Fast response heaters and associated control systems used in combination with metal treatment furnaces
US11268765B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 2020 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
System and method for using fast response heaters to pre-heat metal before entering a metal treatment furnace, which may improve control over metal processing, especially in response to changes in material, mass flow rate, line speed, and/or desired treatment process. Fast response heaters may be used with control systems to adjust the output of the fast response heater based on operator inputs, direct or indirect sensing of process parameters, and/or the use of thermal models to quickly adjust fast response heater output while a metal treatment furnace remains at a constant temperature or slowly transitions into a new operating state. The resulting gains in process control result in higher quality products, reduced scrap, and increases in line speed and output.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.