Patent ID: 6702980
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: C21D,Y02P

Abstract:
Apparatus for annealing only a portion of an elongated tubular metal workpiece comprising:an elongated tube dimensioned to receive the workpiece so that a first end of the workpiece is positioned adjacent a first end of said tube and a second end of the workpiece extends outwardly from a second end of said tube and so that a workpiece portion is contained within said tubes, an induction coil disposed coaxially around said workpiece portion, a source of pressurized oxygen-free inert gas, a fluid conduit having one end fluidly connected to said inert gas source and a second end fluidly connected to an interior of the tube, wherein inert gas from said inert gas source flows through the interior of the tubular workpiece and around an outer surface of the workpiece, a base disposed across and closing said first end of said elongated tube, a plate disposed across said elongated tube at a position spaced from said base and forming a chamber between said plate and said base, said plate having a plurality of through openings, and said source of pressurized inert gas being fluidly connected to said chamber.