Method of metal processing using cryogenic cooling
US9290823B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF27D2009/0086
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Described herein are a method, an apparatus, and a system for metal processing that improves one or more properties of a sintered metal part by controlling the process conditions of the cooling zone of a continuous furnace using one or more cryogenic fluids. In one aspect, there is provided a method comprising: providing a furnace wherein the metal part is passed therethough on a conveyor belt and comprises a hot zone and a cooling zone wherein the cooling zone has a first temperature; and introducing a cryogenic fluid into the cooling zone where the cryogenic fluid reduces the temperature of the cooling zone to a second temperature, wherein at least a portion of the cryogenic fluid provides a vapor within the cooling zone and cools the metal parts passing therethrough at an accelerated cooling rate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.