Method for removing refractory metal cores
A furnace for removing a molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core through sublimation comprising a retort furnace having an interior; a sublimation fixture insertable within the interior of the retort furnace, the sublimation fixture configured to receive at least one turbine blade having the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core; a flow passage thermally coupled to the retort furnace configured to heat a fluid flowing through the flow passage and deliver the fluid to the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core causing sublimation of the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core.
1. A process for removing a molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core from a turbine blade through sublimation comprising:
installing at least one turbine blade in a sublimation fixture;
installing said sublimation fixture in an interior of a retort furnace, a flow passage thermally coupled to said retort furnace configured to heat air flowing through said flow passage and deliver said heated air to a molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core;
supplying the air from an air source to a coupling fluidly coupled to said flow passage;
heating said air flowing through said flow passage;
supplying said heated air from said flow passage to a junction; coupling said junction to said sublimation fixture;
removing the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core from said at least one turbine blade through sublimation with said heated air; and
capturing waste discharged from the blade responsive to sublimation of said molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core responsive to said sublimation.
2. The process of claim 1 , further comprising:
reusing said waste; and
disposing of said waste.
3. The process of claim 1 , further comprising:
prior to the step of installing at least one turbine blade in a sublimation fixture casting said at least one blade with a ceramic core and said molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core; and
removing said ceramic core.
4. The process of claim 1 , further comprising:
flowing said heated air through said sublimation fixture into said at least one turbine blade; and
flowing said heated air through said turbine blade;
contacting said molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core with said heated air.
5. The process of claim 4 , wherein said heated air is heated to a temperature of from 1300 degrees Fahrenheit to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. The process of claim 1 , the step of installing said sublimation fixture in a retort furnace further comprising:
the retort furnace comprises an outer furnace box having an interior and an inner furnace box within said interior, said inner furnace box comprising an enclosure coupled to a base; and
inserting the sublimation fixture within said inner furnace box.