Deep Cryogenic Treatment Chamber for Industrial Applications

Abstract

Apparatus and method for construction of a rectangular deep cryogenic treatment chamber using an insulated, steel structure capable of large size and large volume cold thermal treatment. Apparatus includes end or top-mounted closure, liquid nitrogen delivery and distribution mechanisms, fan motors, cold diffusion-less thermal exchange, external heating element, electrical wiring and machined components. The design facilitates both low temperature, dry vapor thermal processing of metal and metal-matrix components down to −320° F. to enhance wear, corrosion, mechanical, thermal and electrical characteristics, and also post-cryogenic tempering capability to 300° F. The apparatus describes an external, LN2 storage dewar and solenoid-activated, gravity fed cryogen delivery via distribution hubs and distributed flow tubes. The apparatus also describes integrated deep cryogenic treatment authentication, test, validation and certification equipment. The process and method of treatment results in certification documents that authenticate and confirm treatment of the subject parts, reflect test and measurement of improved characteristics, retained data for archival purposes and to provide scientific evidence and proof of such treatment to a third-party not present at time of treatments, test or certification

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Apparatus for performing deep cryogenic treatment and processing of metal and metal-matrix materials to permanently improve mechanical, electrical, chemical or physical characteristics. This apparatus comprises
 A metal DC treatment chamber that is rectangular in shape and sub-dividable into one or more chambers   Chamber construction from steel alloy with one or more liners that may be vacuum sealed and/or insulated   The chamber located above, below or partially in-ground, with a minimum treatment weight capacity of 5,000 pounds.   Chamber loading to be accomplished by hand, remote robotic, by crane, hoist, rail, track or tramway assist.   
     
     
         2 . Apparatus and method in  claim 1  wherein:
 Each chamber contains the thermo-mechanical components necessary to induce and complete both low and high temperature thermal treatments called respectively deep cryogenic treatment and tempering. 
 The chamber is a thermal exchange chamber containing distribution hubs, wiring, sensors, fans, blower motors and flow tubes 
 LN2 is introduced, controlled and precisely metered from a computer-based flow device 
 The LN2 is stored in storage vessels 
 The LN2 is produced using an on-site or off-site liquid nitrogen generator 
 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus and method in  claim 2  wherein:
 Authentication of DC treatment is provided via non-destructive or destructive test equipment and methods. 
 Proxy witness artifacts may be included in each DCT lot and archival storage, testing and certification can happen on-site or at a remote location. 
 Authenticated parts can be tested, validated and certified using strain gages, X-ray diffraction or other known ASTM methods and standards