The pressure of a vacuum furnace can vary significantly depending on the stage of the process and the specific requirements of the operation. During the heating phase, the pressure is typically controlled at around 500 microns for processes like Powder Pneumatic (PP) or below 10^-4 Torr for high vacuum processes. This control is crucial as the pressure increases with rising temperature and the volatilization of contaminants. If the pressure deviates from the set point, the temperature program is paused until the pressure is corrected.
During the cooling phase, after a high-temperature soak, the furnace is cooled using an increased flow of inert gas and circulation of cooling water. This cooling process reduces the furnace pressure, which then needs to be controlled between 0.85 Barr to 10 Barr, depending on the specific process type. The pressure control during cooling is essential to maintain the integrity and quality of the materials being treated.
The vacuum furnace operates under reduced pressure, which is achieved by using a combination of pumps, including a high-speed diffusion pump and a rotary vane pump. The base pressure in the hot zone at room temperature can be as low as 1 x 10^-6 Torr. This low pressure environment is crucial for processes that require minimal oxidation or decarburization, such as the treatment of high-quality metals and alloys.
In summary, the pressure in a vacuum furnace is meticulously controlled and varies from very low levels during the heating phase to slightly higher levels during the cooling phase, all tailored to ensure the optimal conditions for the specific materials and processes being undertaken.
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