Abstract: A method for processing stainless steel strip or sheet provides for cleaning the surface of the stainless steel with a solution selected from the group consisting of water and alkaline-based and acid-based compounds to reduce oxide scale formation and to provide more uniform oxide scale during subsequent annealing by transverse-flux induction heating up to an annealing temperature of about 2300 degrees Fahrenheit and then electrolytically descaling by immersing in an aqueous solution electrolyte of one neutral salt, preferably, sodium sulfate maintained at a temperature in excess of 150 degrees Fahrenheit and with the use of low current density of 0.1 to 1.0 amperes per square inch to descale the steel substantially entirely, and thereafter applying a water rinse combined with wet wiping to the electrolytically-descaled stainless steel.

Abstract: A method of pretreating and hot-dip coating aluminum or aluminum alloys on a chromium-containing steel strip to provide an improved coating comprising annealing final gauge steel strip in an oxygen excess atmosphere to produce a chromium-rich oxide on the surface and thereafter electrolytically descaling the strip in an aqueous salt solution to remove the oxide and to expose a chromium depleted surface of the strip. The strip is then transported to a coating line where it is heated to a temperature at or above the temperature of a bath of aluminum or aluminum alloy. A substantially hydrogen atmosphere is maintained over the bath while the dew point is maintained below minus 35.degree. C. The strip is then drawn through the bath to coat the strip.

Abstract: A method is provided for further processing cold-rolled, stainless-steel sheet or strip by being induction-heated to an annealing temperature in the range of up to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit, causing the formation thereon of a scale of having thickness of less than 2000 Angstroms, followed by electrolytic descaling at high current density in an aqueous solution of 15 to 25 weight percent of sodium sulfate, maintained at a temperature of at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A method is provided for descaling metal strip, such as titanium in a molten salt bath. The improvement eliminates the production of defects in the strip as a result of electrical arcing between the strip and the submersion rolls used to maintain the strip submerged within the molten salt bath. The method includes providing a portion of the roll with an electrically insulating coating so that the arcing between the strip and the roll is eliminated.A roll having a coating thereon and useful in molten salt bath descaling processes is also provided.

Abstract: A cathode adapted for use in electrochemical processing for surface treatment of metal products in an electrolytic bath; the cathode is constructed from a core of copper or aluminum or combinations thereof, which core is clad with stainless steel. This cathode construction provides high electrical conductivity with a relatively low cost and lightweight cathode construction.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing an oxide scale from the surface of a metal article and a process for the manufacture of metal articles which controls oxide scale formation and descaling thereof. A process includes providing an oxygen content of the thermal treatment atmosphere of at least 3.0%, by volume, after hot and cold forming to control the oxide scale formed. The descaling process includes immersing the article in an electrolyte of an aqueous solution of at least one neutral salt from the group consisting of the chloride, sulfate and nitrate of an alkali metal or ammonium, adjusting and maintaining a pH of 2.0 to 3.5 and passing a low density electric current through the immersed article. The article has an oxide scale substantially equivalent to an oxide scale formed at least in part in an oxidizing atmosphere of at least 3.0% oxygen, by volume. The processes may include the step of immersing in a mild acid solution to substantially remove the scale.

Abstract: A process for removing an oxide scale from the surface of a metallic body is disclosed comprising the steps of providing an electrolyte consisting of an aqueous solution containing about 15 to 25 weight percent sodium sulfate, maintaining the electrolyte at a temperature of at least 150.degree. F., and immersing the metallic body into the electrolyte such that the surface to be descaled is exposed to the electrolyte. During immersion, the metallic body is subjected as the anode to the action of a direct electric current for a period of at least 10 seconds at a current density of at least 3 amperes per square inch.

Abstract: A process for descaling a metallic body, wherein a heated body is immersed in a bath of a molten oxidizing salt, and subsequently in an electrolyte of an aqueous solution of at least one neutral salt from the group consisting of the chloride, sulfate and nitrate of an alkali metal or ammonium.

Abstract: A process for descaling a metallic body, wherein the body is immersed in a bath of a molten oxidizing salt, and subsequently in an electrolyte of an aqueous solution of at least one neutral salt from the group consisting of the chloride, sulfate and nitrate of an alkali metal or ammonium.

Abstract: A process for descaling a metallic body, wherein the body is immersed in a first electrolyte, and subsequently, in a second electrolyte. The first electrolyte is an aqueous solution having, by weight, at least 60% potassium hydroxide, at least 5% water and no more than 30% potassium nitrate, and a total amount of potassium hydroxide and potassium nitrate of at least 80%. The second electrolyte is an aqueous solution of at least one neutral salt from the group consisting of the chloride, sulfate and nitrate of an alkali metal or ammonium.