Continuous Improvement Process of Solution Annealing Heat Treatment

SHI FW Energia FAKOP Sp. z o.o., a subsidiary of Sumitomo SHI FW and Heatmasters Poland once again carried out a joint-defined solution annealing heat treatment process for high alloyed stainless steel coil assemblies. Despite our long-lasting practices and procedures, the details of this process have again been improved thanks to evolving industry drivers and the existence of continuous improvement practices in both companies. In-depth knowledge, experience, team-work and focus on details have allowed us to take another step toward superior quality and longer product lifetime, resulting in decreased maintenance downtime for the end-users.

Heatmasters Poland has provided solution annealing for these parts multiple times during the past five years, working with SHI FW Energia FAKOP’s Quality Specialists to further optimize and perfect our unique annealing processes. By continuously reviewing every single detail during the entire solution annealing process, from transportation and storage to thermocouple placement, we are working together with SHI FW Energia FAKOP to continue delivering the highest-quality components to end-users across the globe.

This time, the parts were loaded into our U117 heat treatment furnace. This furnace has dimensions of 4,4 x 2,4 x 1,2 meters and uses a fork loading system. The hat of this furnace was recently refurbished with improved insulation material to increase energy efficiency.

The parts were heated to a temperature far above 1000°C and Heatmasters Rigel26 digital temperature control system ensured an accurate and well-documented heating process. After heating, quenching took place within the targeted time period to form the desired microstructure in the material. Usually, water cooling would be a great solution, but in this case, it would change the shape of the elements too much, resulting in additional fabrication effort and additional stress into assemblies. Fast air cooling was a suitable approach as it allowed us to avoid negative material structures but still hold the shape of the elements. A total of 68 elements were processed this time.

A total of 68 components were treated in our U117 heat treatment furnace.

„Rising industry expectations are met thanks to tight cooperation approach in pre-planning and execution phase. Continuous improvement focus and non-routine approach allow improving every time, every project.”

-Zdzisław Szwajca, Project Engineer / Technologist, SHI FW Energia FAKOP Sp. z o.o.

SHI FW Energia FAKOP  is specialized in manufacturing, retrofits, spare parts supply of all kinds of boilers and other pressure vessels, shop and in-situ protective coating application including design and assembly at the client’s site worldwide.

Heatmasters is an international industrial service and equipment provider specializing in heat treatment, NDT inspection, surface treatment, and other services for the maintenance of process plants and the manufacturing industry.

Heatmasters Poland has cooperated closely with SHI FW Energia FAKOP since the beginning of our operations in Poland around 25 years ago. Today, our strong cooperation continues as Heatmasters provides innovative heat treatment and industrial services with a policy of continuous improvement.

“Long-lasting partnership between our companies is built on trust. Despite 25 years of cooperation, this trust has never been shaken as both of us are teamed with highly skilled and responsible professionals.”

-Arkadiusz Osuch, CEO, SHI FW Energia FAKOP Sp. z o.o.

Heatmasters looks forward to future challenges utilizing our knowledge and long-term experience in high-quality heat treatment and industrial services.

In addition to heat treatment of workpieces in fixed furnaces, Heatmasters provides custom-tailored solution including:

• On-site pre-heating and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT)
• Heat treatment of large workpieces in portable temporary furnaces
• Refractory dry-outs
• Wide range of industrial services (NDT, surface treatment, welding, etc.)
• High-tech heat treatment equipment (furnaces, transformers, temperature control systems, etc.)
• Modernizations for all manufacturer’s heat treatment equipment

For more information on SHI FW Energia Fakop, please visit: https://fakop.com/en