Abstract: In a method and system for an improved annealing furnace cooling and purging, atmosphere injection jets are provided in close proximity to a bottom of a tray carrying a lamination product in a cooling section. Atmospheric extraction tubes are also provided extracting atmosphere which is delivered to a high temperature variable speed fan which then outputs at a pressure side atmosphere to tubes having the injection jets. The system may be retrofit into an existing annealing furnace already having water cooled finned tubes and a recirculation fan in the cooling section. Cooling water tubes and a recirculating fan may also be provided in a purge vestibule located after an output from the cooling section for additional cooling.