Method and configuration for the recovery of thermal energy in the heat treatment of cold-rolled steel strip in a hood-type annealing furnace
US9506377B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 2013 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E20/14
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and a configuration recover thermal energy in a thermal treatment of cold-rolled steel strip in an annealing furnace. The steel strip is heated up in a protective gas atmosphere to a temperature above the recrystallization temperature, and is subjected in a first, slow cooling phase and a second, fast cooling phase to a protective gas. The temperature of the protective gas is reduced during the first phase down to an intermediate temperature and in the second phase from the intermediate temperature to a final temperature. A first heat exchanger transfers the thermal energy of the protective gas by an oil circuit and a second heat exchanger to a working medium, and which evaporates and is fed to a steam motor, which converts the thermal energy contained in the working medium into energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.