Forming gas

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Forming gas is a mixture of hydrogen (mole fraction varies)[1] and nitrogen. It is sometimes called a "dissociated ammonia atmosphere" due to the reaction which generates it:

2 NH3 → 3H2+ N2

It can be also manufactured by thermal cracking of ammonia in an ammonia cracker or forming gas generator.[2]

Forming gas is used as an atmosphere for processes that need the properties of hydrogen gas. Forming gas, like hydrogen, is explosive. The lower explosion limit for 100% hydrogen is < 4% and for forming gas 5,6% at room temperature. At higher gas temperature accordingly lower. It is used in chambers for gas hypersensitization, a process in which photographic film is heated in forming gas to drive out moisture and oxygen and to increase the base fog of the film. Hypersensitization is used particularly in deep-sky astrophotography, which deals with low-intensity incoming light, requires long exposure times, and is thus particularly sensitive to contaminants in the film.[3]

Forming gas is also used to regenerate catalysts in glove boxes and as an atmosphere for annealing processes. It can be purchased at welding supply stores. It is sometimes used as a reducing agent for low and high-temperature soldering and brazing, to remove oxidation of the joint without the use of flux.

Quite often forming gas is used in furnaces during annealing for the thermal treatment of steel, because it reduces oxides on the metal surface.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Forming gas specs". Retrieved May 27, 2009. 
  2. ↑ "Crystec Technology Trading GmbH, Ammonia cracker for the generation of forming gas". Retrieved April 19, 2009. 
  3. ↑ Lodriguss, Jerry. "Gas hypersensitization". Catching the Light. Retrieved April 19, 2009. 
  4. ↑ "Crystec Technology Trading GmbH, Thermal treatment of steel". Retrieved April 19, 2009. 
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