Quenching process utilizing compressed air

Abstract

A method for quenching a metal workpiece having an internal passage with at least one open end, wherein the workpiece has a plurality of bore holes extending between the internal passage and the external surface, the method including the steps of pressurizing the internal passage with a pressurized fluid source to prevent quenchant from entering the internal passage and the plurality of bore holes; flowing quenchant across the external surface to cool and harden the workpiece.

1 . A method for quenching a metal workpiece having an internal passage with at least one open end, wherein said workpiece has a plurality of bore holes extending between said internal passage and an external surface, the method comprising the steps of:
 pressurizing said internal passage with a pressurized fluid source to prevent quenchant from entering said internal passage and said plurality of bore holes; and   flowing quenchant across said external surface to cool and harden said workpiece.   
   
   
       2 . The method, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of bore holes extending between said internal passage and said external surface intersect said internal passage at near or equal to 90-degree angles. 
   
   
       3 . The method, as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 connecting at least one adapter to said at least one open end of said workpiece;   coupling said at least one adapter into fluid communication with said pressurized fluid source; and   directing said pressurized fluid directly through said adapter into said internal passage of the workpiece, wherein said pressurized fluid exits through the said plurality of bore holes.   
   
   
       4 . The method, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said pressurized fluid source is compressed air at a pressure greater than the flow pressure of said quenchant. 
   
   
       5 . The method, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the flowing step is performed by pouring quenchant across said external surface of said workpiece 
   
   
       6 . The method, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the flowing step is performed by submersing said workpiece in a quench bath. 
   
   
       7 . The method, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the flowing step is performed by spraying quenchant across said external surface of said workpiece. 
   
   
       8 . The method, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the quenchant is a water and polymer mix.