INVESTIGATION INTO MAGNETIC WIPING TECHNIQUES AS ALTERNATIVE TO GAS WIPING ON HOT-DIP GALVANIZING LINES

In hot dip galvanising lines, coating central is achieved by removing excess coating using gas knives. An alternative approach using magneti c wiping is described here. The forces to achieve wiping are evaluated , and two alternative methods, using longitudinal flux and transverse flux, are investigated with a view to achieving similar performance. T he magnetic wiping process is modelled using a finite element analysis technique. Strip heating, a side effect of the magnetic wiping proces s, is also modelled, as it is an important factor when considering the feasibility of any magnetic wiping system, it is concluded that the l ongitudinal flux wiping method is superior, and that it has the added advantage of less strip heating. However, longitudinal flux wiping may not be viable for a stand alone system, but may for a hybrid system i n which magnetic wiping precedes gas wiping. IS/1369 (C) 1998 The Inst itute of Materials.