Meniscus coating apparatus and method

摘要

A meniscus coating apparatus and method for coating at least one surface of a metal strip includes an apparatus having an adjustable coating tray, a roll enclosure disposed adjacent the coating tray, an adjustable baffle, and/or a gas delivery device operable to help seal the roll enclosure.

主权项

1. A method for meniscus coating in an ambient atmosphere at least one surface of a metal strip having a sidewall edge, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing:
(i) at least one horizontally disposed coating tray, wherein the at least one coating tray comprises a top lip and a lip adjacent sidewall,(ii) a roll enclosure containing a protective atmosphere, wherein the roll enclosure is disposed adjacent the at least one coating tray, wherein the roll enclosure comprises a cover such that a space is defined between the top lip and the cover, wherein the cover comprises an aperture, and the aperture comprises a strip receiving portion and at least one open portion, and(iii) at least one baffle, wherein the at least one baffle:
a. substantially covers the at least one open portion of the aperture; andb. is adjusted to develop in the space a positive pressure relative to the ambient atmosphere; (b) advancing the metal strip through the aperture of the cover of the roll enclosure; (c) advancing the metal strip toward the top lip of the at least one coating tray; (d) maintaining a coating metal on the top lip of the at least one coating tray; and (e) coating the at least one surface of the metal strip with the coating metal when the metal strip advances past the top lip of the at least one coating tray.