We’re celebrating getting to the “fringe” of the weekend with a Heat TreatFringe Fridayinstallment: the U.S. Department of War (formerly Department of Defense) has awarded contracts to two dozen U.S. manufacturers to produce additively manufactured metal and polymer parts for defense programs. The contracts were issued through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) as part of the Joint Additive Manufacturing Acceptability (JAMA) IV pilot parts program.
While not exactly heat treat, “Fringe Friday” deals with interesting developments in one of our key markets: aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, or general manufacturing.
The Pentagon has awarded contracts to produce additively manufactured metal and polymer parts for defense programs. The awards, issued through the Defense Logistics Agency as part of the Joint Additive Manufacturing Acceptability (JAMA) IV pilot parts program, allow the Department of Defense to issue task orders to 24 participating manufacturers capable of producing parts using additive manufacturing technologies.
The awards are structured as a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts with a maximum value of approximately $9.8 million. The contract includes a one-year base period running through February 24, 2027, with four one-year option periods.
The JAMA IV pilot parts program supports the procurement of additively manufactured components for U.S. military clients, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. By awarding contracts to multiple manufacturers, the program establishes a pool of suppliers eligible to compete for task orders related to additively manufactured parts.
A manufacturer of vacuum circuit breakers has added vacuum brazing capability for producing electrical power components utilized in modern power distribution systems. The thermal processing technology joins metal parts used in vacuum interrupters, helping ensure consistent performance in circuit breakers used across industrial and utility power networks.
Image Credit: SECO/WARWICKMaciej Korecki Vice President of Vacuum Business Segment SECO/WARWICK
The manufacturer, based in China and specializing in multiple types of vacuum circuit breakers, ordered two vacuum furnaces from SECO/WARWICK, a global manufacturer of industrial heat treatment equipment with operations in North America. The client has previously installed multiple systems from SECO/WARWICK. “We have [clients] who operate more than a dozen of our systems,” said Maciej Korecki, vice president of the Vacuum Furnace Segment at SECO/WARWICK Group.
The furnaces will be used primarily for vacuum brazing and related thermal processing of interrupter assemblies and other circuit breaker components that require strict control of mechanical strength, hermetic sealing, and dimensional stability.
The systems use a pumping configuration with a turbomolecular pump designed to achieve ultra-high vacuum conditions. High temperature uniformity and rapid heating — enabled by seven control zones, including a central heating element — allow for consistent processing of loads. The furnaces are also equipped with a horizontal gas-cooling system and an external cooling unit.
As a critical component in circuit breakers, vacuum interrupters play a key role in safely interrupting electrical current during switching operations. The addition of vacuum brazing capability and controlled vacuum furnace processing allows the manufacturer to produce the sealed assemblies required for reliable performance in power distribution equipment.
Press release is available in its original form here.
Metco Industries has added a new seven-zone continuous belt sintering furnace to improve process control and consistency in the production of powdered metal components. The installation supports tighter thermal processing parameters and enhanced monitoring capabilities, helping ensure repeatable results for parts used across industrial manufacturing applications.
Continuous belt furnace installed at Metco Industries incorporating fully digital atmosphere control technology developed in-house at Abbott Furnace Company | Image Credit: Abbott Furnace CompanyParts entering the sintering furnace | Image Credit: Abbott Furnace Company
The furnace was engineered and manufactured by Abbott Furnace Company, incorporating fully digital atmosphere control technology developed in-house. Digital flow control, advanced monitoring, and data-driven diagnostics allow operators at Metco to track furnace performance in real time and adjust sintering conditions as needed.
The technology is designed to improve repeatability and provide greater visibility into furnace operations. These capabilities allow manufacturers to optimize thermal processing conditions and maintain more consistent production outcomes.
Press release is available in its original form here. Main image shows the full seven-zone continuous belt furnace installed at Metco Industries. Image Credit: Abbott Furnace Company
When a load hangs up during quenching, seconds matter and improvised decisions can escalate risk. In this Technical Tuesday installment, Bruno Scomazzon, general manager of Precision Heat Treat Ltd., outlines a step-by-step emergency response procedure for exactly this scenario, which is one of the most dangerous in atmosphere heat treating. Drawing on real-world experience, this guide is intended to help companies develop their own effective procedures for maintaining safety, controlling furnace conditions, and coordinating with emergency responders in high-risk situations.
This informative piece was first released in Heat Treat Today’sFebruary 2026 Annual Air & Atmosphere Heat Treating print edition.
Scenario Overview
A load has been transferred to the quench and the elevator is lowering into the oil, but the load becomes hung up and fails to fully submerge. The inner door successfully closes, and the outer (front) door remains closed.
This is an extremely high-risk situation requiring strict adherence to emergency procedures. The goal is to protect: first the personnel (minimize the chance of injury or escalation of the situation), then the facility, and finally the equipment.
1. Immediate Actions
DO NOT Open Outer Door
There may be a natural urge to assess the situation but resist temptation. DO NOT stand in front of or directly beside the outer door and never open it during an active hang-up. Opening this door can introduce oxygen to a hot chamber, causing:
Explosions or flash fires.
Loss of containment due to door warping or mechanical failure.
In extreme cases, the outer door may be compromised (blown off, stuck open, or partially open) with visible flames. This warrants immediate escalation to the fire department.
If Outer Door Cannot Be Closed
In this scenario, immediately notify the fire department and advise them to prepare for a foam response. DO NOT allow the use of water. This may trigger violent reactions with oil or atmosphere and spread the fire!
Internal trained responders should:
Don PPE.
Retrieve fire suppression gear.
Be ready to protect critical systems until responders arrive.
DO NOT shut down the furnace.
Figure 1. Atmosphere furnace during normal operation | Image Credit: Precision Heat Treat Ltd.Figure 2. Vestibule door partially opened during a controlled simulation to illustrate gas release behavior — not an actual incident | Image Credit: Precision Heat Treat Ltd.
2. Maintain Electrical Power
To ensure essential systems stay active, you must maintain electrical power. Ensure these systems stay active:
Set the furnace cycle to manual mode from auto mode. This will bypass any PLC sequencing from auto cycling doors, elevators, and handlers.
Keep the pilots lit.
Keep the oil cooler running to prevent tank overheating.
Shut off oil heaters to prevent additional heat loading in the quench tank.
Keep quench agitation on low during the entire period to assist in lowering the temperature at the interface surface area between the hot load and the oil. This prevents stratification and dissipates radiant heat into the oil.
Keep the recirculating fan running.
Keep the instrumentation functioning for monitoring.
NOTE: Loss of these systems eliminates visibility, atmosphere control, and safe response options.
3. Atmosphere Management
Maintain a protective atmosphere and positive furnace pressure to prevent oxygen ingress and uncontrolled combustion:
Set the carbon control to “0”.
Shut off the enriching gas.
Shut off the ammonia.
Shut off the dilution air.
Nitrogen Purge
These steps depend on whether a nitrogen purge is available; it is highly advised that nitrogen purge be available for all IQ or straight through units. Be sure you understand how long it takes for your specific furnace to fully purge endothermic gas. While NFPA 86 recommends five volume turnovers, some experts advise planning for up to ten per hour in an emergency. Each furnace should have established purge data under normal conditions so operators can act with confidence when time is critical.
Figure 3. Bulk nitrogen supply used for emergency purging and atmosphere control | Image Credit: Precision Heat Treat Ltd.
Begin a nitrogen purge immediately (if available) and maintain it throughout the event.
Use at least the minimum flow rate specified in your documentation. If safe, higher flow may be used to help displace flammable gases from the heating and quench chambers.
Maintain furnace temperature at 1500°F during the purge.
Residual pockets of Endo gas may remain trapped in less ventilated areas. If the chamber temperature drops below the ignition point before all flammable gas has been displaced, the introduction of oxygen could trigger an explosion. In some cases, trapped Endo and pressure imbalances can lead to sudden releases (“furnace burp”), where oil or gas is expelled due to internal pressure buildup.
After the Purge
The goal of the nitrogen purge is to displace Endothermic gas with an inert atmosphere while maintaining elevated temperature to assist in burning off residual flammable gases and preventing dangerous mixtures. This process must ensure positive pressure throughout the furnace.
A purge followed by plunge cooling in nitrogen is a valid approach if the purge is verifiably complete.
Depending on furnace size and cooling rate:
Larger furnaces may cool slowly enough for a complete purge.
Smaller or faster-cooling units may require a brief temperature hold before controlled cooling or plunge cooling.
NOTE: Once the hung-up load cools to a safe temperature (~150°F), perform a standard shutdown.
Without Nitrogen (in Endo)
If there is no nitrogen purge, or it is insufficient, the only option is to let the hung-up load cool in the vestibule while continuing to burn Endo and maintain the furnace temperature at 1500°F. Once the vestibule/oil tank cools below 150°F and the danger has passed, initiate a standard furnace shutdown.
4. Safety Management
Alert the local fire department immediately. If the situation becomes unmanageable, or if there is any doubt about the ability to maintain control, evacuate the facility and wait for trained professionals. The safety of plant personnel is paramount.
Notify plant safety and site management.
Evacuate all non-essential personnel from the heat treat area.
Inform all departments that a high-risk incident is in progress.
Fire departments are most effective when they are familiar with your facility before an emergency occurs. Make sure they know the layout of your operation, including:
Oil tank locations and sizes
Electrical panels
Gas shutoffs
Hot zones
5. Controlled Cooling Period
Maintain atmosphere protection throughout the event.
DO NOT open doors until the vestibule’s temperature is low and stable.
Cooling time will depend on load mass and heat retention. Expect five or more hours.
Use furnace pressure stability, effluent observations, and gas behavior as indirect temperature indicators.
6. Load Recovery Procedure
Once cooled and stabilized, perform a standard shutdown, starting with the removal of endothermic gas if applicable.
DO NOT attempt manual load removal until the system is verified safe.
Only maintenance personnel may retrieve the load, using PPE and appropriate tools.
7. Fire Department Familiarization
Every facility should build rapport with the local fire department before an emergency ever happens. Schedule annual walkthroughs and identify the following:
Number of furnaces
Quench oil tank volumes
Hot zone and live panel locations
Emergency shutoff points
Stuck doors are commonly caused by failed pneumatic valves. Shutting off and bleeding compressed air may allow the mechanism to reset. Always consult your equipment manual or the manufacturer before attempting corrective action.
The fire inspector conducting walkthroughs is not the one coming to fight your fires — train the ones who are.
8. Post-Incident Protocol
Before returning the furnace to service:
Conduct a formal investigation.
Identify and correct root cause(s).
Document all key parameters and actions taken.
Re-train operators as needed.
Furnace Signage
An operator is likely to read your safety plan but may forget a vital protocol during an emergency. Having bold, brightly colored warnings printed and posted at the panel that the operator can remove and use in an emergency can be invaluable.
Final Reflections
We cannot predict every consequence. No procedure can account for every possible variable in a live emergency. Once an event is in motion, all we can do is respond with the best judgment, training, and intentions — always with the safety of people as the highest priority.
This document is intended as a working reference: a structured reference developed with care, real-world experience, and best practices. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a tool to help teams create or enhance their own effective procedures and respond adaptively in high-risk situations.
Fire preparedness is essential in every heat treating facility. Fires happen, and they are not always small. It is critical to know when to act, when to evacuate, and when to call for help. Equipment manuals provide a foundation, but preparedness through training and planning is the best defense.
Acknowledgments: The author would like to thank Daniel H. Herring, “The Heat Treat Doctor,” The HERRING GROUP, Inc., and Avery Bell with Service Heat Treat in Milwaukee for their valuable input.
About The Author:
Bruno Scomazzon General Manager Precision Heat Treat Ltd.
Bruno Scomazzon is the general manager of Precision Heat Treat Ltd. in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, with over 40 years of experience in metallurgical processes and heat treating operations.
A specialized U.S. government manufacturing facility will install a custom thermal processing system to support expanded high-temperature operations. The new box furnace will enable the facility to scale a previously validated thermal process, increasing capacity while meeting strict spatial and operational constraints within the plant environment. The system is designed to support demanding thermal applications required in government manufacturing.
Image Credit: Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems
The project involves installing a custom-engineered box furnace and loading system designed to meet the facility’s layout and process requirements. The direct-fired furnace will operate in an air atmosphere with a maximum temperature of 2100°F and represents the largest configuration that can be accommodated within the available footprint. The system supports a specialized high-temperature thermal operation that had previously been proven at a smaller scale and is now being expanded to meet increased production demands.
Patrick Weymer Business Development Manager Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems
The thermal processing system is being supplied by Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems, which worked with the client to engineer a design that meets strict space, access, and installation limitations that had previously restricted equipment options. Rather than modifying a standard design, the furnace was developed specifically for the application to ensure compatibility with the facility’s constraints and processing requirements.
The project progressed under a tight timeline, with Gasbarre working closely with the client from the initial inquiry through final authorization. According to Patrick Weymer, business development manager for Gasbarre, “some applications don’t allow for compromise, whether due to space, schedule, or process requirements.” He added that certain applications require custom-engineered solutions when standard equipment won’t work.
Press release is available in its original form here.
Bodycote has installed a new treatment vessel at its Mooresville, North Carolina facility, expanding its capability to process larger stainless steel components and broadening surface hardening capabilities for manufacturers in North America.
The new treatment vessel can accommodate components up to 79 inches (2 meters) in length and 47 inches (1.2 meters) in width, enabling the surface hardening of larger and heavier stainless steel parts than previously possible in North America for industries such as oil and gas, food and beverage, and medical technology.
Temitope Oluwafemi S³P Technical Manager in North America Bodycote
The installation supports a low-temperature diffusion hardening process that increases the surface hardness of stainless steel components while maintaining the corrosion resistance. This capability is part of Bodycote’s ADM® stainless steel treatment offering now available in North America. The process can treat austenitic, duplex, and martensitic stainless steels, including alloys commonly used in load-bearing and high-strength applications.
Reflecting this demand, Temitope Oluwafemi, Bodycote’s S³P technical manager in North America, said, “Demand is growing for stainless steel components that can deliver longer service life in harsh operating environments and to demanding standards, without introducing the risks associated with coatings. Bringing ADM capability to the U.S. allows us to support [clients] locally, reduce lead times, and expand what’s possible for larger stainless steel components across multiple industries.”
Press release is available in its original form here. The main image shows the microstructure of surface hardened stainless steel AIS1660 (1.4980) | Image Credit: Bodycote
Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT) has expanded induction hardening and gas nitriding capacity at its Cullman, Alabama facility, increasing throughput and enabling the processing of larger and more complex parts for manufacturers. The investment supports growing demand for surface hardening technologies used to improve wear resistance, fatigue strength, and durability across industrial applications.
Tim Garner Plant Manager Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT)
The expansion includes two additional systems: a larger induction hardening unit capable of processing parts up to 60 inches in diameter and an additional gas nitriding unit to support high-volume nitriding programs while maintaining quick lead times and consistent processing quality. Earlier systems primarily handled cylindrical components such as shafts, gears, and pins. The new system can now accommodate more complex geometries, broadening the range of parts the plan can process.
“These investments allow us to scale with our [clients],” said Tim Garner, plant manager at AHT. “We are well-positioned to handle a wide range of part sizes, geometries, and production volumes without compromising turnaround times.”
Press release is available in its original form here. Main image shows AHT employees standing in front of the new induction hardening unit in Cullman, Alabama. Image Credit: Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT)
In today’s News from Abroad installment, we highlight several major global developments — from expanded heat treating capacity and furnace electrification to advanced refractory repair solutions and cutting-edge casting technology — underscoring ongoing innovation and investment across the international metals processing landscape.
Heat TreatTodaypartners with two international publications to deliver the latest news, tech tips, and cutting-edge articles that will serve our audience — manufacturers with in-house heat treat. Furnaces International, a Quartz Business Media publication, primarily serves the English-speaking globe, and heat processing, a Vulkan-Verlag GmbH publication, serves mostly the European and Asian heat treat markets.
New Homogenizing Facility Boosts Efficiency in Aluminum Processing
The entire homogenising centre is controlled via a modern automation platform that enables centralised monitoring of temperature profiles, cycle times, billet tracking, and system diagnostics.
“Hydro has awarded Sistem Teknik Industrial Furnaces a contract for the supply of a new aluminium logs homogenising centre at Hydro’s plant in Luce, France. The project centres on a 30-ton per charge aluminium logs homogenising centre, engineered to deliver high-capacity billet processing with optimised energy consumption and plant integration.”
“In addition to supplying new equipment, the project scope includes the modernisation and integration of selected existing systems at the Luce plant. By upgrading control logic and harmonising communication protocols, the new homogenising centre will operate as a fully integrated part of Hydro’s broader production infrastructure. This approach ensures operational continuity while introducing enhanced process control capabilities.”
Aluminum Producer Modernizes Aging and Log Furnaces for Sustainable Heat Treating
This changeover is an important step in terms of energy efficiency and resource conservation, with annual CO2 savings of around 311 tons in the overall heat treatment process.
“Extrutec has successfully completed an electrification project at Neuman Aluminium’s production facility in Marktl, Austria. The project involved converting two log furnaces from gas to electricity, as well as all aging furnaces. In addition, waste heat from the foundry is used for preheating. The electricity required comes from 100% renewable energy sources. The plant could therefore reduce Scope 1 CO2 emissions by about 94%.”
“[The] new furnaces bring significant technical improvements to the production process. The components are heated more quickly and evenly by horizontal air flow. The appearance of the parts also benefits — stains and water residues are significantly minimised by extracting the residual moisture after quenching at the beginning of the heat treatment process during heating.”
“Calderys introduces a new hot-gunning approach, improving furnace availability by increasing effective repair rates and cutting the number of maintenance interventions required in both Basic Oxygen Furnace and Electric Arc Furnace operations.”
“The CALDE® MAG GUN VELOCITY range is composed of an MgO-based refractory gunning material based on a multi-aggregate, multi-binder formulation, designed to promote rapid water extraction and strong adhesion during application. This mechanism results in a high effective gunning rate, with more than 80% of the applied material adhering to the lining, while limiting rebound, popping and spalling. The formulation also avoids the formation of low-temperature liquid phases, contributing to stable high-temperature behavior.”
New Anti-Bulging Solution Optimizes Steel Casting Lines
After 10 years of successful operation, all five Arvedi ESP lines at Rizhao are now equipped with LevCon Bender Anti-Bulging technology | Image Credit: Primetals Technologies
“Primetals Technologies has received the final acceptance certificate (FAC) from leading Chinese producer Rizhao Steel for the installation of the innovative LevCon Bender Anti-Bulging system on all its five Arvedi ESP high-speed casters.”
“The system combines conventional mold-level control with the ability to dynamically adjust the roller gap in the bender — hydraulically operated and position-controlled — allowing active regulation of the liquid steel volume at the top of the caster. This real-time control strategy continuously compensates for mold-level fluctuations caused by bulging, increasing average casting speeds, improving surface quality by reducing oscillation marks, and minimizing casting powder entrapment. At the same time, it significantly reduces the risk of breakouts and liquid steel overflow.”
A defense sector manufacturer has selected a vacuum furnace solution to support carburizing and heat treatment of steels used in firearm production. The equipment will be used to improve process efficiency and meet the technological requirements associated with modern weapons manufacturing.
The system will be supplied to a client in the European defense sector by SECO/WARWICK, a global manufacturer of industrial heat treatment equipment with operations in North America, and consists of a single-chamber vacuum furnace to maximize versatility across a range of heat treatment applications for firearm steels. The equipment enables the manufacturer to transition from traditional gas carburizing to low-pressure carburizing (LPC), improving process control, and reducing gas consumption.
Lukasz Chwialkowski Sales Manager SECO/WARWICK
According to Lukasz Chwialkowski, sales manager at SECO/WARWICK, the furnace features a round heating chamber capable of processing oversized components, LPC technology, and a high-pressure gas quenching (HPGQ) system. High temperature uniformity throughout the working space supports repeatable results, while a convection heating system improves efficiency at lower temperatures. Directional cooling is designed to accommodate complex part geometries. A graphite chamber supports durability and multi-shift hardening operations.
This order is the first collaboration between the European defense sector manufacturer and SECO/WARWICK. The contract holds strategic and technological significance — both for the client, who is modernizing their infrastructure, and for SECO/WARWICK, who is strengthening its position as a key solutions provider for the defense sector.
Press release is available in its original form here.
Jim Roberts of U.S. Ignition engages readers in a Combustion Corner editorial about the double-edged sword of heat recovery technology —explaining how efforts to reduce fuel consumption inadvertently drove up NOx emissions, and how flue gas recirculation (FGR) emerged as the design solution capable of cutting both fuel use and emissions by up to 50%.
This editorial was first released inHeat Treat Today’sFebruary 2026 Annual Air & Atmosphere Heat Treating print edition.
A furnace guy walks into the heat treating plant and says to the operators standing nearby, “This exhaust system and these burners all have a negative attitude.” The other furnace guys say, “They better be negative, or they would not work well!” As if we don’t have enough negativity swirling around in our world as it is, now we are happy about it?
In the Annual People of Heat Treat (September 2025) we talked about the types of burners that were developed as heat treating and furnace sciences and combustion designs evolved. We also chatted about how the advent of new fuels and government regulations was going to take a chunk of our attention in the coming years — for example, pollution laws coming to the forefront of our industry in the late ‘70s and onwards. Interesting new burner designs sprung up, primarily, as you recall, to address the usage of gas. In other words, how can we reduce fuel usage?
But First, NOx
The cost of gas skyrocketed for a stretch and it led us first to energy reduction plans. But with heat recovery sciences came the phenomenon of higher flame temperatures. When you get higher flame temperatures, you can sometimes (okay… all the time) generate NOx. One of the primary constituents of atmospheric pollution is NOx, and it became a prime target for reduction by the EPA and other governing air quality folks. As it should be.
Just a quick step back to the “remind me again, Jim” world. What do we breathe? Air, right? We have to have oxygen. But what we tend to forget is that air is roughly 79% nitrogen. So, what we breathe is actually nitrogen spiked with oxygen, and the fuel that we generally burn, natural gas, has some nitrogen in it too.
Natural gas can have as much as 5% nitrogen in it, although membrane filtering usually controls pipeline gas content at around 1%. The point is that nitrogen is the dominant gas in our combustible portfolio, and when we make it really hot, it makes NOx. And that is considered bad for all of us. So, NOx from fuel-borne nitrogen can be released at temperatures as low as 1400°F. Sometimes that is referred to as “sudden NOx” because it releases quickly. All of us Furnace Guys know that 1400°F ain’t nothing in our world.
The second form of NOx is referred to as “thermal NOx” and that is the major source of NOx in our world. That is when we heat the air we are combusting in a burner, burning off most of the 21% oxygen. Then, flame temperature climbs, and continues to now superheat and try to burn that remaining 79% of nitrogen. As temperatures approach 2300°F, the magic happens.
Thermal NOx forms significantly at high combustion temperatures, typically starting above 1300°C (2372°F), with formation increasing exponentially as temperatures rise, especially above 2800°F (1538°C), due to atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen reacting at peak flame temperatures. Does anybody remember what happens to flame temperatures when we preheat the combustion air (recuperation, recirculation, etc.)? Flame temp and heat transfer increase and we go up to theoretical flame temperatures of 3200°F without even working at it.
Solving Energy Efficiency Through Design
So, let’s return to the original question: What happened when we tried to only save gas with heat recovery? Answer: We installed energy efficient burners but increased the emissions footprint in doing so. We cut down on energy expenditure but made exhaust an issue with the higher temps.
For most industrial and commercial applications, the optimal range for flue gas recirculation (FGR) is between 10% and 25% as this range offers significant NOx reduction without compromising combustion stability or efficiency. By adjusting the pressures coming into the burner and then balancing the exhaust outlet pressures over the heat exchanger body, normally with an extraction device called an “eductor,” we can dial in the percentage of recirculation the burners are operating under.
Figure 1. Flow diagrams depicting the basic design for both direct fired and radiant tube style burners | Image Credit: Honeywell
With this design, I have seen fuel and emission reductions of 50% when compared to the existing conventional combustion systems. It really is a testament to what design and research can produce for us (Figure 1).
We’ll look more closely at these designs next time.
About The Author:
Jim Roberts President US Ignition
Jim Roberts president at U.S. Ignition, began his 45-year career in the burner and heat recovery industry focused on heat treating specifically in 1979. He worked for and helped start up WB Combustion in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. In 1985 he joined Eclipse Engineering in Rockford, IL, specializing in heat treating-related combustion equipment/burners. Inducted into the American Gas Association’s Hall of Flame for service in training gas company field managers, Jim is a former president of MTI and has contributed to countless seminars on fuel reduction and combustion-related practices.
