Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing coatings and oxides from substrates that includes a conveyor for moving a substrate in a first direction, at least one nozzle positioned away from the conveyor in position to direct the stream of fluid toward the conveyor and a high pressure fluid supply in fluid commination with the nozzle wherein the pressurized fluid supply is arranged to supply a pressurized fluid to exit the nozzle and direct the fluid at a high velocity to a surface of the substrate for removing a liquid or solid film from the substrate. The method includes providing a pressurized fluid to a stationary nozzle, directing the pressurized fluid from the nozzle in a high velocity fluid stream toward a moving object having a coating and contacting the fluid stream with the object whereby a force of the fluid removes the coating.

Abstract: A semi-continuous "push-pull" pickle line for removing oxides from hot-rolled steel strip. In addition to other value added features, a treatment portion of the pickle line includes: (1) a two-high temper mill operable to break scale on the strip as well as elongate, shape correct and controllably reduce the gauge of the strip; (2) a pickling zone including at least one V-shaped, shallow-path pickling tank within which a plurality of sparging ports dispense substantially laminar flows of acid solution toward the bottom surface of the strip as it passes through the pickling tank; and (3) a displaceable inspection table desirably cooperating with lights and mirrors to permit simultaneous inspection of the top and bottom surfaces of the steel after pickling.