Spray Quench System for Directional Solidification Furnaces 

Isothermal Systems Research, Inc. (ISR) 

Clarkston, WA 
 

A miniature solenoid-operated pressure swirl atomizer which produces a wide, full-cone spray

• Spray cooling has the highest performance potential of all the heat removal methods.  However, the spray quality is critical to achieving this potential.  The key accomplishment is a valved micro-atomizer which does produce the appropriate spray characteristics.
• The controlled quench system has the potential to significantly reduce the water usage on space-based materials quenching experiments.  Reduced operating pressure requirements can also result in a system weight savings

• A prototype system will demonstrate the capability for advanced, high speed qualification testing and speed grading of processor die
• Efforts are underway to integrate the controlled quench system into a light bulb manufacturing process for reduced operating cost, and improved product yield.

Controlled spray quenching will have many applications in industrial processes such as extruding, direct chill aluminum casting, and heat treating 
The actuated atomizer has potential use as a gasoline injector; it is much smaller, has lower operating pressure requirements, and produces superior atomization over current injector technology
 
 

• Supports NASA materials research programs which require high cooling rates, controlled cooling rates, or minimization of coolant use
• The control system capability needs to be expanded to cover a broader range of cooling requirements.

 
 

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