Hydrogen is a highly soluble gas in molten aluminum and the affinity for aluminum to absorb hydrogen increases with time and temperature. Hydrogen gas is formed when aluminum comes in contact with water
vapor, a natural by-product of combustion with gas and fuel fired furnaces as well as naturally occurring in the atmosphere, especially on humid days. As aluminum solidifies the escaping hydrogen gas forms cavities or gas pockets causing hydrogen porosity, a major problem in all types of aluminum products
Thermtronix® Quantitative Aluminum Porosity Measurement System is a computerized testing device that digitally measures, displays and records, in real time, the precise level of hydrogen porosity in a sample of molten aluminum.
Accuracy of the digital measurement system is assured by solidifying the molten aluminum sample in a micro-processor controlled vacuum chamber linked to the Absolute Pressure Scale System. Using the scale of absolute pressure provides consistent measurements that are not affected by physical location, climate, local atmospheric conditions, altitude and other environmental variables. Control programming assures an uninterrupted specific time frame for the sample to solidify at a measured vacuum level.
Thermtronix® Quantitative Aluminum Porosity Measurement System uses a unique stainless steel fixture that allows for the sample weight measurement in free air and completely submersed in water without reconfiguration. The computerized, digital, measurement system electronically converts this unitless ratio value of specific gravity to a precise percentage of aluminum porosity. A large, interactive, touch screen display and control programming assure a specific sequence of events are completed in order to obtain consistent, accurate measurements. In digital format the information is stored in a local
memory and may be displayed, printed and transferred to a USB flash drive. This digital measuring system is complete with a Certificate of Calibration traceable to the U.S. Bureau of Standards.
Computerized vacuum control is achieved with a true one-third horsepower two-cylinder, two-stage vacuum pump with features such as a permanent split capacitor motor, oil-less non-lube piston and cylinder with permanently lubricated ball bearings, stainless steel valves and lapped aluminum valve plates. The vacuum test chamber consists of a precision machined base with recessed sample holder that
assures alignment, a heavy wall machined aluminum chamber and a large hand grip. Brass fittings and filters eliminate corrosion and a spring return brass push button permits quick release of the vacuum chamber. A heavy gauge steel enclosure protects all internal components and is mounted to a mobile cart. The heavy duty cart uses nine inch pneumatic casters, with wheel brakes, to help isolate the unit from external vibration of surrounding equipment and assure air-cushioned transport on rough floors. Included is a lower, secondary shelf with a non-conductive, non-slip surface, a 15 amp UL Listed power strip with six grounded outlets and a lockable utility drawer for ancillary supplies.
