Patent ID: 6294072
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: C23F,C23G,C25F

Abstract:
A system for stripping a metal oxide scale from a metal surface, the system comprising:a metal product having an oxide scale layer on a surface of the metal product, the metal product having a first natural E.degree.;a separate counter electrode having a second natural E.degree. greater than the first E.degree.;a holder for the metal product having a third natural E.degree. greater than the first E.degree., the holder formed to suspend the metal product and to provide a current path therebetween;an electrical conductor electrically connecting the counter electrode to the holder whereby to provide a dc current path therebetween without imposition of an external positive voltage from the counter electrode to the metal; andan electrolyte in association with the metal product and counter electrode to thereby strip the oxide scale layer from the surface of the metal product.