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ecarburization
(Fig. 1) is
ddened as: Loss of carbon
ffrom the surface layer of
a carbon-containing alloy
due to reaction with one or more chemical substances in a medium that contacts
the surface. [1] It occurs in many steel
heat-treatment processes and, except for
a few processes where it is deliberately
induced, is considered to prejudice performance. This is particularly true of
hardened components such as bearings,
where the performance of the surface layers is critical.
1. Do I really have decarburization?
It is often said that if it looks like something and feels like something, then it
is that thing. Unfortunately, in the case
of decarburization this is not true. In
hardened high-carbon steels, it is fairly
common that a thin white-etching layer
formed on the surface is assumed to be
decarburization. It looks like ferrite and is
soft like ferrite, but it is actually retained
austenite and the result of the opposite
problem excessive surface carbon. The
problem is often traced back to oil-based
48 April 2009 - IndustrialHeating.com
lubricants baked onto the surface, causing carbonaceous layers that produce a
very thin high-carbon layer during hardening. Typically, but not always, the layer
is discontinuous.
The second problem that can be confused with decarburization in hardened
parts is internal oxidation. The results can
be exactly the same, an under-hardened
surface layer bainitic or even ferritic.
In decarburization, this layer is caused by
lack of carbon, but internal oxidation is
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Cause
Solution
Products of combustion or air leaking from radiant tubes and air leaking through mufes, seals,
covers, rollers, atmosphere fans, anges, etc.
FEATURE | Industrial
Gases/Combustion
Without CARBOJET
With CARBOJET
Fig. 4. A model showing the effect of CARBOJET on the gas velocity prole in a rollerhearth furnace in the plane of the nozzles