Mechanical descaling device

A device for mechanically descaling at least one surface of a generally planar linearly-displaced metal sheet (S), comprising

• (a) a stationary frame (21, 22, 23, 25) arranged adjacent the path of travel of the metal sheet;
• and
• (b) at least one nozzle assembly (26) connected with said frame adjacent the sheet surface, each of said nozzle assemblies including
• (1) a nozzle support member (28);
• (2) shaft means (34) connecting said support member with said frame for pivotal movement about a first axis (X) normal to the centerline (l.sub.1) of the sheet;
• (3) a plurality of parallel nozzle members (37) connected in equally spaced relation with said support member,
• (a) the tips of said nozzle members being contained in a common line (l.sub.3);
• (b) said nozzle members having parallel axes (l.sub.2) contained in a common plane that
• (1) contains said common line, and
• (2) is arranged at a first angle (.beta.) relative to the sheet surface;
• and
• (4) first drive means (32, 33) for pivoting said support member about said first axis to vary a second angle (.alpha.) between said common line and the sheet centerline, whereby when a slurry is applied to said nozzle members to direct a plurality of descaling slurry jets against the sheet surface, the support member may be pivoted about said first axis to control the extent of the impingement area of the descaling slurry jets on the sheet surface.