Patent ID: 6143098
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: C21D

Abstract:
A process for the heat-treatment of metals in a protective atmosphere, comprising the following steps:heating a reactor containing a Nickel-based catalyst to a temperature within the range of about 1000.degree. C. to about 1200.degree. C.;feeding said reactor with a flow of nitrogen containing from 0.1 to 9% oxygen;feeding said reactor with a flow of hydrocarbons in an amount substantially stoichiometric with said content of oxygen to give CO and hydrogen;feeding the gas leaving said catalytic reactor to a heat-treatment furnace to provide a protective atmosphere inside said furnace;interrupting periodically or by command said flow of hydrocarbons, while maintaining said flow of nitrogen containing oxygen, andresuming said hydrocarbons flow to the catalytic reactor after a pre-set or calculated time.