SPIN-DRYING PROCESS AND SPIN-DRYING INSTALLATION

Abstract

A method for drying a rolled strip is disclosed comprising: supplying a drying facility comprising two hydrodynamic pads, respectively extending in length over a width of the rolled strip, advancing rolled strip between two hydrodynamic pads in an advancement direction defined from upstream to downstream, applying pressure of the hydrodynamic pads, one towards the other, on either side of the rolled strip, following a clamping plane transverse to the strip, during the advancement of rolled strip, the hydrodynamic pads sliding on the rolled strip by means of a layer of fluid, each of the hydrodynamic pads carrying out a first drying operation by blocking at least one portion of a lubricating layer of the strip coming from upstream towards downstream, and sucking in, via a suction orifice located downstream of hydrodynamic pads, at least a portion of a residual fluid layer, thus performing a second drying operation of the strip.

Claims

1. A method for drying a rolled strip, the method comprising: supplying a drying facility comprising two hydrodynamic pads, respectively extending in length over a width of the rolled strip; advancing the rolled strip between the two hydrodynamic pads in an advancement direction defined from upstream to downstream; applying pressure of the hydrodynamic pads, one towards the other, on either side of the rolled strip, following a clamping plane transverse to the strip, during the advancement of the rolled strip, the hydrodynamic pads sliding on the rolled strip by means of layers of fluid, each of the hydrodynamic pads carrying out a first drying operation by blocking at least one portion of a lubricating layer of the strip coming from upstream to downstream; and, sucking in, via a suction orifice located downstream of the hydrodynamic pads, at least a portion of a residual lubricant layer, thus performing a second drying operation of the strip.

2. The drying method according to claim 1, comprising, a temporary or continuous injection of a supply fluid between the rolled strip and the hydrodynamic pads, the injection being carried out by means of one or more supply orifices provided in the hydrodynamic pads or by supply nozzles upstream of the hydrodynamic pads, the injection of the supply fluid being carried out in such a way as to ensure the presence of the layer of fluid by means of which the hydrodynamic pads slide on the strip, ensuring a gap between the rolled strip and the hydrodynamic pads, on each side of the strip.

3. The drying method according to claim 1, wherein the supply fluid comprises oil, or an emulsion comprising air and oil.

4. The drying method according to claim 1, comprising, blowing, via a blowing orifice located downstream of the suction orifice, a projection fluid, such as air, in particular hot air, or else steam, towards the strip in such a way as to detach, from the strip, at least a portion of the residual layer of lubricant and to project it towards the suction orifice.

5. The drying method according to claim 1, comprising evacuating at least a portion of the lubricating layer blocked by the drying stages beyond the lateral edges of the rolled strip.

6. A drying facility which can be suitable for implementing the method for drying a rolled strip according to claim 1, the drying facility comprising, two hydrodynamic pads, arranged facing one another on either side of the strip, the strip being configured to advance between the two hydrodynamic pads in an advancement direction defined from upstream to downstream, the hydrodynamic pads extending in length over a width of the strip, the hydrodynamic pads being configured to be applied under pressure, one towards the other on either side of the rolled strip, following a clamping plane transverse to the strip, during the advancement of the rolled strip, the hydrodynamic pads being configured to slide on the rolled strip by means of fluid layers, each of the hydrodynamic pads being configured to carry out a first drying operation by blocking at least a portion of a lubricating layer of the strip coming from upstream to downstream, and at least one suction orifice, located downstream of the hydrodynamic pads, configured to suck in at least a portion of a residual lubricant layer, thus performing a second drying operation of the strip.

7. The drying facility according to claim 6, comprising at least one supply orifice or at least one supply nozzle configured to carry out a temporary or continuous injection of a supply fluid between the rolled strip and the hydrodynamic pads, the at least one supply orifice being arranged in the hydrodynamic pads or the at least one supply nozzle being located upstream of the hydrodynamic pads, the injection of the supply fluid being carried out in such a way as to ensure the presence of the layer of fluid by means of which the hydrodynamic pads slide on the strip, guaranteeing a gap between the rolled strip and the hydrodynamic pads, on each side of the strip.

8. The drying facility according to one of claim 6, comprising at least one projection orifice located downstream of the suction orifice, the projection orifice being configured to project a projection fluid towards the strip in such a way as to detach, from the strip, at least a portion of the residual layer of lubricant and to project it towards the suction orifice.

9. The drying facility according to claim 6, the hydrodynamic pads having an elongate shape and extending continuously over the entire width of the strip and beyond the lateral edges of the strip.

10. The drying facility according to claim 6, the at least one suction orifice comprising a suction slot provided in the direction of the width of the strip, continuously covering at least the entire width of the strip, in such a way as to produce a suction knife.

11. The drying facility according to claim 6, wherein the at least one projection orifice comprises a projection slot provided in the direction of the width of the strip, continuously covering at least the entire width of the strip, in such a way as to project a knife of projection fluid.

12. The drying facility according to any one of claim 6, comprising at least one pair of two cassettes provided facing one another on either side of the strip, each cassette comprising one of the hydrodynamic pads, the at least one supply orifice or the at least one supply nozzle when the facility is dependent on claim 7, and the at least one suction orifice, each cassette being movable in translation relative to one another and relative to the strip in a direction normal to a plane formed by the strip, in such a way as to exert a pressure on the supply fluid injected between each drying stage and the strip, each of the at least one supply orifice or the at least one supply nozzle and of the at least one suction orifice fluidically communicating with, respectively, a supply line and a suction line provided in each cassette, the drying facility comprising at least one pair of transverse beams extending in the direction of the width of the strip, each cassette being removably mounted in translation along one of the transverse beams.

13. The drying facility according to claim 1, each cassette comprising the at least one projection orifice, the at least one projection orifice fluidically communicating with a projection line provided in the cassette.

14. The drying facility according to claim 1, wherein each of the cassettes comprises a cover being a separate part attached on the cassette, the projection slot being obtained by forming a clearance between the cassette and the cover.

15. The facility according to claim 6, wherein the at least one projection orifice is oriented at an angle with the strip, with a value less than 90, preferably between 90 and 70, in particular between 90 and 80 such as 85.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Other features, details and advantages will appear upon reading the detailed description hereinafter, and on analysis of the appended drawings, wherein:

[0037] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an example of a rolling mill which is able to be equipped with a drying facility according to the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a drying facility according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of a drying facility according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 4 shows a close-up schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a drying facility according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 5 shows a partial close-up schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a drying facility according to an example of the present disclosure, in which the fluids used are particularly visible; and,

[0042] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a cassette according to an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The drawings and the description hereinafter essentially contain elements of a certain nature. Hence, they could not only be used to better understand the present disclosure, but also contribute to the definition thereof, where appropriate.

[0044] In the various figures, the same reference signs designate identical or similar elements. For conciseness, only the elements which are useful for understanding the described embodiment are shown on the figures and are described in detail below.

[0045] In the following description, when referring to qualifiers of absolute position, such as the terms front, rear, high, low, left, right, etc., or relative position, such as the terms above, below, upper, lower, etc., or qualifiers of orientation, such as horizontal, vertical, etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures or of a rolling-mill drying facility in its normal position of use. Furthermore, the term substantially should be interpreted as indicating that the result obtained is as precise as the method known for measuring it.

[0046] The drying facility is typically positioned downstream of a rolling mill 100, for example a rolling mill with 20 cylinders, as shown in FIG. 1, and including: [0047] a lower working cylinder 110 and an upper working cylinder, working on either side of the rolled strip, [0048] two first lower intermediate cylinders 120, respectively in contact with the lower working cylinder and two upper intermediate cylinders, respectively in contact with the upper working cylinder, [0049] three second intermediate lower cylinders 130, in contact two-by-two, respectively with the two first lower intermediate cylinders, and three second upper intermediate cylinders, in contact two-by-two, respectively with the two first upper intermediate cylinders, [0050] four lower pressing roller assemblies 140, in contact two-by-two, with the three second lower intermediate cylinders, and four upper pressing roller assemblies, in contact two-by-two, with the three second upper intermediate cylinders.

[0051] The pressing roller assemblies are typically mounted with eccentric systems, which can ensure clamping of the strip, or even ensure control of the camber of the cylinders, including the cambers of the working cylinders.

[0052] By controlling the camber, it is possible to give a strip profile to the rolled strip, which can be rectilinear, or even, very often, curved.

[0053] Such a rolling mill generally includes four manifolds 150 for spraying lubricant, typically a mixture of oil and water, at the working cylinders. Two manifolds are disposed, on the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, in the upper portion, on one side of the rolled strip 2, and two manifolds in the lower portion on the other side of the rolled strip 2. Each manifold including, along its length, transverse to the strip, a series of nozzles, ensuring spraying of lubricant over the width of the strip, and/or on the rollers of the rolling mill.

[0054] The embodiments of the drying facility 1 disclosed in the present document are not limited to being used only in the presence of a rolling mill with 20 cylinders, as shown in FIG. 1, which is only shown by way of example, but for use in any strip rolling mill industrial facility using a lubricant.

[0055] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which shows a schematic representation of a drying facility 1 according to an example of the present disclosure, located downstream of a rolling mill 100, for example a rolling mill of the previously described type. The drying facility 1 is passed through by the rolled strip 2 advancing in an advancement direction V as defined using an arrow in the figure, from upstream to downstream, after having passed through the rolling mill.

[0056] The rolled strip 2 can typically comprise steel, for example stainless steel. The rolled strip 2 can also be a magnetic sheet, comprising an iron-silicon alloy. These examples of materials are given by way of example and are not limiting, the solutions according to the present disclosure are suitable for any rolled strip using a lubricant.

[0057] The rolled strip 2 can have a width between 750 mm and 1650 mm. The rolled strip 2 can have a thickness, leaving the rolling mill 100 and thus entering the drying facility, between 0.15 and 3.5 mm.

[0058] The rolled strip typically comprises two main surfaces, an upper and a lower surface. The main surfaces are defined as being the surfaces joining the two lateral edges 21, 22 of the strip 2. These main surfaces form a plane, hereinafter defined as being the plane of the strip 2.

[0059] The drying facility 1 is mounted on a fixed structure 3, for example integral with a frame of a rolling mill (not shown) located upstream of the drying facility. The fixed structure 3 is fixed relative to the rolled strip 2.

[0060] In this case, the drying facility 1 includes two cassettes 4 mounted to be movable relative to the fixed structure 3, each cassette advantageously including elements participating in the drying operation which will be described below. The fixed structure 3 includes an actuator configured to drive each of the cassettes 4 in translation relative to the fixed structure 3. The translation of the cassettes 4 is effected along a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the strip 2. More precisely, each cassette 4 is removably mounted on a transverse beam 5, the transverse beam 5 being connected to the actuator. Thus, it is possible to carry out control or maintenance operations on a cassette 4 by withdrawing it from the facility, without having to dismantle more parts than necessary. It is also possible that each cassette 4 is directly mounted on the actuator, according to the examples.

[0061] More particularly, the actuator is configured to enable the cassettes 4 to each apply a pressing force, together resulting in a clamping force, on the rolled strip 2, or more precisely on a layer of fluid of the rolled strip 2. The cassettes 4 are thus positioned oppositely, facing one another, so that their respective clamping forces are applied in opposite senses in the same direction. Thus, their actions cancel and do not fold or deform the strip 2. In other words, each of the cassettes applies a pressing force, in a clamping plane perpendicular to the plane formed by the strip 2. In particular, the clamping plane is transverse to the strip 2. The clamping plane comprises the translation direction of the cassettes 4.

[0062] The upper fixed structure 3 includes hydraulic cylinders 31, 32 configured to drive the upper cassette 4.1 in translation, guided for example as shown by two guide bars 33, 34, provided in clamping plane. The actuator is controlled by a controller (not shown). The controller can be configured to control the speed of translation of the cassettes 4, and/or to control the pressing force of the cassettes 4 on the strip 2.

[0063] Similarly, the lower fixed structure includes hydraulic cylinders (not shown) configured to drive the lower cassette 4.2 in translation, guided for example by two guides which are not visible in the figure, provided in clamping plane. The actuator is controlled by a controller (not shown). The controller can be configured to control the speed of translation of the cassette 4, and/or to control the pressing force of the cassettes 4 on the strip 2. Reference is now made to FIGS. 3 and 4, which show cross-sectional views of the drying facility 1 according to two separate examples of the present disclosure.

[0064] In FIGS. 3 and 4, the rolled strip 2 is shown, advancing in the advancement direction V between two cassettes 4, one being the so-called upper cassette 4.1 and the other being the lower cassette 4.2, each being removably mounted on upper 5.1 and lower 5.2 transverse beams respectively.

[0065] According to the examples, and as shown in these Figures, each of the cassettes 4 includes a hydrodynamic pad 6. The hydrodynamic pad 6 is positioned directly opposite the strip 2. The hydrodynamic pad 6 has a substantially planar working surface 61, disposed facing the strip. The working surface 61 extends in a plane substantially parallel to a plane formed by the strip 2. The working surface 61 is substantially perpendicular to the clamping plane.

[0066] The hydrodynamic pad 6 has a generally rectangular cross-section, having two rounded edges 62, 63 adjacent to the working surface 61. Each hydrodynamic pad 6 also has a front side 64 and a rear side 65. The front side, in the examples, contributes to the blocking of a quantity of lubricant located upstream of the hydrodynamic pads 6. These elements can be seen in FIG. 4.

[0067] The hydrodynamic pads 6 extend in length over a width of the strip 2. As is particularly visible in FIG. 2, the hydrodynamic pads 6 extend at least beyond the lateral edges 21, 22 of the strip 2, for example by a distance d, greater than or equal to 30 mm.

[0068] According to the examples, and as shown in FIG. 3, the drying facility can include at least one supply orifice 8. In some examples, each cassette 4 includes at least one supply orifice 8. The at least one supply orifice 8 is configured to produce an injection of supply fluid, in such a way as form a layer of fluid between each hydrodynamic pad 6 and the strip 2. The at least one supply orifice 8, in some examples, is arranged opening on the hydrodynamic pad 6. In particular, the at least one supply orifice can be arranged on the working surface 61 of the hydrodynamic pad 6.

[0069] In some examples, the drying facility 1 includes a plurality of supply orifices 8, arranged opening on the working surface of hydrodynamic pads 6. In some examples, and as shown in FIG. 6, the supply orifices 8 are distributed, regularly or otherwise, over the length of each hydrodynamic pad 6. Here, the supply orifices 8 are distributed regularly. The supply orifices 8 are, preferably, arranged in such a way as to cover the entire length of the hydrodynamic pads 6, themselves being of sufficient length to cover at least the entire width of the strip 2. It is possible to not provide a supply orifice 8 at the two longitudinal ends of the hydrodynamic pads 6, these ends extending beyond the strip 2. For example, these ends can be devoid of any supply orifice 8 over a distance at least greater than the distance d.

[0070] According to the examples, the plurality of supply orifices is provided along a median line of the hydrodynamic pads. In other words, each supply orifice is disposed at an equal distance from the front and rear sides 64, 65 of the hydrodynamic pad.

[0071] In other examples, the injection of supply fluid is produced by at least one supply nozzle, separate from the hydrodynamic pads 6, positioned in such a way as to be able to inject a supply fluid between the hydrodynamic pads and the strip 2, for example upstream of the hydrodynamic pads 6. For example, the nozzles can be integral with each of the cassettes 4.

[0072] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 3, the at least one supply orifice 8 is/are fluidically connected to a supply line 81, by one or more intermediate supply lines 82. In this example, the supply line 81 is a separate part attached on the cassette 4. The supply line 82 can comprise a recess provided in the cassette 4. The intermediate supply line 82 includes a recess configured to fluidically connect the supply orifice 8 to the supply line 81. According to some examples, the intermediate supply line 82 passes through the hydrodynamic pad 6. According to some examples, the intermediate supply line 82 passes through a portion of the cassette 4. In some examples, the intermediate supply line 82 includes a portion, one end of which constitutes the supply orifice, portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the strip 2.

[0073] The at least one supply orifice 8 can be configured to carry out a temporary or continuous fluid injection. The supply orifice 8 can be fluidically connect to a pressure source. The fluid injection can be controlled by a controller, for example configured to control the fluid source, or to control a flow rate control element, such as a valve. The controller can be in operational communication with a sensor system capable of detecting the presence, for example of a sufficient quantity, or the absence of fluid between the hydrodynamic pads 6 and the strip 2, such that the controller can adapt a fluid flow rate through the supply orifice 8. The aim of such an injection of supply fluid is to ensure, at any time during the advancement of the strip through the drying facility 1, that a layer of fluid is present between the hydrodynamic pads 6 and the strip 2. The presence of such a layer of fluid avoids contact, in other words ensures the absence of contact, between the hydrodynamic pads 6 and the strip 2.

[0074] The supply fluid can typically include oil. The supply fluid is for example, an emulsion including oil and water. These compositions are given by way of non-limiting examples; it is possible to use any fluid capable of contributing to blocking of the lubricant coming from upstream of the dryer towards downstream of the pads.

[0075] In some examples, alternatively to the use of hydrodynamic pads, it is possible to use aerodynamic pads (not shown). In these examples, the supply fluid injected between the pads and the strip is air. The air is pressurised between the pads and the strip in such a way as to block the lubricant coming from upstream to downstream of the dryer. The absence of contact between the aerodynamic pads and the strip 2 is then ensured by an air cushion between these two elements.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the drying facility 1 comprises at least one suction orifice 9. The at least one suction orifice 9 is disposed downstream of the hydrodynamic pads 6. For example, when measured parallel to the plane of the strip, the suction orifice 9 can be located at 10 mm from the rear side 65 of the hydrodynamic pad. The at least one suction orifice 9 is configured to suck in a so-called residual layer Cr of fluid located downstream of the hydrodynamic pads 6.

[0077] More specifically, the hydrodynamic pads 6 carry out a first drying operation by blocking a so-called blocked layer Cb of lubricant, which then remains blocked on the upstream side of the hydrodynamic pads 6 and can, according to the example, leaves via the lateral sides 21, 22 of the strip 2. However, since the hydrodynamic pads 6 are not in contact with the strip 2, a thinner so-called residual layer of lubricant passes under the hydrodynamic pads 6 to downstream of the hydrodynamic pads 6. It is in this way that the contact between the hydrodynamic pads 6 and the strip 2 is avoided. In the case where a supply fluid is injected between the hydrodynamic pads 6 and the strip 2, the residual layer Cr of lubricant can consist of a mixture of the supply fluid and lubricant that has not been blocked upstream of hydrodynamic pads 6. It is also possible that the blocking is perfect, and that only the supply fluid reaches downstream of the hydrodynamic pads 6; in this case the residual layer Cr is composed exclusively of supply fluid. Further details will be provided in the discussion of FIG. 5 below.

[0078] The at least one suction orifice 9 is fluidically connected to a suction line 91. The suction line, according to some examples, is arranged in the cassette 4 and includes a recess through which the sucked in fluid can circulate. More specifically, the fluid is for example conveyed in the form of droplets in suspension in air, sucked in by creating a vacuum in the suction line 91. The suction line 91 is typically connected to a vacuum source (not shown) and is configured to transport the sucked in fluid out of the drying facility, for example to a tank. According to the examples, the sucked in fluid can be reinjected as lubricant at the rolling mill, upstream of the dryer, or as supply fluid at the hydrodynamic pads 6, for example after a processing operation such as a filtering operation of the fluid.

[0079] The suction operation can be controlled by the controller. The vacuum source, or a means for regulating the flow of air, can be controlled by the controller. It is possible to control the suction as a function of a quantity of lubricant injected at the rolling mill, and/or as a function of the quantity of supply fluid injected at the hydrodynamic pads 6, and/or as a function of the speed of advancement of the strip 2.

[0080] In some examples, the drying facility 1 includes, on each side of the strip 2, a single suction orifice 9. In some examples, the suction orifice 9 includes a suction slot 92. In some examples, each suction slot 92 is provided in each of the cassettes 4, on either side of the strip 2. The suction slot 92 can be provided in the direction of the width of the strip 2, for example in the length of the respective cassette 4, and continuously cover at least the entire width of the strip 2. The suction slot 92 is configured to produce a suction knife at the strip 2.

[0081] In some examples, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the suction slot 92 is produced by two, front 93 and rear 94 surfaces. The front and rear surfaces 93, 94 are separated from one another by at least 5 mm. The front and rear surfaces 93, 94 are provided such that the closer one gets to the mouth which constitutes the suction orifice 9, the closer the surfaces come to one another, until a distance is obtained between the front and rear surfaces 93, 94, at the orifice, at most equal to 3 mm. In some examples, the suction orifice 9 is remote from the strip 2 by a height H3, when measured vertically from the plane of the strip 2, at most equal to 5 mm.

[0082] In some examples, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, at least a portion of the front surface 93 of the suction slot 92 is formed by the rear side 65 of the hydrodynamic pads 6.

[0083] The drying facility 1 can include at least one projection orifice 10, preferably provided on each cassette 4. The at least one projection orifice 10 is located downstream of the at least one suction orifice 9. On each side of the strip 2, for example on each cassette 4, the at least one suction orifice 9 is located between the hydrodynamic pad 6 and the at least one projection orifice 10.

[0084] The at least one projection orifice 10 is fluidically connect to a projection line 12. The projection line 12 is typically connected to a pressure source configured to pressurise the projection fluid. The pressure source can be controlled by a controller. The controller can be configured to control a projection flow rate of projection fluid as a function of advancement parameters of the strip 2, for example such as its advancement speed, and/or as a function of the suction rate of the at least one suction orifice and/or, where appropriate, the flow rate of the at least one supply orifice, and/or the flow rate of lubricant sprayed in the rolling mill 100. The controller can thus control the projection flow rate directly, by controlling the pressure source, or by controlling flow regulation means.

[0085] The projection fluid is sprayed towards the strip in such a way as to detach a quantity of fluid from the residual layer Cr of fluid located upstream of the hydrodynamic pads 6. The quantity of fluid detached is thus projected, by the projection force of the projection fluid, towards the at least one suction orifice 9. The quantity of fluid detached is thus sucked in via the suction orifice 9, in such a way as to perform a second drying operation.

[0086] In some examples, the drying facility 1 includes a single projection orifice 10 on each side of the strip 2. In some examples, the projection orifice 10 includes a projection slot 12. In some examples, each projection slot 12 is provided on each cassette 4. The projection slot 12 can be provided in the direction of the width of the strip 2, for example in the length of cassette 4, and continuously cover at least the entire width of the strip 2. The projection slot 12 is configured to produce a projection knife 15 at the strip 2.

[0087] The projection slot 12 can be provided such that the projection knife 15 forms an angle with the strip 2. The angle is precisely defined as being the angle between advancement vector V of the strip, with sense and direction as defined by the advancement of the strip, from upstream to downstream, and the straight line formed by the projection knife, the angle being measured in a zone above the strip 2 (see FIG. 5). In some examples, the projection knife 15 reaches the strip 2 in a perpendicular manner, in other words the angle is then equal to 90. In other examples, the projection knife forms an acute angle with the strip, preferably the angle is then less than 90, for example between 90 and 70 and between 88 and 80, such as 85. Thus, with such values for the angle less than 90, the projection knife reaches the strip 2 counter to the direction of advancement, in other words counter current to the strip 2, in such a way as to increase the efficiency of the action of detaching a quantity of fluid from the residual layer Cr. The efficiency of the projection of the detached quantity is also increased. Furthermore, the fact of reaching the strip 2 countercurrent to its direction of advance, enables the detached fluid to be naturally projected downstream, in other words towards the at least one suction orifice 9, for facilitating the second drying operation.

[0088] The projection fluid can typically be air. According to some examples, the projection fluid can include a mixture of hot air or hot water, or steam. Such fluid compositions are given by way of non-limiting example. It is possible to use any fluid capable of detaching a quantity of fluid from the residual layer Cr.

[0089] Each cassette 4 being movable in translation towards one another, on either side of the strip 2, each of the supply, suction and/or projection lines provided or attached on each of the cassettes 4 can be connected via flexible fluidic connections to tanks or to treatment areas and/or suction areas which can be fixed relative to the cassettes 4. For example, the flexible fluid connections can be fluidically connected to these lines and be integral with the fixed structure 3 of the drying facility 1. The flexible fluid connections are configured to accompany potential movements of the cassettes 4 and to maintain their fluid connections.

[0090] The removable assembly of the cassettes 4 on the transverse beams 5 is carried out, in the example of FIG. 3, using a slide connection 7, configured to enable movement in translation of the cassette 4 in a direction parallel to the length of the hydrodynamic pads 6.

[0091] The slide connection 7 can be obtained by complementarity of shapes, between a profiled shape arranged on the cassette 4 and a contour-shape arranged on the drying facility 1, or in the example of FIG. 3, on a transverse beam 5. The shapes and counter-shapes being configured to interact and enable translation, for example in the direction of extension of the cassette 4. For example, the complementarity of shape can be dovetail or T-shaped or obtained via an intermediate part on one of the cassettes 4 or the drying facility 1.

[0092] The slide connection 7 can also be obtained by rolling, carried out by any rolling means arranged on one or other of the cassettes 4 or the drying facility 1, the other being able, for example, to have a rolling surface on which the rolling means can be movable in translation.

[0093] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 3, the cassette 4 includes a roller carrier 71, fixed to the cassette 4, for example by a plurality of screws. The roller carrier 71 includes a plurality of rolling rollers 72. The drying facility comprises a transverse beam 5 mounted fixed on the facility, on which a T-shaped groove 73 is provided having at least one roller surface 74 on which the rolling rollers 72 are configured to rest and roll.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the at least one of the transverse beams 5 or the cassette 4 includes at least one locking means (not shown), for example a removable abutment surface for temporarily blocking the movement in translation of the cassette 4 along the T-shaped groove 73, for example so that the cassette does not slide during the operation of the drying facility. Such a locking means can, for example, include an element extending at least partially transverse to the direction of the slide connection 70, in such a way as to be able to temporarily provide an obstacle to the movement of the cassette 4 along the slide connection 70.

[0095] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which shows a detailed view of the rolled strip 2 and of the hydrodynamic pad 6 according to an example of the present disclosure. This figure, in which the distances between the hydrodynamic pad 6 or the suction orifice 9 or projection orifice 10, and the strip 2 have been deliberately exaggerated, makes it possible to see how the various fluids behave. For reasons of clarity, only the upper cassette 4.1 is shown and will be described. However, unless otherwise mentioned, it is implicit that similar elements are also present on the lower cassette 4.2 which is not shown, these elements being positioned substantially symmetrically relative to the plane formed by the strip 2. The example shown does not include a supply orifice 8, but the operation described is compatible with the presence of such a supply orifice 8.

[0096] The strip 2, leaving the rolling mill 100, upstream of the drying facility 1, includes a lubricating layer on its main surface, typically able to extend over the entire width of the strip 2. This is the case in the zone above the strip 2, but also in the zone below, a lubricating layer also being able to be present, by adherence, on the opposite lower main surface of the strip 2.

[0097] Such a lubricating layer, coming from upstream of the drying facility 1 during the advancement of the strip 2, is at least partially blocked by the hydrodynamic pad 6 and by the pressurised fluid between the hydrodynamic pad and the strip 2. More precisely, at least partially by its front side 64. It is then considered that the quantity of lubricant blocked upstream of the hydrodynamic pad 6 constitutes a blocked layer Cb of lubricant. This blocked layer Cb accumulates upstream of the hydrodynamic pad 6 and can be evacuated via the lateral sides 21, 22 of the strip 2. The distance which separates the hydrodynamic pad 6, more particularly its working surface 61, and the strip 2, although very small, nevertheless allows a reduced quantity of lubricant to pass. This quantity of lubricant which nevertheless passes towards downstream of the hydrodynamic pad constitutes a residual layer Cr of fluid. In the case where the volume which separates the hydrodynamic pad from the strip is supplied with supply fluid by at least one supply orifice, this residual layer includes a quantity of lubricant coming from upstream of the drying facility and a quantity of supply fluid. In some examples, it is possible that the residual layer Cr is composed exclusively of supply fluid, all the lubricant having been blocked upstream of the hydrodynamic pad.

[0098] The residual layer Cr of fluid is then conveyed, by the advancement of the strip, to the at least one suction orifice 9. A first quantity of fluid from the residual layer Cr is then sucked in, to be evacuated to outside the drying facility. The suction is sufficiently powerful to detach and convey a significant quantity of fluid through the suction line 92. A second quantity of fluid from the residual layer Cr, which has not been sucked in by the at least one suction orifice 9, is then conveyed, by the advancement of the strip 2, to the at least one projection orifice 10. The second quantity of fluid is then detached by the projected fluid and brought downstream to the at least one suction orifice 9 to be sucked in and evacuated. In this way, a second drying operation is performed, and enough lubricant and/or fluid is withdrawn from the strip 2.

[0099] The distance H1 which separates the hydrodynamic pad from the strip 2, when measured vertical to the plane formed by the strip, is for example of order 0.3 mm (+/30%).

[0100] The distance H2 which separates the projection orifice of the strip 2, when measured vertical to the plane formed by the strip, is for example of order 0.2 mm (+/20%).

[0101] In some examples, and as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the projection slot 12 is formed by a clearance resulting from the assembly of the cassette 4 and a projection cover 13. The projection cover 13 is a separate part of the cassette 4.

[0102] Reference is now made to FIG. 6. This shows a view of a lower cassette 4.2. Thus, the hydrodynamic pad 6 and the projection cover 13 are particularly visible. In this example, the projection cover 13 is attached on the cassette by a plurality of screws 131.

[0103] The figure shows an example in which the drying facility comprises a plurality of supply orifices 8, provided on the working surface 61 of the hydrodynamic pad 6, the supply orifices being regularly distributed over the entire length of the hydrodynamic pad 6.