Measure of the water vapor in a protective atmosphere. In endothermic gas, water vapor and carbon dioxide rise and fall together, opposite to carbon potential, so a lower dew point means a richer, higher-carbon atmosphere. A rising dew point points to water leaks, air infiltration or a tired generator. Bright annealing of stainless in hydrogen needs dew points of minus 40 °C or drier.
Dew point's up to 45 on the IQ, that's why the case is lean, check the generator and the door seals.
A sudden jump in dew point with no setting change usually means a water leak, often a cracked oil cooler or a leaking door jacket.
Also heard as
- DP
Related terms
Endothermic gas
A carrier atmosphere of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and nitrogen made by reacting natural gas with air.
Carbon potential
The carbon content a furnace atmosphere would give the surface of plain steel at equilibrium.
Wet
Shop word for a furnace atmosphere with too much water vapor, meaning a high dew point and low carbon.
Decarburization
Loss of carbon from the surface of steel during heating, leaving a soft skin that will not fully harden.
Bright
Describes parts that come out of the furnace clean and unoxidized, with no scale or discoloration.