FEATURE
A D V A N C E D
M A T E R I A L S
&
P R O C E S S E S |
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 6
4 5
13
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND CLOUD SERVER
The new system also features a wireless data storage
function.DPreadingsandoperatingparametersarerecorded
and sent to a cloud server every two minutes, and can be
adjusted to meet user requirements. Process engineers can
observe the DP reading locally in front of the system inter-
face and check historical data by accessing a customized
website. Stored historical data can help identify and address
furnace operation issues quickly and proactively. For exam-
ple, analysis of DP readings could facilitate planning fur-
nace shutdowns and scheduling preventive maintenance,
which saves the cost of unnecessary maintenance work and
reduces the possibility of unexpected downtime.
SUMMARY
In the sintering industry, continuous monitoring and
control of furnace atmosphere is increasingly important
to improve quality control and reduces costs. Air Products’
continuous dew point monitoring system is designed to
overcome common obstacles to analyzing sintering atmo-
spheres. The system can also be upgraded with an atmo-
sphere control function to automatically adjust flow rates of
nitrogen and hydrogen.
References
1. A. Wehr-Aukland and D. Bowe, Service-Life Extension
of Stainless Steel Wire-Mesh Belts for Sintering Furnaces.
PowderMet 2011 Conf., 2011.
2. T. Philips, et al., Techniques and Tips to Optimize,
Control and Stabilize the Atmosphere Inside a Continuous
Sintering Furnace,
http://www.airproducts.com, 2016.
3. T. Philips, et al., Controlling Properties of Sintered Steel
Powder Metal Components Using Atmosphere Composi-
tion as a Variable, 2006.
4. J. Tennermann, Furnace Performance Depends on Dew
Point Measurement Accuracy,
Heat Treating Progress,
ASM
International, 2006.
5. Z. Chen and C. Lu, Humidity Sensors: A Review of Mate-
rials and Mechanisms,
Sensor Letters
, Vol. 3, p 274-295,
2005.
6. Zirconia Sensor Theory,
http://www.supersystems.
com/wp-content/uploads/T4401-1-R1-May2009.pdf, 2016.
For more information:
Liang He is principal application
engineer, Air Products &Chemicals Inc., 7201HamiltonBlvd.,
Allentown, PA 18195, 800.654.4567, gigmrktg@airproducts.
com,
www.airproducts.com/mp. Order Yours Today: www.asminternational.org/handbook4e5444G_Handbook_4E_Prepub_HalfPage.indd 1
8/17/16 5:04 PM