Linde LLC, Murray Hill, N.J., introduces the Hydroflex atmosphere control system, a universal solution for clean and bright oxide-free annealing of steel, stainless steel, copper, bronze, and brass with high reliability and repeatability. Applications include automotive; aerospace and military components; construction and industrial equipment; and electrical systems.
“The Hydroflex atmosphere control system (ACS) can use one or more carrier gases – nitrogen or argon – to maintain the furnace pressure while a controlled ratio of hydrogen helps prevent oxidation,” explains Akin Malas, Head of Application Technology, Metals & Glass Market.
With this technology, many annealing tasks can be completed with non-flammable gas mixtures containing less than 5% H2. This contributes to fire safety while optimizing the use of H2 in the process.
“Uses go beyond annealing,” says Grzegorz Moroz, Program Manager, Heat Treatment and Atmospheres. “This control system can help optimize your process efficiency and enhance productivity of your process regardless of whether you are annealing, sintering, or brazing copper, steel, stainless steel, bronze, or brass.”
Hydroflex ACS features and benefits include a precisely controlled atmosphere; improved heat transfer; uniform heat distribution with faster cooling rate; automatic safety purging with nitrogen; and storage of process data history.
For flammable atmospheres, system installation may include a furnace safety solution developed by Linde to satisfy National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 86) “Standard for Ovens and Furnaces.” The furnace safety/protective atmosphere solution includes a nitrogen supply system with integral alarm panel, used to purge flammable atmosphere furnaces in emergencies.
Linde offers a variety of advanced gas control technologies and engineering services for heat treatment furnaces, including the Carbojet gas-injection technology for improving production by up to 20%. In addition, engineers at Linde Application Technology Centers can develop new gas supply systems for heat treatment processes and improve the control systems of existing processes. Metallography laboratory services include material analyses, scanning electron micrography (SEM), and a variety of hardness tests.
