Heat treat furnaces use specific gases to either prevent or facilitate chemical reactions during the heat treatment process.
4 Key Types of Gases Used in Heat Treat Furnaces
1. Inert Gases
Inert gases like helium, argon, and nitrogen are primarily used in heat treat furnaces.
Helium (He) and Argon (Ar)
Helium and argon are highly inert, meaning they do not react with the materials being processed.
They are particularly useful for heat treating non-ferrous metals like copper, brass, and aluminum.
The prevention of oxidation and other chemical reactions is crucial in these applications.
Argon and helium are preferred over other gases due to their higher inertness.
Nitrogen (N2)
Nitrogen is generally non-reactive with most steels.
However, it can react with certain types of steel at high temperatures.
Nitrogen is commonly used in combination with argon and helium to create a more effective inert atmosphere.
It is also used to quickly cool treated metals after processing.
2. Reactive Gases
Reactive gases like hydrogen are used to facilitate specific chemical reactions or to modify the properties of the materials being processed.
Hydrogen (H2)
Hydrogen is highly flammable and requires careful handling and safety measures.
It is used when specific reactions are needed to enhance the material's properties.
For example, hydrogen can modify the surface characteristics of certain metals.
3. Other Gases
While not as commonly used, gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, propane, methane, and butane can also be employed in heat treat furnaces.
These gases can create specific atmospheres that influence the heat treatment outcomes.
They can control the rate of oxidation or decarburization.
4. Safety and Control
The choice of gas in a heat treat furnace is based on the material and process requirements, as well as safety and control.
Inert gases are safer to use due to their non-reactive nature.
Reactive gases like hydrogen require more stringent safety protocols due to their flammability and potential for explosions.
The furnace's control system must handle the specific gas being used, ensuring the atmosphere within the furnace remains stable and conducive to the desired heat treatment outcomes.
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