Simulation and control for heat treatment

Abstract

A mathematical model simulating the gas carburising of steel components has been developed for the prediction of optimum process parameters. The utilisation of optimised process parameters has given rise to increases in furnace throughput of ~ 20%. The implementation of the optimised process parameters has demanded faster, more accurate process control than that achieved with conventional furnace control equipment. The required degree of control has been achieved with systems based on either a minicomputer or a microcomputer in which furnace atmosphere analysis is effected with oxygen probes.