Seco Warwick, Meadville, Pa., is demonstrating its ZeroFlow controlled-gas nitriding at the Heat Treatment Exhibition in Moscow this week. Developed in cooperation with Prof. Leszek Małdziński from the Technical University in Poland, the technology is based on the adjusted double-component atmospheres NH3 + dissociated NH3, and NH3 + N2 .
The ZeroFlow method is based on a single-component atmosphere – raw ammonia (NH3). The adjustment of nitriding atmosphere chemical composition, and therefore the control of nitriding potential Np, is performed only by temporary stop and reactivation of NH3 flow into the furnace. The amount flowing into the retort is adjusted and controlled through a gas analyzer (NH3 or H2). Experimental research has shown that the ZeroFlow method is characterized by much lower consumption and emission of gases. It requires a simpler control system and allows for forming the layer phase structure with the same precision as in processes with double-component atmospheres.
“Even though nitriding of steel can be considered a byproduct of the dissociation of ammonia, there is no need to dissociate more ammonia than absolutely necessary,” says Prof. Małdziński. “Zero flow nitriding is the first gaseous process that economizes the use of resources without compromising the added value to your product. It allows a targeted treatment of your components, independent of whether you do or do not want a compound layer. Zero flow nitriding gives you larger flexibility, better control, and lower cost of your nitriding process.”
https://www.secowarwick.com/en/search?q=zeroflow
