Method and apparatus for controlled cooling

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for controlled cooling of hot rolled metal ( 1 ) using zone separation spray devices ( 10, 11, 12 ) which are adjustable as a function of the cooling flow ( 5, 8 ) applied.

1 . Method for operating an apparatus for controlled cooling of hot rolled plate or strip shaped metals comprising:
 applying a cooling fluid on an area of a top surface of the plate or strip shaped metal;   spraying at least two spaced apart zone separation spray devices configured to spray at respective locations and at respective places for constraining the cooling fluid on the top surface of the plate or strip to an area, which is located between the sprays on the area; and during cooling,   controlling the flow out of the zone separation spray devices as a function of the cooling fluid flow applied.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising adjusting the flow out of the zone separation spray devices by adjusting an adjustable valve leading fluid to the zone separation spray devices. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising adjusting the flow out of the zone separation spray devices by changing the speed of a variable speed pump of the zone separation spray devices. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising monitoring the flow out of the zone separation spray devices by measuring its pressure and adjusting the flow to a pressure related to the cooling fluid. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus for the controlled cooling of hot rolled plate or strip shaped metals, comprising:
 apparatus for supplying a cooling fluid over a top surface of the plate or strip over an area of the plate or strip;   at least two spaced apart zone separation spray devices configured to direct respective sprays which are so directed and of a strength of flow for constraining the cooling fluid on the top surface of the plate or strip to the area, and   at least one device for controlling the flow out of the zone separation spray devices as a function of the cooling flow applied to the area.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , further comprising the at least one device for controlling the flow out of the zone separation spray devices comprises at least one adjustable valve. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , further comprising the at least one device for controlling the flow out of the zone separation spray devices comprises at least one variable speed pump. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , further comprising, the at least one device for controlling the flow out of the zone separation spray devices comprises at least one pressure transducer configured and located for measuring the pressure of the flow out of the zone separation devices. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , further comprising the at least one device for controlling the flow out of the zone separation spray devices comprises at least one flow meter configured and located for measuring the flow out of the zone separation devices. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the apparatus for supplying a cooling fluid is configured to supplying the fluid by spraying the fluid on the area. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the cooling fluid is applied by spraying the fluid on the area.