Apparatus and process for the production of a neutral atmosphere
US5735970A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC21D1/763
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The process and system according to the present invention are used for the production of an atmosphere. The process involves feeding an impure nitrogen stream, combined with a hydrocarbon to a catalytic reactor having a non-noble metal catalyst to produce a gas which is suitable for use as an atmosphere in furnaces for thermal treatment of metals. The impure nitrogen stream, contains less than 21% oxygen and is preferably produced by a gas membrane system. The system for producing the atmosphere preferably includes a membrane separator, one or more heat exchangers and a catalytic reactor preferably having a nickel catalyst on an alumina support.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.