Abstract: Iron oxide scale particles are removed from the surface of a mechanically descaled steel strand using jets of compressed air. The strand is moved along a central axis of a housing in continuous fashion through an upstream entrance opening, an entrance nozzle region, a central chamber region, an exit nozzle region and a downstream exit opening. Compressed air jets are directed into both the entrance and exit nozzle regions toward the central chamber region creating a venturi effect which draws air through the entrance and exit openings; thereby preventing dislodged scale particles from escaping into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously removing fine scale dust comprising oxides of iron, such as FeO, Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, and Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4 from mechanically descaled hot-rolled or heat-treated steel strand as preparation for wire drawing.Generally hot-rolled or heat-treated steel wire strand must be descaled prior to cold drawing into wire products. When mechanically descaled, as by reverse bending, large pieces of brittle scale separate readily from the steel surface but smaller dust-like particles remain attached to the surface as by electromagnetic or electrostatic forces. These small particles must be removed prior to cold drawing into wire; otherwise, drawing die life is seriously reduced by the abrasive nature of the fine scale dust particles.The invention herein comprises an apparatus for the continuous removal of iron oxide scale dust from mechanically descaled steel strand. The invented apparatus is intended for use in tandem with mechanical descaling equipment.