Heat retention tunnel for processing coils of hot rolled bar and rod products

Abstract

A heat retention tunnel is disclosed for processing vertically disposed coils of a hot rolled product being transported along a path. The tunnel comprises walls extending along the sides of the path, and a roof overlying the path. Heat reflective panels line interior surfaces of the walls at locations facing the coils being transported along the path.

1 . A heat retention tunnel for processing vertically disposed coils of a hot rolled product being transported along a path, said tunnel comprising:
 walls extending along the sides of said path;   a roof overlying said path; and   heat reflective panels lining interior surfaces of said walls at locations facing the coils being transported along said path.   
     
     
         2 . The heat retention tunnel of  claim 1  further comprising barrier panels underlying said path, said barrier panels being arranged to retard any upward flow of ambient air through said tunnel. 
     
     
         3 . The heat retention tunnel of  claim 1  wherein said heat reflective panels have a height at least equal to the height of the tallest coils being processed. 
     
     
         4 . The heat retention tunnel of  claim 2  wherein said heat reflective panels have a height at least equal to the height of the tallest coils being processed. 
     
     
         5 . The heat retention tunnel of  claim 1  wherein said heat reflective panels are fabricated from a heat resistant material. 
     
     
         6 . The heat retention tunnel of  claim 2  wherein said heat reflective panels are fabricated from a heat resistant material. 
     
     
         7 . The heat retention tunnel of  claim 4  wherein said heat resistant material is stainless steel.