Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for heating steel components in a continuous furnace, wherein a first transport device having an external drive receives the components in a precise position and transports them through the furnace in order to heat them, and a second transport device receives the parts, after the heating, from the first transport device at a predetermined transfer point or transfer region and conveys them out of the furnace at an increased speed and places them in a precise position at a further receiving point ready for further processing. The components are mounted on a support having engagement means for the different transport devices.

Abstract: A bell type annealing furnace structure that includes a base which has a base plate member and an annular channel therearound. A plurality of circumferentially spaced enclosure members are provided, each having a coil support section with support legs depending therefrom supporting the enclosure member on the base plate member and defining a space between the base plate member and the coil support section. The enclosure members are configured to form a central annular opening, and joints interconnect each of the enclosure members. Each joint includes a web member extending between the adjacent enclosure members and is curved toward the base plate member. Reinforcing segments are disposed in the spaces between and engaging both the base plate member and the coil support section. A cap member is disposed in the annular opening defined by the enclosure members, and includes an upper section and an annular leg depending therefrom engaging the base plate member.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for heat treating coiled, metal strip in bell shaped annealing furnaces employing an annealing stand upon which coils of strip are vertically stacked. An inner cover removably sealed to the stand surrounds the coil and an outer cover surrounds the inner cover. A vacuum is drawn within the inner cover while the work is being preheated to volatize oil on the coil into hydrocarbon vapors and permit the hydrocarbons to be drawn off prior to annealing so that carbon soot formation does not occur. A unique concentric, two seal arrangement is disclosed which provides for drawing a vacuum between the seals to positively seal the inner cover to the base while providing a fail safe mechanism for monitoring the process thus permitting a potentially explosive reducing atmosphere, such as pure hydrogen, to be used in the annealing furnace in a safe manner.

Abstract: A convection diffuser and charge support system for an annealing furnace utilizes a diffuser base assembly to support a stack of coiled rolls of steel that are to be annealed inside a furnace enclosure. The coils are arranged in a vertical stack atop the base assembly. The furnace enclosure surrounds the base assembly and the stack to provide a "closed" treatment environment. Convector plates are interposed between the ends of the coils, with a separate convector plate extending horizontally between each set of adjacent coil ends. Each of the convector plates includes an annular structure 1) that has an inner diameter, 2) that has an outer diameter that extends substantially concentrically about the inner diameter, and 3) that defines a plurality of radially extending air flow passages which extend from locations near the outer diameter to locations near the inner diameter for assisting in providing a desired type of convection flow of gases within the furnace enclosure.

Abstract: A convection diffuser and charge support system for an annealing furnace utilizes a diffuser base assembly that includes a vane-carrying center casting which underlies a charge support plate, and which is perimetrically surrounded by a pair of outer and inner cooling rings. The components of the diffuser base assembly cooperate to define an array of horizontally extending gas circulation passages that are shielded from above by the charge support plate. The horizontal passages extend among a plurality of upstanding heat exchange fins that are carried by the inner cooling ring, and terminate in upwardly extending outer end regions that are defined by grooves formed in the outer cooling ring. A centrifugal fan draws hot gases through a central opening in the charge support plate and conveys the gases radially outwardly through the horizontally extending gas flow passages.

Abstract: A convection diffuser and charge support system for an annealing furnace utilizes a diffuser base, a base-encircling ring, and convector plates which are preferably formed as castings of nodular iron. The diffuser base defines an array of horizontally-extending gas circulation passages which are shielded from above by an integrally-formed, overlying top wall. The top wall prevents debris and other undesirable substances from dropping into and accumulating within the primary flow passages. Vane extension formations project above the top wall and have their upper edges arranged to engage and support a charge of material to be annealed. The ring structure extends perimetrically about the base structure and defines an array of curved, upwardly opening grooves which cooperate with the primary flow passages to direct gases which discharge from the base structure so that the gases flow upwardly, along a generally helical flow paths about a charge of material being annealed.

Abstract: Mill processing of ingots and like metal articles at or after bringing to temperatures above about 900.degree. C. is enhanced through self-heat soaking at such high temperatures to homogenize temperature and structural parameters throughout the body of such article. In particular this improves workability of such article for forging or rolling. The insulation comprises thin metal foils or the like separated by alternating layers of subdivided fibrous insulation, preferably in felted, woven or other sheet form and structured to maintain structural integrity at such high temperatures, and provides insulation of the metal article surrounded by such insulation and reduces scale formation and eliminates the need for flame or other external heat source or the need for heavy and/or voluminous handling and furnace equipment.

Abstract: Coils of strip to be annealed are placed in a furnace with their eye vertical and are heated to the annealing temperature by heating elements on the furnace above and below the level of the coils. An improved convector coil support includes a single metal plate having a central opening and grooves in one side extending from the central opening to the outer periphery when used to support a bottom coil and two such plates fastened together with their grooves facing each other when the convector is used to support a coil on top of a coil.

Abstract: A heat treating furnace is provided with high momentum burners for uniformly heating each work item therein primarily by convective heating. A plurality of work items are spaced in a row on a furnace base and enclosed by an outer cover sealed to the base to define an enclosure therein. High momentum burners are orientated in a predetermined manner in the outer cover to fire jet streams of hot gases into the enclosure. The jet streams rapidly entrain the furnace gases to promote a gas stream of uniform temperature which swirls rapidly about each work item effecting uniform heating of each work item primarily by convection. The furnace is further provided with an efficient internal recuperator arrangement which also functions as the flue for the furnace.

Abstract: A device limits the oxidation of the surface of hot metallic dross by preventing access of oxygen to the dross. The device includes a metal bell which is open at the bottom and can be moved vertically, a concrete base standing in a tank containing water and a shallow container for holding the dross. The bell includes a number of metallic supports projecting from its lower edge to support the bell as it rests in the water filled tank.