Which cooling process are you comparing?
Compare complete temperature–time and cooling-rate–temperature records with identified test objects and conditions. Workpieces need different cooling paths; a medium name or peak rate cannot decide the product.
Anran’s technical team agrees application conditions and adjustments for the specific workpiece. Start with your current medium and the problem you want to solve.
Selection priorities for three medium classes
| Medium | Key checks |
|---|---|
| Water | Temperature, water quality, surface contact, cooling non-uniformity and workpiece risks |
| Quenching oil | The oil’s cooling characteristics, operating temperature, contamination and site safety requirements |
| Aqueous polymer quenchant | Formulation, working concentration, temperature, relative motion and in-service fluid condition |
No single cooling rate can represent an entire medium class at every temperature and for every part. Test methods also have limits: unagitated oil-probe tests and polymer tests with specified motion equipment cannot simply be combined into one ranking.
Why specialised quenchants are needed
High-chromium cast iron and large Cr–Mo steel liners have different cooling needs from small conventional steel parts. AR-HCCI coordinates high- and low-temperature cooling; AR-SAG addresses production conditions for large liners and heavy parts. These are application-specific products, not simply renamed general-purpose fluid.
Consider AR-UHS for higher cooling capacity and AR-GP for routine water-based production. Review their curves and conditions separately; one concentration setting does not suit all materials.
Switching from oil or air to water-based cooling
Confirm the original process and target, then assess tank, cooling capacity, cleanliness, material and workpiece results. Changing medium changes cooling; the original operating time cannot simply be copied.
Follow product and site requirements for safety and maintenance. Water-based does not mean maintenance-free, no wastewater treatment or no risk. Nor is oil quenching universally prohibited worldwide.
Assess cost per workpiece, not just per drum
Beyond purchase price, include replenishment, maintenance, testing, rework, scrap and final performance. Where alloy additions compensate for insufficient air cooling of high-chromium cast iron, AR-HCCI and workpiece checks can support reassessment of material cost.
Cost improvements are assessed for the particular workpiece and technical solution. Complete production records are not required for first contact.