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EP3350352B1 - Continuous flow cooling device and method for cooling a metal strip - Google Patents

Continuous flow cooling device and method for cooling a metal strip Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3350352B1
EP3350352B1 EP17700322.5A EP17700322A EP3350352B1 EP 3350352 B1 EP3350352 B1 EP 3350352B1 EP 17700322 A EP17700322 A EP 17700322A EP 3350352 B1 EP3350352 B1 EP 3350352B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
strip
cooling
jets
metal strip
water
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Revoked
Application number
EP17700322.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3350352A1 (en
Inventor
Dirk Schäfer
Andreas Noé
Thomas Von Der Ohe
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Redex SA
Original Assignee
Redex SA
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Filing date
Publication date
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Application filed by Redex SA filed Critical Redex SA
Publication of EP3350352A1 publication Critical patent/EP3350352A1/en
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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D1/00—General methods or devices for heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering
    • C21D1/62—Quenching devices
    • C21D1/667—Quenching devices for spray quenching
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D9/00—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor
    • C21D9/52—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor for wires; for strips ; for rods of unlimited length
    • C21D9/54—Furnaces for treating strips or wire
    • C21D9/56—Continuous furnaces for strip or wire
    • C21D9/573—Continuous furnaces for strip or wire with cooling
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D9/00—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor
    • C21D9/52—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor for wires; for strips ; for rods of unlimited length
    • C21D9/54—Furnaces for treating strips or wire
    • C21D9/56—Continuous furnaces for strip or wire
    • C21D9/63—Continuous furnaces for strip or wire the strip being supported by a cushion of gas
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22F—CHANGING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF NON-FERROUS METALS AND NON-FERROUS ALLOYS
    • C22F1/00—Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working
    • C22F1/04—Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working of aluminium or alloys based thereon
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F27—FURNACES; KILNS; OVENS; RETORTS
    • F27D—DETAILS OR ACCESSORIES OF FURNACES, KILNS, OVENS OR RETORTS, IN SO FAR AS THEY ARE OF KINDS OCCURRING IN MORE THAN ONE KIND OF FURNACE
    • F27D15/00—Handling or treating discharged material; Supports or receiving chambers therefor
    • F27D15/02—Cooling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B9/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour
    • B05B9/03—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material
    • B05B9/035—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material to several spraying apparatus

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a continuous cooling device for cooling a metal strip, in particular a metal strip made of light metal, e.g. B. an aluminum strip, with at least one (first) strip floating cooler, which has a plurality of upper (air) nozzles distributed along the direction of travel of the strip and a plurality of lower (air) nozzles distributed along the direction of travel, the metal strip floating (and consequently contactless) between the upper nozzles and the lower nozzles can be transported and both the upper side and the lower side of the belt can be acted upon with cooling air, and with several water cooling units with which the metal belt can be acted upon with cooling water.
  • the direction of travel of the strip corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the furnace. It is (essentially) oriented horizontally.
  • metal band means preferably a metal band made of a light metal or a light metal alloy, particularly preferably made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
  • the metal strip is usually subjected to a heat treatment for metallurgical purposes in the course of production. So it is It is common, for example, to subject a metal strip made of an aluminum alloy to a heat treatment after cold rolling in order to optimize the strip properties or material properties, in particular strength and deformability / plasticity. So it is with aluminum alloys z. B. customary to achieve strength increases through precipitation hardening by solution heat treatment.
  • the metal strip e.g. aluminum strip
  • the temperatures in the course of solution annealing of aluminum alloys are usually in a temperature range between 400 ° C and 600 ° C, depending on the type of alloy.
  • the alloy elements are evenly dissolved in the aluminum matrix, so that a homogeneous mixed crystal is created.
  • the invention therefore particularly relates to prefers the treatment of strips made from a precipitation-hardenable aluminum alloy, in particular for automotive applications, that is to say for the production of automotive sheet metal.
  • cooling is required, which is also referred to as "quenching", since the even distribution of the alloying elements is supposed to be “frozen”, as it were.
  • a device for cooling a metal strip which has a slot nozzle arranged inclined to the surface, which directs a jet of a gas / liquid mixture onto the surface.
  • the EP 0 343 103 B1 also describes a method for cooling metal strips by spraying a gas / liquid mixture in the form of a mist onto the surface of the strip.
  • JP 61253329 an arrangement is described in which an annealing furnace is followed by a cooling device which has two support air nozzles and a water cooling system arranged between them.
  • the EP 0 192 169 describes a device for the non-contact, wave-shaped guiding of metal strips, with nozzle boxes being arranged above and below the metal strip. By applying air, the metal strip can be heated or cooled.
  • the invention is based on the technical problem of creating a continuous cooling device with which, with a simple structure, metal strips and, in particular, strips made of aluminum alloys, can be optimally cooled and thus excellent strip properties can be achieved.
  • the invention teaches a continuous cooling device with the features of claim 1. It is provided that the water cooling units are integrated in the belt float cooler.
  • the invention is based on the knowledge that, although it is fundamentally expedient to use the metal strip, e.g. B. aluminum strip to cool as quickly as possible in order to optimally "freeze" the properties achieved by the heat treatment. At the same time, however, too rapid cooling must be avoided to reduce warpage caused by contraction of the belt. Even if such distortions can be eliminated in a subsequent straightening process, the invention has recognized that to achieve optimal strip properties, distortions must be kept as low as possible in order to minimize the influence of the strip in the course of the subsequent straightening process.
  • a cooling is achieved within the scope of the invention that does not take place as quickly as possible, but only as quickly as necessary and at the same time as slowly as possible in order to record the results of the heat treatment and in particular to reduce the formation of precipitation defects.
  • a strongly degressive cooling curve in the time-temperature diagram
  • a progressive or a linear cooling curve is implemented.
  • this is achieved in that combined water-air cooling is implemented in such a way that water cooling units are integrated into a floating belt cooler.
  • Such a device can be implemented quite easily in terms of device technology, because first of all the basic structure of a belt float cooler can be used.
  • the water cooling units which can also be constructed very simply, are integrated into such a basically known floating belt cooler.
  • a "soft quench” is implemented on this, with very good adjustability and thus good adaptation options to the respective process and in particular also to the treatment of different ligaments being possible.
  • a floating belt furnace or cooler of known type can be used.
  • Such a device has a plurality of upper nozzles which are arranged at a distance along the direction of travel of the belt, so that intermediate areas are formed between the upper nozzles will.
  • a plurality of lower nozzles are provided, which are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of belt travel, so that a plurality of intermediate regions are also formed between the lower nozzles.
  • a large number of water cooling units can now be integrated into the belt suspension cooler by arranging the water cooling units in the lower intermediate areas and / or the upper intermediate areas.
  • a large number of water cooling units are integrated into the strip float cooler, with at least one water cooling unit each being arranged in several intermediate areas between each lower nozzle (or alternatively also upper nozzle) arranged directly one behind the other and consequently adjacent in the strip running direction.
  • a very compact design is consequently implemented, because the water cooling units can be integrated into the floating belt cooler in such a way that the intermediate areas between the nozzles that are already present are optimally used.
  • too rapid cooling of the metal strip can be avoided in this way, since the cooling with the aid of the cooling water takes place, as it were, step-by-step and is superimposed with a cooling via the cooling air in each case.
  • the air is applied from above as well as from below, as is generally the case with strip flotation coolers or strip flotation furnaces.
  • the water cooling takes place only “from below”, that is to say the water cooling units are only arranged to act on the underside of the belt in the area of the lower nozzles and consequently in the lower intermediate areas below the belt.
  • This configuration has the advantage that the water can run off properly and the formation of pools of water on the upper side of the belt can be avoided.
  • the upper nozzles are arranged offset from the lower nozzles along the strip running direction, so that the metal strip is floated sinusoidally or in a wave-like manner.
  • the water cooling units are then in a side view of the oven, e.g. B. arranged in alignment with the opposite air nozzles. If the water cooling units are consequently arranged below the belt between the lower air nozzles, the water cooling units are arranged in a side view in alignment with the opposite (upper) nozzles.
  • Such a configuration with a sinusoidal tape guide has the advantage that the tape is optimally guided and supported.
  • a staggered arrangement of the upper and lower air nozzles and thus an aligned arrangement of the upper nozzles opposite the water cooling units also has the advantage that the application of air prevents the water supplied from below from reaching the surface of the belt via the belt edges.
  • the water cooling units themselves can be constructed and set up in a basically known manner. They can each have one or more water nozzles or rows of water nozzles arranged one behind the other in the direction of belt travel and extending transversely to the direction of belt travel along the belt width.
  • the focus of the invention is on the combination of water nozzles and air nozzles within a floating belt cooler, it is optionally also within the scope of the invention to arrange at least one water cooling device in front of the floating belt cooler.
  • the metal strip after it has been subjected to a heat treatment and z. B. exits from a floating belt furnace, first passes through a conventional water cooling unit and thus a conventional water quench and only then enters the floating belt cooler according to the invention with integrated water cooling units. In this way, the system can be operated very variably overall. It is possible, in the conventional way, to cool the metal strip very quickly after the heat treatment with the aid of water cooling. Alternatively, the optional However, the water cooling provided can also be switched off, so that the "soft quench" according to the invention with combined water-air cooling is then used.
  • the invention also relates to a method for cooling a metal strip, in particular an aluminum strip, in a continuous cooling device of the type described.
  • the metal strip runs through the strip float cooler under tension along a (essentially horizontal) strip running direction which corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the furnace. A continuous treatment in the course of a continuous cycle is guaranteed.
  • the metal strip is transported in a floating manner and consequently without contact between the upper nozzle and the lower nozzle, and cooling air is applied to both the upper side and the lower side of the belt.
  • cooling water is applied to the metal strip.
  • the metal strip within the strip float cooler is acted upon with cooling water by a plurality of water cooling units integrated in the strip float cooler.
  • the metal strip within the strip float cooler is acted upon by water cooling units, which are arranged in several intermediate areas between two upper nozzles or lower nozzles arranged directly one behind the other in the strip running direction (and consequently adjacent).
  • optimal cooling speeds can be set, with which cooling takes place relatively quickly in order to "freeze” the properties of the strip achieved by a heat treatment.
  • too rapid cooling is avoided in order to keep distortions that can result in the course of the contraction of the strip during cooling within limits.
  • the invention proposes that the metal strip between two adjacent lower nozzles or upper nozzles with the water cooling unit arranged in the respective intermediate area by a temperature difference of a maximum of 100 K, e.g. B. a maximum of 75 K, preferably a maximum of 50 K is cooled.
  • the invention also relates to a system for the heat treatment of a metal strip, in particular an aluminum strip, with at least one treatment device, e.g. B. a treatment furnace, in particular hovering belt furnace and with at least one continuous cooling device of the type described.
  • the continuous cooling device according to the invention is z. B. downstream of the treatment furnace intended for heat treatment in the working direction and consequently the direction of travel of the belt.
  • the continuous cooling device according to the invention is consequently also placed under protection in combination with a hovering belt furnace and consequently within a system for heat treatment.
  • the described flow cooling device which works on the one hand with air cooling and on the other hand with water cooling, is followed by a further floating belt cooler, which is, however, preferably designed without water cooling and consequently in a conventional manner.
  • the treatment device to which the continuous cooling device is connected can - as described - be a treatment furnace for heating the strip.
  • the invention also includes the combination of the continuous cooling device with other treatment devices.
  • the continuous cooling device according to the invention, for. B. also be arranged downstream of a (hot) rolling mill or a (hot) rolling stand or another treatment station through which the metal strip runs in a heated state or in which the metal strip is heated.
  • the invention also relates to a method for heat treatment of a metal strip in a system of the type described.
  • This method is characterized in that the metal strip is first heated in the treatment furnace and then cooled in the continuous cooling device and, if necessary, a further strip float cooler.
  • the metal strip is not a treatment furnace, but a different treatment device, e.g. B. a rolling mill / roll stand or the like, passes through.
  • Fig. 4 a modified embodiment of the object according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 .
  • the figures show a system for heat treatment of a metal strip 1, which is preferably designed as an aluminum strip.
  • the system has a treatment furnace 2, which is designed as a strip flotation furnace and in which the metal strip is subjected to a heat treatment. It can be, for. B. be a solution heat treatment or the like.
  • the system has a continuous cooling device 3, which is arranged downstream of the floating strip furnace 2 in the strip running direction B.
  • the inventive Continuous cooling device 3 has a strip floating cooler 4, which has a plurality of upper nozzles 5 distributed along the direction of belt travel and a plurality of lower nozzles 6 distributed along the direction of belt travel, the metal strip 1 being transported in a floating manner and consequently without contact between the upper nozzles 5 and the lower nozzles 6. Cooling air is applied to both the upper side and the lower side of the belt.
  • the continuous cooling device 3 has a multiplicity of water cooling units 7, with which the metal strip 1 is acted upon with cooling water.
  • these water cooling units 7 are integrated into the belt float cooler 4.
  • upper intermediate areas 5a and lower intermediate areas 6a are formed within the strip floating cooler 4 between the individual upper nozzles 5 and the individual lower nozzles 6, it being possible to see that these intermediate areas 5a, 6a are between two upper intermediate areas in the strip running direction B directly one behind the other and consequently adjacent or lower nozzles 5 and 6 are provided.
  • a water cooling unit 7 is now arranged in a plurality of lower intermediate areas 6a and preferably in all intermediate areas 6a which are formed within the floating belt cooler 4.
  • These water cooling units 7 each have one or more water nozzles or rows of water nozzles 8 arranged one behind the other in the strip running direction B and extending transversely to the strip running direction B along the strip width.
  • the floating belt cooler has a plurality of upper nozzle boxes 9, each with a plurality of integrated upper nozzles 5, and a plurality of lower nozzle boxes 10, each with a plurality of integrated lower nozzles 6.
  • the water cooling units provided according to the invention are consequently arranged in the area of the lower nozzle boxes 10, namely between the individual ones lower nozzles of each nozzle box and also between the two lower nozzle boxes 10 arranged one behind the other.
  • the upper nozzle boxes 9 and / or the lower nozzle boxes 10 are suspended in a height-adjustable manner, so that the distance between the upper nozzles 5 and lower nozzles 6 and consequently the vertical distance can be adjusted by adjusting the height of one or both nozzle boxes.
  • actuators or the like can be provided.
  • the Figures 1 and 2 show the continuous cooling device 3 according to the invention in a first embodiment, in which the upper nozzles 5 are arranged offset to the lower nozzles 6 along the strip running direction B, so that the metal strip 1 is floated sinusoidally or undulating.
  • the water cooling units 7 are consequently arranged in a side view in alignment under the opposite upper nozzles 5.
  • FIG. 3 shows Fig. 3 a modified embodiment of a continuous cooling device not according to the invention, in which the upper nozzles 5 on the one hand and the lower nozzles 6 on the other hand are arranged in a side view in pairs in alignment one above the other, so that the band is not floated sinusoidally or undulating.
  • the water cooling units 7 which are essential to the invention are provided in the intermediate areas, which are consequently also integrated in the floating belt cooler 4.
  • Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a once-through cooling device. Based on the embodiment according to Fig. 3 with offset arranged upper nozzles 5 and lower nozzles 6, further upper nozzles 5 ′ are additionally arranged between the upper nozzles 5. These additional air nozzles 5 ′ are consequently arranged in alignment above the water cooling units 7.
  • the embodiment thus reproduces Fig. 4 as it were a combination of the embodiments according to Figures 2 and 3
  • the air nozzles 5 ' which are arranged in alignment above the water cooling units 7, prevent any water that is applied to the underside of the belt from reaching the upper side of the belt via the belt edges.
  • the additional (upper) nozzles 5 'can also be connected to the corresponding (upper) nozzle box 9 or also integrated into it. Alternatively, however, separately designed additional nozzles 5 'can also be provided.
  • the metal strip 1, which has previously been subjected to a heat treatment in the strip float furnace 2 can be optimally cooled.
  • the cooling rates can be set sufficiently fast by the combined air and water cooling to freeze the metallurgical properties achieved in the course of the heat treatment. In this case, however, cooling speeds that are too rapid can be avoided, so that distortions in the course of the cooling of the strip are kept within permissible limits.
  • the fact that there are optimally variable setting options is particularly advantageous, so that the cooling process can be optimally adjusted to the respective desired conditions.
  • the system for heat treatment of the aluminum strip additionally has a further floating strip cooler 11, which works in a conventional manner without water cooling and which is arranged downstream of the floating strip cooler 3 in the strip running direction B. After the combined water and air cooling according to the invention, further cooling takes place with the aid of a conventional floating belt cooler 11.
  • the throughflow cooling device arranged downstream of the furnace 2 can also have an additional water cooling device 12, which is arranged upstream of the strip float cooler 2 on the inlet side.
  • an additional water cooling device 12 which is arranged upstream of the strip float cooler 2 on the inlet side.
  • a so-called “hard quench” is made available in terms of the device at the inlet, so that it is optionally possible to work with conventional, very fast water cooling if required.
  • the system shown is therefore characterized by high flexibility and variability.
  • the continuous cooling device 3 is arranged downstream of a hovering belt furnace 2 and thus a temperature control device
  • the invention also includes embodiments in which the continuous cooling device 3 is arranged downstream of another type of treatment device through which the belt is heated runs or in which the belt is heated. In any case, the strip emerges from the strip treatment device in a heated state and enters the continuous cooling device 3.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Heat Treatment Of Strip Materials And Filament Materials (AREA)
  • Heat Treatments In General, Especially Conveying And Cooling (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung zum Abkühlen eines Metallbandes, insbesondere eines Metallbandes aus Leichtmetall, z. B. eines Aluminiumbandes, mit zumindest einem (ersten) Bandschwebekühler, der mehrere entlang der Bandlaufrichtung verteilte obere (Luft-)Düsen und mehrere entlang der Bandlaufrichtung verteilte untere (Luft-)Düsen aufweist, wobei das Metallband schwebend (und folglich berührungslos) zwischen den oberen Düsen und den unteren Düsen transportierbar und dabei sowohl die Bandoberseite als auch die Bandunterseite mit Kühlluft beaufschlagbar ist, und mit mehreren Wasserkühleinheiten, mit welchen das Metallband mit Kühlwasser beaufschlagbar ist. Die Bandlaufrichtung entspricht der Ofenlängsrichtung. Sie ist (im Wesentlichen) horizontal orientiert.The invention relates to a continuous cooling device for cooling a metal strip, in particular a metal strip made of light metal, e.g. B. an aluminum strip, with at least one (first) strip floating cooler, which has a plurality of upper (air) nozzles distributed along the direction of travel of the strip and a plurality of lower (air) nozzles distributed along the direction of travel, the metal strip floating (and consequently contactless) between the upper nozzles and the lower nozzles can be transported and both the upper side and the lower side of the belt can be acted upon with cooling air, and with several water cooling units with which the metal belt can be acted upon with cooling water. The direction of travel of the strip corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the furnace. It is (essentially) oriented horizontally.

Metallband meint im Rahmen der Erfindung bevorzugt ein Metallband aus einem Leichtmetall oder einer Leichtmetalllegierung, besonders bevorzugt aus Aluminium bzw. einer Aluminiumlegierung. Das Metallband wird im Zuge der Herstellung in der Regel einer Wärmebehandlung zu metallurgischen Zwecken unterzogen. So ist es z. B. üblich, ein Metallband aus einer Aluminiumlegierung nach dem Kaltwalzen einer Wärmebehandlung zu unterziehen, um die Bandeigenschaften bzw. Materialeigenschaften, insbesondere Festigkeit und Verformbarkeit/Plastizität zu optimieren. So ist es bei Aluminiumlegierungen z. B. üblich, Festigkeitssteigerungen durch eine Ausscheidungshärtung durch Lösungsglühen zu erreichen. Dazu durchläuft das Metallband (z. B. Aluminiumband) einen Ofen, z. B. einen Bandschwebeofen. Die Temperaturen im Zuge des Lösungsglühens von Aluminiumlegierungen liegen je nach Legierungstyp üblicherweise in einem Temperaturbereich zwischen 400 °C und 600 °C. Die Legierungselemente werden gleichmäßig in der Aluminiummatrix gelöst, so dass ein homogener Mischkristall entsteht. Die Erfindung betrifft daher besonders bevorzugt die Behandlung von Bändern aus einer ausscheidungshärtbaren Aluminiumlegierung, insbesondere für Automobilanwendungen, das heißt für die Herstellung von Automobilblechen.In the context of the invention, metal band means preferably a metal band made of a light metal or a light metal alloy, particularly preferably made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The metal strip is usually subjected to a heat treatment for metallurgical purposes in the course of production. So it is It is common, for example, to subject a metal strip made of an aluminum alloy to a heat treatment after cold rolling in order to optimize the strip properties or material properties, in particular strength and deformability / plasticity. So it is with aluminum alloys z. B. customary to achieve strength increases through precipitation hardening by solution heat treatment. For this purpose, the metal strip (e.g. aluminum strip) passes through an oven, e.g. B. a floating belt furnace. The temperatures in the course of solution annealing of aluminum alloys are usually in a temperature range between 400 ° C and 600 ° C, depending on the type of alloy. The alloy elements are evenly dissolved in the aluminum matrix, so that a homogeneous mixed crystal is created. The invention therefore particularly relates to prefers the treatment of strips made from a precipitation-hardenable aluminum alloy, in particular for automotive applications, that is to say for the production of automotive sheet metal.

Im Anschluss an eine derartige Wärmebehandlung ist eine Abkühlung erforderlich, die auch als "Abschrecken" bezeichnet wird, da die gleichmäßige Verteilung der Legierungselemente gleichsam "eingefroren" werden soll.Following such a heat treatment, cooling is required, which is also referred to as "quenching", since the even distribution of the alloying elements is supposed to be "frozen", as it were.

Dabei ist es grundsätzlich bekannt, die Abkühlung mittels Luft in einen üblichen Bandschwebekühler vorzunehmen. Da jedoch die Abkühlgeschwindigkeiten mit Luft in der Regel für eine hinreichend schnelle Kühlung/Abschreckung nicht ausreichen, wird in der Praxis bevorzugt eine Kühlung mit Wasser ("Wasser-Quench") eingesetzt. Auf diese Weise lassen sich deutlich höhere Abkühlgeschwindigkeiten erzielen. Hintergrund ist die Überlegung, dass in der Zeit-Temperatur-Kurve ein kritischer Temperaturbereich beim Abschrecken "umfahren" werden muss. Vor diesem Hintergrund ist man in der Praxis bislang davon ausgegangen, dass die Abkühlung im Sinne einer Abschreckung so schnell wie möglich erfolgen sollte.It is basically known to carry out the cooling by means of air in a conventional floating belt cooler. However, since the cooling rates with air are generally not sufficient for sufficiently rapid cooling / quenching, cooling with water ("water quench") is preferred in practice. In this way, significantly higher cooling speeds can be achieved. The background to this is the consideration that a critical temperature range in the time-temperature curve must be "bypassed" during quenching. Against this background, it has been assumed in practice that the cooling should take place as quickly as possible in the sense of a deterrent.

Problematisch ist jedoch bei einer schnellen Abkühlung die Tatsache, dass es im Zuge der Abkühlung zu einer Kontraktion des Bandes und damit zu Verwerfungen kommt. Dieses ist in der Praxis bislang in der Regel in Kauf genommen worden, da es ohnehin üblich war, das Metallband nach der Wärmebehandlung und nach dem Abkühlen zu richten, z. B. im Wege des Streckbiegerichtens.The problem with rapid cooling, however, is the fact that, in the course of cooling, the strip contracts and thus warps. In practice, this has so far generally been accepted, since it was customary anyway to straighten the metal strip after the heat treatment and after cooling, e.g. B. by way of stretch bending straightening.

So befasst sich z. B. die DE 100 46 273 C2 mit dem Problem der Abkühlkontraktion im Zuge einer Schroffabkühlung nach einer Wärmebehandlung. Dabei soll zur Verringerung der Deformation des Bandes in Bandlaufrichtung hinter der Schroffkühlung das Band mit einer kreisbogenähnlichen Querschnittsform zwangsgeführt werden.So z. B. the DE 100 46 273 C2 with the problem of cooling contraction in the course of sudden cooling after heat treatment. The aim is to reduce the deformation of the belt in the direction of belt travel behind the rough cooling, the band with an arc-like cross-sectional shape are forcibly guided.

In der DE 31 29 254 C1 wird eine Vorrichtung zur Kühlung eines Metallbandes beschrieben, welche eine zur Oberfläche geneigt angeordnete Schlitzdüse aufweist, die einen Strahl aus einem Gas-/Flüssigkeitsgemisch auf die Oberfläche richtet.In the DE 31 29 254 C1 a device for cooling a metal strip is described, which has a slot nozzle arranged inclined to the surface, which directs a jet of a gas / liquid mixture onto the surface.

Die EP 0 343 103 B1 beschreibt ebenfalls ein Verfahren zum Kühlen von Metallbändern durch Aufsprühen eines Gas-/Flüssigkeitsgemisches in Form eines Nebels auf die Oberfläche des Bandes.the EP 0 343 103 B1 also describes a method for cooling metal strips by spraying a gas / liquid mixture in the form of a mist onto the surface of the strip.

In ähnlicher Weise wird in der EP 0 695 590 B1 ein Verfahren zum Kühlen von warmgewalzten Platten oder auch Bändern aus Aluminium oder Aluminiumlegierungen beschrieben, wobei zusätzlich zu Wasserdüsen Luftdüsen vorgesehen sein sollen, die den Wasserstrahlen eine periodische Wischbewegung aufzwingen.Similarly, in the EP 0 695 590 B1 a method for cooling hot-rolled plates or strips made of aluminum or aluminum alloys is described, with air nozzles being provided in addition to water nozzles which force a periodic wiping movement on the water jets.

Aus der EP 1 485 509 kennt man ein Verfahren zur Schroffabkühlung von Bändern oder Platten aus Metall, bei dem überwiegend die untere Oberfläche der Bänder oder Platten durch Wasserstrahlen beaufschlagt wird.From the EP 1 485 509 a method is known for the rapid cooling of strips or plates made of metal, in which mainly the lower surface of the strips or plates is acted upon by water jets.

In einem aus der EP 0 949 348 A1 beschriebenen Verfahren wird der Einsatz eines Kühlmediums in Form eines Gases oder Gasgemisches mit einem Siedepunkt von maximal -150 °C in flüssiger Form vorgeschlagen, z. B. der Einsatz von flüssigem Stickstoff. Das Band oder das Profil kann unmittelbar nach der Abkühlung mit flüssigem Gas in einer nachfolgenden Stufe mit Wasser oder Luft weiter gekühlt werden.In one of the EP 0 949 348 A1 The method described, the use of a cooling medium in the form of a gas or gas mixture with a boiling point of a maximum of -150 ° C in liquid form is proposed, for. B. the use of liquid nitrogen. Immediately after cooling with liquid gas, the strip or the profile can be further cooled in a subsequent stage with water or air.

In der JP 61253329 wird eine Anordnung beschrieben, in welcher einem Glühofen eine Kühlvorrichtung nachgeordnet ist, die über zwei Tragluftdüsen und eine dazwischen angeordnete Wasserkühlung verfügt.In the JP 61253329 an arrangement is described in which an annealing furnace is followed by a cooling device which has two support air nozzles and a water cooling system arranged between them.

Die EP 0 192 169 beschreibt eine Vorrichtung zum berührungsfreien, wellenförmigen Führen von Metallbändern, wobei oberhalb und unterhalb des Metallbandes Düsenkästen angeordnet sind. Durch eine Luftbeaufschlagung kann eine Erwärmung oder eine Kühlung des Metallbandes erfolgen.the EP 0 192 169 describes a device for the non-contact, wave-shaped guiding of metal strips, with nozzle boxes being arranged above and below the metal strip. By applying air, the metal strip can be heated or cooled.

Schließlich ist es im Zusammenhang mit der Behandlung von Strangpressprofilen bekannt, in einer Kühlvorrichtung abwechselnd Luftdüsen einerseits und Wasserbeaufschlagungsdüsen andererseits vorzusehen (vgl. EP 0 942 792 B1 und EP 0 541 630 B1 ). Die Behandlung von Metallbändern im Zuge eines kontinuierlichen Durchlaufs und insbesondere Aluminiumbändern wurde durch derartige Überlegungen nicht beeinflusst.Finally, in connection with the treatment of extruded profiles, it is known to provide alternating air nozzles on the one hand and water application nozzles on the other hand in a cooling device (cf. EP 0 942 792 B1 and EP 0 541 630 B1 ). The treatment of metal strips in the course of a continuous run and in particular aluminum strips was not influenced by such considerations.

Der Erfindung liegt das technische Problem zugrunde, eine Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung zu schaffen, mit welcher sich bei einfachem Aufbau Metallbänder uns insbesondere Bänder aus Aluminiumlegierungen, in optimaler Weise abkühlen und damit hervorragende Bandeigenschaften erzielen lassen.The invention is based on the technical problem of creating a continuous cooling device with which, with a simple structure, metal strips and, in particular, strips made of aluminum alloys, can be optimally cooled and thus excellent strip properties can be achieved.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe lehrt die Erfindung eine Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1. Es ist vorgesehen, dass die Wasserkühleinheiten in den Bandschwebekühler integriert sind.To solve this problem, the invention teaches a continuous cooling device with the features of claim 1. It is provided that the water cooling units are integrated in the belt float cooler.

Die Erfindung geht dabei von der Erkenntnis aus, dass es zwar grundsätzlich zweckmäßig ist, das Metallband, z. B. Aluminiumband, möglichst schnell abzukühlen, um die durch die Wärmebehandlung erzielten Eigenschaften optimal "einzufrieren". Dabei muss jedoch zugleich eine zu schnelle Abkühlung vermieden werden, um Verwerfungen durch Kontraktion des Bandes zu reduzieren. Auch wenn sich solche Verwerfungen in einem anschließenden Richtprozess grundsätzlich eliminieren lassen, so hat die Erfindung doch erkannt, dass zur Erzielung optimaler Bandeigenschaften Verwerfungen mögliehst gering gehalten werden müssen, um die Beeinflussung des Bandes im Zuge des nachgeschalteten Richtprozesses möglichst zu minimieren. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird im Rahmen der Erfindung eine Abkühlung erreicht, die nicht so schnell wie möglich erfolgt, sondern lediglich so schnell wie notwendig und zugleich so langsam wie möglich, um die Ergebnisse der Wärmebehandlung festzuhalten und insbesondere die Ausbildung von Ausscheidungsfehlern zu reduzieren. Erfindungsgemäß wird dazu eine in der Praxis häufig beo-bachtete stark degressive Abkühlkurve (im Zeit-Temperatur-Diagramm) vermieden und entweder eine progressive oder auch eine lineare Abkühlkurve realisiert. Vorrichtungstechnisch wird dieses dadurch erreicht, dass eine kombinierte Wasser-Luft-Kühlung derart realisiert ist, dass in einen Bandschwebekühler Wasserkühleinheiten integriert werden. Eine solche Einrichtung lässt sich vorrichtungstechnisch recht einfach realisieren, denn es kann zunächst einmal auf den grundsätzlichen Aufbau eines Bandschwebekühlers zurückgegriffen werden. In einen solchen grundsätzlich bekannten Bandschwebekühler werden die Wasserkühleinheiten, die ebenfalls sehr einfach aufgebaut sein können, integriert. Auf diese wird eine "Soft-Quench" realisiert, wobei außerdem eine sehr gute Einstellbarkeit und damit gute Anpassungsmöglichkeiten an den jeweiligen Prozess und insbesondere auch an die Behandlung unterschiedlicher Bänder möglich sind.The invention is based on the knowledge that, although it is fundamentally expedient to use the metal strip, e.g. B. aluminum strip to cool as quickly as possible in order to optimally "freeze" the properties achieved by the heat treatment. At the same time, however, too rapid cooling must be avoided to reduce warpage caused by contraction of the belt. Even if such distortions can be eliminated in a subsequent straightening process, the invention has recognized that to achieve optimal strip properties, distortions must be kept as low as possible in order to minimize the influence of the strip in the course of the subsequent straightening process. Against this background, a cooling is achieved within the scope of the invention that does not take place as quickly as possible, but only as quickly as necessary and at the same time as slowly as possible in order to record the results of the heat treatment and in particular to reduce the formation of precipitation defects. According to the invention, a strongly degressive cooling curve (in the time-temperature diagram), which is often observed in practice, is avoided and either a progressive or a linear cooling curve is implemented. In terms of device technology, this is achieved in that combined water-air cooling is implemented in such a way that water cooling units are integrated into a floating belt cooler. Such a device can be implemented quite easily in terms of device technology, because first of all the basic structure of a belt float cooler can be used. The water cooling units, which can also be constructed very simply, are integrated into such a basically known floating belt cooler. A "soft quench" is implemented on this, with very good adjustability and thus good adaptation options to the respective process and in particular also to the treatment of different ligaments being possible.

Konstruktiv kann dabei grundsätzlich auf einen Bandschwebeofen bzw. -kühler bekannter Bauart zurückgegriffen werden. Ein solcher weist eine Vielzahl oberer Düsen auf, die entlang der Bandlaufrichtung mit Abstand angeordnet sind, so dass zwischen den oberen Düsen jeweils Zwischenbereiche gebildet werden. In gleicherweise sind eine Vielzahl unterer Düsen vorgesehen, die in Bandlaufrichtung mit Abstand zueinander angeordnet sind, so dass auch zwischen den unteren Düsen mehrere Zwischenbereiche gebildet werden. Erfindungsgemäß lassen sich nun eine Vielzahl von Wasserkühleinheiten in den Bandschwebekühler integrieren, indem die Wasserkühleinheiten in den unteren Zwischenbereichen und/oder den oberen Zwischenbereichen angeordnet sind. Es sind folglich eine Vielzahl von Wasserkühleinheiten in den Bandschwebekühler integriert, wobei in mehreren Zwischenbereichen zwischen jeweils in Bandlaufrichtung unmittelbar hintereinander und folglich benachbart angeordneter unterer Düsen (oder alternativ auch oberer Düsen) jeweils zumindest eine Wasserkühleinheit angeordnet ist.In terms of construction, a floating belt furnace or cooler of known type can be used. Such a device has a plurality of upper nozzles which are arranged at a distance along the direction of travel of the belt, so that intermediate areas are formed between the upper nozzles will. Likewise, a plurality of lower nozzles are provided, which are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of belt travel, so that a plurality of intermediate regions are also formed between the lower nozzles. According to the invention, a large number of water cooling units can now be integrated into the belt suspension cooler by arranging the water cooling units in the lower intermediate areas and / or the upper intermediate areas. As a result, a large number of water cooling units are integrated into the strip float cooler, with at least one water cooling unit each being arranged in several intermediate areas between each lower nozzle (or alternatively also upper nozzle) arranged directly one behind the other and consequently adjacent in the strip running direction.

Erfindungsgemäß wird folglich eine sehr kompakte Bauweise realisiert, denn die Wasserkühleinheiten lassen sich derart in den Bandschwebekühler integrieren, dass die ohnehin vorhandenen Zwischenbereiche zwischen den Düsen optimal ausgenutzt werden. Ferner kann auf diese Weise eine zu schnelle Abkühlung des Metallbandes vermieden werden, da die Abkühlung mit Hilfe des Kühlwassers gleichsam schrittweise erfolgt und jeweils mit einer Abkühlung über die Kühlluft überlagert ist. Dabei bestehen optimale Einstellmöglichkeiten.According to the invention, a very compact design is consequently implemented, because the water cooling units can be integrated into the floating belt cooler in such a way that the intermediate areas between the nozzles that are already present are optimally used. In addition, too rapid cooling of the metal strip can be avoided in this way, since the cooling with the aid of the cooling water takes place, as it were, step-by-step and is superimposed with a cooling via the cooling air in each case. There are optimal setting options.

Zugleich wird eine einwandfreie Bandführung gewährleistet, denn die Vielzahl der Düsen des Bandschwebekühlers dienen nicht nur der Kühlung mittels Kühlluft, sondern auch einer einwandfreien Bandführung.At the same time, perfect strip guidance is guaranteed, because the large number of nozzles in the floating strip cooler are used not only for cooling by means of cooling air, but also for perfect strip guidance.

Dabei erfolgt die Beaufschlagung mit der Luft grundsätzlich sowohl von oben als auch von unten, so wie es bei Bandschwebekühlern bzw. Bandschwebeöfen grundsätzlich üblich ist. Die Wasserkühlung erfolgt jedoch in bevorzugter Ausführungsform der Erfindung lediglich "von unten", das heißt die Wasserkühleinheiten sind zur Beaufschlagung lediglich der Bandunterseite lediglich im Bereich der unteren Düsen und folglich in den unteren Zwischenbereichen unterhalb des Bandes angeordnet. Diese Ausgestaltung hat den Vorteil, dass ein einwandfreies Abfließen des Wassers gewährleistet und die Ausbildung von Wasserlachen auf der Bandoberseite vermieden werden kann. Grundsätzlich liegt es jedoch alternativ auch im Rahmen der Erfindung alternativ oder ergänzend die Oberseite mit Wasser zu beaufschlagen, so dass alternativ oder ergänzend auch in den oberen Zwischenbereichen Wasserkühleinheiten vorgesehen sein können.In this case, the air is applied from above as well as from below, as is generally the case with strip flotation coolers or strip flotation furnaces. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the water cooling takes place only “from below”, that is to say the water cooling units are only arranged to act on the underside of the belt in the area of the lower nozzles and consequently in the lower intermediate areas below the belt. This configuration has the advantage that the water can run off properly and the formation of pools of water on the upper side of the belt can be avoided. In principle, however, it is also within the scope of the invention, as an alternative or in addition, to act on the upper side with water, so that, as an alternative or in addition, water cooling units can also be provided in the upper intermediate areas.

Wie bereits erwähnt, kann bei der Ausgestaltung des Bandschwebekühlers hinsichtlich Luftdüsen auf grundsätzlich bekannte Konstruktionen zurückgegriffen werden. So ist es laut Anspruch 1 vorgesehen, dass die oberen Düsen entlang der Bandlaufrichtung versetzt zu den unteren Düsen angeordnet sind, so dass das Metallband sinusförmig bzw. wellenförmig geschwebt wird. In diesem Fall sind die Wasserkühleinheiten dann in einer Seitenansicht auf den Ofen, z. B. fluchtend mit den gegenüberliegenden Luftdüsen angeordnet. Sofern die Wasserkühleinheiten folglich unterhalb des Bandes zwischen den unteren Luftdüsen angeordnet sind, sind die Wasserkühleinheiten in einer Seitenansicht fluchtend mit den gegenüberliegenden (oberen) Düsen angeordnet. Eine solche Ausgestaltung mit sinusförmiger Bandführung hat den Vorteil, dass das Band optimal geführt und gestützt wird. Eine versetzte Anordnung der oberen und unteren Luftdüsen und damit eine fluchtende Anordnung der oberen Düsen gegenüber der Wasserkühleinheiten hat darüber hinaus den Vorteil, dass durch die Luftbeaufschlagung verhindert wird, dass das von unten zugeführte Wasser über die Bandkanten auf die Oberfläche des Bandes gelangt.As already mentioned, when designing the belt float cooler, it is possible to fall back on basically known constructions with regard to air nozzles. Thus it is provided according to claim 1 that the upper nozzles are arranged offset from the lower nozzles along the strip running direction, so that the metal strip is floated sinusoidally or in a wave-like manner. In this case, the water cooling units are then in a side view of the oven, e.g. B. arranged in alignment with the opposite air nozzles. If the water cooling units are consequently arranged below the belt between the lower air nozzles, the water cooling units are arranged in a side view in alignment with the opposite (upper) nozzles. Such a configuration with a sinusoidal tape guide has the advantage that the tape is optimally guided and supported. A staggered arrangement of the upper and lower air nozzles and thus an aligned arrangement of the upper nozzles opposite the water cooling units also has the advantage that the application of air prevents the water supplied from below from reaching the surface of the belt via the belt edges.

Es kann optional vorteilhaft sein, zusätzlich zu den oberen Düsen zwischen diesen weitere Luftdüsen anzuordnen, die dann wiederum versetzt zu den unteren Luftdüsen und damit fluchtend zu den Wasserkühleinheiten angeordnet sind. Damit wird bei einer grundsätzlich sinusförmigen Bandführung durch eine zusätzliche Luft-Beaufschlagung oberhalb der Wasserkühleinheiten wiederum verhindert, dass Wasser von unten über die Bandkanten auf die Bandoberfläche gelangt.It can optionally be advantageous, in addition to the upper nozzles, to arrange further air nozzles between these, which in turn are arranged offset to the lower air nozzles and thus in alignment with the water cooling units. In this way, with a basically sinusoidal strip guide, an additional application of air above the water cooling units prevents water from reaching the strip surface from below over the strip edges.

Die Wasserkühleinheiten selbst können in grundsätzlich bekannter Weise aufgebaut und eingerichtet sein. Sie können jeweils ein oder mehrere in Bandlaufrichtung hintereinander angeordnete und sich quer zur Bandlaufrichtung entlang der Bandbreite erstreckende Wasserdüsen bzw. Wasserdüsenreihen aufweisen.The water cooling units themselves can be constructed and set up in a basically known manner. They can each have one or more water nozzles or rows of water nozzles arranged one behind the other in the direction of belt travel and extending transversely to the direction of belt travel along the belt width.

Auch wenn im Vordergrund der Erfindung die Kombination von Wasserdüsen und Luftdüsen innerhalb eines Bandschwebekühlers im Vordergrund steht, so liegt es optional außerdem im Rahmen der Erfindung, dem Bandschwebekühler zumindest eine Wasserkühleinrichtung vorzuordnen. Es besteht folglich die Möglichkeit, dass das Metallband, nach dem es einer Wärmebehandlung unterzogen wurde und z. B. aus einem Bandschwebeofen austritt, zunächst eine herkömmliche Wasserkühleinheit und damit eine herkömmliche Wasser-Quench durchläuft und erst dann in den erfindungsgemäßen Bandschwebekühler mit integrierten Wasserkühleinheiten eintritt. Auf diese Weise kann die Anlage insgesamt sehr variabel betrieben werden. So besteht die Möglichkeit, in herkömmlicher Weise das Metallband nach der Wärmebehandlung sehr schnell mit Hilfe einer Wasserkühlung abzukühlen. Alternativ kann die optional vorgesehene Wasserkühlung jedoch auch abgeschaltet werden, so dass dann die erfindungsgemäße "Soft-Quench" mit kombinierter Wasser-Luft-Kühlung zum Einsatz kommt.Even if the focus of the invention is on the combination of water nozzles and air nozzles within a floating belt cooler, it is optionally also within the scope of the invention to arrange at least one water cooling device in front of the floating belt cooler. There is therefore the possibility that the metal strip, after it has been subjected to a heat treatment and z. B. exits from a floating belt furnace, first passes through a conventional water cooling unit and thus a conventional water quench and only then enters the floating belt cooler according to the invention with integrated water cooling units. In this way, the system can be operated very variably overall. It is possible, in the conventional way, to cool the metal strip very quickly after the heat treatment with the aid of water cooling. Alternatively, the optional However, the water cooling provided can also be switched off, so that the "soft quench" according to the invention with combined water-air cooling is then used.

Die Erfindung betrifft auch ein Verfahren zum Abkühlen eines Metallbandes, insbesondere eines Aluminiumbandes, in einer Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung der beschriebenen Art. Dabei durchläuft das Metallband den Bandschwebekühler unter Zugspannung entlang einer (im Wesentlichen horizontalen) Bandlaufrichtung, welche der Ofenlängsrichtung entspricht. Dabei wird eine kontinuierliche Behandlung im Zuge eines kontinuierlichen Durchlaufs gewährleistet. Das Metallband wird schwebend und folglich berührungslos zwischen den oberen Düsen und den unteren Düsen transportiert und dabei werden sowohl die Bandoberseite als auch die Bandunterseite mit Kühlluft beaufschlagt. Außerdem wird das Metallband mit Kühlwasser beaufschlagt. Erfindungsgemäß ist vorgesehen, dass das Metallband innerhalb des Bandschwebekühlers mit mehreren in den Bandschwebekühler integrierten Wasserkühleinheiten mit Kühlwasser beaufschlagt wird.The invention also relates to a method for cooling a metal strip, in particular an aluminum strip, in a continuous cooling device of the type described. The metal strip runs through the strip float cooler under tension along a (essentially horizontal) strip running direction which corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the furnace. A continuous treatment in the course of a continuous cycle is guaranteed. The metal strip is transported in a floating manner and consequently without contact between the upper nozzle and the lower nozzle, and cooling air is applied to both the upper side and the lower side of the belt. In addition, cooling water is applied to the metal strip. According to the invention it is provided that the metal strip within the strip float cooler is acted upon with cooling water by a plurality of water cooling units integrated in the strip float cooler.

Es ist vorgesehen, dass das Metallband innerhalb des Bandschwebekühlers mit Wasserkühleinheiten beaufschlagt wird, die in mehreren Zwischenbereichen zwischen jeweils zwei in Bandlaufrichtung unmittelbar hintereinander (und folglich benachbart) angeordneten oberen Düsen oder unteren Düsen angeordnet sind. Erfindungsgemäß lassen sich optimale Abkühlgeschwindigkeiten einstellen, mit denen zwar verhältnismäßig schnell abgekühlt wird, um die durch eine Wärmebehandlung erzielten Eigenschaften des Bandes "einzufrieren". Andererseits wird eine zu schnelle Abkühlung vermieden, um Verwerfungen, die sich im Zuge der Kontraktion des Bandes beim Abkühlen ergeben können, in Grenzen zu halten. Bevorzugt schlägt die Erfindung vor, dass das Metallband zwischen zwei benachbarten unteren Düsen oder oberen Düsen mit der in dem jeweiligen Zwischenbereich angeordneten Wasserkühleinheit um eine Temperaturdifferenz von maximal 100 K, z. B. maximal 75 K, vorzugsweise maximal 50 K abgekühlt wird.It is provided that the metal strip within the strip float cooler is acted upon by water cooling units, which are arranged in several intermediate areas between two upper nozzles or lower nozzles arranged directly one behind the other in the strip running direction (and consequently adjacent). According to the invention, optimal cooling speeds can be set, with which cooling takes place relatively quickly in order to "freeze" the properties of the strip achieved by a heat treatment. On the other hand, too rapid cooling is avoided in order to keep distortions that can result in the course of the contraction of the strip during cooling within limits. Preferably, the invention proposes that the metal strip between two adjacent lower nozzles or upper nozzles with the water cooling unit arranged in the respective intermediate area by a temperature difference of a maximum of 100 K, e.g. B. a maximum of 75 K, preferably a maximum of 50 K is cooled.

Gegenstand der Erfindung ist auch eine Anlage zur Wärmebehandlung eines Metallbandes, insbesondere eines Aluminiumbandes, mit zumindest einer Behandlungseinrichtung, z. B. einem Behandlungsofen, insbesondere Bandschwebeofen und mit zumindest einer Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung der beschriebenen Art. Die erfindungsgemäße Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung ist z. B. dem zur Wärmebehandlung bestimmten Behandlungsofen in Arbeitsrichtung und folglich Bandlaufrichtung nachgeordnet. Die erfindungsgemäße Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung wird folglich auch in Kombination mit einem Bandschwebeofen und folglich innerhalb einer Anlage zur Wärmebehandlung unter Schutz gestellt. Dabei ist es zweckmäßig, dass der beschriebenen Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung, die einerseits mit Luftkühlung und andererseits mit Wasserkühlung arbeitet, ein weiterer Bandschwebekühler nachgeordnet ist, der jedoch bevorzugt ohne Wasserkühlung und folglich in herkömmlicher Weise ausgebildet ist. Bei der Behandlungseinrichtung, an welche sich die Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung anschließt, kann es sich - wie beschrieben - um einen Behandlungsofen zur Erwärmung des Bandes handeln. Die Erfindung umfasst jedoch auch die Kombination der Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung mit anderen Behandlungseinrichtungen. So kann die erfindungsgemäße Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung z. B. auch einem (Warm-)Walzwerk oder einem (Warm-)Walzgerüst oder auch einer anderen Behandlungsstation nachgeordnet werden, durch welche das Metallband in erwärmtem Zustand läuft oder in welcher das Metallband erwärmt wird.The invention also relates to a system for the heat treatment of a metal strip, in particular an aluminum strip, with at least one treatment device, e.g. B. a treatment furnace, in particular hovering belt furnace and with at least one continuous cooling device of the type described. The continuous cooling device according to the invention is z. B. downstream of the treatment furnace intended for heat treatment in the working direction and consequently the direction of travel of the belt. The continuous cooling device according to the invention is consequently also placed under protection in combination with a hovering belt furnace and consequently within a system for heat treatment. It is useful that the described flow cooling device, which works on the one hand with air cooling and on the other hand with water cooling, is followed by a further floating belt cooler, which is, however, preferably designed without water cooling and consequently in a conventional manner. The treatment device to which the continuous cooling device is connected can - as described - be a treatment furnace for heating the strip. However, the invention also includes the combination of the continuous cooling device with other treatment devices. Thus, the continuous cooling device according to the invention, for. B. also be arranged downstream of a (hot) rolling mill or a (hot) rolling stand or another treatment station through which the metal strip runs in a heated state or in which the metal strip is heated.

Schließlich betrifft die Erfindung auch ein Verfahren zur Wärmebehandlung eines Metallbandes in einer Anlage der beschriebenen Art. Dieses Verfahren ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Metallband zunächst in dem Behandlungsofen erwärmt und anschließend in der Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung und gegebenenfalls einem weiteren Bandschwebekühler abgekühlt wird. Auch in verfahrens-mäßiger Hinsicht besteht die Möglichkeit, dass das Metallband nicht einen Behandlungsofen, sondern eine andere Behandlungseinrichtung, z. B. ein Walzwerk/Walzgerüst oder dergleichen, durchläuft.Finally, the invention also relates to a method for heat treatment of a metal strip in a system of the type described. This method is characterized in that the metal strip is first heated in the treatment furnace and then cooled in the continuous cooling device and, if necessary, a further strip float cooler. In terms of the method, there is also the possibility that the metal strip is not a treatment furnace, but a different treatment device, e.g. B. a rolling mill / roll stand or the like, passes through.

Im Folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand einer lediglich ein Ausführungsbeispiel darstellenden Zeichnung näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine erfindungsgemäße Anlage zur Wärmebehandlung eines Aluminiumbandes mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung,
Fig. 2
einen Ausschnitt aus Fig. 1 im Bereich der Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung,
Fig. 3
eine abgewandelte Ausführungsform einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung,
The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of a drawing that shows only one exemplary embodiment. Show it:
Fig. 1
a system according to the invention for the heat treatment of an aluminum strip with a continuous cooling device according to the invention,
Fig. 2
a section Fig. 1 in the area of the continuous cooling device,
Fig. 3
a modified embodiment of a continuous cooling device not according to the invention,

Fig. 4 eine abgewandelte Ausführungsform des Gegenstandes nach Fig. 2 und Fig. 3. Fig. 4 a modified embodiment of the object according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 .

In den Figuren ist eine Anlage zur Wärmebehandlung eines Metallbandes 1 dargestellt, dass bevorzugt als Aluminiumband ausgebildet ist. Die Anlage weist einen Behandlungsofen 2 auf, der als Bandschwebeofen ausgebildet ist und in welchem das Metallband einer Wärmebehandlung unterzogen wird. Dabei kann es sich z. B. um ein Lösungsglühen oder dergleichen handeln.The figures show a system for heat treatment of a metal strip 1, which is preferably designed as an aluminum strip. The system has a treatment furnace 2, which is designed as a strip flotation furnace and in which the metal strip is subjected to a heat treatment. It can be, for. B. be a solution heat treatment or the like.

Ferner weist die Anlage eine Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung 3 auf, die dem Bandschwebeofen 2 in der Bandlaufrichtung B nachgeordnet ist. Die erfindungsgemäße Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung 3 weist einen Bandschwebekühler 4 auf, der mehrere entlang der Bandlaufrichtung verteilte obere Düsen 5 und mehrere entlang der Bandlaufrichtung verteilte untere Düsen 6 aufweist, wobei das Metallband 1 schwebend und folglich berührungslos zwischen den oberen Düsen 5 und den unteren Düsen 6 transportiert wird. Dabei werden sowohl die Bandoberseite als auch die Bandunterseite mit Kühlluft beaufschlagt. Außerdem weist die Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung 3 eine Vielzahl von Wasserkühleinheiten 7 auf, mit denen das Metallband 1 mit Kühlwasser beaufschlagt wird.Furthermore, the system has a continuous cooling device 3, which is arranged downstream of the floating strip furnace 2 in the strip running direction B. The inventive Continuous cooling device 3 has a strip floating cooler 4, which has a plurality of upper nozzles 5 distributed along the direction of belt travel and a plurality of lower nozzles 6 distributed along the direction of belt travel, the metal strip 1 being transported in a floating manner and consequently without contact between the upper nozzles 5 and the lower nozzles 6. Cooling air is applied to both the upper side and the lower side of the belt. In addition, the continuous cooling device 3 has a multiplicity of water cooling units 7, with which the metal strip 1 is acted upon with cooling water.

Erfindungsgemäß sind diese Wasserkühleinheiten 7 in den Bandschwebekühler 4 integriert. Dabei werden innerhalb des Bandschwebekühlers 4 zwischen den einzelnen oberen Düsen 5 und den einzelnen unteren Düsen 6 obere Zwischenbereiche 5a und untere Zwischenbereiche 6a gebildet, wobei erkennbar ist, dass diese Zwischenbereiche 5a, 6a zwischen jeweils zwei in Bandlaufrichtung B unmittelbar hintereinander und folglich benachbart angeordneten oberen oder unteren Düsen 5 bzw. 6 vorgesehen sind. In dem dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel sind nun in mehreren unteren Zwischenbereichen 6a und bevorzugt in sämtlichen Zwischenbereichen 6a, die innerhalb des Bandschwebekühlers 4 gebildet sind, jeweils eine Wasserkühleinheit 7 angeordnet. Diese Wasserkühleinheiten 7 weisen jeweils eine oder mehrere in Bandlaufrichtung B hintereinander angeordnete und sich quer zur Bandlaufrichtung B entlang der Bandbreite erstreckende Wasserdüsen bzw. Wasserdüsenreihen 8 auf.According to the invention, these water cooling units 7 are integrated into the belt float cooler 4. In this case, upper intermediate areas 5a and lower intermediate areas 6a are formed within the strip floating cooler 4 between the individual upper nozzles 5 and the individual lower nozzles 6, it being possible to see that these intermediate areas 5a, 6a are between two upper intermediate areas in the strip running direction B directly one behind the other and consequently adjacent or lower nozzles 5 and 6 are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, a water cooling unit 7 is now arranged in a plurality of lower intermediate areas 6a and preferably in all intermediate areas 6a which are formed within the floating belt cooler 4. These water cooling units 7 each have one or more water nozzles or rows of water nozzles 8 arranged one behind the other in the strip running direction B and extending transversely to the strip running direction B along the strip width.

Der Bandschwebekühler weist im Ausführungsbeispiel mehrere obere Düsenkästen 9 mit jeweils mehreren integrierten oberen Düsen 5 und mehrere untere Düsenkästen 10 mit jeweils mehreren integrierten unteren Düsen 6 auf. Die erfindungsgemäß vorgesehenen Wasserkühleinheiten sind folglich im Bereich der unteren Düsenkästen 10 angeordnet, und zwar zwischen den einzelnen unteren Düsen eines jeden Düsenkastens und auch zwischen den beiden hintereinander angeordneten unteren Düsenkästen 10.In the exemplary embodiment, the floating belt cooler has a plurality of upper nozzle boxes 9, each with a plurality of integrated upper nozzles 5, and a plurality of lower nozzle boxes 10, each with a plurality of integrated lower nozzles 6. The water cooling units provided according to the invention are consequently arranged in the area of the lower nozzle boxes 10, namely between the individual ones lower nozzles of each nozzle box and also between the two lower nozzle boxes 10 arranged one behind the other.

Dabei besteht die Möglichkeit, dass die oberen Düsenkästen 9 und/oder die unteren Düsenkästen 10 höhenverstellbar aufgehängt sind, so dass über die Höhenverstellung eines oder beider Düsenkästen der Abstand zwischen oberen Düsen 5 und unteren Düsen 6 und folglich der vertikale Abstand einstellbar ist. Dazu können nicht näher dargestellte Stellantriebe oder dergleichen vorgesehen sein.There is the possibility that the upper nozzle boxes 9 and / or the lower nozzle boxes 10 are suspended in a height-adjustable manner, so that the distance between the upper nozzles 5 and lower nozzles 6 and consequently the vertical distance can be adjusted by adjusting the height of one or both nozzle boxes. For this purpose, actuators or the like, not shown in detail, can be provided.

Die Figuren 1 und 2 zeigen dabei die erfindungsgemäße Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung 3 in einer ersten Ausführungsform, bei welcher die oberen Düsen 5 entlang der Bandlaufrichtung B versetzt zu den unteren Düsen 6 angeordnet sind, so dass das Metallband 1 sinusförmig bzw. wellenförmig geschwebt wird. In diesem Ausführungsbeispiel sind die Wasserkühleinheiten 7 folglich in einer Seitenansicht fluchtend unter den gegenüberliegenden oberen Düsen 5 angeordnet.the Figures 1 and 2 show the continuous cooling device 3 according to the invention in a first embodiment, in which the upper nozzles 5 are arranged offset to the lower nozzles 6 along the strip running direction B, so that the metal strip 1 is floated sinusoidally or undulating. In this exemplary embodiment, the water cooling units 7 are consequently arranged in a side view in alignment under the opposite upper nozzles 5.

Demgegenüber zeigt Fig. 3 eine abgewandelte Ausführungsform einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung, bei welcher die oberen Düsen 5 einerseits und die unteren Düsen 6 andererseits in einer Seitenansicht jeweils paarweise fluchtend übereinander angeordnet sind, so dass das Band nicht sinusförmig bzw. wellenförmig geschwebt wird. Auch bei dieser Ausführungsform sind jedoch in den Zwischenbereichen die erfindungswesentlichen Wasserkühleinheiten 7 vorgesehen, die folglich ebenfalls in den Bandschwebekühler 4 integriert sind.In contrast, shows Fig. 3 a modified embodiment of a continuous cooling device not according to the invention, in which the upper nozzles 5 on the one hand and the lower nozzles 6 on the other hand are arranged in a side view in pairs in alignment one above the other, so that the band is not floated sinusoidally or undulating. In this embodiment too, however, the water cooling units 7 which are essential to the invention are provided in the intermediate areas, which are consequently also integrated in the floating belt cooler 4.

Fig. 4 zeigt eine alternative Ausführungsform einer Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung. Ausgehend von der Ausführungsform nach Fig. 3 mit versetzt angeordneten oberen Düsen 5 und unteren Düsen 6 sind zusätzlich weitere obere Düsen 5' zwischen den oberen Düsen 5 angeordnet. Diese zusätzlichen Luftdüsen 5' sind folglich fluchtend oberhalb der Wasserkühleinheiten 7 angeordnet. Damit stellt die Ausführungsform nach Fig. 4 gleichsam eine Kombination der Ausführungsformen nach Figuren 2 und 3 dar. Durch die Luftdüsen 5', die fluchtend oberhalb der Wasserkühleinheiten 7 angeordnet sind, wird verhindert, dass gegebenenfalls Wasser, welches auf die Bandunterseite aufgebracht wird, über die Bandkanten auf die Oberseite des Bandes gelangt. Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a once-through cooling device. Based on the embodiment according to Fig. 3 with offset arranged upper nozzles 5 and lower nozzles 6, further upper nozzles 5 ′ are additionally arranged between the upper nozzles 5. These additional air nozzles 5 ′ are consequently arranged in alignment above the water cooling units 7. The embodiment thus reproduces Fig. 4 as it were a combination of the embodiments according to Figures 2 and 3 The air nozzles 5 ', which are arranged in alignment above the water cooling units 7, prevent any water that is applied to the underside of the belt from reaching the upper side of the belt via the belt edges.

Die zusätzlichen (oberen) Düsen 5' können an den entsprechenden (oberen) Düsenkasten 9 mit angeschlossen bzw. ebenfalls in diesen integriert sein. Alternativ können aber auch separat ausgebildete zusätzliche Düsen 5' vorgesehen sein.The additional (upper) nozzles 5 'can also be connected to the corresponding (upper) nozzle box 9 or also integrated into it. Alternatively, however, separately designed additional nozzles 5 'can also be provided.

Mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Bandschwebekühler 4 lässt sich das Metallband 1, welches zuvor in dem Bandschwebeofen 2 einer Wärmebehandlung unterzogen wurde, auf optimale Weise abkühlen. Die Abkühlgeschwindigkeiten können durch die kombinierte Luft- und Wasserkühlung hinreichend schnell eingestellt werden, um die im Zuge der Wärmebehandlung erzielten metallurgischen Eigenschaften einzufrieren. Dabei können jedoch zu schnelle Abkühlgeschwindigkeiten vermieden werden, so dass Verwerfungen im Zuge der Abkühlung des Bandes in zulässigen Grenzen gehalten werden. Besonders vorteilhaft ist dabei die Tatsache, dass optimale variable Einstellmöglichkeiten bestehen, so dass der Kühlprozess optimal an die jeweils gewünschten Gegebenheiten eingestellt werden kann.With the strip float cooler 4 according to the invention, the metal strip 1, which has previously been subjected to a heat treatment in the strip float furnace 2, can be optimally cooled. The cooling rates can be set sufficiently fast by the combined air and water cooling to freeze the metallurgical properties achieved in the course of the heat treatment. In this case, however, cooling speeds that are too rapid can be avoided, so that distortions in the course of the cooling of the strip are kept within permissible limits. The fact that there are optimally variable setting options is particularly advantageous, so that the cooling process can be optimally adjusted to the respective desired conditions.

Dabei wird insgesamt mit sehr einfachen konstruktiven Mitteln gearbeitet, denn die Luftdüsen sind als herkömmliche Luftdüsen ausgebildet und die Wasserkühleinheiten weisen herkömmliche Wasserstrahldüsen auf, so dass auf "kombinierte" Wasser-/Luft- bzw. Nebeldüsen, die im Stand der Technik eingesetzt werden, verzichtet wird.Overall, very simple constructional means are used, because the air nozzles are designed as conventional air nozzles and the water cooling units have conventional water jet nozzles, so that "combined" water / air or mist nozzles, which are used in the prior art, are dispensed with.

Im Übrigen ist in Fig. 1 erkennbar, dass die Anlage zur Wärmebehandlung des Aluminiumbandes zusätzlich einen weiteren Bandschwebekühler 11 aufweist, der in herkömmlicher Weise ohne Wasserkühlung arbeitet und der dem Bandschwebekühler 3 in Bandlaufrichtung B nachgeordnet ist. Nach der erfindungsgemäßen kombinierten Wasser- und Luftkühlung erfolgt folglich eine weitere Abkühlung mit Hilfe eines herkömmlichen Bandschwebekühlers 11.Incidentally, in Fig. 1 It can be seen that the system for heat treatment of the aluminum strip additionally has a further floating strip cooler 11, which works in a conventional manner without water cooling and which is arranged downstream of the floating strip cooler 3 in the strip running direction B. After the combined water and air cooling according to the invention, further cooling takes place with the aid of a conventional floating belt cooler 11.

Im Übrigen ist in Fig. 2 erkennbar, dass die dem Ofen 2 nachgeordnete Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung außerdem eine zusätzliche Wasserkühlvorrichtung 12 aufweisen kann, die dem Bandschwebekühler 2 einlaufseitig vorgeordnet ist. Damit wird vorrichtungsmäßig am Einlauf eine sogenannte "Hard-Quench" zur Verfügung gestellt, so dass optional bei Bedarf auch mit einer herkömmlichen sehr schnellen Wasserkühlung gearbeitet werden kann. Die dargestellte Anlage zeichnet sich folglich durch hohe Flexibilität und Variabilität aus.Incidentally, in Fig. 2 It can be seen that the throughflow cooling device arranged downstream of the furnace 2 can also have an additional water cooling device 12, which is arranged upstream of the strip float cooler 2 on the inlet side. In this way, a so-called "hard quench" is made available in terms of the device at the inlet, so that it is optionally possible to work with conventional, very fast water cooling if required. The system shown is therefore characterized by high flexibility and variability.

Auch wenn die Figuren Ausführungsformen zeigen, bei denen die erfindungsgemäße Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung 3 einem Bandschwebeofen 2 und damit einer Temperiereinrichtung nachgeordnet ist, so umfasst die Erfindung auch Ausführungsformen, bei denen die Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung 3 einer anderen Art von Behandlungseinrichtung nachgeordnet ist, durch welche das Band in erwärmten Zustand läuft oder in welcher das Band erwärmt wird. Jedenfalls tritt das Band in einem erwärmten Zustand aus der Bandbehandlungseinrichtung aus und tritt in die Durchlaufkühlvorrichtung 3 ein.Even if the figures show embodiments in which the continuous cooling device 3 according to the invention is arranged downstream of a hovering belt furnace 2 and thus a temperature control device, the invention also includes embodiments in which the continuous cooling device 3 is arranged downstream of another type of treatment device through which the belt is heated runs or in which the belt is heated. In any case, the strip emerges from the strip treatment device in a heated state and enters the continuous cooling device 3.

Claims (10)

  1. Continuous cooling device (3) for cooling a metal strip (1), particularly a metal strip made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy, with at least one floating strip cooler (4), which has a plurality of upper jets (5) distributed along the strip running direction (8) and a plurality of lower jets (6) distributed along the strip running direction (8), wherein the metal strip (1) can be transported in a floating manner between the upper jets (5) and the lower jets (6) and in the process both the upper side of the strip and the lower side of the strip can be acted upon by cooling air,
    and having several water cooling units (7), by means of which the metal strip (1) can be acted upon with cooling water, characterised in that
    the water cooling units (7) are incorporated in the floating strip cooler (4),
    in that in each case at least one water cooling unit (7) is arranged in several intermediate areas (6a) between in each case two lower jets (6) or upper jets (5) arranged directly one behind the other in the strip running direction (8),
    upper jets (5) are arranged offset in relation to the lower jets (6) along the strip running direction (8) so that the metal strip is floated in a sinusoidal or wave-like manner.
  2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the water cooling units (7) for acting only on the underside of the strip are arranged only between lower jets (6) underneath the strip.
  3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the floating strip cooler (4) has one or more upper jet boxes (9) each with a plurality of connected or integrated upper jets (5) and one or more lower jet boxes (10) each with a plurality of connected or integrated lower jets (6), characterised in that water cooling units (7) are arranged in the area of the lower jet boxes (10) or in the area of the upper jet boxes (9) and/or between jets of two jet boxes (9, 10) arranged one behind the other.
  4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the water cooling units (7) each have one or more water jets or rows of water jets (8) arranged one behind the other in the strip running direction (B) and extending transversely to the strip running direction (B) along the strip width.
  5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at least one optionally deployable water cooling device (12) is arranged upstream from the floating strip cooler (4).
  6. Method for cooling a metal strip (1), particularly a metal strip made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy, in a continuous cooling device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
    wherein the metal strip (1) passes through the floating strip cooler (4) under tensile stress along a substantially horizontal strip running direction (B),
    wherein the metal strip (1) is transported in a floating manner between the upper jets (5) and the lower jets (6) and, in the process, both the upper side of the strip and the lower side of the strip are acted upon by cooling air,
    and wherein the metal strip (1) is also acted upon by cooling water, characterised in that
    the metal strip (1) is acted upon with cooling water within the floating strip cooler (4) with several water cooling units (7) incorporated in the floating strip cooler (4),
    which are incorporated in the floating strip cooler (4) and are arranged in a plurality of intermediate areas between in each case two upper jets (5) or lower jets (6) arranged directly one behind the other in the strip running direction.
  7. Method according to claim 6, characterised in that the metal strip (1) between two adjacent lower jets (6) or upper jets (5) is cooled by a temperature difference of at most 100 K, e.g. at most 75 K, preferably at most 50 K, by means of the water cooling unit arranged in the respective intermediate area.
  8. Installation for heat treatment of a metal strip (1), particularly a metal strip made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy,
    having at least one treatment device, e.g. a treatment furnace (2), a rolling mill/stand or the like, in which the metal strip is heated or through which the metal strip passes in a heated state,
    and at least one continuous cooling device (3) arranged downstream from the treatment device (2) according to one of the claims 1 to 5.
  9. Installation according to claim 8, characterised in that a further floating strip cooler (11) without water cooling is arranged downstream from the continuous cooling device (3).
  10. Method for heat treatment of a metal strip, particularly a metal strip made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy, in an installation according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that metal strip (1) first passes through the treatment device, e.g. is heated in the treatment furnace (2), and is subsequently cooled in the continuous cooling device (3) and, if appropriate, a further floating strip cooler (11).
EP17700322.5A 2016-02-05 2017-01-10 Continuous flow cooling device and method for cooling a metal strip Revoked EP3350352B1 (en)

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DE102016102093.1A DE102016102093B3 (en) 2016-02-05 2016-02-05 Continuous cooling device and method for cooling a metal strip
PCT/EP2017/050401 WO2017133867A1 (en) 2016-02-05 2017-01-10 Continuous flow cooling device and method for cooling a metal strip

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WO2017133867A1 (en) 2017-08-10
RU2018122483A (en) 2019-12-20
RU2018122483A3 (en) 2020-05-12
US11072834B2 (en) 2021-07-27
KR20180109864A (en) 2018-10-08
DE102016102093B3 (en) 2017-06-14
US20180327876A1 (en) 2018-11-15
CA3004532A1 (en) 2017-08-10
CN108431250A (en) 2018-08-21
EP3350352A1 (en) 2018-07-25
RU2744007C2 (en) 2021-03-01

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