Cooling systems for heat-treated parts and methods of use

Abstract

Systems and methods for cooling a heat-treated metallic part include a plurality of atomization nozzles disposed on a stage and radially disposed about the part to be cooled; and a fluid in fluid communication with the atomization nozzles. The fluid may gas, liquid, or a combination thereof, e.g., water and gas. During use, the atomization nozzles are generally configured to rapidly cool the thicker sections of the part relative to the thinner section since the thicker sections are generally slower to cool. In some embodiments, the stage can be configured to rotate about the part during cooling. Methods are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes moving a plurality of outlets in a horizontal direction while the heat-treated part is stationary while directing an air and water mixture from the plurality of outlets onto the heat-treated metallic part

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 834,094 entitled “Cooling Systems for Heat-Treated Parts and Methods of Use” filed Jun. 12, 2013, which is incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for cooling heat-treated parts, such as metallic work pieces. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for more controlled cooling heat-treated parts of various geometries and thicknesses.[0003]Certain metallic parts, also known as work pieces, are subjected to severe environmental stresses during use. As an example, certain components of jet aircraft turbines and turbines for power generation, particularly the rotational components, are subjected to extreme centrifugal forces and high thermal stresses during use. Such components also have complex geometries, oftentimes irregular shapes, wherein the thickness varies...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system and method for cooling a heat-treated metallic part. The system includes a housing to hold the part, a shroud assembly with atomization nozzles, and a fluid source to create atomized fluid. The atomized fluid is sprayed onto the part to cool it. The method involves moving the part and directing the atomized fluid onto it while it remains stationary. The disclosed system and method help to cool metallic parts uniformly, improving their quality.

Problems solved by technology

Certain metallic parts, also known as work pieces, are subjected to severe environmental stresses during use.

As an example, certain components of jet aircraft turbines and turbines for power generation, particularly the rotational components, are subjected to extreme centrifugal forces and high thermal stresses during use.

Such components also have complex geometries, oftentimes irregular shapes, wherein the thickness varies across the metal component.

For heat-treated parts having complex shapes and alloys that are strain-rate sensitive, quenching through immersion in a liquid coolant typically does not provide uniform cooling throughout the part.

The difference in cooling rates between the surface of the part and the inner portions of the part can result in the creation of varying material properties, varying grain structures, or, in extreme cases, cracks in the work piece.

However, conventional air quenching methods have only a limited capability in cooling work pieces, because it is difficult to control the air quenching process aside from varying the length of time the heated part remains in the cooling air stream.

As such, current air quenching processes are not as effective in providing uniform cooling rates to parts having complex geometries and varying thickness.

Thus, uniform cooling of work pieces having complex sizes and shapes is, at best, extremely difficult using current cooling / quenching techniques.

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