Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance of Furnace Atmospheres

Protetive atmospheres are used in powder metallurgy to prevent oxidation and to reduce oxides, to control carbon contents of iron and iron alloys, and to flush volatilized lubrificants from the furnace. Another important function of the atmosphere during sintering is to burn and remove the hydrocarbon lubrificants used to compact the powdered metal. However, one of the most important services that the Air Products "industrial gas company" can provide to its heat treat customers is assistance in troubleshooting their furnace(s) when there are problems. To be able to troubleshoot a furnace, it is important to know what the typical problems are that arise, what causes them and how to fix or minimize to problem. This work should aid in finding the source of the problem with analysis equipment, and, by using your knowledge of the furnace and the process, solve the problem. Summarizing, (1) ensure system integrity, (2) Know the required safety interlocks, and (3) Verify their operation.