Abstract
While many quench tanks use propellers to promote fluid motion, other systems pump the quenchant through a series of small nozzles. Although propeller based systems are in one sense more straightforward, the direct connection to external drive systems and the internal flow control devices put considerable constraints on system design. In contrast, pumped systems require less space inside the quench tank and provide the opportunity to more directly apply the quench flow to the part surfaces. Due to piping system losses, however, less agitation may be provided for a given amount of input power. As a comparison of these approaches, CFD analyses are performed of idealized propeller and nozzle systems to determine their ability to generate flow for a given input power.
