Apparatus for control and monitoring of the carbon potential of an atmosphere in a heat-processing furnace
US4288062A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 1979 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A50/20
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system is described for precise monitoring and control of the carbon content of the atmosphere of a furnace such as a carburizer used in the heat-processing of steel parts. The disclosed apparatus includes a sampling system for withdrawing a gas sample from the atmosphere within a furnace and an analyzer for producing signals indicative of the partial pressures of at least two gaseous components such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The analyzer preferably utilizes selective absorption of narrow-band infrared radiation signals in determining these signals. A processor combines the signals indicative of partial pressures with parameters obtained from measurements of furnace temperature, and calculates carbon potential of the furnace atmosphere. The processor output is coupled with an atmosphere control which maintains desired levels of carbon potential in the atmosphere of the furnace by, for example, regulating the flow of an enriching gas to the furnace.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.