Abstract: The present invention discloses a specifically designed pretreatment cell. This pretreatment cell consists of a tank having an entry end and an exit end. A metal web is introduced into the tank proximate the entry end and removed from the tank proximate the exit end. In between, three submergence rollers force a portion of the web into a pretreatment solution housed by the tank. These submergence rollers are placed such that the center roller penetrates deeper into the tank than the other two. Weirs are incorporated to raise or lower the level of the fluid and thereby modifying the length of the portion of the strip that is submerged in the fluid. Within the tank, a counterflow nozzle directs the pretreatment solution along the metal web in a direction opposite to the direction in which the web is running. An supply nozzle is also provided to deliver fluid into the tank. Attached to the tank there are also one or more removal areas.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for meniscus coating one or two sides of steel strip with a metal or metal alloy. The apparatus includes a horizontally disposed coating tray for containing molten coating metal, gas heaters for maintaining the temperature of the coating metal above the melting point of the coating metal, stabilizing rollers for moving steel strip transversely past a departure lip positioned on one side of the coating tray and adding solid or molten metal to the coating tray for maintaining the level of the coating metal in the coating tray relative to the upper elevation of the departure lip so that an uninterrupted flow of the coating metal can be delivered over the departure lip to a surface of the strip. The coating tray may be rotatably mounted for adjusting the level of molten metal in the coating tray. The coating tray also may include a sled for lateral displacement for positioning the departure lip a predetermined distance away from the strip.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for meniscus coating one or two sides of steel strip with a metal or metal alloy. The apparatus includes a horizontally disposed coating tray for containing molten coating metal, means for maintaining the temperature of the coating metal above the melting point of the coating metal, means for moving steel strip transversely past a departure lip positioned on one side of the coating tray and means for maintaining the level of the coating metal in the coating tray relative to the upper elevation of the departure lip so that an uninterrupted flow of the coating metal can be delivered over the departure lip to a surface of the strip. The coating tray may be rotatably mounted for adjusting the level of molten metal in the coating tray. The coating tray also may include means for lateral displacement for positioning the departure lip a predetermined distance away from the strip.

Abstract: Apparatus for horizontally plating one surface of conductive sheet with a metal or metal alloy. The apparatus includes an electrolyte holding tank, a horizontally disposed enclosed electrolyte conduit having extended inlet and outlet portions, a variable speed pump for passing electrolyte from the holding tank through the conduit and a rectifier for supplying electrical current. The holding tank includes means for dissipation of entrapped gas bubbles generated during metal deposition or caused by aeration. The conduit has a horizontal opening including an insoluble anode within the opening for defining a plating cell. The anode is positioned parallel to the axis of the conduit and in alignment with the opening. The plating cell includes means for supporting the sheet above the opening. The inlet and outlet portions of the conduit are positioned in-line with the plating cell.

Abstract: Producing one-side zinc electroplated strip having enhanced phosphating characteristics. Prior to electroplating, the non-electroplated side of the steel strip is cathodically pickled. Cathodic pickling minimizes staining and etching to the non-electroplated strip surface by the zinc electrolyte during electroplating of the opposite strip surface.

Abstract: Producing one-side zinc electroplated strip having enhanced phosphating characteristics. Prior to electroplating, the non-electroplated side of the steel strip is cathodically pickled. Cathodic pickling minimizes staining and etching to the non-electroplated strip surface by the zinc electrolyte during electroplating of the opposite strip surface.