Gas control for metal surface treatments from Bürkert

With advancements in metal surface treatments, the need for precise and dependable gas control and flow measurement equipment has never been more critical. In this article, PIF hears from Tony Brennan, Field Segment Manager for Gas at Bürkert, who explains how gas flow control can benefit OEMs and end users alike.

Surface treatment covers a wide variety of processes and techniques from more traditional heat treatment to the latest in plasma coatings and thermal spraying. The common theme is effecting a change in the surface structure of a material in order to improve its qualities, usually with a specific purpose in mind.

Surface treatments require careful control

Basic metal treatment processes, such as normalising, annealing and tempering use specific heating and cooling procedures to change the microstructure of the material, usually steel, to counter the effects of the production and manufacturing processes. Achieving the required specification in these applications requires careful control of the heating process, which is usually governed by the supply of fuel and oxygen to a burner.

Since the heating process in these examples is conducted in normal atmospheric conditions, the best method of controlling the heat is through careful management of the fuel source. In many cases this is a combustible gas such as propane or acetylene which requires certified isolation valves and, depending on the location of the valve, an ATEX rating.

MFMs and MFCs for metal treatment

The quality and uniformity of the finished product is heavily dependent on the precise control of temperature which can be best achieved either using a mass flow meter (MFM) or a mass flow controller (MFC) specifically designed and calibrated for the fuel gas. There are a number of additional features that can make certain devices more suitable for certain metal surface treatment applications, such as fieldbus connectivity, and high IP ratings, but the most important attributes are accuracy across different flow rates and reliability.

The plasma spraying process, for example, can be used for a variety of applications, such as surface cleaning, increasing temperature tolerance and applying special coatings to withstand corrosion. Coatings can be applied to components as varied as jet engine vanes to pump impellors to achieve a predetermined life period under severe operating conditions.

Creating the correct plasma jet conditions is essential if the finished component is to meet the required standards. This demands precise pressure and flow control of the plasma gas, such as argon, which requires precise flow controllers and control systems. Bürkert has been involved in the design and manufacture of precision gas delivery systems for over 25 years and is actively supporting designers and manufacturers of equipment that requires precision metering.

Bürkert sensors for metal surface treatment

The MFC can form an integrated, fieldbus-compatible system, comprising a flow sensor, control electronics and control valve. Using this controller, mass flows of gases in the range from 0.005 lN/min to 1,500 lN/min can be kept constant whilst maintaining a turn-down ratio of 1:50, or can follow a predefined set-point profile, regardless of external influences, such as pressure or temperature variations.

Depending on the application, Bürkert can tailor the sensing technology to use one of three types of sensor, each with its own advantages. Inline sensors are positioned in the main channel and provide exceptional response times with minimal contamination susceptibility. MEMS sensors operate in a secondary channel and also provide extremely quick response times, even with the smallest flow rates. Alternatively, capillary sensors are well suited for aggressive gases and can be used with gases that the sensor has not been calibrated for.

Bürkert’s cost-effective solutions for metal treatment

For component suppliers, it is essential for the manufacturing processes to have total consistency and this requires feedback systems and control loops to deliver continuous product quality. Achieving this through a reliable process is key to producing a cost effective product that will deliver to the required specification.

Supported by a wide product range of flow controllers and solenoid valves that conform to a variety of European and international standards, Bürkert engineers can help in the design and execution of any surface treatment equipment. By working closely with end users and OEM designers involved with these projects, Bürkert is able to contribute its considerable experience in this field and offer cost effective and reliable solutions.

Speak to Bürkert about your application today by calling +44 (0)1285 648720 or email [email protected].