Carbon Potential
KS98-Application
Carbon Potential Control and Data Acquisition
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Description
Manufactured steel components are
carburized (hardened) in a pit furnace.
Carburizing is the process in which an
atmo- sphere is created within the
furnace by burning a hydrocarbon fluid
(methanol) and then introducing an
acetone-based fluid. Carbon from this
atmosphere diffuses into the surface of
the component to be treated. The
component’s surface hardness depends
on the amount of carbon introduced and
the furnace temperature.
Previously, an open loop system was
employed, whereby the customer
allowed the hydrocarbon fluid to enter
the pit furnace at a pre-determined flow
rate. This approach no longer produced
the desired result, and the error rate was
considerable. Furthermore, the
automobile manufacturers are insisting
that the sub-suppliers install an
automated system for more precise
control of carbon level and temperature
during heat treatment. In addition, the
automation system shall provide reports
of the CP value and temperature for each
batch.
Copyright © 2010 PMA Prozeß- und Maschinen-Automation GmbH
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