The system can reduce heat treatments from eight hours to a few minutes thanks to high-intensity magnetic fields.
A team at the University of Florida has created an unprecedented magnetic system that could transform how steel is produced. how steel and other industrial and other industrial metals are produced. Using a custom-designed superconducting magnet, the technology aims to drastically reduce the time and energy required for conventional heat treatments.
What is ITMP and why does it matter?
The core of this breakthrough is called ITMP (Induction-Coupled Thermomagnetic Processing), a method that combines induction heat and high-intensity static magnetic fields. This synergy makes it possible to accelerate atomic diffusion in materials such as steel, enabling processes that previously took eight hours to complete in minutes.
This approach also opens up the possibility of abandoning energy sources such as natural gas and natural gasreducing dependence on fossil fuels and reducing the carbon footprint of metal manufacturing. metal fabrication..
Industrial and academic potential of superconducting magnets
The prototype is already installed at UF’s Structures and Materials Laboratory and can process parts up to 12.7 cm in diameter. The equipment, which cost more than US$6 million to purchase and install, will be a key tool for both researchers and companies exploring new ways of production efficiency.
In parallel, the system allows the academic community to train talent specialized in low environmental impact technologies by integrating practical research with energy innovation.
Long-term projection
Backed by a federal grant of close to $11 million, the project is part of a national initiative to strengthen the U.S. manufacturing industry. U.S. manufacturing industry. Although still in the pilot phase, it is estimated that the system could be commercially deployed within five to ten years.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a key collaborator in the development, point out that this unique combination of thermal capacity and magnetic power could improve the efficiency of the entire production chain in metal alloys. In addition, the possibility of integration with renewable energy reinforces its industrial appeal.
Road to a cleaner industry
Beyond technical performance, the system represents a step towards the electrification of industrial processes. electrification of industrial processes. By dispensing with fossil fuels and reducing emissions, the technology could play a decisive role in the transition to more sustainable manufacturing.
The University of Florida thus positions itself as a key player in the redesign of industrial thermal processes, with a proposal that combines applied science, sustainability and large-scale economic potential.
Source and photo: University of Florida
