Fluidized-bed heat-treatment process and apparatus for use in a manufacturing line

Abstract

A method for rapid heat treatment, quenching and aging of an article includes placing the article in a fluidized bed and conveying the article through the bed. Heat treatment, quenching and aging of the part can be done in less than two hours using this method. The method also includes removing fluidizing media from the article as the article is removed from the fluidized bed. An elevator is used to remove the article from the fluidized bed. The elevator may include a conveyor for moving the article into another fluidized bed. The article can then be placed into the second fluidized bed and conveyed through that bed. Each fluidized bed is controlled so that a specific heat treatment can be applied to the article by the fluidized bed. The fluidized bed can be used as a portion of an automated production line. The retort of the fluidized bed includes a system for recycling the air passed through the fluidizing media in the furnace. The recycling system includes a fan positioned above the fluidizing media in the retort, a filter for removing any fluidizing media within the recycled air, and piping for reintroducing the recycled air to the retort. The heaters are placed within the retort and include heat exchangers for heating the incoming combustion air. The heaters are rigidly attached at one end and fit within sleeves attached to another portion of the retort. The heater tubes can be replaced with refrigeration tubes or units so that articles may be quenched.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.