Nitrogen On-Site Generation for Heat Treatment of Aluminium

摘要

Exothermic generated atmospheres or nitrogen atmospheres are used for normal aluminum heat-treating processes. Due to several disadvantages of exothermic generated atmospheres, such as high maintenance costs, and toxic and explosive atmospheres, most heat treaters have replaced the generators with nitrogen-based atmospheres. In this case, the nitrogen is commonly supplied in a liquid form. However, in many heat treatment processes it is possible to use onsite generated nitrogen having a lower purity compared with liquid nitrogen. Furthermore, in some applications, although the high quality of liquid nitrogen is required, it still makes sense to convert the liquid to an on-site supply. This is true if the atmosphere requirement is continuous and at a constant flow rate. Practical experience on customer sites has shown significant costs savings of up to 50 percent on total nitrogen costs. Technical gas suppliers can assist in calculating the real commercial benefits for specific applications.