Annealing for Aluminum Coils

The Aluminum Association Aluminum coil annealing with a nitrogen atmosphere eliminates the risk of explosion due to volatilization of rolling oils. Nitrogen also ensures that the surface of the aluminum is not oxidized during annealing, and it can help eliminate staining, which can occur when rolling oils oxidize on the metal surface--causing rejects. Consistent and improved atmosphere quality also results in less edge oxidation, increasing metal yield.

Nitrogen has become the preferred coil annealing atmosphere vs. exothermic-generated atmospheres, which are toxic (contain CO) and combustible, and have the potential for high maintenance costs and production losses due to breakdowns.

Air Products can recommend the optimal nitrogen supply option--including flow rate, purity and supply mode--for your specific aluminum coil annealing operation needs. We can design a system to regulate flow rate, with alarms for oxygen level deviations, for optimization of your process and nitrogen utilization.

Annealing Systems Designed for Optimum:

Safety

Oxygen concentrations controlled below explosive limits of air-fuel mixture

Reliability

Essentially no downtime associated with liquid nitrogen supply or on-site gas generation with liquid back up

Economics

High nitrogen flow only during critical times, in situ oxygen analysis and closed loop feedback control

Quality

Consistent atmosphere quality with data collection and leak detection capabilities

Proven Benefits

Nitrogen atmospheres for coil annealing have significant benefits and advantages vs. exothermic-generated atmospheres, including:

Improved process control for more consistent product quality
No upfront capital required
No maintenance
No downtime
Lower safety risk
No specialized operator training required
Flow peaking capability for rapid furnace purging (decreased cycle times)
Elimination of soot buildup, resulting in cleaner furnace interiors
More available floor space in furnace area

Air Products HPN nitrogen generator installation

PRISM® Cryogenic Nitrogen Generators

Our range of nitrogen generators includes cryogenic, adsorption, and membrane technologies. We can meet all typical flow, pressure, and purity requirements, providing a highly reliable gas supply at an overall cost savings compared to delivered liquid nitrogen.

PRISM® Cryogenic Nitrogen Generation Systems

PRISM® Cryogenic Nitrogen Generators—HN Series

PRISM® Cryogenic Nitrogen Generators—TN Series

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