FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved Annealing Simulator device for
Testing and Characterization of steel Specimens. More particularly the present
invention relates to a thermo-mechanical device for Testing and Characterization
of Steel specimens.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Heating during annealing simulation is normally done in plurality types of
conventional furnaces and the cooling is done through multiple processes.
Accordingly, co-existence of separate heating arrangement and cooling
arrangement under controlled environmental condition make the entire system
capital intensive and larger in size. Investment for this kind of prior art systems
is very huge and only heavy industries in organized sector can afford them.
Moreover, batch/continuous annealing becomes a bottleneck in prior art system
as precise controllability in each sub-process becomes impossible due to absence
of synchronization. The known bulk systems further require elaborate electrical
installation and maintenance.
Annealing Simulator Device is suitable for heat treatment of variable tensile real
sized steel specimens as well as for other steel specimens under environmental
controlled conditions. New field of research can be opened up for the further up-
gradation of steel quality in terms of mechanical structure-properties
correlations. Annealing Simulator Device of applicants co-pending Patent

Application No is shown in Figure 1. The device consists of one movable
muffle furnace (6) with at least one thermocouple (5), Proportional, Integral and
Derivative (PID) power controller of the furnace, Steel specimens (4), at least
one thermocouple (3) housed in a static annealing chamber (2), a gas mixer
(10), a gas flow indicator (11), a condenser (8), a storage tank (9) associated
with entry and exit piping to the static annealing chamber (2) and
electrical/instrumentation control panel. All the annealing parameters are set
through a console of an electrical/instrumentation control panel (1) and all
parameters are PLC based control. The muffle furnace (6) is movable to
accommodate the static annealing chamber (2) for annealing of steel specimens
(4) and the furnace (6) can be moved away from the static annealing chamber
(2) once a heating cycle is over. Provision is made for opening and closing of the
door of the muffle furnace (6).The static annealing chamber (2) has the
provision for accommodating several variable sized steel specimens (4). In the
succeeding cycle, the static annealing chamber (2) is allowed to cool by
purging the mixture of (5-20%) Hydrogen (12) and (95%-80%) Nitrogen (13)
gases inside the static annealing chamber (12) at a desired level of mass flow
based on the requirement of rate of cooling. The thermocouple (5) in the muffle
furnace (6) acts as the feedback of the power controller (PID) of the furnace (6).
US Patent No.4386972A to K David G et al entitled 'Method of heat treating
ferrous metal articles under controlled furnace atmospheres", the invention is
characterized by forming a mixture of an oxygen-bearing medium comprising
oxygen or a gaseous compound containing oxygen in combination with hydrogen

and carbon. A gaseous source of hydrocarbon and an inert gas carrier forming
the major component of the mixture. Gaseous ammonia can be substituted for a
portion of the inert gas carrier to provide an atmosphere suitable for carbon
nitriding ferrous base metals. The normally gaseous mixture is prepared outside
of the furnace and then injected into the furnace where reaction of the mixture
produces the desired furnace atmosphere.
US Patent No. 5417774A to R Berger et al teaches a process for producing low-
cost atmosphere suitable for annealing, brazing, and sintering ferrous, notral
hardening low, medium, and high carbon steels, sintering ceramic powders, and
sealing glass to metal from non-cryogenically produced nitrogen containing up to
5% residual oxygen. According to the process, suitable atmospheres are
produced by 1) pre-heating the non-cryogenically produced nitrogen stream
containing residual oxygen to a desired temperature, 2) mixing it with more than
a stoichiometric amount a hydrocarbon gas, 3) passing it through a reactor
packed with a platinum group of metal catalyst to reduce the residual oxygen to
very low levels aznd convert it to a mixture of moisture and carbon dioxide, and
4) introducing the reactor effluent stream into the heating zone of a furnace and
converting in-situ a portion of both moisture and carbon dioxide with a
Hydrocarbon gas to a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The key
features of the disclosed process include 1) pre-heating the non-cryogenically
produced nitrogen containing residual oxygen to a certain minimum temperature,
2) adding more than a stoichiometric amount of a hydrocarbon gas to the pre-
heated nitrogen stream 3) using a platinum group of metal catalyst to initiate
and sustain the reaction between oxygen and the hydrocarbon gas, and 4)

converting in-situ a portion of both moisture and carbon dioxide with a
hydrocarbon carbon gas to a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the
heating zone of a furnace.
US Patent No. 8097926 B2 to W J Arora et al, titled Systems, methods, and
devices having stretchable integrated circuitry for sensing and delivering therapy.
The System, devices and methods are presented that integrate stretchable or
flexible circuitry, including arrays of active devices for enhanced sensing,
diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities. The invention enables conformal sensing
contact with tissues of interest, such as the inner wall of a lumen, the brain, or
the surface of the heart. Such direct, conformal contact increases accuracy of
measurement and delivery of therapy. Further, the invention enables
incorporation of both sensing and therapeutic devices on the same substrate
allowing for faster treatment of diseased tissue and fewer devices to perform the
same procedure.
Reference may be made to prior published non-patent literature by
Martis.Codrick J et al titled Processing of a high strength high toughness steel
with duplex microstructure (MATERIALS & DESIGN Vol 46,pp. 168-174, April
2013) wherein the steel was synthesized by austempering of a low carbon and
low alloy steel with high silicon content. The influence of austempering
temperature of the microstructure and the mechanical properties including the
fracture toughness of this steel was also examined. Compact tension and

cylindrical tensile specimens were prepared from a low carbon low alloy steel and
were initially austenitized at 927 degrees C for 2 h and then austempered in the
temperature range between 371 degrees C and 399 degrees C to produce
different microstructures. The microstructures were characterized by X-ray
diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and optical metallography. Test results
show that the austempering heat treatment has resulted in a microstructure
consisting of very fine scale bainitic ferrite and austenite. A combination of very
high tensile strength of 1388 MPa and fracture toughness of 105 MPa root was
obtained after austempering at 371 degrees C.
Reference may be made to the non-patent literature by Han. Seung Youb et al
titled : Effects of Annealing Temperature on Microstructure and Tensile
Properties in Ferritic Lightweight Steels (METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS
TRANSACTIONS A-PHYSICAL METALLURGY AND MATERIALS SCIENCE Vol.43A,
No. 3 pp. 843-853, March 2012), wherein Effects of Temperature on
Microstructure and Tensile Properties in Ferritic Light weight Steels are
discussed. Under this innovative research, an annealing Ferritic Light weight
Steels are discussed . Under this innovative research, an annealing simulator
device was designed, developed and fabricated for simulating annealing process
akin to industrial practices. The simulator consists of a movable Furnace (max
workiing temperature 1200°C), a static steel specimen heating chamb er, a
furnace controller and a gas mixer. The simulator required extensive mechanical
and electrical design, fabrication and integration work. Novel features of the
device are the control of chamber atmosphere by controlling the percentage
mixture of Nitrogen and Hydrogen or any other gases, a precise temperature

control furnace, heating chamber and specimen as well a precise control of
soaking time, an accurate control on the heating rate and cooling rate under
inert environment and a precise control of the furnace movement to
accommodate including separation of static specimen heating chamber. All these
control are PLC based. Performance of the simulator was evaluated for its
functionality as per the specifications. The device is cost effective and compact.
The draw backs of the hitherto known annealing simulation devices of the prior
art however are:
i) It requires large number of sub-systems at various logistics to make
the annealing simulation of steel specimens very difficult and thereby
system a bulky one.
ii) Non-application of integrated devices making the devices more cost
intensive.
iii) Flexible wide range of control parameters are not available and
logistics are merely available at places which may consume lot of
efforts and time.
iv) Smooth batch/continuous annealing under controlled environmental
conditions are not available.

In Applicants copending Patent Application No , the temperature contol in
the muffle furnace is from ambient to 1200°C with an accuracy of +/- 1°C,
temperature control in the annealing chamber that houses the steel specimens
is from Ambient to 1000°C with accuracy of +/- 1°C. Environmental Innertness
control of the annealing chamber is maintained by a slow flow of mixture of
Hydrogen and Nitrogen gas. Flow of the mixed gas is precisely controlled to a
maximum flow rate of 20 cubic metre/ hr. Rapid cooling rate of the order of
20°C/sec is achieved. All controls are PLC based. Integrated device is compact,
cost effective and environmental friendly.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose an improved
integrated novel annealing simulator device for annealing of steel specimens
under desired environmental conditions for testing and characterization.
Another object of the present invention is to propose an improved integrated
novel annealing simulator device for annealing of steel specimens under desired
environmental conditions for testing and characterization which includes a
movable furnace.
A still another object of the present invention is to propose an improved
integrated novel annealing simulator device for annealing of steel specimens
under desired environmental conditions for testing and characterization which
includes a static chamber for annealing several steel specimens.

Yet another object of the present invention is to propose an improved integrated
novel annealing simulator device for annealing of steel specimens under desired
environmental conditions for testing and characterization which comprises a
mixer for mixing nitrogen and hydrogen gases.
A further object of the present invention is to propose an improved integrated
novel annealing simulator device for annealing of steel specimens under desired
environmental conditions for testing and characterization which is provided wityh
electronics and instrumentation for precise temperature control of the movable
furnace.
A still further object of the present invention us to propose an improved
integrated novel annealing simulator device for annealing of steel specimens
under desired environmental conditions for testing and characterization which is
provided with electronic control for free slow motion (Forward and backward
motion) of the movable furnace.
Another object of the present invention is to propose an improved integrated
novel annealing simulator device for annealing of steel specimens under desired
environmental conditions for testing and characterization which includes control
for smooth door opening/closing of the movable furnace.

A still another object of the present invention is to propose an improved
integrated novel annealing simulator device for annealing of steel specimens
under desired environmental conditions for testing and characterization which is
enabled to supply mixed gases into the static annealing chamber to ensure
desired inertness in the chamber during operation.
A further object of the present invention is to propose an improved integrated
novel annealing simulator device for annealing of steel specimens under desired
environmental conditions for testing and characterization which allows for rapid
flow of mixed gases into the static annealing chamber for rapid cooling of the
static chamber including the steel specimen.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, there is provided an improved integrated novel annealing simulator
device for annealing of steel specimens under desired environmental conditions
for testing and characterization. The device essentially comprises a movable
1200°C furnace. A PLC is provided to maintain continuous and smooth
movement of the furnace. Variable rates of rise of furnace temperature is
precisely controlled by a PID (Proportional, integral, Derivative) based power
controller. A static chamber is provided for annealing various sizes of steel
specimen. During the heating process, the static annealing chamber is housed

inside the furnace. During cooling process, this chamber is detached from the
furnace. In both the heating or cooling process, a flexible degree of inertness
control of this chamber is achieved by controlling the percentage mixture of
Nitrogen and Hydrogen or any other gases. All instrumentation and control is
PLC based. A gas mixture is present for a controlled gas mixing (Nitrogen and
hydrogen or any other gases) including flow control of the gas mixture to the
specimen heating chamber.
The flow of mixed gases to the static specimen annealing chamber is low during
the heating process whereas the flow is rapid during cooling of the chamber. All
those controls are PLC based.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Figure 1 - schematic diagram of an annealing simulator device of prior art.
Figure 2 - shows a table-top movable muffle furnace of the invention.
Figure 3 - shows a static annealing chamber of the invention.
Figure 4 - shows a gas mixer and mass flow means.
Figure 5 - line diagram of electrical/instrumentation control of the inventive
device.

Figure 6 - photograph of annealing simulator device of the invention.
Figure 7 - shows first experimental result with the device of invention.
Figure 8 - shows second experimental result of the device.
Figure 9 - shows a third experimental result of the device.
Figure 10 - shows a fourth experimental result of the device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an improved annealing simulator device for
annealing of real sized steel specimen under controlled condition. Extensive
Mechanical, Electrical and control instrumentation design, development and
fabrication is done to achieve the target performance of this device.
In the drawings accompanying the specification, Figure 1 is the 'Schematic
diagram of Annealing Simulator Device' of the preset device called 'Annealing
Simulator Device' embodying the present invention. It consists of Muffle Furnace
(6) rested on the rail tracks of the table top (7) with associated power control
and provision of accommodating thermocouple (5) to the temperature of the
furnace and also for its control. Static Annealing Chamber housed with steel
specimens (4) on specimen holder thermo couple (3) to monitor the temperature

of the inside temperature of chamber, gas Mixer (10), flow indicator (11), cooling
arrangement (8, 9) connected with hydrogen (12) and nitrogen (13) gas supply
attached to static annealing chamber (2) and Electrical/instrumentation control
Panel (1) as a console for setting the annealing simulation parameters.
In the drawings accompanying the specification, Figure 2 is the Table top
Movable muffle furnace' resting on a table top which is specially developed of the
present device called 'Annealing Simulator Device' embodying the present
invention. The heating elements, Kanthal A-l wire of 14 SWG acts as the heating
elements/coil of the muffle furnace (6) and heating elements are grooved into
the refractory lining of the furnace. The outer shell of the furnace was made and
fabricated by the heavy gauge of M.S angle/channels welded with screw joint
wherever necessary and the rectangular horizontal shape is covered by the MS
sheet. The height of the working bed is 10 inches approximately from the base
level. The furnace was duly fabricated in two stage pattern. One inner structure
holds all insulating ceramic bricks. The gap in between inner and outer structure
was for maintaining air flow. The lining of the furnace was done by the hot face
high alumna based insulating bricks that can withstand an operating temperature
of 1400°C. The innumerable bubbles of hollow spheres give the material light
weight, low thermal capacity and good insulating properties at high temperature.
The power of the muffle furnace is digitally controlled by thyristor based
programmable PID controller. The inward and outward movement of the muffle
furnace (7b, 7d) is controlled by Rails (7c), ball screw on the table top of the

furnace and the temperature uniformity throughout the hot zone and the
accuracy of the temperature control is constantly maintained at +/- 5°C and +/-
1°C respectively. One 'K' type thermocouple (5), located inside at the rear end of
the furnace is provided to measure the temperature inside the furnace. The door
of the furnace (6b) is provided in the front with top opening/closing with the help
of fittings of chain pinion (6c). Locking arrangement of the movable muffle
furnace is done with the help of rigid fixtures of static annealing chamber (7a,
7b).
In the drawings accompanying the specification, Figure 3 is the diagram of 'Static
annealing chamber' of the present device called 'Annealing Simulator Device'
embodying the present invention. Cylindrical horizontal chamber (2a) made of
stainless steel, SS 310 with ceramics bricks insulating in between chamber and
lid (2f) of the chamber (2d), gas inlet and outlet pipes (2e, 2g, 2h) where
branched pipes (2b, 2c) inside the chamber is perforated for uniform cooling
during mixed gap purging rests on a rectangular table top. The indirect
resistance heating system can heat the chamber at the rate of about
100°C/minute or can hold stead-state equilibrium temperatures. The high
thermal conductive tray grips the steel specimens, making the system capable of
high cooling rates. One 'K' type thermocouple, located in the front of the
chamber is provided to monitor the steel specimen temperature. Because of the
unique high speed heating method, the system typically can run thermal tests 3
to 10 times faster than conventional furnace equipped machines.

In the drawings accompanying the specification, Figure 4 is the 'gas mixing and
mass flow system; to be used during the heating and cooling of annealing
process of the present device called 'Annealing Simulator Device, embodying the
present invention. Hydrogen, 5% - 2-% (12) is mixed with Nitrogen, 95% - 80%
(13) in the 400 litre surge tank, (1400mmX1600mm) attached to rotor meter
(11) (Nitrogen: 0 - 350 cubic feet/ hr; Hydrogen:0-7 cubic feet/ hr), 1 inch
nitrogen inlet (10d), ½ inch hydrogen inlet (10e, 10f), 2 inch outlet (10a, 10b)
along with indicator (10c).
Digital read out, resolution 0.1% of full scale, built-in micro processor based
linearizer, 4- 20 mA isolated output proportional to gas analyzer range with
hydrogen and low level (11e, 11d) alarm (11e) along with automated gas mass
flow (11a, 1f) are provided.
In the drawings accompanying the specification, figure 5 is the 'Line diagram of
electrical/instrumentation control of the present device called 'Annealing
Simulator Device' embodying the present invention. The heart of the system is
PLC based Digital Control System. It provides all the signals necessary to control
the annealing variables simultaneously through the digital closed-loop systems.
The system can be operated semi-automatically by computer, totally by manual
control, or by any combination of computer and manual control needed to
provide maximum versatility in the annealing simulations. The environment for
computer control of the system consist of a Windows based workstation and

powerful embedded processor in the control console. The windows workstation
offers a flexible industry-standard multi-tasking Graphical User Interface for
creating simulation programs. The embedded processor executes test and
simulation programs and collects data under the control of the Windows
program. This offers the full power of the workstation to the user while tests are
running; enabling the operator to create new tests and analyze data while the
machine is actively executing tests or physical simulations. The system has a set
of software tools available. The operator can create tests in the workstation
through a number of programming options, including dedicated Software, a
spread sheet-like, fill-in-the-blanks software that describes each action in a test
sequence In designing the operator interface for the system, engineers
envisaged that highly flexible control is essential for the system performance.
Thus, every aspect of the thermal control system can be controlled via computer
and set up in advance in the program. To make the system even more flexible
and allow easy, convenient manual control of the system at any time. As a result,
the user has total flexibility in manual control of the system without sacrificing
none of the power and convenience of computer control in the event of a better
option. Prewritten test programs can be run with no modifications or, if desired,
it can be used to adjust the program while the test is in progress. The system
can be made compact and more cost effective. The heating rate, of the order of
300-400°C can be achieved through the modification of design of the system to
improve the thermo-mechanical performances of the system. The cooling system
can be redesigned to suit the desired higher cooling rate of the order of 50-
100°C per second.

The design improvement can be made to achieve the gas mixer performance for
desired guaranteed performance. Full automation of the system can be made
possible.
In the drawings accompanying the specification, Figure 6 is the 'Image of
Annealing Simulator device' during experimentation of the present device called
'Annealing Simulator Device' embodying the present invention.
The following few examples are given by way of illustration of improved
annealing simulator device of the present invention in actual practice and
therefore should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention.
Example -1
Several experiments are carried out to evaluate the quantitative functional
performance of the annealing simulator device and few of the results by way of
examples are presented here to demonstrate the guaranteed performance of the
device in this present investigation. Device variables, temperature at 660°C, rate
of heating at 30°C /minute, hold time at 35 minutes, cooling rate at 70°C/
minute, nitrogen at 95% and Hydrogen at 5%, mixed mass flow rate at 10 cubic
metre/hr. are set during experimentation and the result in the form of graphical
representation of the experiments is shown in Figure 7. Which is in build Graphic
User Interface generated graph of the device.

Example - 2
Several experiments are carried out to evaluate the quantitative functional
performance of the annealing simulator device and few of the results by way of
examples are presented here to demonstrate the guaranteed performance of the
device in this present investigation. Device variables, temperature at 680°C, rate
of heating at 30°C/minute, hold time at 35 minutes, cooling rate at 36°C/minute,
Nitrogen at 90% and Hydrogen at 10%, mixed mass flow rate at 10 cubic
metre/hr. are set during experimentation and the result in the form of graphical
representation of the experiments is shown in Figure 8. Which is in built Graphic
User Interface generated graph of the device.
Example - 3
Several experiments are carried out to evaluate the quantitative functional
performance of the annealing simulator device and few of the results by way of
examples are presented here to demonstrate the guaranteed performance of the
device in this present investigation. Device variables temperature at 710°C, rate
of heating at 50°C/minute, hold time at 35 minutes, cooling rate at 40°C/minute,
nitrogen at 95% and Hydrogen at 5%, mixed mass flow rate at 10 cubic
metre/hr. are set during experimentation and the result in the form of graphical
representation of the experiments is shown in Figure 9. Which is in built Graphic
User Interface generated graph of the device.

Example- 4
Several experiments are carried out to evaluate the quantitative functional
performance of the annealing simulator device and few of the results by way of
examples are presented here to demonstrate the guaranteed performance of the
device in this present investigation. Device variables, temperature at 740°C, rate
of heating at 39°C/minute, hold time at 35 minutes, cooling rate at 40°C/minute,
nitrogen at 95% and Hydrogen at 5%, mixed mass flow rate at 10 cubic
metre/hr. are set during experimentation and the result in the form of graphical
representation of the experiments is shown in Figure 10 which is in built Graphic
User Interface generated graph of the device.
The Main Advantages of the Present Invention are:
i. Varieties of unique annealing simulation can be made easier using this
device i.e Device is versatile for several applications.
ii. The device can be used for batch annealing of steel specimens.
iii. The device can also be used for continuous annealing of steel
Specimens.
iv. Flexibility of heat treatment under controlled atmospheres as and
when required.

v. Smooth temperature control on the heat treatment.
vi. Delicate control on the heating rate in annealing simulation.
vii. Precise control on the cooling rate of annealing simulation.
viii. Flexible control on the soaking time during annealing simulation.
ix. Several steel specimens can undergo annealing simulation in one go.
x. Faster device for entire cycle of annealing simulation.
xi. Precision environmental control on annealing simulation.
xii. Device is compact and cost effective.

WE CLAIM :
1. An improved annealing Simulator device for annealing real sized steel
specimen under controlled condition, which comprises a movable muffle
Furnace (6) rested on rail tracks of a table top (7) with associated power
controls, at least one thermocouple (5) provided on the furnace (6) to
monitor and control the temperature of the furnace, an annealing
chamber (2) accommodating a plural size of steel specimens (4) on a
holder; a thermocouple (3) to monitor inside temperature of the chamber
(2); a gas Mixer (10), a flow indicator (11), a cooling arrangement (8, 9)
connected at a first end to sources (12, 13) of hydrogen and nitrogen,
and to the static annealing chamber (2) at a second end; and an
Electrical/instrumentation control Panel (1) for setting the annealing
simulation parameters.
2. An improved annealing Simulator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
muffle furnace (6) having a plurality of heating elements are grooved into
the refractory lining of the furnace, wherein an outer shell of the furnace
is made of heavy gauge of M.S angle/channels welded with screw joint
with the rectangular horizontal portion covered by MS sheet, wherein the
working bed of the furnace is at a height from the base level, wherein an
inner shell of the furnace holds all insulating ceramic bricks, a gap
between the inner and the outer shells maintaining air flow, and wherein

the lining of the furnace is formed of hot face high alumna based
insulating bricks that can withstand an operating temperature of 1400°C.
3. An improved annealing Simulator as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein
the power of the muffle furnace is digitally controlled by a thyristor based
programmable PID controller, wherein the inward and outward movement
of the muffle furnace (7b, 7d) is controlled by Rails (7c) including a ball
screw placed on table top of the furnace, wherein the temperature is
maintained uniformity throughout the hot zone with a consistent
temperature control at +/- 5°C and +/-1°C respectively, wherein the at
least one thermocouple (5), located inside the rear end of the furnace
measures the temperature inside the furnace, wherein the door of the
furnace (6b) is located at the front with top opening/closing done through
a chain pinion (6c), and wherein the movable muffle furnace is locked byu
the rigid fixtures of the static annealing chamber (7a, 7b).
4. An improved annealing Simulator as claimed in one of claims 1-3, wherein
the static annealing chamber is a cylindrical horizontal chamber (2a) made
of stainless steel, with ceramics bricks insulation in between the chamber
(2a) and a lid (2f) of the chamber (2a), the gas and outlet pipes (2e, 2g,
2h) inside the chamber is perforated for uniform cooling during mixed gas
purging.

5. An improved annealing Simulator as claimed in any of claims 1-4, wherein
mixing and mass flow system is used during the heating and cooling cycle
of annealing simulation, wherein hydrogen, 5% - 20% (12) is mixed with
nitrogen, 95% - 80% (13).
6. An improved annealing Simulator as claimed in any of claims 1-5, wherein
the gas mixing rate is Nitrogen: 0 - 350 cubic feet/ hr; hydrogen: 0-70
cubic feet/ hr), 1 inch nitrogen Inlet (10d), ½ inch hydrogen Inlet (10e,
10f), 2 inch outlet (10a, 10b) along with an indicator (10c).
7. An Improved annealing Simulator as claimed in any of claims 1-6, wherein
the electrical/Instrumentation control is the heart of the device where all
controls are digitally PLC based, and provides all the control signals for
annealing simulation variables simultaneously through a digital closed-loop
systems, wherein the device can be operated semi-automatically by a
computer, or totally by manual control, or by any combination of
computer and manual control to provide versality in the annealing
simulations.

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an improved annealing Simulator device for annealing real sized steel specimen under controlled condition, which comprises a movable muffle Furnace (6) rested on rail tracks of a table top (7) with associated power controls, at least one thermocouple (5) provided on the furnace (6) to monitor and control the temperature of the furnace, an annealing chamber (2) accommodating a plural size of steel specimens (4) on a holder; a thermocouple (3) to monitor inside temperature of the chamber (2); a gas Mixer (10), a flow
indicator (11), a cooling arrangement (8, 9) connected at a first end to sources (12, 13) of hydrogen and nitrogen, and to the static annealing chamber (2) at a second end; and an Electrical/instrumentation control Panel (1) for setting the annealing simulation parameters.