Dow UCON Quenchant A and A-NN

UCONTM Quenchant A and A-NN (non-nitrite) are nonflammable polymeric quenchants manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company. They are aqueous solutions of a liquid organic polymer and a corrosion inhibitor. The organic polymer is soluble in water and produces a homogenous solution. At temperatures above 74°C (165°F), however, the polymer separates from water as an insoluble phase.

UCON Quenchant A-NN is formulated with a proprietary non-nitrite corrosion inhibitor that is completely compatible with UCON Quenchant A without nitrosamine formation. Analogous quenching performance is obtained with either UCON Quenchant A or A-NN.

When hot metal is quenched in a diluted solution of UCON Quenchant A or A-NN, a film of the liquid organic polymer is deposited on the surface of the hot metal. The rate at which the metal is cooled is governed, in part, by the thickness of the polymer-rich film. The thickness of this film is controlled by the concentration of UCON Quenchant A or A-NN in the quench bath.

The cooling rate is also controlled by adjusting the quench bath temperature and/or the rate of agitation. These parameters, along with product orientation, allow UCON Quenchant A and A-NN to function uniformly in the heat transfer range from water to medium-speed oils.

UCON Quenchant A and A-NN are suitable for:
• The heat treatment of carbon and alloy steels by flames, induction, and submerged induction heating.
• In batch and continuous furnace operations employing gas-fired and carburizing carbonitriding atmospheres.
• With wrought, case and forged aluminum alloys.

• FM Approvals has classified UCON Quenchant A and A-NN as “FM Approved” as tested against the latest testing criteria.

• UCON Quenchant A product meets AMS3025B specifications.
• The optimum operating conditions for a specific metal or part may be determined by control, bath temperature, and/or agitation.
• UCON Quenchant A and A-NN minimize replacement control because of its low deterioration and/or oxidation rate. The major make-up requirement is for water lost by evaporation.
• UCON Quenchant A and A-NN eliminate the smoke, soot and residues common to oil quenchants. Equipment maintenance and plant cleanliness are easier to achieve and maintain.
• UCON Quenchant A and A-NN are soluble in water and resistant to bacterial growth. • UCON Quenchant A and A-NN will freeze below 0°C (32°F). They should be thawed to room temperature and mixed before use. The product will not be affected in any way.