US20120118748A1 - Method For Forming An Oxide Layer On A Brazed Article - Google Patents
Method For Forming An Oxide Layer On A Brazed Article Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120118748A1 US20120118748A1 US13/384,782 US201013384782A US2012118748A1 US 20120118748 A1 US20120118748 A1 US 20120118748A1 US 201013384782 A US201013384782 A US 201013384782A US 2012118748 A1 US2012118748 A1 US 2012118748A1
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- aluminum article
- oxide layer
- aluminum
- article
- flux
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 68
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 158
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 158
- 230000004907 flux Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 81
- 238000007743 anodising Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 62
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 26
- 238000005219 brazing Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfuric acid Chemical compound OS(O)(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- MUBZPKHOEPUJKR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Oxalic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)C(O)=O MUBZPKHOEPUJKR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- TWNQGVIAIRXVLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxo(oxoalumanyloxy)alumane Chemical compound O=[Al]O[Al]=O TWNQGVIAIRXVLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titan oxide Chemical compound O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910021645 metal ion Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N titanium oxide Inorganic materials [Ti]=O OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phosphoric acid Chemical compound OP(O)(O)=O NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- KRVSOGSZCMJSLX-UHFFFAOYSA-L chromic acid Substances O[Cr](O)(=O)=O KRVSOGSZCMJSLX-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 4
- AWJWCTOOIBYHON-UHFFFAOYSA-N furo[3,4-b]pyrazine-5,7-dione Chemical compound C1=CN=C2C(=O)OC(=O)C2=N1 AWJWCTOOIBYHON-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- BPQQTUXANYXVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Orthosilicate Chemical compound [O-][Si]([O-])([O-])[O-] BPQQTUXANYXVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- KGBXLFKZBHKPEV-UHFFFAOYSA-N boric acid Chemical compound OB(O)O KGBXLFKZBHKPEV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004327 boric acid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000006408 oxalic acid Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910000147 aluminium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000008151 electrolyte solution Substances 0.000 claims 9
- 150000003013 phosphoric acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 claims 2
- 230000005684 electric field Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 26
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 20
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 13
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000011253 protective coating Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 5
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- PXGOKWXKJXAPGV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Fluorine Chemical compound FF PXGOKWXKJXAPGV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000010953 base metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 239000002519 antifouling agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910052731 fluorine Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000011737 fluorine Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010335 hydrothermal treatment Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 239000012670 alkaline solution Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012298 atmosphere Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- SDGNNLQZAPXALR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 3-sulfophthalic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)C1=CC=CC(S(O)(=O)=O)=C1C(O)=O SDGNNLQZAPXALR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- KRHYYFGTRYWZRS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Fluoride anion Chemical compound [F-] KRHYYFGTRYWZRS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229910019142 PO4 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- MQRWBMAEBQOWAF-UHFFFAOYSA-N acetic acid;nickel Chemical compound [Ni].CC(O)=O.CC(O)=O MQRWBMAEBQOWAF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003929 acidic solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002378 acidificating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013019 agitation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 aluminum ions Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001845 chromium compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000005253 cladding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012459 cleaning agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004320 controlled atmosphere Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000008367 deionised water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910021641 deionized water Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004070 electrodeposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005530 etching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229940078494 nickel acetate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000012299 nitrogen atmosphere Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- SOQBVABWOPYFQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxygen(2-);titanium(4+) Chemical group [O-2].[O-2].[Ti+4] SOQBVABWOPYFQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-K phosphate Chemical compound [O-]P([O-])([O-])=O NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 1
- 239000010452 phosphate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007745 plasma electrolytic oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007711 solidification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008023 solidification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008399 tap water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000020679 tap water Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004408 titanium dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
- C25D11/02—Anodisation
- C25D11/04—Anodisation of aluminium or alloys based thereon
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K35/00—Rods, electrodes, materials, or media, for use in soldering, welding, or cutting
- B23K35/02—Rods, electrodes, materials, or media, for use in soldering, welding, or cutting characterised by mechanical features, e.g. shape
- B23K35/0222—Rods, electrodes, materials, or media, for use in soldering, welding, or cutting characterised by mechanical features, e.g. shape for use in soldering, brazing
- B23K35/0244—Powders, particles or spheres; Preforms made therefrom
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K35/00—Rods, electrodes, materials, or media, for use in soldering, welding, or cutting
- B23K35/02—Rods, electrodes, materials, or media, for use in soldering, welding, or cutting characterised by mechanical features, e.g. shape
- B23K35/0222—Rods, electrodes, materials, or media, for use in soldering, welding, or cutting characterised by mechanical features, e.g. shape for use in soldering, brazing
- B23K35/0244—Powders, particles or spheres; Preforms made therefrom
- B23K35/025—Pastes, creams, slurries
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K35/00—Rods, electrodes, materials, or media, for use in soldering, welding, or cutting
- B23K35/22—Rods, electrodes, materials, or media, for use in soldering, welding, or cutting characterised by the composition or nature of the material
- B23K35/24—Selection of soldering or welding materials proper
- B23K35/28—Selection of soldering or welding materials proper with the principal constituent melting at less than 950 degrees C
- B23K35/286—Al as the principal constituent
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K35/00—Rods, electrodes, materials, or media, for use in soldering, welding, or cutting
- B23K35/22—Rods, electrodes, materials, or media, for use in soldering, welding, or cutting characterised by the composition or nature of the material
- B23K35/36—Selection of non-metallic compositions, e.g. coatings, fluxes; Selection of soldering or welding materials, conjoint with selection of non-metallic compositions, both selections being of interest
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
- C25D11/02—Anodisation
- C25D11/024—Anodisation under pulsed or modulated current or potential
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
- C25D11/02—Anodisation
- C25D11/04—Anodisation of aluminium or alloys based thereon
- C25D11/06—Anodisation of aluminium or alloys based thereon characterised by the electrolytes used
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
- C25D11/02—Anodisation
- C25D11/04—Anodisation of aluminium or alloys based thereon
- C25D11/18—After-treatment, e.g. pore-sealing
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D9/00—Electrolytic coating other than with metals
- C25D9/04—Electrolytic coating other than with metals with inorganic materials
- C25D9/06—Electrolytic coating other than with metals with inorganic materials by anodic processes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
- C25D11/02—Anodisation
- C25D11/026—Anodisation with spark discharge
Definitions
- Aluminum and aluminum alloys are known and used in heat exchangers for their relatively high strength, thermal conductivity and formability. For instance, manifolds, fins, and/or tubes of heat exchangers are commonly made from aluminum. However, aluminum can corrode under normal atmospheric conditions. Therefore, a protective coating or paint is often applied to the aluminum to prevent corrosion of the underlying aluminum.
- a brazing process may be used to bond aluminum fins, tubes and manifolds together using brazing and flux materials.
- Flux materials are chemical cleaning agents which facilitate brazing and welding by removing oxidation from the metals being joined.
- Commonly used flux materials can leave a residual oxide glazing on surfaces of the tubes and the fins, which may inhibit bonding between a coating or paint and the aluminum.
- One step in some protective treatment processes involves anodizing aluminum surfaces of the heat exchangers.
- anodized aluminum it is known to apply anodic coatings to aluminum by making the metal anodic in a suitable solution and with a suitable counter electrode (cathode).
- the application of an anodic current converts the surface of aluminum to aluminum oxide, which is characteristically hard and wear resistant.
- the anodic coatings are usually microporous and can be sealed with dyes to obtain desired colors or with other solutions to improve corrosion resistance or to attain desired surface characteristics.
- Some of the more commonly used solutions for applying anodic coatings on aluminum include sulfuric acid, chromic acid, oxalic acid, sulfophthalic acid, boric acid and their combinations.
- flux is applied to an outer surface of the aluminum article.
- the outer surface of the aluminum article is brazed.
- An oxide layer is formed on the outer surface of the aluminum article by anodizing the aluminum article, where a portion of the oxide layer is formed between a flux residue produced by the brazing and the outer surface of the aluminum article.
- the aluminum article In a method for treating an aluminum article having residual flux on an outer surface, the aluminum article is anodized to form an oxide layer between the residual flux and the outer surface of the aluminum article. Residual flux is removed from the aluminum article.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of an aluminum article.
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of aluminum article components prior to brazing.
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a brazed joint with flux residue.
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the brazed joint of FIG. 3 after anodizing.
- FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for anodizing a brazed aluminum article.
- FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating another method for anodizing a brazed aluminum article.
- FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating yet another method for anodizing a brazed aluminum article.
- FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of aluminum article 10 .
- Aluminum article 10 can be aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
- “aluminum” shall refer to both aluminum and aluminum alloys.
- aluminum article 10 is a heat exchanger.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a straight (planar) heat exchanger, formed heat exchangers and other parts can also benefit from the method of the invention.
- Aluminum article 10 includes first manifold 12 having inlet 14 , outlet 16 and partition 26 ; tubes 18 and 22 ; second manifold 20 , and fins 24 .
- First manifold 12 includes inlet 14 for receiving a working fluid, such as coolant, and outlet 16 for discharging the working fluid.
- Each of a plurality of tubes 18 is fluidly connected at a first end to first manifold 12 and at an opposite second end to second manifold 20 .
- Each of a plurality of tubes 22 is fluidly connected at a first end to second manifold 20 and at an opposite second end to first manifold 12 to return the working fluid to first manifold 12 for discharge through outlet 16 .
- Partition 26 is located within first manifold 12 to separate inlet and outlet sections of first manifold 12 .
- Tubes 18 and 22 can include channels, such as microchannels, for conveying the working fluid.
- the two-pass working fluid flow configuration described above is only one of many possible design arrangements. Single and other multi-pass fluid flow configurations can be obtained by placing partitions 26 , inlet 14 and outlet 16 at specific locations within first manifold 12 and second manifold 20 .
- the method of the invention is applicable to aluminum articles regardless of fluid flow configuration.
- Fins 24 extend between tubes 18 and the tubes 22 as shown in FIG. 1 . Fins 24 support tubes 18 and 22 and establish open flow channels between the tubes 18 and 22 (e.g., for airflow) to provide additional heat transfer surfaces. Fins 24 also provide support to the heat exchanger structure. Fins 24 are bonded to tubes 18 and 22 at brazed joints 28 . Fins 24 are not limited to the triangular cross-sections shown in FIG. 1 . Other fin configurations (e.g., rectangular, trapezoidal, oval, sinusoidal) are also suitable.
- FIG. 2 illustrates one example of fin 24 and tube 18 prior to brazing.
- Braze material 30 is positioned between fin 24 and tube 18 .
- Braze material 30 is commonly supplied as an alloy cladding on either fin 24 or tube 18 .
- Flux 32 is applied over fin 24 , tube 18 and braze material 30 to prevent oxide formation during brazing.
- flux 32 includes at least potassium, aluminum and fluorine. The fluorine can comprise a majority of flux 32 by weight.
- One such flux 32 is Nocolok®, available from Solvay Fluor GmbH (Hannover, Germany).
- Flux 32 can be applied onto fin 24 , tube 18 and braze material 30 as a waterborne slurry or blown on as an electrostatically-deposited powder.
- a brazing paste containing braze material 30 and flux 32 can be applied between fin 24 and tube 18 or a flux-coated brazing rod can be positioned between fin 24 and tube 18 .
- braze process can be a “controlled atmosphere braze” process conducted under a substantially pure nitrogen atmosphere.
- flux 32 interacts with brazing material 30 to melt brazing material 30 .
- Melted brazing material 30 flows between fin 24 and tube 18 and forms a strong bond upon cooling and solidification to form brazed joint 28 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of one example of brazed joint 28 of aluminum article 10 .
- Flux 32 can leave a residual fluoro-compound (flux residue 34 ) on portions of the surfaces of fins 24 and tubes 18 and 22 following the brazing process.
- Flux residue 34 can include fluorine from flux 32 in combination with other elements from the atmosphere, brazing material 30 or from the aluminum of tubes 18 and 22 or fins 24 .
- flux residue 34 can include phases of fluoride and/or fluoro-oxy-compounds.
- the composition of flux residue 34 can vary depending on the composition of flux 32 , brazing material 30 and aluminum; the atmosphere, and the brazing process and conditions.
- flux residue 34 can inhibit strong bonding between a later deposited protective coating or paint and the underlying aluminum of fins 24 and tubes 18 and 22 .
- Flux residue 34 can also contribute to formation of a powdery corrosion product on surfaces of aluminum article 10 that can also inhibit bonding between a later deposited protective coating or paint or produce an undesired visual appearance.
- flux residue 34 can be removed as described in International Application No. PCT/US09/42552, filed May 1, 2009.
- anodizing aluminum article 10 according to the present invention reduces bonding between flux residue 34 and the surfaces of aluminum article 10 .
- Anodizing aluminum article 10 also conditions the surfaces of aluminum article 10 to allow for improved adhesion with subsequent coatings.
- Anodizing aluminum surfaces is generally known to improve wear resistance and surface hardness.
- Aluminum anodizing is normally performed on an aluminum surface after the aluminum surface is cleaned.
- Applicants discovered that when aluminum article 10 was anodized before the removal of flux residue 34 , an oxide layer formed between the surface of aluminum article 10 and flux residue 34 .
- flux residue 34 In order for an oxide layer to form between flux residue 34 and the surface of aluminum article 10 , flux residue 34 must be at least somewhat permeable to ionic current. Anodizing aluminum article 10 before removing flux residue 34 provides unexpected benefits.
- the anodizing step reduces the bond strength between aluminum article 10 and flux residue 34 . Because the oxide layer forms underneath flux residue 34 (i.e. between flux residue 34 and the outer surface of aluminum article 10 ), flux residue 34 does not adhere as strongly to aluminum article 10 .
- the anodizing step improves adhesion between aluminum article 10 and a subsequently applied coating without having to first remove flux residue 34 .
- anodizing aluminum article 10 be used as a flux residue removal process, but anodizing also improves adhesion between the outer surface of aluminum article 10 and a subsequently applied coating.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged view of brazed joint 28 of aluminum article 10 after it has been anodized according to the present invention.
- oxide layer 36 forms along outer surfaces of aluminum article 10 (fins 24 , tubes 18 and 22 , manifolds 12 and 20 ) including underneath flux residue 34 .
- Oxide layer 36 forms a generally uniform layer on the outer surface of aluminum article 10 .
- oxide layer 36 has a thickness between about 1 micron and about 10 microns. Most preferably, oxide layer 36 has a thickness of about 5 microns.
- FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method for forming oxide layer 36 on the outer surface of aluminum article 10 .
- Method 40 includes applying brazing material 30 and flux 32 to aluminum article 10 (step 42 ), brazing aluminum article 10 (step 44 ) and anodizing aluminum article 10 (step 46 ).
- Method 40 also includes the optional step of sealing aluminum article 10 (step 48 ). Steps 42 (applying flux) and 44 (brazing) are described above in reference to FIG. 2 .
- Oxide layer 36 is formed on the outer surface of aluminum article 10 and under flux residue 34 by anodizing aluminum article 10 in step 46 .
- the anodizing process includes contacting or immersing at least a portion of aluminum article 10 in an anodizing (electrolyte) solution contained within a bath, tank or other container.
- Aluminum article 10 functions as the anode in an electrochemical cell.
- a second metal article functions as the cathode in the cell.
- Direct or alternating current is passed through the anodizing solution to anodize aluminum article 10 and form oxide layer 36 under flux residue 34 . Pulsed direct current or alternating current is suitable for anodizing aluminum article 10 according to the present invention.
- the average current is preferably not more than 250 volts, more preferably not more than 200 volts, or most preferably not more than 175 volts, depending on the composition of the chosen anodizing solution.
- the current density is preferably between about 100 amps/m 2 and about 300 amps/m 2 .
- the anodizing solution is preferably maintained at a temperature between about 5° C. and about 90° C. during anodizing step 46 .
- Oxide layer 36 can form on aluminum article 10 and under flux residue 34 in different ways depending on the anodizing method and solution chosen.
- aluminum oxide layer 36 can grow from the base metal of aluminum article 10 .
- oxide layer 36 can grow from the base metal of aluminum article 10 while silicate, phosphate or other compounds are deposited from the anodizing solution to form ceramic oxide layer 36 .
- oxide layer 36 can be formed by deposition of metal ions from the anodizing solution alone. The different ways of forming oxide layer 36 employ different anodizing solutions and methods.
- the anodizing solution typically contains an acid. Suitable acids include sulfuric acid, oxalic acid, boric acid, phosphoric acid, chromic acid, and combinations thereof.
- the acid chosen for the anodizing solution affects the properties of oxide layer 36 including corrosion resistance, hardness and adhesive bond strength and can also affect cost, complexity and environmental impact of the process.
- the anodizing solution can also contain other compounds to adjust pH and other properties of the anodizing solution and anodizing process.
- an aqueous anodizing solution containing sulfuric acid at a concentration of about 165 grams per liter to about 200 grams per liter is used in step 46 .
- the aqueous anodizing solution contains a maximum of about 20 grams of dissolved aluminum ions per liter and a maximum of about 0.2 grams of sodium chloride per liter. With this anodizing solution, the current density is preferably between about 107 amps/m 2 (10 amps per square foot) and about 162 amps/m 2 (15 amps per square foot).
- Using an anodizing solution containing sulfuric acid provides a relatively inexpensive method for forming aluminum oxide layer 36 on aluminum article 10 .
- step 46 can include anodizing solutions suitable for methods such as the CeraFuse (Whyco Finishing Technologies, LLC, Thomaston, Conn.) and Keronite (Keronite International Ltd., Cambridge, UK) processes.
- CeraFuse Whyco Finishing Technologies, LLC, Thomaston, Conn.
- Keronite Keronite International Ltd., Cambridge, UK
- the CeraFuse process a hard, dense ceramic layer of alpha aluminum oxide is formed on aluminum article 10 .
- Keronite's plasma electrolytic oxidation process an electric current is passed through a bath of the anodizing solution so that a controlled plasma discharge is formed on the surface of aluminum article 10 , fusing oxides on aluminum article 10 into a harder phase.
- the CeraFuse and Keronite processes both form ceramic oxide layer 36 under flux residue 34 on aluminum article 10 .
- step 46 can include anodizing solutions suitable for methods such as the Alodine® EC 2 TM (Henkel Corporation, Madison Heights, Mich.) process.
- Alodine® EC 2 TM the Alodine® EC 2 TM process
- oxide layer 36 is formed through the electro deposition of titanium oxides.
- the anodizing solution can contain compounds such as titanium dioxide.
- metal ions from the anodizing solution deposit on aluminum article 10 to form oxide layer 36 . Since oxide layer 36 is formed only from the metal ions in the anodizing solution, the base metal does not react to form an oxide layer.
- Oxide layer 36 formed according to this process is dense and has a high adhesion potential.
- the Alodine® EC 2 TM process forms oxide layer 36 under flux residue 34 on aluminum article 10 .
- the embodiment of method 40 illustrated in FIG. 5 also includes sealing the outer surface of aluminum article 10 (step 48 ) following anodizing step 46 .
- Sealing step 48 is typically performed for aluminum article 10 in situations where a later paint coating will not be applied. A later applied paint coating adheres better to an unsealed outer surface of aluminum article 10 than to a sealed outer surface. Sealing the outer surface of aluminum article 10 provides additional wear and corrosion resistance.
- Sealing step 48 can be performed by contacting or immersing the outer surface of aluminum article 10 with nickel acetate or treating the outer surface with boiling water or steam, chromic acid, or trivalent chromium compounds.
- FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a method for forming oxide layer 36 on the outer surface of aluminum article 10 .
- Method 40 B includes applying brazing material 30 and flux 32 to aluminum article 10 (step 42 ), brazing aluminum article 10 (step 44 ) and anodizing aluminum article 10 (step 46 ).
- Anodizing step 46 includes substeps for pretreating aluminum article 10 (substep 50 ) and rinsing aluminum article 10 (substep 52 ).
- Method 40 also includes the optional steps of removing residual flux (flux residue 34 ) from aluminum article 10 (step 54 ) and applying a coating to aluminum article 10 (step 56 ).
- Anodizing step 46 includes pretreatment substep 50 .
- Pretreatment substep 50 prepares aluminum article 10 for anodizing and can include alkaline cleaning, alkaline etching, acid desmutting, water rinsing or spraying and combinations of the above.
- aluminum article 10 is cleaned with a silicate-free alkaline solution at about 54° C. (130° F.).
- Pretreatment substep 50 can also include water rinsing or spraying using deionized water or tap water to prevent entrapment of any acidic or alkaline solutions used during pretreatment substep 50 .
- Anodizing step 46 also includes rinsing aluminum article 10 (substep 52 ). Once oxide layer 36 has formed on aluminum article 10 , aluminum article 10 is rinsed with water to remove any residual acids and other chemicals used in anodizing step 46 . The water rinse prevents residual acids or chemicals from corroding aluminum article 10 and interfering with any subsequently applied coatings.
- the embodiment of method 40 B illustrated in FIG. 6 also includes removing residual flux from aluminum article 10 (step 54 ).
- flux residue 34 can be removed more easily from aluminum article 10 .
- Flux residue 34 can be removed by rinsing, water spraying or hydrothermal treatment.
- flux residue 34 can be removed simply by rinsing aluminum article 10 .
- Rinsing can be performed by immersion in water or flowing water over the outer surface of aluminum article 10 .
- Immersion in water can be accompanied by agitation to speed up the removal of flux residue 34 .
- flux residue 34 is removed from aluminum article 10 by spraying water at the outer surface of aluminum article 10 .
- the water can be sprayed at aluminum article 10 at various temperatures and pressures to remove flux residue 34 .
- the water pressure can be increased.
- hydrothermal treatment is used to remove flux residue 34 . Suitable hydrothermal treatments for removing flux residue 34 are described in International Application No. PCT/US09/42552, filed May 1, 2009.
- Method 40 B also includes applying a coating to aluminum article 10 (step 56 ) following anodizing step 46 .
- Coating step 56 can be performed following residual flux removal step 54 or immediately following rinsing step 52 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates method 40 C where coating step 56 is performed without an earlier flux removal step.
- Various coatings including paints or protective coatings (e.g., UV protectant), can be applied to aluminum article 10 once oxide layer 36 has formed on its outer surface. Whether coating step 56 is performed after flux removal step 54 or rinsing step 52 , at least a portion of the coating applied directly contacts oxide layer 36 .
- Coatings applied to aluminum article 10 typically offer wear and corrosion resistance to the outer surface of aluminum article 10 .
- Oxide layer 36 allows the coating applied in step 56 to bond to the outer surface of aluminum article 10 with more adhesion and bond strength than if the coating was applied to the outer surface having flux residue 34 and no oxide layer 36 .
- the present invention provides a method for forming an oxide layer on a brazed aluminum article.
- the oxide layer forms between the outer surface of the aluminum article and residual flux material applied for the brazing process.
- the bond between the residual flux material and the outer surface of the aluminum article is weakened.
- the residual flux material can be removed from the aluminum article more easily.
- the oxide layer also enhances the bonding capability of paint and other coatings with the aluminum article.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Other Surface Treatments For Metallic Materials (AREA)
- Chemical Treatment Of Metals (AREA)
- Cleaning And De-Greasing Of Metallic Materials By Chemical Methods (AREA)
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US13/384,782 US20120118748A1 (en) | 2009-07-23 | 2010-07-15 | Method For Forming An Oxide Layer On A Brazed Article |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US22798309P | 2009-07-23 | 2009-07-23 | |
| US13/384,782 US20120118748A1 (en) | 2009-07-23 | 2010-07-15 | Method For Forming An Oxide Layer On A Brazed Article |
| PCT/US2010/042059 WO2011011251A2 (fr) | 2009-07-23 | 2010-07-15 | Procédé de formation d'une couche d'oxyde sur un article brasé |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US20120118748A1 true US20120118748A1 (en) | 2012-05-17 |
Family
ID=43499601
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US13/384,782 Abandoned US20120118748A1 (en) | 2009-07-23 | 2010-07-15 | Method For Forming An Oxide Layer On A Brazed Article |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20120118748A1 (fr) |
| EP (1) | EP2456908B1 (fr) |
| CN (1) | CN102471915B (fr) |
| DK (1) | DK2456908T3 (fr) |
| ES (1) | ES2594458T3 (fr) |
| WO (1) | WO2011011251A2 (fr) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20160216039A1 (en) * | 2013-09-09 | 2016-07-28 | Fives Cryo | Bonded heat exchanger matrix and corresponding bonding method |
| US11022382B2 (en) | 2018-03-08 | 2021-06-01 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | System and method for heat exchanger of an HVAC and R system |
| WO2024081323A1 (fr) * | 2022-10-13 | 2024-04-18 | Modine Manufacturing Company | Revêtements supérieurs à base d'eau pour des échangeurs de chaleur en aluminium |
| US12121628B2 (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2024-10-22 | Industry Foundation Of Chonnam National University | Method of surface treatment of titanium implant material using chloride and pulse power and titanium implant produced by the same |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BR112014006744B1 (pt) | 2011-09-22 | 2019-02-12 | Sapa As | Revestimento de pré-fluxo, e, aplicação do revestimento em um componente de alumínio |
| CN102634833A (zh) * | 2012-05-02 | 2012-08-15 | 山东理工大学 | 铝合金轮胎模具的复合表面处理方法 |
| CN108193246A (zh) * | 2017-12-22 | 2018-06-22 | 江苏大学 | 一种用于钢材表面微弧氧化的方法 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3074824A (en) * | 1962-03-16 | 1963-01-22 | Aluminum Co Of America | Removing flux residues |
| US3259973A (en) * | 1963-03-11 | 1966-07-12 | Eutectic Welding Alloys | Method, filler alloy and flux for brazing |
| US3951328A (en) * | 1972-08-02 | 1976-04-20 | Alcan Research And Development Limited | Joining of metal surfaces |
| US4221640A (en) * | 1975-11-13 | 1980-09-09 | Hokusei Aluminum Company Ltd. | Method of treating a surface of an aluminum or aluminum alloy |
| US5190596A (en) * | 1991-01-25 | 1993-03-02 | Alcan International Limited | Method of brazing metal surfaces |
| US20030098145A1 (en) * | 2001-10-25 | 2003-05-29 | Showa Denko K.K. | Heat exchanger, fluorination method of heat exchanger or its components and manufacturing method of heat exchanger |
| US20040140221A1 (en) * | 2003-01-21 | 2004-07-22 | Kinard John Tony | Method of anodizing aluminum utilizing stabilized silicate solutions |
| US20080087551A1 (en) * | 2006-07-05 | 2008-04-17 | Hiromichi Odajima | Method for anodizing aluminum alloy and power supply for anodizing aluminum alloy |
| US20100252241A1 (en) * | 2009-04-02 | 2010-10-07 | Mcdermott Chris | Ceramic coated automotive heat exchanger components |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2514469A (en) * | 1947-10-31 | 1950-07-11 | Gen Motors Corp | Method of fabricating heat exchangers |
| FR2810845B1 (fr) * | 2000-06-23 | 2002-08-23 | Alstom | Module de puissance a composants electroniques de puissance et procede de fabrication d'un tel module |
| US7046918B1 (en) * | 2004-11-23 | 2006-05-16 | Mhe Corp. | Space heater with pretreated heat exchanger |
| JP2008546910A (ja) * | 2005-06-24 | 2008-12-25 | ハネウェル・インターナショナル・インコーポレーテッド | ろう付けされた金属表面において腐食を抑制する方法、ならびに、それに使用するための冷却剤および添加剤 |
-
2010
- 2010-07-15 WO PCT/US2010/042059 patent/WO2011011251A2/fr not_active Ceased
- 2010-07-15 DK DK10802676.6T patent/DK2456908T3/en active
- 2010-07-15 US US13/384,782 patent/US20120118748A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-07-15 ES ES10802676.6T patent/ES2594458T3/es active Active
- 2010-07-15 CN CN201080033841.2A patent/CN102471915B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-07-15 EP EP10802676.6A patent/EP2456908B1/fr not_active Not-in-force
Patent Citations (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3074824A (en) * | 1962-03-16 | 1963-01-22 | Aluminum Co Of America | Removing flux residues |
| US3259973A (en) * | 1963-03-11 | 1966-07-12 | Eutectic Welding Alloys | Method, filler alloy and flux for brazing |
| US3951328A (en) * | 1972-08-02 | 1976-04-20 | Alcan Research And Development Limited | Joining of metal surfaces |
| US4221640A (en) * | 1975-11-13 | 1980-09-09 | Hokusei Aluminum Company Ltd. | Method of treating a surface of an aluminum or aluminum alloy |
| US5190596A (en) * | 1991-01-25 | 1993-03-02 | Alcan International Limited | Method of brazing metal surfaces |
| US20030098145A1 (en) * | 2001-10-25 | 2003-05-29 | Showa Denko K.K. | Heat exchanger, fluorination method of heat exchanger or its components and manufacturing method of heat exchanger |
| US20040140221A1 (en) * | 2003-01-21 | 2004-07-22 | Kinard John Tony | Method of anodizing aluminum utilizing stabilized silicate solutions |
| US20080087551A1 (en) * | 2006-07-05 | 2008-04-17 | Hiromichi Odajima | Method for anodizing aluminum alloy and power supply for anodizing aluminum alloy |
| US20100252241A1 (en) * | 2009-04-02 | 2010-10-07 | Mcdermott Chris | Ceramic coated automotive heat exchanger components |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20160216039A1 (en) * | 2013-09-09 | 2016-07-28 | Fives Cryo | Bonded heat exchanger matrix and corresponding bonding method |
| US11022382B2 (en) | 2018-03-08 | 2021-06-01 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | System and method for heat exchanger of an HVAC and R system |
| US12121628B2 (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2024-10-22 | Industry Foundation Of Chonnam National University | Method of surface treatment of titanium implant material using chloride and pulse power and titanium implant produced by the same |
| WO2024081323A1 (fr) * | 2022-10-13 | 2024-04-18 | Modine Manufacturing Company | Revêtements supérieurs à base d'eau pour des échangeurs de chaleur en aluminium |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ES2594458T3 (es) | 2016-12-20 |
| WO2011011251A3 (fr) | 2011-04-28 |
| EP2456908B1 (fr) | 2016-09-14 |
| CN102471915B (zh) | 2015-05-20 |
| EP2456908A4 (fr) | 2015-04-08 |
| DK2456908T3 (en) | 2016-10-10 |
| CN102471915A (zh) | 2012-05-23 |
| WO2011011251A2 (fr) | 2011-01-27 |
| EP2456908A2 (fr) | 2012-05-30 |
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