On the Behavior of Methanol in the Gas Carburization by a Drip Feed Method

Gas carburization by a drip feed method is carried out by directly introducing an easily decomposable, organic liquid which such as methanol into a furnace. In this report the decomposing condition of the liquid, gas composition and carbon potential of an atmosphere produced with the decomposition of methanol are discussed. The results obtained are as follows: (1) The gas composition, dew point and carbon potential of the atmosphere was related to the drip speed of the liquid, and their equilibrium was attained at a specific drip speed. (2) The sufficient carburization of a steel was obtained by the atmosphere produced from methanol alone. (3) Addition of water to methanol was effective for the prevention of sooting and for the control of carbon potential. (4) Carbon potential of the atmosphere can possibly be controlled by its dew point and gas composition.