Thermo-Quench

Description

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THERMO-QUENCH is a eutectic nitrate/nitrite granular salt mixture that can be used for interrupted or isothermal quenching of austenitized steels. These processes include such heat-treating applications as Austempering, Martempering, or Marquenching. Also, THERMO-QUENCH is suitable for tempering or “drawing” hardened steels.

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THERMO-QUENCH is chemically and thermally stable when used within its working range, exceptionally fluid, completely water soluble and has high thermal conductivity. Liquidity (drag-out) at 400°F is approximately 0.065 grams per square inch. The organic anti-caking agent incorporated into THERMO-QUENCH can interfere with the ability of water additions to increase the molten salt’s quench severity. To prevent this possibility, it is recommended to use THERMO-QUENCH W/O.

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THERMO-QUENCH can be used as a quench from any austenitizing medium, except cyanide-base salts. It is not advisable to quench steel parts from temperatures above 1650°F into THERMO-QUENCH unless the parts are small and separated. For parts austenitized at temperatures > 1650°F, a neutral bath at an intermediate temperature may be employed as a stabilizing medium before the isothermal quench in salt.

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Key Properties

• Thermo-Quench is a eutectic nitrate/nitrite granular salt mixture designed for interrupted or isothermal quenching and tempering of austenitized steels, including processes like Austempering and Martempering.
• It exhibits chemical and thermal stability within its working range (300 - 1100ºF), is exceptionally fluid, completely water soluble, and has high thermal conductivity.
• The product includes an organic anti-caking agent, which may interfere with water additions aimed at increasing quench severity, recommending the use of Thermo-Quench W/O to prevent this issue.
• Suitable for use in plain steel pots up to 850°F and requires alloy pots for continuous use at temperatures above this, especially in externally fired or radiant tube furnaces.
• Handling precautions include avoiding contamination with cyanide salts to prevent violent reactions and explosions, ensuring parts and fixtures are completely dry before introduction to the bath to avoid splattering, and not exceeding temperatures of 1100°F to prevent rapid decomposition and potential release of toxic gases.