More Quality and safety for Automobile Components
with Carbon Potential Level Control and Data Acquisition

The Application

Manufactured steel components are carburized (hardenined) a Pit furnace. Carburizing is the process in which an atmosphere 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. The control algorithm can be implemented for Sealed Quench Furnaces (SQF) also.

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.