Method and apparatus for continuously homogenizing and quenching

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for continuously homogenizing and quenching aluminum billets in an in-line tandem system. The billets are conveyed into a furnace and transported through a series of stages therein where they are heated to obtain a uniform crystalline structure, and then immediately conveyed into and through a quench chamber where they are rapidly cooled to obtain improved metallurgical properties. The quench chamber includes a series of ring-shaped spray headers having a plurality of spray nozzles disposed thereabout for emitting a cooling fluid evenly about the billets as they pass through the rings in order to prevent warpage. The spray rings are vertically adjustable by means of a common linkage so that they will be concentric with respect to the longitudinal axes of billets of different diameters adapted to pass therethrough. Valve means are provided for each of the spray rings for varying the degree of quench from the inlet to the outlet of the chamber in order to obtain a permanent set with a quick quench as the billet enters the chamber. Warpage is further inhibited by controlling the rate of billet travel through the chamber.