Describes an atmosphere whose dew point has climbed from water leaks, a spent generator catalyst, wet parts or air getting in. A wet atmosphere has low carbon potential and can decarburize or oxidize the work, giving soft surfaces and discoloration. Drying it out means finding the moisture source and bringing the dew point back down.
Atmosphere's wet again, did somebody load those parts straight out of the washer without drying them?
Also heard as
- wet atmosphere
Related terms
Dew point
The temperature at which water vapor in a furnace atmosphere condenses, used as a gauge of carbon potential.
Running rich
Shop talk for a furnace atmosphere carrying more carbon than its setpoint and heading toward soot.
Decarburization
Loss of carbon from the surface of steel during heating, leaving a soft skin that will not fully harden.
Washer
The parts washer that strips oil and chips before heat treat and quench oil after it.