Coolant containment apparatus for rolling mills

Abstract

Coolant containment apparatus for a rolling mill in which aqueous coolant liquid is sprayed onto the upper and lower work roll surfaces by upper and lower spray heads only on the exit side of the mill, including an enclosure maintained at subatmospheric pressure and surrounding the upper spray head and adjacent upper work roll and backup roll surfaces, upper and lower air dam members extending along the edges of the enclosure above and below the spray head to define narrow air gaps at the roll surfaces, slippers connected to ends of the dam members and in rubbing contact with the rolls to maintain the gap widths constant, and seal members mounted on the roll supports at the ends of the mill and cooperating with the enclosure to confine the enclosure interior. A wiper removes coolant liquid from the upper work roll on the entry side of the mill, while collectors catch and remove coolant spraying through the ends of the roll bite at the exit side of the mill, and air is blown into the roll bite on the exit side to move coolant liquid from the surface of an emerging rolled metal strip into the collectors. Below the mill pass line, a shield protects the rolled metal strip from coolant from the lower spray head.