The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 13, 1997
Filed:
Aug. 21, 1995
Stephan Wilmotte, Chaudfontaine, BE;
Michel Dubois, Boncelles, BE;
Erik Van Perlstein, Beverwijk, NL;
Simon Vandenbruaene, Gent, BE;
Michel Beguin, Nandrin, BE;
Centre de Recherches Metallurgiques-Centrum Voor Research In de, , US;
Cockerill Sambre S.A., Seraing, BE;
Hoogovens Groep BV, Ijmuiden, NL;
N.V. Sidmar, Ghent, BE;
Abstract
A method and apparatus for continuously treating a strip of hot dip-galvanized steel. The method comprises the steps of rapidly reheating the strip to a predetermined temperature between 460.degree. C. and 600.degree. C., with a heating flux greater than 180 kWatts per meter squared based for each face of the strip; maintaining the strip at a substantially constant temperature for a predetermined period of time lasting between 10 and 30 seconds; and subsequently cooling the strip rapidly to a temperature below 420.degree. C., using a cooling flux of a magnitude greater than 100 kWatts per meter squared for each face of the strip. The step of rapidly reheating is performed following a drying operation conducted on the strip as it exits from a zinc bath. The apparatus comprises various elements for performing the method, as well as a vessel containing the zinc bath, redirecting rolls which define an upward and substantially vertical trajectory for the strip and a drying mechanism disposed along the trajectory downstream of the vessel's exit. Preferably, the rapidly heating of the strip is accomplished using an induction furnace operating at a frequency between 100 and 500 kHz, and the rapid cooling is provided by nozzles which, in turn, deliver a mist or fine spray of water and air.