Linde Announces Advanced Atmosphere Control System for Annealing

MURRAY HILL, N.J. and NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J., June 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Linde LLC announces the HYDROFLEX™ atmosphere control system (ACS), a universal solution for clean and bright oxide-free annealing of steel, stainless steel, copper, bronze or brass with high reliability and repeatability.

Consistent surface quality is important for annealing sheet metal and manufacturing quality tubing, wire and parts. Applications include automotive; aerospace and military components; construction and industrial equipment; and electrical systems.

"The HYDROFLEX ACS can use one or more carrier gases – nitrogen (N₂) or argon – to maintain the furnace pressure while a controlled ratio of hydrogen (H₂) helps prevent oxidation," explained Akin Malas, Head of Application Technology, Metals & Glass Market, Linde LLC.

With the HYDROFLEX technology, many annealing tasks can be completed with non-flammable gas mixtures containing less than 5 percent H₂. This contributes to fire safety while optimizing the use of H₂ in the process.

For Sintering and Brazing, Too

Uses go beyond annealing, said Grzegorz Moroz, Program Manager, Heat Treatment and Atmospheres, Linde LLC.

"The HYDROFLEX control system can help optimize your process efficiency and enhance productivity of your process regardless of whether you are annealing, sintering or brazing copper, steel, stainless steel, bronze or brass," Moroz said. "First, it contributes to repeatable parts quality. In addition, a bright oxide-free finish means less rework, and a high reliability process means higher productivity."

HYDROFLEX ACS Features and Benefits

• Precisely controlled atmosphere
• Improved heat transfer
• Uniform heat distribution, faster cooling rate
• Automatic safety purging with N₂
• Storage of process data history

For use with flammable atmospheres, system installation may include a furnace safety solution developed by Linde to satisfy National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 86) "Standard for Ovens and Furnaces." The furnace safety / protective atmosphere solution includes a N₂ supply system, with integral alarm panel, used to purge flammable atmosphere furnaces in emergencies.

Linde offers a variety of advanced gas control technologies and engineering services for heat treatment furnaces including the CARBOJET™ gas-injection technology for improving production up to 20%. In addition, engineers at Linde Application Technology Centers can develop new gas supply systems for heat treatment processes and improve the control systems of existing processes. Metallography laboratory services include material analyses, scanning electron micrography (SEM) and a variety of hardness tests.

Linde provides industry-leading portfolio solutions for heat treatment and the ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy industries, ranging from gases and equipment to process consulting and services. For more information, contact Linde (www.lindeus.com), 800-755-9277.

About Linde in North America
Linde LLC is a member of The Linde Group. In the 2015 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of USD 19.7 bn (EUR 17.944 bn), making it one of the leading gases and engineering companies in the world, with approximately 65,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information, visit www.lindeus.com

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SOURCE Linde LLC

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