Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid and efficient changing-over the coating molten metal in a continuous steel strip coating line from a first aluminum-based coating composition to a second zinc-based coating comprising a first ceramic-lined tank provided with heating means for controlling the temperature of the molten metal in said first tank and a second smaller removable tank without heating means for containing said second coating molten metal adapted to be placed within said first tank, wherein the wall of the second removable tank is effectively heat conductive and preferably has a wall downwardly converging so that its positioning within the first tank is facilitated and damage to its ceramic lining is avoided. The weight of the second tank is mostly supported by the floating forces of the molten bath in said first tank.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for galvanizing steel sheet in a single galvanizing hot dip pot of the careless induction type, with great flexibility for frequent changes of galvanizing alloys, whereby the productivity of the single pot plant is increased and its investment costs are considerably lowered, in contrast with the current practice of operating plants with two continuously heated galvanizing pots, one in operation and one in stand-by. The single pot having a plurality of associated ingot molds of a capacity to hold a full charge of the alloy being discharged from the pot and a pumping system to empty a molten charge of one alloy composition from the pot into at least some of the stand-by ingot molds (ready for re-use later) and a transport system for replacing the removed charge by an alternate charge in the form of solid ingots of a different alloy composition (which can be either recycled ingots formed from a molten charge previously removed from the pot and/or fresh ingots).