Thermal-Vac’s atmosphere furnace can operate with a hydrogen, wet hydrogen, argon or nitrogen atmosphere surrounding the material being processed.

* Hydrogen provides a reducing atmosphere above 1300 degrees Fahrenheit and will reduce the oxides on the surfaces of the material being processed. After vacuum, hydrogen is the choice for bright annealing stainless steels and high temperature alloys.

* Hydrogen, coupled with water vapor (wet hydrogen) will decarburize steel.

* Argon serves as an inert protective atmosphere to eliminate the presence of oxygen, thereby preventing oxidation.

* Nitrogen is typically used a purge gas to eliminate air (oxygen) from the retort prior to introduction of hydrogen. Nitrogen is relatively inert (except materials containing aluminum, titanium or tantalum) and provides protection from oxidation through the elimination of an oxygen rich environment.

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