EP1338658B1 - Method and device for heat treating workpieces - Google Patents

Method and device for heat treating workpieces Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1338658B1
EP1338658B1 EP03003368.2A EP03003368A EP1338658B1 EP 1338658 B1 EP1338658 B1 EP 1338658B1 EP 03003368 A EP03003368 A EP 03003368A EP 1338658 B1 EP1338658 B1 EP 1338658B1
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Prior art keywords
treatment
treatment gas
gas
cleaning
atmosphere
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EP03003368.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1338658A3 (en
EP1338658A2 (en
Inventor
Andreas Breloer
Uschkoreit
Reiner Thurow
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Westfalen AG
Wmu Warmebehandlungsanlagen fur Industrie und Umwelttechnik GmbH
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Westfalen AG
Wmu Warmebehandlungsanlagen fur Industrie und Umwelttechnik GmbH
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D1/00—General methods or devices for heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering
    • C21D1/74—Methods of treatment in inert gas, controlled atmosphere, vacuum or pulverulent material
    • C21D1/76—Adjusting the composition of the atmosphere
    • C21D1/763—Adjusting the composition of the atmosphere using a catalyst
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D1/00—General methods or devices for heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering
    • C21D1/74—Methods of treatment in inert gas, controlled atmosphere, vacuum or pulverulent material
    • C21D1/76—Adjusting the composition of the atmosphere
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D9/00—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor
    • C21D9/0056—Furnaces through which the charge is moved in a horizontal straight path

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus therefor.
  • the treatment gas is a problem.
  • the quality of the treatment gas also depends on the quality of the heat treatment of the workpieces. Since, in particular, continuous furnaces can not be hermetically sealed, impurities enter the continuous furnace from the outside and contaminate the treatment gas. In particular, atmospheric oxygen passes through an inlet and an outlet opening in the continuous furnace, but is also transported with the workpiece to be treated in the treatment room. This oxygen contaminates the treatment gas, which is undesirable, so far the contamination accepted or at intervals the entire treatment gas is replaced.
  • the present invention is based on the object, a method and an apparatus of og. To create a way to improve and stabilize the treatment gas atmosphere. This should be achieved as efficiently as possible and without additional previous filter steps and thereby save costs and effort, a corresponding result.
  • the protective reaction gas can consist of hydrogen, nitrogen (argon) / hydrogen mixtures or other hydrogen-containing mixtures
  • the protective reaction gas can consist of hydrogen, nitrogen (argon) / hydrogen mixtures or other hydrogen-containing mixtures
  • air oxygen is bound, but mainly process moisture is removed.
  • the purified treatment gas is mixed with fresh treatment gas prior to recycling to the treatment atmosphere.
  • purified treatment gas and fresh treatment gas is supplied to the continuous furnace at different points.
  • the contaminated treatment gas is sucked out of the treatment atmosphere and subjected to a thermal treatment.
  • This thermal treatment preferably takes place in a catalyst, preferably in a platinum catalyst.
  • the treatment gas is hydrogen
  • the molecular oxygen in the air is combined with reactive constituents of the treatment gas in the catalyst, so that water vapor is formed in the treatment gas.
  • This mixture of hydrogen and water vapor is now fed to a condensate trap.
  • a recuperator the mixture is cooled down so far that the water liquefies and precipitates. The corresponding cooling is supported by a heat exchanger.
  • the water is separated from the hydrogen, which in turn is a compressor is fed, in which a mixing with fresh treatment gas takes place. This mixture is then fed back to the continuous furnace.
  • the catalytic ligation of atmospheric oxygen appears as a necessary measure, since penetration of the atmospheric oxygen into the furnace atmosphere at the sampling points can not be ruled out.
  • the atmospheric oxygen is in practice displaced by the introduction of protective or reaction gases by building up a furnace overpressure (P ü ⁇ 1 mm Ws) with a larger dimension than protective gas purging volume.
  • the dimensioning of the protective gas volume is based, moreover, on empirical values which take into account the possible external disturbances (eg draft, humidity, etc.).
  • the catalytic cleaning allows the oven a shorter start-up after a standstill (by shorter inert gas forming times).
  • the treatment gas is exchanged several times, ie, the proportion of Normally used inert gas volume fraction can be reduced by up to one fifth.
  • the treatment gas is passed after the catalytic purification via the recuperator in a cold trap, wherein the moisture, as mentioned above, precipitates solid or liquid.
  • the residual moisture of the treatment gas can be adapted to the heat treatment process.
  • This regeneration is therefore also interesting for bell annealing and other furnaces that are hermetically sealed and operate discontinuously. Especially in the area of bell annealing (including pot furnaces), it is a problem to dissipate the process moisture. In practice, large quantities of protective gas are needed to flush them out with a dry inert gas.
  • the advantages of the present method are that a larger flushing quantity of protective gas is available in the heating zone and, if appropriate, a subsequent cooling section. Furthermore, adjustable flow conditions in the region of the heating zone and in the cooling section by variable Ansaugmengenein sueden at the sampling points are possible.
  • the process moisture is removed from the treatment chamber by the protective gas flow, so that a reduction (ratio H 2 / H 2 O) of the workpieces is guaranteed.
  • ratio H 2 / H 2 O ratio H 2 / H 2 O
  • the corresponding workpiece which is not shown in detail, which is to be treated, is located on a conveyor belt 1, which rotates around two deflection rollers 2 and 3.
  • the actual treatment of the workpiece takes place in a treatment room 4, in which, for example, the workpiece can be heated.
  • a cooling section 5 is provided.
  • On the cooling section 5 is followed by an outlet region 6, while the treatment chamber 4, an inlet region 7 is connected upstream.
  • the inlet area 7 to the outlet area 6 is a closed system, whereby adjustable stopper plates 8 and 9 are provided both in the inlet area 7 and in the outlet area 6, which allow a minimization of the oven cross section in the inlet and outlet areas.
  • sealing plugs 8 and 9 in the inlet and outlet areas 7 and 6 are still upstream feed points 10 and 11 for nitrogen (N 2 ).
  • a removal point 12 and 13 Shortly after the inlet region 7 and just before the outlet region 6 each have a removal point 12 and 13 is provided. With these sampling points 12 and 13 is contaminated treatment gas from the continuous furnace R removed. Corresponding lines 14 and 15 are combined to a supply line 16, which opens into a device Q for purifying the treatment gas. In this case, a shut-off valve 17 or 18 is turned on both in the line 15 and in the line 14.
  • the supply line 16 includes a catalyst, preferably a platinum catalyst 19 at. This is connected via a line 20 with a condensate trap in connection, wherein the condensate trap consists of a recuperator 21 and a heat exchanger 22.
  • the heat exchanger 22 is supplied via a line 23 cryogenic nitrogen from a nitrogen source not shown in detail.
  • the condensate trap is followed by a compressor 24, into which also a supply line 25 for fresh treatment gas from a tank 26 opens.
  • To the compressor 24 includes a return line 27, which opens at a further feed point 28 in the continuous furnace R.
  • the now treated with H 2 O treatment gas is subsequently passed over the condensate trap 21, 22, wherein H 2 O is liquid and precipitates.
  • the treatment gas is cooled down accordingly in the recuperator, what the heat exchanger 22 provides.
  • the regenerated treatment gas is then mixed with fresh gas and fed back to the continuous furnace R.
  • the ratio of fresh gas to regenerated gas may be, for example, 1: 1 or up to 1: 3.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Tunnel Furnaces (AREA)
  • Furnace Details (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 sowie eine Vorrichtung hierfür.The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus therefor.

Aus dem Stand der Technik ist die US 4414043 bekannt, welche allerdings den Nachteil bringt, dass Kohlenmonoxid vorher aufwendig aus dem Prozess entfernt werden muss. In vielen Fällen, insbesondere der industriellen Anwendung, ist es notwendig, Werkstücke aus Metall einer Wärmebehandlung zu unterziehen, um beispielsweise ihre Gefüge zu beeinflussen. Dies geschieht meistens in Banddurchlauföfen, in denen beispielsweise ein Hochtemperaturhartlöten und Blankglühen von Edelstählen stattfinden kann. Dies ist aber nur ein Anwendungsbeispiel, die vorliegende Erfindung ist darauf nicht beschränkt, sondern befasst sich mit jeder möglichen Wärmebehandlung von Werkstücken in einem Behandlungsraum.From the prior art is the US 4414043 known, which, however, brings the disadvantage that carbon monoxide before consuming from the process must be removed. In many cases, especially in industrial applications, it is necessary to subject workpieces made of metal to a heat treatment, for example, to influence their microstructure. This is usually done in belt furnaces in which, for example, a high-temperature brazing and bright annealing of stainless steels can take place. But this is only an example of use, the present invention is not limited thereto, but deals with every possible heat treatment of workpieces in a treatment room.

Bei dem oben erwähnten Verfahren stellt vor allem das Behandlungsgas ein Problem dar. Von der Güte des Behandlungsgases hängt selbstverständlich auch die Qualität der Wärmebehandlung der Werkstücke ab. Da insbesondere Durchlauföfen nicht hermetisch abgeschlossen werden können, gelangen Verunreinigungen von aussen in den Durchlaufofen hinein und verunreinigen das Behandlungsgas. Insbesondere gelangt Luftsauerstoff durch eine Einlauf- und eine Auslauföffnung in den Durchlaufofen, wird aber auch mit dem zu behandelnden Werkstück in den Behandlungsraum transportiert. Dieser Sauerstoff verunreinigt das Behandlungsgas, was unerwünscht ist, wobei bislang die Verunreinigung in Kauf genommen oder aber in Abständen das gesamte Behandlungsgas ausgetauscht wird.In the above-mentioned method, especially the treatment gas is a problem. Of course, the quality of the treatment gas also depends on the quality of the heat treatment of the workpieces. Since, in particular, continuous furnaces can not be hermetically sealed, impurities enter the continuous furnace from the outside and contaminate the treatment gas. In particular, atmospheric oxygen passes through an inlet and an outlet opening in the continuous furnace, but is also transported with the workpiece to be treated in the treatment room. This oxygen contaminates the treatment gas, which is undesirable, so far the contamination accepted or at intervals the entire treatment gas is replaced.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung der o.g. Art zu schaffen, mit der die Behandlungsgasatmosphäre verbessert und stabilisiert werden kann. Hierbei soll möglichst effizient und ohne zusätzliche vorherige Filterschritte und dabei Kosten und Aufwand einzusparen, ein entsprechendes Ergebnis erreicht werden.The present invention is based on the object, a method and an apparatus of og. To create a way to improve and stabilize the treatment gas atmosphere. This should be achieved as efficiently as possible and without additional previous filter steps and thereby save costs and effort, a corresponding result.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe führt der kennzeichnende Teil des Anspruchs 1.To achieve this object, the characterizing part of claim 1.

Dies bedeutet, dass kontinuierlich ohne Beeinträchtigung des eigentlichen Verfahrens der Wärmebehandlung von Werkstücken das Behandlungsgas regeneriert wird.This means that the treatment gas is continuously regenerated without affecting the actual process of heat treatment of workpieces.

Bei dem Regenerierungsprozess von Schutz-Reaktionsgasen in Wärmebehandlungsanlagen, wobei das Schutz-Reaktionsgas aus Wasserstoff, Stickstoff (Argon)/Wasserstoff-Gemischen oder auch anderen wasserstoffhaltigen Gemischen bestehen kann, soll nicht nur Luftsauerstoff abgebunden, sondern hauptsächlich Prozessfeuchte entfernt werden. Diese entsteht zum einen aus der Reduzierung der Werkstücke und zum anderen aus den verdampfenden Begleitstoffen wie Schmiermittel und Lötpasten mit H2O-Anteilen.In the regeneration process of protective reaction gases in heat treatment plants, wherein the protective reaction gas can consist of hydrogen, nitrogen (argon) / hydrogen mixtures or other hydrogen-containing mixtures, not only air oxygen is bound, but mainly process moisture is removed. On the one hand, this results from the reduction of the workpieces and, on the other, from the evaporating impurities such as lubricants and solder pastes with H 2 O content.

Bevorzugt wird das gereinigte Behandlungsgas vor der Rückführung in die Behandlungsatmosphäre mit frischem Behandlungsgas gemischt. Denkbar ist allerdings auch, dass gereinigtes Behandlungsgas und frisches Behandlungsgas an unterschiedlichen Stellen dem Durchlaufofen zugeführt wird.Preferably, the purified treatment gas is mixed with fresh treatment gas prior to recycling to the treatment atmosphere. However, it is also conceivable that purified treatment gas and fresh treatment gas is supplied to the continuous furnace at different points.

Zum Reinigen wird das verunreinigte Behandlungsgas aus der Behandlungsatmosphäre abgesaugt und einer thermischen Behandlung unterworfen. Bevorzugt geschieht diese thermische Behandlung in einem Katalysator, bevorzugt in einem Platinkatalysator. Handelt es sich bei dem Behandlungsgas um Wasserstoff, so wird in dem Katalysator der molekulare Luftsauerstoff mit reaktiven Bestandteilen des Behandlungsgases verbunden, so dass in dem Behandlungsgas Wasserdampf gebildet wird. Dieses Gemisch aus Wasserstoff und Wasserdampf wird nun einer Kondensatfalle zugeführt. In einem Rekuperator wird das Gemisch soweit heruntergekühlt, dass das Wasser sich verflüssigt und ausfällt. Die entsprechende Kühlung wird durch einen Wärmetauscher unterstützt.For cleaning, the contaminated treatment gas is sucked out of the treatment atmosphere and subjected to a thermal treatment. This thermal treatment preferably takes place in a catalyst, preferably in a platinum catalyst. If the treatment gas is hydrogen, the molecular oxygen in the air is combined with reactive constituents of the treatment gas in the catalyst, so that water vapor is formed in the treatment gas. This mixture of hydrogen and water vapor is now fed to a condensate trap. In a recuperator, the mixture is cooled down so far that the water liquefies and precipitates. The corresponding cooling is supported by a heat exchanger.

Damit wird in dem Rekuperator das Wasser von dem Wasserstoff getrennt, der wiederum einem Verdichter zugeleitet wird, in welchem eine Vermischung mit frischem Behandlungsgas erfolgt. Diese Mischung wird dann wieder dem Durchlaufofen eingespeist.Thus, in the recuperator, the water is separated from the hydrogen, which in turn is a compressor is fed, in which a mixing with fresh treatment gas takes place. This mixture is then fed back to the continuous furnace.

Die katalytische Abbindung von Luftsauerstoff erscheint als eine notwendige Massnahme, da ein Eindringen des Luftsauerstoffs in die Ofenatmosphäre an den Entnahmestellen nicht auszuschliessen ist. Der Luftsauerstoff wird in der Praxis durch Einspeisen von Schutz- oder Reaktionsgasen verdrängt, indem ein Ofenüberdruck (Pü≈1mm Ws) mit einer grösseren Bemessung als Schutzgasspülvolumen aufgebaut wird. Die Bemessung des Schutzgasvolumens beruht im übrigen auf Erfahrungswerten, welche die möglichen äusseren Störeinflüsse (z. B. Luftzug, Luftfeuchtigkeit usw.) berücksichtigen.The catalytic ligation of atmospheric oxygen appears as a necessary measure, since penetration of the atmospheric oxygen into the furnace atmosphere at the sampling points can not be ruled out. The atmospheric oxygen is in practice displaced by the introduction of protective or reaction gases by building up a furnace overpressure (P ü ≈1 mm Ws) with a larger dimension than protective gas purging volume. The dimensioning of the protective gas volume is based, moreover, on empirical values which take into account the possible external disturbances (eg draft, humidity, etc.).

Würde das regenerierte Behandlungsgas ohne eine katalytische Reinigung mit Luftsauerstoff in den Behandlungsraum eingespeist werden, so würde der Prozess instabiler und schlechter verlaufen.If the regenerated treatment gas were fed into the treatment room without catalytic purification with atmospheric oxygen, the process would be more unstable and worse.

Die entstehenden Vorteile der katalytischen Nachreinigung werden dadurch deutlich, dass der Ofendruck auf ein Minimum abgesenkt werden kann. Dabei kann eindringender Luftsauerstoff durchaus in Kauf genommen werden, ohne dass es Qualitätseinbussen im Wärmebehandlungsprozess gibt.The resulting benefits of catalytic post-purification are made clear by the fact that the furnace pressure can be reduced to a minimum. In this case, penetrating atmospheric oxygen can certainly be accepted without there being any loss of quality in the heat treatment process.

Ferner ermöglicht die katalytische Reinigung dem Ofen ein kürzeres Anfahrverhalten nach einem Stillstand (durch kürzere Schutzgas-Formierzeiten).Furthermore, the catalytic cleaning allows the oven a shorter start-up after a standstill (by shorter inert gas forming times).

Bei der Regenerierung des Behandlungsgases wird das Behandlungsgas mehrfach ausgetauscht, d. h., der Anteil des üblicherweise eingesetzten Schutzgasvolumenanteils kann dadurch bis zu einem Fünftel reduziert werden. Hierzu wird das Behandlungsgas nach der katalytischen Reinigung über den Rekuperator in eine Kältefalle geleitet, wobei die Feuchtigkeit, wie oben erwähnt, fest oder flüssig ausfällt. Die Restfeuchte des Behandlungsgases kann dem Wärmebehandlungsprozess angepasst werden.In the regeneration of the treatment gas, the treatment gas is exchanged several times, ie, the proportion of Normally used inert gas volume fraction can be reduced by up to one fifth. For this purpose, the treatment gas is passed after the catalytic purification via the recuperator in a cold trap, wherein the moisture, as mentioned above, precipitates solid or liquid. The residual moisture of the treatment gas can be adapted to the heat treatment process.

Da die entstehende Prozessfeuchte in der Regel konstant ist, besteht zum einen die Möglichkeit, durch die Regenerierung die übliche Schutzgasspülmenge zu reduzieren, und zum anderen, bei bestehender Schutzgasmenge Behandlungsgasqualität soweit zu verbessern, dass auch schwer reduzierbare Werkstückmaterialien reduziert werden können, was in der konventionellen Wärmebehandlung mit Schutzgasöfen von Metallen schwer möglich ist.Since the resulting process moisture is usually constant, on the one hand there is the possibility of reducing the usual Schutzgasspülmenge by the regeneration, and on the other, to improve treatment gas quality so far that even difficultly reducible workpiece materials can be reduced, which in the conventional Heat treatment with protective gas furnaces of metals is difficult.

Diese Regenerierung ist deshalb auch für Haubenglühen und andere Öfen interessant, die hermetisch geschlossen sind und diskontinuierlich arbeiten. Gerade im Bereich des Haubenglühen (u. a. Topföfen) ist es ein Problem, die Prozessfeuchte abzuführen. In der Praxis werden hier grosse Mengen an Schutzgas benötigt, um diese mit einem trockenen Schutzgas herauszuspülen.This regeneration is therefore also interesting for bell annealing and other furnaces that are hermetically sealed and operate discontinuously. Especially in the area of bell annealing (including pot furnaces), it is a problem to dissipate the process moisture. In practice, large quantities of protective gas are needed to flush them out with a dry inert gas.

Ferner kann bei der Verwendung einer katalytischen Nachreichung der anfängliche Inertisierungsprozess einer Hauben-Topfglühe auf ein Minimum reduziert werden.Further, using a catalytic replenisher, the initial inertization process of a hood pot anneal can be minimized.

Im Bereich der Durchlauföfen ist die Umwälzung von Prozessgas ein grosser Zugewinn, da hier die Wärmeübertragung über die Konvektion des Schutzgases erhöht wird. Die Erhöhung der Wärmeübertragung macht sich in der Heiz- und Kühlleistung bemerkbar. Somit kann bei einer bestehenden Ofenanlage die Durchsatzleistung erhöht werden.In the field of continuous furnaces, the circulation of process gas is a great gain, since here the heat transfer via the convection of the protective gas is increased. The increase in heat transfer is in the Heating and cooling performance noticeable. Thus, in an existing furnace plant, the throughput can be increased.

Sollte überschüssiges Behandlungsgas im Durchlaufofen vorhanden sein, so wird dieses aus dem Durchlaufofen ggf. an mehreren Stellen abgeführt und abgefackelt.Should excess treatment gas be present in the continuous furnace, this is possibly removed from the continuous furnace at several points and flared.

Die Vorteile des vorliegenden Verfahrens liegen einmal darin, dass eine grössere Spülmenge an Schutzgas in der Heizzone und einer sich ggf. daran anschliessenden Kühlstrecke zur Verfügung steht. Ferner sind einstellbare Strömungsverhältnisse im Bereich der Heizzone und in der Kühlstrecke durch variable Ansaugmengeneinstellungen an den Entnahmestellen möglich.Once again, the advantages of the present method are that a larger flushing quantity of protective gas is available in the heating zone and, if appropriate, a subsequent cooling section. Furthermore, adjustable flow conditions in the region of the heating zone and in the cooling section by variable Ansaugmengeneinstellungen at the sampling points are possible.

Insgesamt herrscht in dem Durchlaufofen ein geringerer Ofendruck infolge der thermischen Reinigung des Behandlungsgases. Eine geforderte Prozessschutzgasmindestmenge lässt sich ohne Verlust der Prozessstabilität erreichen.Overall, prevails in the continuous furnace, a lower furnace pressure due to the thermal cleaning of the treatment gas. A required minimum process gas content can be achieved without loss of process stability.

Desweiteren wird durch den Schutzgasstrom die Prozessfeuchte aus dem Behandlungsraum abgeführt, damit eine Reduktion (Verhältnis H2/H2O) der Werkstücke gewährleistet ist. In der Praxis hat sich herausgestellt, dass es zu einer Halbierung der Prozessfeuchte, die sich aus der Addition der Schutzgasmengen (Frischgas + regeneriertes Gas) ergibt, kommt. Damit ist auch weniger Spülgas für die Abführung der im Prozess entstandenen Feuchtigkeit notwendig und dies ohne Verringerung der Glüh- und Lötqualität der Werkstücke.Furthermore, the process moisture is removed from the treatment chamber by the protective gas flow, so that a reduction (ratio H 2 / H 2 O) of the workpieces is guaranteed. In practice, it has been found that there is a halving of the process moisture resulting from the addition of inert gas (fresh gas + regenerated gas) results. This also less purge gas is necessary for the removal of the moisture produced in the process and this without reducing the annealing and soldering quality of the workpieces.

Weitere Vorteile, Merkmale und Einzelheiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung eines bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels sowie anhand der Zeichnung; diese zeigt in ihrer einzigen Figur eine schematisch dargestellte Anlage zur Wärmebehandlung von Werkstücken. Ein wesentlicher Teil der Anlage als ein Durchlaufofen R ausgestaltet.Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawing; this shows in its single figure a schematically illustrated plant for the heat treatment of workpieces. An essential part of the system designed as a continuous furnace R.

Das entsprechende, nicht näher gezeigte Werkstück, welches behandelt werden soll, befindet sich auf einem Förderband 1, welches zwei Umlenkrollen 2 und 3 umläuft. Die eigentliche Behandlung des Werkstückes findet in einem Behandlungsraum 4 statt, in dem beispielsweise das Werkstück erwärmt werden kann. In diesem Fall ist nachfolgend an den Behandlungsraum 4 noch eine Kühlstrecke 5 vorgesehen. Auf die Kühlstrecke 5 folgt ein Auslaufbereich 6, während dem Behandlungsraum 4 ein Einlaufbereich 7 vorgeschaltet ist.The corresponding workpiece, which is not shown in detail, which is to be treated, is located on a conveyor belt 1, which rotates around two deflection rollers 2 and 3. The actual treatment of the workpiece takes place in a treatment room 4, in which, for example, the workpiece can be heated. In this case, following the treatment room 4 is still a cooling section 5 is provided. On the cooling section 5 is followed by an outlet region 6, while the treatment chamber 4, an inlet region 7 is connected upstream.

Bevorzugt handelt es sich vom Einlaufbereich 7 bis zum Auslaufbereich 6 um ein geschlossenes System, wobei sowohl im Einlaufbereich 7 als auch im Auslaufbereich 6 in der Höhe verstellbare Verschlussstopfen 8 und 9 vorgesehen sind, die einen Minimierung des Ofenquerschnitts im Einlauf- und Auslaufbereich ermöglichen.Preferably, the inlet area 7 to the outlet area 6 is a closed system, whereby adjustable stopper plates 8 and 9 are provided both in the inlet area 7 and in the outlet area 6, which allow a minimization of the oven cross section in the inlet and outlet areas.

Ferner sind diesen Verschlussstopfen 8 und 9 im Einlauf- bzw. Auslaufbereich 7 und 6 noch Einspeisestellen 10 und 11 für Stickstoff (N2) vorgeschaltet.Furthermore, these sealing plugs 8 and 9 in the inlet and outlet areas 7 and 6 are still upstream feed points 10 and 11 for nitrogen (N 2 ).

Kurz nach dem Einlaufbereich 7 und kurz vor dem Auslaufbereich 6 ist jeweils eine Entnahmestelle 12 bzw. 13 vorgesehen. Mit diesen Entnahmestellen 12 bzw. 13 wird verunreinigtes Behandlungsgas aus dem Durchlaufofen R entnommen. Entsprechende Leitungen 14 und 15 werden zu einer Zuführleitung 16 vereinigt, die in eine Einrichtung Q zum Reinigen des Behandlungsgases einmündet. Dabei ist sowohl in die Leitung 15 als auch in die Leitung 14 noch ein Absperrventil 17 bzw. 18 eingeschaltet.Shortly after the inlet region 7 and just before the outlet region 6 each have a removal point 12 and 13 is provided. With these sampling points 12 and 13 is contaminated treatment gas from the continuous furnace R removed. Corresponding lines 14 and 15 are combined to a supply line 16, which opens into a device Q for purifying the treatment gas. In this case, a shut-off valve 17 or 18 is turned on both in the line 15 and in the line 14.

Direkt an die Zuführleitung 16 schliesst ein Katalysator, bevorzugt ein Platinkatalysator 19 an. Dieser steht über eine Leitung 20 mit einer Kondensatfalle in Verbindung, wobei die Kondensatfalle aus einem Rekuperator 21 und einem Wärmetauscher 22 besteht. Dem Wärmetauscher 22 wird über eine Leitung 23 tiefkalter Stickstoff von einer nicht näher gezeigten Stickstoffquelle zugeführt.Directly to the supply line 16 includes a catalyst, preferably a platinum catalyst 19 at. This is connected via a line 20 with a condensate trap in connection, wherein the condensate trap consists of a recuperator 21 and a heat exchanger 22. The heat exchanger 22 is supplied via a line 23 cryogenic nitrogen from a nitrogen source not shown in detail.

Auf die Kondensatfalle folgt ein Verdichter 24, in welchen auch eine Zuleitung 25 für frisches Behandlungsgas aus einem Tank 26 einmündet.The condensate trap is followed by a compressor 24, into which also a supply line 25 for fresh treatment gas from a tank 26 opens.

An den Verdichter 24 schliesst eine Rückführleitung 27 an, die an einer weiteren Einspeisestelle 28 in dem Durchlaufofen R ausmündet.To the compressor 24 includes a return line 27, which opens at a further feed point 28 in the continuous furnace R.

Die Funktionsweise der vorliegenden Erfindung ist folgende:

  • Zu behandelnde Werkstücke werden im Einlaufbereich 7 auf das Förderband 1 aufgegeben und auf diesem Förderband 1 durch den Durchlaufofen R geführt. In dem Durchlaufofen R ist eine Behandlungsgasatmosphäre, beispielsweise aus Wasserstoff (H2), ausgebildet.
The operation of the present invention is as follows:
  • Workpieces to be treated are placed in the inlet region 7 on the conveyor belt 1 and guided on this conveyor belt 1 through the continuous furnace R. In the continuous furnace R is a treatment gas atmosphere, for example, of hydrogen (H 2 ) formed.

Trotz der Verschlussstopfen 8 und 9 und trotz der Einspeisestellen 10 und 11 für Stickstoff, wobei im bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel dieser Stickstoff dem Wärmetauscher 22 entnommen wird, lässt sich nicht verhindern, dass doch Luftsauerstoff in den Durchlaufofen R gelangt. Dieser Luftsauerstoff verunreinigt das Behandlungsgas, was unerwünscht ist. Deshalb wird Behandlungsgas über die Entnahmestellen 12 und 13 aus dem Durchlaufofen R entnommen, beispielsweise abgesaugt. Dieses entnommene Behandlungsgas wird dem Platinkondensator 19 zugeführt, in dem eine thermische Behandlung erfolgt. Der vorhandene molekulare Luftsauerstoff (O2) wird mit reaktiven Bestandteilen des Behandlungsgases verbunden, so dass als Hauptbestandteile des thermisch behandelten Gases H2 und H2O auftreten.Despite the stopper 8 and 9 and despite the feed points 10 and 11 for nitrogen, where in preferred embodiment of this nitrogen is removed from the heat exchanger 22, it can not be prevented that yet atmospheric oxygen enters the continuous furnace R. This atmospheric oxygen contaminates the treatment gas, which is undesirable. Therefore, treatment gas is removed via the sampling points 12 and 13 from the continuous furnace R, for example, aspirated. This removed treatment gas is fed to the platinum capacitor 19, in which a thermal treatment takes place. The molecular oxygen (O 2 ) present is combined with reactive constituents of the treatment gas, so that H 2 and H 2 O occur as the main constituents of the thermally treated gas.

Das jetzt mit H2O verunreinigte Behandlungsgas wird nachfolgend über die Kondensatfalle 21, 22 geleitet, wobei H2O flüssig wird und ausfällt. Hierzu wird das Behandlungsgas im Rekuperator entsprechend heruntergekühlt, wofür der Wärmetauscher 22 sorgt.The now treated with H 2 O treatment gas is subsequently passed over the condensate trap 21, 22, wherein H 2 O is liquid and precipitates. For this purpose, the treatment gas is cooled down accordingly in the recuperator, what the heat exchanger 22 provides.

Im Verdichter wird dann das regenerierte Behandlungsgas mit Frischgas gemischt und dem Durchlaufofen R wieder zugeführt.In the compressor, the regenerated treatment gas is then mixed with fresh gas and fed back to the continuous furnace R.

Das Verhältnis von Frischgas zu regeneriertem Gas kann beispielsweise 1:1 oder bis zu 1:3 sein.The ratio of fresh gas to regenerated gas may be, for example, 1: 1 or up to 1: 3.

Ein im Durchlaufofen R vorhandenes überschüssiges Behandlungsgas wird aus dem Durchlaufofen R jeweils zwischen Verschlussstopfen 8 und Entnahmestelle 12 bzw. 9 und 13 ausgeleitet und mittels einer Zündquelle 29 bzw. 30 abgefackelt. Positionszahlenliste 1 Förderband 34 67 2 Umlenkrolle 35 68 3 Umlenkrolle 36 69 4 Behandlungsraum 37 70 5 Kühlstrecke 38 71 6 Auslaufbereich 39 72 7 Einlaufbereich 40 73 8 Verschlussstopfen 41 74 9 Verschlussstopfen 42 75 10 Einspeisstelle 43 76 11 Einspeisstelle 44 77 12 Entnahmestelle 45 78 13 Entnahmestelle 46 79 14 Leitung 47 15 Leitung 48 16 Zuführleitung 49 17 Absperrventil 50 18 Absperrventil 51 19 Katalysator 52 20 Leitung 53 21 Rekuperator 54 22 Wärmetauscher 55 23 Leitung 56 24 Verdichtung 57 25 Zuleitung 58 26 Tank 59 27 Rückführleitung 60 28 Einspeisstelle 61 29 Zündquelle 62 Q Einrichtung 30 Zündquelle 63 R Durchlaufofen 31 64 32 65 33 66 An existing in the continuous furnace R excess treatment gas is discharged from the continuous furnace R respectively between the sealing plug 8 and withdrawal point 12 or 9 and 13 and flared by means of an ignition source 29 and 30 respectively. <B> Position number list </ b> 1 conveyor belt 34 67 2 idler pulley 35 68 3 idler pulley 36 69 4 treatment room 37 70 5 cooling section 38 71 6 discharge area 39 72 7 intake area 40 73 8th sealing plug 41 74 9 sealing plug 42 75 10 feed point 43 76 11 feed point 44 77 12 sampling point 45 78 13 sampling point 46 79 14 management 47 15 management 48 16 feed 49 17 shut-off valve 50 18 shut-off valve 51 19 catalyst 52 20 management 53 21 recuperator 54 22 heat exchangers 55 23 management 56 24 compression 57 25 supply 58 26 tank 59 27 Return line 60 28 feed point 61 29 Ignition source 62 Q Facility 30 ignition source 63 R Continuous furnace 31 64 32 65 33 66

Claims (2)

  1. A method of heat treating workpieces in a treatment chamber (4) with a treatment gas atmosphere, in particular in a continuous furnace, wherein treatment gas contaminated in the process is at least partially withdrawn from the treatment gas atmosphere, cleaned and supplied to the treatment gas atmosphere again, wherein the contaminated treatment gas is sucked out of the treatment gas atmosphere and is subjected to a thermal treatment, wherein atmospheric oxygen (O2) present in the treatment gas is bound to reactive constituents of the treatment gas upon cleaning of the treatment gas (H),
    characterized in that the cleaned treatment gas is mixed with fresh treatment gas before its return into the treatment atmosphere, and the atmospheric oxygen (O2) is combined with hydrogen molecules (H) to form water (H2O), wherein subsequently the water (H2O) is precipitated from the treatment gas in a condensate trap, wherein excess treatment gas is led away and optionally burnt off before and/or after the treatment chamber (4), wherein nitrogen (N2) is supplied to an inflow and/or outflow region (7, 6) to or from the treatment chamber (4).
  2. A device for carrying out the method according to claim 1, characterized in that a removal site (12, 13) for contaminated treatment gas is provided before and/or after the treatment chamber (4), which removal site is connected to a device (Q) for cleaning the treatment gas, from which device (Q) there is a return line (27) back into the treatment atmosphere, wherein the removal sites (12, 13) are appropriate suction nozzles, wherein there are provided a removal site (12) before and a removal site (13) after the treatment chamber (4) and these are connected via lines (14, 15) to a feed line (16) to the device (Q) for cleaning the treatment gas, wherein a catalyzer, in particular a platinum catalyzer (19), is provided in the device (Q) for cleaning the treatment gas, wherein a condensate trap (21, 22) is provided in the device (Q) for cleaning the treatment gas, wherein the condensate trap is composed of a recuperator (21) and a heat exchanger (22), wherein the heat exchanger (22) is connected to a source for cryogenic nitrogen, wherein a compressor (24), connected via a connecting line (25) to a source (26) for treatment gas, is connected downstream of the device (Q) for cleaning treatment gas, wherein before and/or after the treatment chamber (4) there is/are provided a plug (8, 9), wherein after the heat exchanger (22), the nitrogen can be supplied via feed lines to feed sites (10, 11) before and/or after the treatment chamber (4).
EP03003368.2A 2002-02-26 2003-02-14 Method and device for heat treating workpieces Expired - Lifetime EP1338658B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10208267 2002-02-26
DE2002108267 DE10208267A1 (en) 2002-02-26 2002-02-26 Method and device for the heat treatment of workpieces

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EP1338658A2 EP1338658A2 (en) 2003-08-27
EP1338658A3 EP1338658A3 (en) 2005-01-12
EP1338658B1 true EP1338658B1 (en) 2016-01-06

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102009058642A1 (en) * 2009-12-16 2011-06-22 Ipsen International GmbH, 47533 Process and device for controlling process gases for heat treatment of metallic materials / workpieces in industrial furnaces

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4414043A (en) 1982-01-22 1983-11-08 United States Steel Corporation Continuous decarburization annealing with recycle to convert carbon monoxide
JPS62139810A (en) * 1985-12-16 1987-06-23 Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Ind Co Ltd Method and apparatus for cleaning inside of tempering furnace
DE3707099A1 (en) * 1987-03-05 1988-09-15 Junker Gmbh O METHOD FOR REDUCING THE POLLUTANT EMISSION VALUES OF A WARMING OVEN WORKING WITH PROTECTIVE GAS
DE3742685A1 (en) * 1987-12-16 1989-07-13 Linde Ag METHOD FOR HEAT TREATING METALS
DE19651878C2 (en) * 1996-12-13 2002-01-17 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Process for the production of a protective or reaction gas for the heat treatment of metals

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DE10208267A1 (en) 2003-09-04
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