extrusion facilities located in Landau, Crailsheim and Burg in Germany to Vaessen Aluminium, for a total cash consideration of €48.8 million.

This announcement follows the completion of the regulatory approval process.

https://www.constellium.com/news/constellium-completes-the-sale-of-its-landau-crailsheim-and-burg-facilities

Nitrex, Quebec, announced the receipt of a multi-million-dollar contract to provide a turnkey automated nitrocarburizing installation exclusively designed for the production of brake components for electric passenger vehicles.

Under the contract, Nitrex will design, manufacture, commission, and test two cutting-edge continuous-line furnaces capable of processing millions of brake parts annually. The NXL furnace series, with its automation capabilities and continuous flow-through design, precisely meets the supplier’s requirements for improved process efficiency and optimized production.

In addition to the advanced furnace design, Nitreg®-C and ONC® technologies are integral to this order. This ferritic nitrocarburizing process with post-oxidation improves metal corrosion resistance and effectively reduces rust formation. It is the right solution for staying ahead of changing industry standards and achieving lower non-effluent emissions associated with electric vehicle braking systems.

The turnkey installation, combined with Nitrex’s skilled R&D team, who craft and develop process recipes for optimal results, further distinguishes the company. Through its holistic approach, Nitrex delivers solutions that set it apart in the industry and reinforce the supplier’s choice to partner on this transformative project.

https://www.nitrex.com/en/nitrex-secures-largest-order-in-company-history/