GB1236252A - Apparatus for electrolytically cleaning metal strands - Google Patents

Abstract

1,236,252. Electrolytic cleaning apparatus. UNITED STATES STEEL CORP. May 28, 1968 [June 8, 1967], No.25491/68. Heading C7B. Apparatus for cleaning metal strands comprises in succession a first water-washing section, an electrolytic-cleaning section and a second waterwashing section, the electrolytic-cleaning section including a series of alternate cathodic and anodic treatment cells, each cell being formed of an inverted tubular plastics T-shaped member and having means for continuously introducing electrolyte to an opening at the cell's lower end and for discharging the electrolyte from the top of the cell. Fig. 4 shows a vertical section of part of such apparatus through which a metal strand passes longitudinally as indicated at S. The strand passes through nozzles 35, 41, 42 wherein air jets from nozzle 35 remove loose foreign material, water jets from nozzle 41 wash the strand and air jets from nozzle 42 blow off the water. The strand then passes through alternate cathodic and anodic treatment cells 22, 23 separated by plastic insulator blocks 59 and formed by inverted T-shaped tubular plastics members 52 having flanged tubular electrodes 57 fitting in the arms of the Ts. Acid, such as 15-30% H 2 SO 4 solution, passes upwardly through the cells 22, 23 from hoses 54 to elbows 55. Any electrolyte, which leaks past the strand as it enters the first electrolytic cell, is removed via an overflow chamber 31. The strand becomes a cathode as it passes through the cathodic cells and an anode as it passes through the anodic cells since in those cells the electrodes 57 are respectively connected as anodes and cathodes. After electrolytic treatment, the strand again passes through air, water and air nozzles (not shown) similar to the nozzles 42, 41, 35. Electrical connections from the electrodes 57 are illustrated in Fig. 1 (not shown). The connections are by means of tabs (61) and cables (62) to bus-bars (24, 25).