Compact continuous annealing solution heat treatment
US10844467B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A compact heat treatment line can include a short heating zone capable of rapidly bringing a metal strip to a suitable solutionizing temperature through the use of magnetic rotors, such as permanent magnet magnetic rotors. A fast and efficient soaking zone can be achieved as well, such as through the use of magnetic rotors to levitate the metal strip within a gas-filled chamber. Magnetic rotors can further levitate the metal strip through a quenching zone, and can optionally reheat the metal strip prior to final coiling. Magnetic rotors used to heat and/or levitate the metal strip can also provide tension control, can facilitate initial threading of the metal strip, and can cure coatings and/or promote uniformity of coatings/lubricants applied to the metal strip without overheating. Such a heat treatment line can provide continuous annealing and solution heat treating in a much more compacted space than traditional processing lines.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.