The features of the continuous hot dip galvanization are recalled and it is shown that a process avoiding the contact between the strip and immersed rolls would be a step forward. Such a process has been imagined and studied by means of a water model. Tests on a pilot galvanization line have allowed to determine conditions where no contact occurs between the strip and the zinc containing tank.
Stable operation is possible for a sufficient range of line speeds and strip tensions.
The advantages of this technique are being verified using a pilot prototype.