Lämpödegassaus

Lämpödegassaus, also known as thermal degassing, is a process used to remove dissolved or entrapped gases from a liquid or molten material. This is typically achieved by heating the substance under reduced pressure or by introducing an inert gas. The elevated temperature increases the vapor pressure of the dissolved gases, making them more likely to escape. Simultaneously, the reduced pressure, or the purging effect of an inert gas, creates a driving force for the gases to migrate out of the liquid and into the surrounding atmosphere or the inert gas stream.

The primary goal of lämpödegassaus is to improve the properties and quality of the material. For instance, in the metals industry, degassing molten metals like aluminum or steel removes gases such as hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. This removal is crucial because these dissolved gases can lead to porosity in the final solid product, significantly weakening its mechanical strength and affecting its surface finish. In the polymer industry, thermal degassing is employed during extrusion or molding processes to remove residual monomers, solvents, or moisture, preventing defects like bubbles or splay marks in the finished plastic parts.

Various methods exist for lämpödegassaus, including vacuum degassing, where the material is heated in a vacuum chamber, and sparging, where an inert gas like argon or nitrogen is bubbled through the liquid. The specific technique and parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and treatment time, are optimized based on the material being processed and the type and amount of gas to be removed. Effective lämpödegassaus contributes to higher product yield, improved performance, and enhanced reliability.