Apparatus for inductively heating a product by lateral flow

Abstract

An inductor (20) intended to heat a flat product (1) by transverse induction, said product having an upper face (1fs) and a lower face (1fi), said inductor comprising coils (2as, 2ai, 2bs, 2bi) having surfaces (S2as, S2ai, S2bs, S2bi) extending on planes (P2as, P2ai, P2bs, P2bi) substantially parallel to each other and thicknesses (Eas, Eai, Ebs, Ebi) in a direction perpendicular to these planes, the inductor further comprising a central space (3) between the coils intended to receive the product (1), wherein at least two coils (2as, 2ai) are arranged on a first side of the central space (3) and at least two coils (2bs, 2bi) are arranged on a second side of the central space (3) opposite the first side, wherein on the same side of the central space (3), the coils (2ai, 2bi) closest to the face (1fs, 1fi) of the product are spaced apart from the face of the product by a first distance (Dai, Dbi), the other coils being arranged at such a distance from the face of the product that this distance is at least equal to the first distance (Dai, Dbi) plus the thickness (Eai, Ebi) of the coils arranged between the other coils and the face of the product, and the surfaces (P2as, P2ai, P2bs, P2bi) of the coils at least partially overlap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for heating products by transverse flow induction, particularly flat products such as slabs, thin slabs, and strips. Background Technology

[0002] Equipment that heats products using transverse flow induction mainly includes a power supply, an inductor, and electrical connection components between these components.

[0003] Lateral flow induction heating allows for the efficient heating of products with low magnetic permeability. For example, it allows for high power densities (typically up to approximately 2500 kW / m³). 2 To heat carbon steel above its Curie point.

[0004] Nevertheless, this power density may still be insufficient to achieve the desired temperature increase over lengths limited by size or method constraints.

[0005] In the steel industry, continuous casting allows for the continuous and direct production of flat products from molten metal contained in a ladle. The resulting products can be slabs typically between 35 mm and 80 mm thick, thin slabs typically between 5 mm and 35 mm thick, or strips typically less than or equal to 5 mm thick. After the metal has been rapidly cooled in the mold to allow it to solidify, an induction heating device allows it to reach suitable conditions for rolling, typically between 1100°C and 1250°C, to obtain the desired product section and metallurgical finish after rolling. Depending on the continuous casting capacity, the power required to bring the product to the rolling temperature can be several megawatts. Given a rolling temperature level and required power, a cross-flow induction heating device is known. However, known high-flow-rate cross-flow inductors limit the power to approximately 1.5 MW. To set the necessary usable power, several inductors are placed in series, one after another. The resulting total length is quite large, for example, 20 m. Steel mills wish to reduce this length as much as possible. Moreover, the temperature distribution of the product at the end of heating is a determining factor in the rolling quality. Current crossflow heating equipment allows for adjustment of the temperature distribution, particularly limiting overheating at the edges, but only within a limited range that cannot fully meet the needs of steel mills.

[0006] This invention provides a solution to these problems using sensors and heating devices that inject very high power density into the product and provide a wider range of temperature distribution adjustment for the product, thereby allowing for better temperature uniformity of the product. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a sensor intended to heat a flat product by transverse flow sensing, the product having a top and a bottom, the sensor including coils having surfaces generally parallel to each other and a thickness in a direction perpendicular to these planes, the sensor also including a central space between the coils intended to receive the product, wherein at least two coils are disposed on a first side of the central space and at least two coils are disposed on a second side of the central space opposite to the first side, and on the same side of the central space, the coil closest to the surface of the product is spaced apart from the surface of the product by a first distance, while other coils are disposed at a distance from the surface of the product such that the distance is at least equal to the first distance plus the thickness of the coils disposed between the other coils and the surface of the product, and the surfaces of the coils at least partially overlap.

[0008] The presence of at least two coils that partially overlap on each side of the product allows for the alteration of the generated magnetic field lines, thereby controlling the temperature rise per unit area of ​​the product.

[0009] This invention is particularly applicable to inductors equipped with high-flow-rate coils, i.e., coils made of a particular conductor, for example comprising multiple strands arranged around a core-forming tube through which coolant flows, as described in the applicant’s FR2989817.

[0010] According to the invention, coils placed on the same side of the product are as close as possible to each other in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the coils extend, and preferably in contact with each other, in order to limit parasitic heating and inductor efficiency reduction caused by the space between the coils.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the relative positions of the coils with respect to each other are adjustable such that the central axes of the coils perpendicular to the surface (on which the coils extend) all coincide, all of these central axes of the coils are different, or some central axes coincide while the other central axes are different in the direction parallel to the surface.

[0012] One possibility is that the relative positions of the coils with respect to each other can be adjusted based on the width and / or length of the product.

[0013] According to the present invention, coils located on the same side of the product to be heated can be offset from each other. This offset can be only in the direction transverse to the product, only in the longitudinal direction relative to the product, or both in the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0014] Similarly, coils placed on either side of the product can face each other, or they can be offset only in the direction transverse to the product, only in the longitudinal direction relative to the product, or both in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Offset may involve only portions of the coils. For example, using an inductor according to the invention with two coils on each side of the product, the two coils closest to the product can face each other, while the two outer coils can be offset, and vice versa. The facing position of the coils is the position with optimal efficiency. In particular, coil offset can be performed to affect the temperature distribution of the product, but this will result in reduced efficiency of the device.

[0015] According to the present invention, the relative positions of the coils of the sensor on either side of the product are also adjustable in order to modify the distance between the generally parallel surfaces on which the coils extend, i.e., to modify the air gap.

[0016] Therefore, according to the invention, the distance between the coil and the product can be modified, i.e., the air gap can be increased or decreased. Thus, if it is desired to reduce the power density transmitted to the product, for example, to reduce temperature non-uniformity of the product due to excessive power density, the air gap can be increased. Advantageously, the coil is moved so that the product is centered between the coils, i.e., there is approximately the same distance between the product and the first coil located on each side of the product.

[0017] On the same side of the product, a second coil, starting from said surface, is positioned at a distance from the product such that this distance is at least equal to the distance from which the first coil is placed plus the thickness of the first coil. According to the invention, the distance between coils located on the same side of the product to be heated can be modified. This allows the second coil to be moved away from the first coil, thereby modifying the power density transmitted to the product. In configurations with more than two coils on one side of the product, the positions of complementary coils can also be adjusted relative to the other coils to move them away from or closer to the product.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention, a transverse flow induction heating device for a product is provided, the device comprising at least one inductor according to a variant of a prior variant embodiment and at least one power source electrically connected to the inductor.

[0019] Depending on the characteristics of the sensor and the power supply, the electrical connection between these two devices may include a current boost or buck transformer and / or a capacitor.

[0020] The device may include means for modifying the distance of the coil from the surface of the product closest to the coil.

[0021] In one possibility, the device may include means for modifying the relative position of the first coil with respect to the second coil based on the width and / or length of the product.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the coil of the sensor disposed on one side of the central space of the sensor is powered by a first power source among the at least one power source, while the coil disposed on the other side of the central space is powered by a second power source among the at least one power source.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention, the two coils closest to the central space are powered by a first power source among the at least one power source, while the two coils furthest from the central space are powered by a second power source among the at least one power source. When the sensor comprises more than four coils, the coil located between the two coils closest to the central space and the two coils furthest from the central space can be powered by either one of the two power sources or the other power source.

[0024] The power supply can be positioned on the same side of the product in a direction transverse to the product, or on each side of the product in that transverse direction.

[0025] Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present invention having two coils on each side of the central space, the two coils closest to the central space constituting the first pair of coils can be powered by a first power source disposed on one side of the product, while the two coils furthest from the central space constituting the second pair of coils can be powered by a second power source disposed on the other side of the product.

[0026] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the two power sources have different powers, and the maximum power flow that can be transmitted to the product by the two pairs of coils is different.

[0027] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the transverse flow induction heating device includes at least two consecutive sensors along the longitudinal direction of the product. Thus, the first sensor is designed, for example, to ensure an initial temperature rise in the product, while the second sensor is designed to ensure a complementary temperature rise. Depending on the relative positions of the coils of the sensors, the two sensors can have the same effect on the temperature distribution of the product at the sensor outlet, or they can have different effects, such as opposite effects. Thus, for example, the first sensor can have a coil operating position that results in a strong temperature rise at one of the two edges of the product in a direction transverse to the product; while the second sensor has a relative operating position that results in a sharp temperature rise at the other edge of the product. Therefore, the temperature distribution of the product can be adjusted after each sensor to obtain a desired temperature distribution at the outlet of the last sensor. For example, using a solution comprising two consecutive sensors and where the edge of the product entering the first sensor is colder than its center, the first sensor can raise the temperature level of the first edge of the product, and the second sensor can raise the temperature of the second edge of the product, such that at the outlet of the second sensor, the product has reached the desired temperature rise while having a uniform temperature or a desired temperature distribution.

[0028] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for transverse flow induction heating of a product is provided by means of a device according to one embodiment of the above embodiments, characterized in that the relative positions of the coils of the inductors with respect to each other and with respect to the product are adjusted according to the temperature distribution of the product aligned at the output end of the inductor.

[0029] The coil's position can be manually adjusted by the operator, who positions the coil and then clamps it in the working position. This adjustment can be made using mechanical devices, such as rack and pinion or sliding translation systems. The adjustment can also be achieved via electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic devices, such as jacks. By mechanizing the movement, the adjustment can be automated.

[0030] The coil position can be adjusted by operator action or automatically based on product characteristics (especially product width) and / or the desired temperature distribution of the product at the sensor outlet. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. The accompanying drawings are provided for understanding the specific embodiments, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention in its first operating position.

[0033] Figure 2 Is in the position of with Figure 1 same work position Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the sensor shown.

[0034] Figure 3 Is in the position of with Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic top view of the sensor shown in the previous figure at the same working position.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of the sensor shown in the previous figure in its second operating position.

[0036] Figure 5 Is in the position of with Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the sensor shown in the previous figure at the same working position.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic top view of the sensor shown in the previous figure in the third operating position.

[0038] Figure 7 Is in the position of with Figure 6 A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor shown in the previous figure at the same working position.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor shown in the previous figure in the fourth operating position.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor according to the invention, based on two embodiments of the cylinder head, with the upper part illustrating a first example and the lower part illustrating a second example.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a typical circuit diagram illustrating a first example of the connection of the coil of the inductor according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a typical circuit diagram illustrating a second example of the coil connection of the inductor according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a typical circuit diagram illustrating a third example of the connection of the coil of the inductor according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 13 This is a typical circuit diagram illustrating a fourth example of the connection of the coil of the inductor according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 14 The diagram illustrates an example implementation of the method according to the invention, showing the evolution of the lateral temperature distribution of the product at the outlets of four consecutive sensors according to the invention.

[0046] Since the embodiments described below are not intended to be limiting, variations of the invention are particularly conceivable that include only selected described features, provided that such selection is sufficient to provide a technical advantage or to distinguish the invention from the prior art. Such selection may include at least one preferred functional feature without structural details or with only a portion thereof, provided that portion is sufficient to provide a technical advantage or to distinguish the invention from the prior art.

[0047] In the remainder of the instruction manual, elements with the same structure or similar function will be designated by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Figures 1 to 8 The same embodiment of the sensor 20 according to the invention is illustrated schematically in possibly different operating positions. The sensor allows heating of a flat product 1. The product is defined by a longitudinal direction along its length and a transverse direction along its width.

[0049] A transverse flow sensor typically includes a coil that generates an electromagnetic field at the product's heating source and a cylinder head designed to channel the magnetic field to improve sensor efficiency. The coil and cylinder head are fixed to a plate on each side of the product to be heated. The sensor typically includes thermal protection that forms a barrier against radiation from the product. This thermal protection can also be hermetically tight when the product needs to be placed in an environment different from air (e.g., in an environment that does not cause oxidation). As a variation, hermetically tightness can be achieved separately from the thermal protection. For simplicity, only the coil is shown in the drawings.

[0050] Figures 1 to 3 Sensor 20 in a first example in its working position is illustrated schematically. Figure 1 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the sensor. Figure 3 This is a top view of the sensor.

[0051] The sensor 20 includes two pairs of coils 2as, 2ai, 2bs, and 2bi, which are arranged on either side of the central space 3, in which the product 1 to be heated is located. Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen in this example of the working position, the four coils are completely stacked together, with their central axes 4as, 4ai, 4bs, and 4bi coinciding in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. This configuration is suitable, for example, when the coils are sized such that they can cover the width of the product to be heated when stacked.

[0052] Starting from the top 1fs of the product 1 to be heated, the first coil 2ai is at a distance Dai, that is, the plane P2ai on which the surface S2ai of the coil 2ai lies is a distance Dai from the top 1fs of the product. This distance Dai strongly affects the power density transmitted from the coil to the product. In order to adjust the power transmitted to the strip, this distance can be adjusted by means of... Figure 2 The device 21 shown is used for adjustment.

[0053] The device 21 includes, for example, a worm gear and a nut, with the longitudinal axis of the worm gear perpendicular to the surface 1fs of the product, and the nut fixed to a coil that cooperates with the worm gear. Therefore, the position of the coil is adjusted by rotating the worm gear. The device 21 can also be a rack and pinion, a linear motor, a jack, or any other known device.

[0054] The second coil 2as is placed at a distance Das from the top of the product by 1fs. That is, the plane P2as containing the surface S2as of coil 2as is 1fs away from the top of the product by a distance Das. This distance Das is at least equal to the distance Dai from which the first coil is positioned plus the thickness of the first coil. This distance Das also strongly affects the power density transmitted from the coil to the product. To adjust the power transmitted to the strip, this distance Das can also be adjusted using... Figure 2 The second device 21 shown is used for adjustment.

[0055] Starting from the surface 1fi of the product 1 to be heated, the first coil 2bi is at a distance Dbi, that is, the plane P2bi on which the surface S2bi of the coil 2bi lies is a distance Dbi from the bottom surface 1fi of the product. This distance Dbi strongly affects the power density transmitted from the coil to the product. In order to adjust the power transmitted to the strip, this distance can be adjusted by means of... Figure 2 The device 21 shown is used for adjustment.

[0056] The second coil 2bs is positioned at a distance Dbs from the bottom 1fi of the product; that is, the plane P2bs containing the surface S2bs of coil 2bs is a distance Dbs from the bottom 1fi of the product. This distance Dbs is at least equal to the distance Dbi from which the first coil is positioned plus the thickness of the first coil. This distance Dbs also strongly affects the power density transmitted from the coil to the product. To adjust the power transmitted to the strip, this distance Dbs can also be adjusted using... Figure 2 The second device 21 shown is used for adjustment.

[0057] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The sensor 20 is shown in a second working position, which is adapted to a larger product width than in the first example of the working position. Figure 4 This is a top view of the sensor. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the sensor. The longitudinal section view of the sensor will be compared with... Figure 1 Similarly, for both of these working position examples, the coil's position in the longitudinal direction is the same. In the second working position, the coil is shifted laterally to cover the entire width of the product.

[0058] The lateral position of the coil can be determined by... Figure 4 The device 22 shown is used for adjustment. This device 22 includes, for example, a worm gear and a nut, with the longitudinal axis of the worm gear parallel to the surface 1fs of the product, and the nut fixed to a coil that cooperates with the worm gear. Therefore, the position of the coil is adjusted by rotating the worm gear. The device 22 can also be a rack and pinion, a linear motor, a jack, or any other known device. Figure 4 In one embodiment, two coils arranged on the same side of the product are equipped with means 22 for adjusting the lateral position of these coils. According to another embodiment of the invention, only one coil is equipped with means 22 for adjusting the lateral position of that coil.

[0059] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Sensor 20 in the third operating position is shown as an example. Figure 6 This is a top view of the sensor. Figure 7 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor. The cross-sectional view of the sensor will be compared with... Figure 5 Similarly, for the second and third working position examples, the position of the coil in the lateral direction is the same.

[0060] The longitudinal position of the coil can be determined by... Figure 6 The device 23 shown is used for adjustment. This device 23 can be similar to, or different from, a device used to adjust the lateral position of the coil. Figure 6 In one embodiment, two coils arranged on the same side of the product are equipped with means 23 for adjusting the longitudinal position of these coils. According to another embodiment of the invention, only one coil is equipped with means 23 for adjusting the longitudinal position of that coil.

[0061] Figure 8 The sensor 20 in its fourth operating position is shown in a longitudinal cross-sectional view. This example illustrates an operating position in which an asymmetry exists between the coils relative to the product to be heated. Therefore, coil 2as is not opposite coil 2bs. Any other variations of this asymmetry are possible according to the invention.

[0062] The coil is advantageously made of an assembly of conductors. Each conductor comprises multiple strands of conductive material (e.g., copper) wound around an electrically insulating tube forming a core, through which coolant flows. The strands are impregnated with an electrically insulating paste having good thermal conductivity to ensure good heat transfer between the strands and the tube. The coil is made, for example, of an assembly of conductors juxtaposed on the same plane of the coil. At each end, the conductors are electrically connected to each other in a connection to a power source. Similarly, at each end, the insulating tube leads to a cavity forming a coolant supply or discharge manifold, depending on the end.

[0063] Advantageously, the coil comprises two stacked and juxtaposed components as described above, i.e., two layers of conductors on two parallel planes. In an alternative embodiment, the components for connecting to the power source and / or the connection points to the coolant are common to both layers of conductors.

[0064] To simplify the illustration of the coil, the electrical and hydraulic connections of the coil are not shown.

[0065] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sensor includes at least one cylinder head on each side of the product. The cylinder head is made of stacked silicon steel sheets separated by an electrical insulator. This stacking allows the cylinder head to channel the electromagnetic field generated by the coil while preventing current from flowing within the cylinder head. Figure 9 Two embodiments of the cylinder head 5 at the mid-width of product 1 are illustrated in longitudinal cross-sectional views. It is known that in actual sensors, the cylinder head is identical on both sides of the sensor. In the upper part of the figure, the cylinder head has a central extension that positions the coil internally. In the variant embodiment shown in the lower part of the figure, the central extension is absent. If the cylinder head includes the central extension, the efficiency is better, but this limits the possible lateral travel of the coil. Conversely, a sensor with a cylinder head without the central extension will have lower efficiency, but it will provide a greater range of adjustment for the relative position of the coil.

[0066] Figures 10 to 13 This is a simplified electrical diagram, which illustrates, in a non-limiting manner, different variations of the connection of an inductor having two pairs of coils according to the invention.

[0067] Figure 10 An example of a series / parallel combination is shown, in which power supply 6 supplies power to the four coils of the sensor. Two coils 2as and 2ai located on the same side of the product are connected in parallel, and two other coils 2bs and 2bi located on the other side of the product are also connected in parallel. These two pairs of coils are connected in series. The circuit includes a capacitor 7 arranged in series.

[0068] Figure 11An example of a series assembly is shown, in which the inductor is powered by two power supplies 6. One power supply 6 supplies power to the pair of coils 2as and 2bs furthest from the product, which are connected in series. The second power supply 6 supplies power to the pair of coils 2ai and 2bi closest to the product, which are also connected in series. Each circuit includes a capacitor 7 arranged in series.

[0069] Figure 12 A configuration with two power supplies 6 is also illustrated, but in this configuration, the coils are connected in parallel. Therefore, one power supply 6 supplies power to the pair of coils 2as and 2bs furthest from the product, which are connected in parallel, while the second power supply 6 supplies power to the pair of coils 2ai and 2bi closest to the product, which are also connected in parallel. Again, each circuit includes capacitors 7 arranged in series.

[0070] exist Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the variant shown, the two power supplies 6 can be placed on the same side of the product, or one power supply can be placed on each side of the product.

[0071] Figure 13 Examples of close proximity Figure 12 The arrangement shown depicts a sensor powered by a dual-output power supply 6. One output of power supply 6 supplies power to the pair of coils 2as and 2bs furthest from the product; these coils are connected in series. The second output of power supply 6 supplies power to the pair of coils 2ai and 2bi closest to the product; these coils are also connected in series. Each circuit includes a capacitor 7 arranged in series.

[0072] In an exemplary application of the invention in the production of thin steel slabs by continuous casting, four consecutive units allow the product temperature to be raised from 900°C to 1000°C. Each unit includes a power supply connected to an inductor having two coils arranged on each side of the product. These coils are based on... Figure 10 The schematic diagram shows the electrical connections. Up to 4000A of current is supplied to these coils at a voltage of 2500V and a frequency of 1000Hz. The relative positions of the coils of these four devices are adjusted to obtain a product with a desired lateral temperature distribution at the output of 1000°C.

[0073] Figure 14A graph illustrating the lateral temperature variation of the product is shown, illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the invention for this application example of reheating a thin slab. The y-axis of the graph represents the temperature of the product, and the x-axis represents the width of the product. Curve A represents the lateral temperature distribution of the product at the inlet of the first sensor, where the edge temperature of the product is significantly lower than the center. Curve B represents the temperature distribution of the product at the outlet of the first sensor. The relative position of the coils of the first sensor is adjusted to promote strong heating of the product edge located on the left side of the graph. Curve C represents the temperature distribution of the product at the outlet of the second sensor. The relative position of the coils of the second sensor is adjusted to promote even stronger heating of the product edge located on the right side of the graph. Curve D represents the temperature distribution of the product at the outlet of the third sensor. The relative position of the coils of the third sensor is adjusted to promote slightly stronger heating of the edge located on the left side of the graph. Curve E represents the temperature distribution of the product at the outlet of the fourth final sensor. The relative position of the coils of the final sensor is adjusted to promote slightly stronger heating of the edge located on the right side of the graph, thereby obtaining a uniform temperature distribution of the product.

Claims

1. An inductor (20) for heating a flat product (1) by transverse flow induction, the product having a top (1fs) and a bottom (1fi), the inductor comprising coils (2as, 2ai, 2bs, 2bi) having surfaces (S2as, S2ai, S2bs, S2bi) extending in planes (P2as, P2ai, P2bs, P2bi) that are substantially parallel to each other, and thicknesses (Eas, Eai, Ebs, Ebi) in directions perpendicular to these planes, the inductor further comprising a central space (3) between the coils, the central space being intended to receive the product (1), wherein, At least two coils (2as, 2ai) are disposed on a first side of the central space (3), and at least two coils (2bs, 2bi) are disposed on a second side of the central space (3) opposite to the first side. On the same side of the central space (3), the coils (2ai, 2bi) closest to the surface (1fs, 1fi) of the product are spaced apart from the surface by a first distance (Dai, Dbi), and the other coils are disposed at a distance from the surface of the product such that this distance is at least equal to the first distance (Dai, Dbi) plus the thickness (Eai, Ebi) of the coils disposed between the other coils and the surface of the product. The surface of the coils (S2as) The coils (2as, 2ai, 2bs, 2bi) at least partially overlap, and the coils (2as, 2ai, 2bs, 2bi) have central axes (4as, 4ai, 4bs, 4bi) perpendicular to the surface (S2as, S2ai, S2bs, S2bi), characterized in that the relative positions of the coils with respect to each other are adjustable in all three aspects: (i) such that the central axes (4as, 4ai, 4bs, 4bi) of the coils are all coincident; (ii) the central axes of the coils are all different; and (iii) some central axes coincide while the other central axes are different in the direction parallel to the surface (S2as, S2ai, S2bs, S2bi).

2. The sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The relative positions of the coils with respect to each other can be adjusted based on the width and / or length of the product.

3. The sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The relative positions of the coils with respect to each other are adjustable in order to modify the distance between the two generally parallel surfaces (S2as, S2ai, S2bs, S2bi) on which the coils extend.

4. The sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The relative position of the coil is adjustable to modify the distance of the coil from the surface of the product closest to the coil.

5. An apparatus for transverse flow induction heating of a product (1), the apparatus comprising at least one inductor (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and at least one power source (10) electrically connected to the inductor.

6. The apparatus for transverse flow induction heating of product (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The device includes means (21) capable of modifying the distance of the coil from the surface of the product closest to the coil.

7. The apparatus for transverse flow induction heating of product (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The device includes means (22, 23) capable of modifying the relative position of the first coil with respect to the second coil based on the width and / or the length of the product.

8. The apparatus for transverse flow induction heating of product (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The coils (2as, 2ai, 2bs, 2bi) of the sensor (20) located on one side of the central space (3) of the sensor are powered by the first power source (10) of the at least one power source (10), and the coil located on the other side of the central space (3) is powered by the second power source (10) of the at least one power source.

9. The device for transverse flow induction heating of product (1) according to claim 5, wherein the coils (2ai, 2bi) closest to the central space are powered by the first power source (10) of the at least one power source (10), and the coils (2as, 2bs) furthest from the product are powered by the second power source (10) of the at least one power source (10).

10. The apparatus for transverse flow induction heating of product (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that, The device includes at least two consecutive sensors (20) along the longitudinal direction of the product.

11. A method for transverse flow induction heating of a product (1) using an apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that, The relative positions of the coils (2as, 2ai, 2bs, 2bi) of the sensor (20) with respect to each other and with respect to the product are adjusted according to the temperature distribution of the product at the output end of the sensor.

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