Process for annealing ferrous wire

摘要

Soot deposition from protective atmospheres and residual lubricants normally carried on ferrous wire and removed during annealing. During the cooling stage of an annealing cycle, air or other suitable oxygen containing gas is introduced into an annealing furnace containing the wire when the wire temperature is between approximately 1050 DEG and 950 DEG F. At these temperatures, the introduced oxygen is effective to volatilize the residual lubricant and soot formed from decomposition of carbon monoxide. This removal is accomplished without significant decarburization of the wire and only minor oxidation thereof. The oxygen containing gas may be introduced into a bell furnace by raising the inner cover thereof or the oxygen containing gas may be injected into the inner retort of a bell furnace or directly into a batch furnace.