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Abstract

A method of continuous controlled cooling of a plurality of heated steel wires having a diameter larger than 2.8 mm and having an austenite microstructure and of transformation to a pearlite microstructure of the steel wires. The method comprises the steps of: a) Providing a first coolant bath comprising a first coolant liquid. The first coolant liquid comprises water and a stabilizing additive. b) Guiding the plurality of previously heated steel wires parallel to each other along individual paths through the first coolant liquid contained in the first coolant bath; and directing impinging liquid immersed inside the first coolant bath towards each of the steel wires over a certain length L. The impinging liquid decreases the thickness of or destabilizes the steam film around each of the plurality of steel wires, resulting in an increase of the speed of cooling over said length L. The intensity of the impinging liquids is individually set and/or controlled for each individual steel wire or for subsets of the plurality of steel wires. c) Guiding the plurality of steel wires parallel to each other through air for further cooling.

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First Claim