Safety Practices for Heat Treating Beryllium Copper Parts
Beryllium copper, in solid form and as finished parts, presents no
particular health hazard. In addition, most manufacturing operations
conducted properly on well-maintained equipment are capable of safely
processing beryllium copper. Like many industrial materials, it poses a
health risk only if mishandled. Breathing very fine particles may cause
a serious lung condition in a small percentage of individuals. Risk from
processes generating fine particulate can be minimised with simple,
proven, and readily available engineering controls such as ventilation.
Information on safe handling procedures and on the nature of the risk
associated with beryllium inhalation is available from Instrument
Specialties.
Heat treating of beryllium coper parts presents very minimal
environmental hazards. However, as with all heat treating operations,
certain safety precautions are required. Before heat treating, the parts
should be cleaned to remove the stamping or machining lubricant, which,
if not removed, can cause staining when exposed to elevated
temperatures. Beryllium copper heat treating operations do not generate
any beryllium-containing fume spalling of the surface oxide during
subsequent machining, or handling steps.
High temperature annealing operations in air produce a thick oxide
that is easily dislodged from the surface. Although the scale is
composed mostly of copper oxides, it contains beryllium oxide in
proportion to the beryllium content of the alloy. It is best if the
furnace atmosphere is controlled to minimise oxide formation. An inert
or reducing furnace atmosphere in the lower temperature precipitaion
aging step produces a thin, adherent oxide that usually presents no
handling problems.
The oxide surface of heat treated beryllium copper parts should be
cleaned before further processing, particularly if they will be plated,
soldered, brazed or welded. Chemical cleaning in an acid solution is
preferred to minimise the potential for exposure to fine particulate.
Mechanical surface conditioning, such as grinding or grit blasting, must
be done in a safe manner to prevent air contamination. Keeping the oxide
moist will control exposure during handling and disposal, however
ventilation is the preferred method to prevent air contamination.
If there is a concern about the safety of theses operations in your
shop, consult an industrial hygienist who can measure the air
concentrations during the casting/cleaning/machining operations. Most
hygienists can also recommend equipment and procedures to allow you to
perform these operations safely.
This information applies to a specific manufacturing operation. If
you need additional information on safe handling practices or technical
data on beryllium products, contact Instrument Specialties Delaware Water Gap P.O. Box 650, Shielding Way Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327 Tel: +1.570.424.8510 Fax: +1.570.424.6213
All material presented courtesy of
Brush Wellman, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio and
Instrument Specialties Company Inc., Delaware Water Gap, PA.
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