Hybrid-heated galvanising device

Abstract

Galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath filled with zinc-based molten metal for parts to be galvanized, including hybrid heating elements arranged to impart a predetermined bath temperature to said molten metal bath, and means for regulating the temperature of the molten metal bath arranged to control said hybrid heating elements and to selectively activate one, several, or all of the hybrid heating elements, which include a series of burner heating elements and a series of electric heating elements.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a hybrid heating galvanizing device.

[0002] We know of devices for galvanizing wire, tape or parts equipped with a galvanizing bath containing molten metal in which wires, tapes or parts made of a ferrous material, such as steel or the like, are galvanized.

[0003] Typically, the molten metal in the galvanizing bath is composed of zinc or aluminum, or a zinc / aluminum alloy, and possibly other metals or alloys. The purpose of galvanizing is to apply an external coating to wire, tape, or parts to give them specific properties, such as corrosion resistance for the underlying ferrous material.

[0004] Zinc is a metal with excellent anti-corrosive properties, good adhesion to ferrous materials, and low cost. Zinc, sometimes in mixtures or alloys, is therefore particularly used for the external coating of wires, tapes, or galvanized parts.

[0005] To apply an external zinc coating to wire, tape, or parts, the zinc must be in molten metal form in the galvanizing bath. Zinc has a melting point of 419.5°C, and if it is in alloy form, this melting point may be higher or lower.

[0006] Generally, the molten metal in the galvanizing bath is maintained at a temperature between 445°C and 600°C to ensure it remains molten and is ready to adhere uniformly to wires, tapes, or parts, and to ensure proper wiping. Therefore, it is necessary to heat the galvanizing bath to reach and maintain this temperature range using heating elements.

[0007] More specifically, during the galvanizing of wires or ribbons on a scroll, the temperature of the molten metal is typically between 445°C and 480°C, whereas during the galvanizing of parts (Spin Galvanizing), the temperature can increase up to 600°C to decrease the viscosity of the molten metal and facilitate the spin-drying step downstream.

[0008] Indeed, when wires or ribbons are to be galvanized, they are passed through the bath. When parts are to be treated, these parts are placed in a basket which is either immersed in the bath or passed through it. The basket is then removed from the bath and wrung out to remove excess zinc from the parts.

[0009] There are two types of baths for galvanizing metal components: metal baths and ceramic baths. The need to be able to raise the temperature up to 600°C necessitates the use of a ceramic bath, which is more heat-resistant.

[0010] Furthermore, to ensure precise and optimal control of the bath temperature and maintain coating quality, modern galvanizing baths are often equipped with regulation and adjustment mechanisms to continuously regulate the heating elements. In addition, some galvanizing systems use different bath temperatures depending on the type of product being galvanized. Temperature control is also critical and important in these cases.

[0011] To heat a ceramic galvanizing bath and maintain the zinc in a molten state, immersion heaters with burners are used as heating elements. These heaters are often placed directly in the galvanizing bath for direct and efficient heating. They typically use fuel sources such as natural gas, biogas, or fuel oil.

[0012] However, access to these fuel sources is not guaranteed; they may be expensive or unavailable when needed. Furthermore, the CO2 emissions associated with these fuel sources are harmful to the environment and contribute to climate change, not to mention that they increase the company's carbon footprint in an industry where the energy transition is highly complex.

[0013] The wires, ribbons or pieces arrive cold in the galvanizing bath and carry with them some of the thermal energy contained in the bath.

[0014] Furthermore, in the case of galvanized wire or ribbon production, in order to maximize output, the speed at which these materials pass through the production lines, and therefore also through the galvanizing lines, is constantly increasing. These increases imply a higher flow rate of wire or ribbon passing through the galvanizing bath. This increased flow rate can be compensated for by lengthening the galvanizing bath to maintain a sufficient residence time for galvanizing.

[0015] Indeed, a longer bath would allow for the addition of more heating elements and would also increase its thermal inertia due to the larger volume of molten metal in the galvanizing bath. However, this increased length of the galvanizing bath could potentially pose space constraints, particularly regarding the area required for installation and integration into existing infrastructure.

[0016] Furthermore, increasing the flow rate of wires or ribbons passing through the galvanizing bath accelerates its cooling. The wires or ribbons typically enter at a temperature lower than that of the molten metal bath but also pass at high speed and carry with them some of the thermal energy of the molten metal bath. Currently, wires pass at a speed Dv between 100 and 400 mm.m / min, where Dv is the product of a diameter D and a speed v, and ribbons pass at a speed v between 5 and 30 m / min.

[0017] The accelerated cooling must also be compensated by an increase in heating power (either by using more numerous, larger or more efficient heating elements, for example).

[0018] In a galvanizing bath, there is a treatment zone that extends along the entire length of the bath. The treatment zone is narrower than the bath to leave a border area on either side of the treatment zone, typically where the heating elements, particularly immersion heaters, are located.

[0019] In a galvanizing bath for moving parts, there is a treatment zone that extends into the bath in the direction of movement. The treatment zone is narrower than the bath to leave a border zone on either side of the treatment zone, typically where the heating elements, particularly immersion heaters, are located.

[0020] This treatment zone, extending the entire length of the galvanizing bath, means that no obstruction can be placed within it, as this could compromise the galvanizing process, namely, the immersion of parts or the flow of wires, ribbons, or components. Therefore, the heating elements must be located in the bordering zone on either side of the wire, ribbon, or component treatment zone, along the walls of the galvanizing bath, without extending into this zone. Alternatively, they can be positioned in a dedicated area somewhere in the center of the bath. In this latter case, the immersion heaters are located in the center, and the treatment zone is situated to the left and right of the heaters. The space allocated to the heating elements is thus limited, and increasing the number of heating elements in this zone is restricted by the available space as well as by the heat radiated from the immersion heaters.Indeed, in the case of burner immersion heaters, heating elements too close together lead to the formation of overheating zones which impair galvanization and / or its energy efficiency.

[0021] Furthermore, a galvanizing device consisting solely of burner heating elements can only contain a certain number of them, as described above. In the case of parts being galvanized in a continuous flow, if the flow rate through the galvanizing bath increases, their flow rate also increases, and they will carry away a greater portion of the thermal energy contained in the bath. Similarly, if the number of parts immersed in the galvanizing bath for a given time increases, there will be a greater loss of the thermal energy contained in the bath. This leads to a decrease in the temperature of the molten metal in the galvanizing bath because temperature regulation is no longer adequately ensured by the burner heating elements. In order to properly regulate the temperature, the number of burner heating elements would need to be increased.As explained previously, since these cannot be too close to each other, it would therefore be necessary to increase the size of the galvanizing bath, which is not feasible due to space or cost constraints.

[0022] In the case of parts immersed in the galvanizing bath, the temperature of the molten metal in the bath must be at an optimal level to ensure high-quality galvanizing. The immersion time depends, among other things, on the complexity of the parts. To maximize production at this stage, it is essential that the bath temperature remains constant and appropriate at all times.

[0023] As can be understood, adapting galvanizing in a line where the production speeds of galvanizing must increase requires working on a very fine balance which is complex to control.

[0024] The invention aims to address these technological challenges and to at least partially overcome the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a compact galvanizing device that allows for maintaining a constant coating quality for wires, ribbons or parts to be galvanized ever more quickly.

[0025] The invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a galvanizing device as described above, comprising a ceramic bath filled with zinc-based molten metal for the parts to be galvanized, comprising at least one regulating zone, said at least one regulating zone being provided with at least one means for measuring the temperature in contact with the molten metal of the bath, arranged to measure a bath temperature, hybrid heating elements arranged to impart a predetermined bath temperature to said molten metal bath, means for regulating the temperature of the molten metal bath arranged to control said hybrid heating elements, said regulating means being connected to said hybrid heating elements so as to activate said hybrid heating elements when the bath temperature is lower than the predetermined bath temperature.said hybrid heating elements comprise a series of burner heating elements and a series of electric heating elements, said series of burner heating elements being composed of 1 to 25 burner immersion heaters and said series of electric heating elements being composed of 1 to 50 electric immersion heaters, said control means being arranged to activate at least the heating elements selected from the group consisting of: , one, several or all of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements, or one, several or all of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements, or all of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and all of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements, or one or more of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and all of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements, or all of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and one or more of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements,or one or more of the burner heating elements from said series of burner heating elements and one or more of the electric heating elements from said series of electric heating elements.

[0026] As can be seen, the device according to the present invention comprises a ceramic bath filled with zinc-based molten metal in which items to be galvanized, such as wires, ribbons, or parts, are galvanized. The bath includes at least one regulating zone equipped with at least one means for measuring the bath temperature in order to detect the temperature of the molten metal in said zone. When the bath temperature is too low compared to the predetermined bath temperature, the heating elements are activated via the temperature regulating means.

[0027] According to the present invention, it has become apparent that the presence of hybrid heating elements, i.e. burner heating elements and electric heating elements, makes it possible to increase the heating power of the galvanizing bath in order to compensate for the cooling linked to the increase in production speeds of galvanizing wires, ribbons or parts to be galvanized without having to lengthen the bath and without creating a penalizing overheating zone in the molten metal bath.

[0028] In particular, the use of a ceramic bath allows for long-lasting resistance to high operating temperatures and even enables higher temperature levels than with other materials, while limiting the risk of degradation due to thermal stress. The use of burner and electric immersion heaters allows for the direct, even, and sufficient heating of the molten zinc. This direct contact heating method offers an advantage over heating through the walls, since ceramic, although effective at withstanding high temperatures, remains a poor conductor of heat. Thus, combining a ceramic bath with immersion heaters allows for the combination of ceramic durability, high-temperature operation, and optimal heating efficiency.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the control means are arranged to selectively activate the burner heating elements and the electric heating elements, thus allowing a choice between these heating elements, partially or entirely, to reach the predetermined bath temperature.

[0030] This hybridization allows you to choose which hybrid heating element to use in full or in priority according to different constraints such as the price of gas, the price of electricity, the availability of gas, the availability of electricity, the factor (tariff, availability, presence of photovoltaic system, ...) day / night, the energy storage capacity and CO2 emissions and offers flexibility to compensate for the cooling linked to increasing galvanizing production speeds.

[0031] Thanks to this flexibility, the hybrid heating galvanizing system dynamically adjusts its energy sources in response to fluctuations in various constraints. For example, when gas prices are high, the system prioritizes the use of electric heating elements to reduce costs. Conversely, during periods of rising electricity prices, burner heating elements are used primarily to minimize costs. This adaptability not only optimizes costs but also addresses environmental constraints by providing cleaner energy options. Indeed, the use of cheaper electrical power can come from renewable energy sources, such as solar power.

[0032] In the galvanizing device according to the present invention, the combination of burner heating elements with electric heating elements allows for the introduction of a greater quantity of thermal energy into the galvanizing bath filled with molten metal, without requiring an increase in the bath's size. This hybrid design maintains the galvanizing bath temperature within the range necessary to ensure that the metal remains molten, at the required temperature, and ready to adhere uniformly to the wires, tapes, or parts being galvanized. This compact galvanizing device thus makes it possible to maintain consistent coating quality for galvanized parts at ever-increasing production speeds.

[0033] Indeed, even if the production speeds of galvanizing wires, ribbons or parts increase, the combination of burner heating elements and electric heating elements makes it possible to compensate for the losses of thermal energy due to the larger volume of cold elements introduced into the bath, and also to properly regulate the temperature of the molten metal and maintain it in the temperature range necessary to produce quality galvanized wires, ribbons or parts.

[0034] This hybrid approach also offers a backup in case one of the energy sources fails. For example, in the event of a power outage or gas supply problems, the other heating element takes over, ensuring uninterrupted production. Furthermore, the ability to distribute the required thermal energy between the hybrid heating elements extends the lifespan of both the burner and electric heating elements, thereby reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

[0035] Advantageously, said at least one temperature measurement means includes a thermocouple with cold junction compensation (CP), connected to said control means, which are PID controllers adjusting the power of the hybrid heating elements according to the desired temperature.

[0036] Advantageously, each hybrid heating element includes means for adjusting operational power, and said regulating means are arranged to control the means for adjusting operational power so as to increase said operational power of at least one hybrid heating element when the bath temperature is less than the predetermined bath temperature.

[0037] Preferably, each hybrid heating element includes means for adjusting operational power, and said control means are arranged to control the means for adjusting operational power so as to increase said operational power of at least one hybrid heating element when the bath temperature is lower than the predetermined bath temperature, said means for adjusting operational power preferably having a minimum operational power and a maximum operational power, said operational power being between the minimum operational power and the maximum operational power, said means for adjusting operational power preferably having an operational power equivalent to the minimum operational power or an operational power equivalent to the maximum operational power.

[0038] Indeed, the operational power adjustment means, controlled by the regulating means, allow for precise adjustment of the operational power supplied by the hybrid heating elements, ensuring that the galvanizing bath temperature is regulated according to the current circumstances. If the bath temperature is lower than the predetermined bath temperature, the regulating means instruct the adjustment means to increase the operational power of at least one hybrid heating element to compensate for the temperature difference. This provides the necessary amount of thermal energy for the bath temperature to reach the predetermined bath temperature and ensures that the wires, ribbons, or parts exiting the galvanizing bath have sufficient coating quality, preventing overheating of the galvanizing bath and energy waste.

[0039] More advantageously, said means of adjusting operational power have a minimum operational power and a maximum operational power, said operational power being between the minimum operational power and the maximum operational power.

[0040] Indeed, adjusting the operating power of the hybrid heating elements using adjustment means within a range from minimum to maximum operating power allows for effective regulation of the galvanizing bath temperature. Thus, the adjustment means will precisely adjust the operating power of the hybrid heating elements so that the bath temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, without supplying more thermal energy than necessary.For example, it is possible to adjust the operating power of the burner heating elements and the operating power of the electric heating elements in different ways: 10% for the burner heating elements and 100% for the electric heating elements, or 90% for the burner heating elements and 0% for the electric heating elements, or 0% for the burner heating elements and 30% for the electric heating elements.

[0041] Even more advantageously, said means of adjusting operational power have an operational power equivalent to the minimum operational power or an operational power equivalent to the maximum operational power.

[0042] This allows all or some of the hybrid heating elements to be switched on or off by switching them from an active mode (maximum operating power) to an inactive mode (minimum operating power). According to the invention, one can thus choose to activate all or some of the hybrid heating elements, or only deactivate them.

[0043] Equally advantageously, said control means are connected to said hybrid heating elements so as to deactivate said hybrid heating elements when the bath temperature is greater than the predetermined bath temperature.

[0044] Thus, overheating of the molten metal in the galvanizing bath is avoided and the coating of the wires, ribbons or parts is always of good quality.

[0045] According to the present invention, said series of burner heating elements consists of 1 to 25 burner immersion heaters.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, the said series of burner heating elements consists of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 burner immersion heaters.

[0047] According to the present invention, said series of electric heating elements consists of 1 to 50 electric immersion heaters.

[0048] In a particular embodiment, the said series of burner heating elements is composed of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 or 50 electric immersion heaters.

[0049] Preferably, said burner immersion heaters are composed of a head equipped with said burner and connected to said control means and a submersible body comprising an outer wall defining a cavity, said cavity being arranged to contain hot combustion gases.

[0050] Preferably, said burner immersion heaters are composed of a head equipped with said burner and connected to said control means and an immersible body comprising an outer wall defining a cavity, said cavity being arranged to contain hot combustion gases, the diameter of said burner immersion heaters preferably being between 15 cm and 30 cm.

[0051] Preferably, said electric immersion heaters are composed of a head connected to said regulating means and an immersible body comprising an outer wall defining a cavity comprising a metallic resistance, said outer wall being preferably made of a ceramic material, more particularly of silicon carbide, even more preferably of SiAlON.

[0052] Preferably, said electric immersion heaters are composed of a head connected to said control means and an immersible body comprising an outer wall defining a cavity comprising a metallic resistance, said outer wall being preferably made of a ceramic material, more particularly of silicon carbide, even more preferably of SiAlON, the diameter of said electric immersion heaters being preferably between 3 cm and 15 cm.

[0053] The advantage of combining burner-type immersion heaters with electric immersion heaters is that it increases the overall efficiency of hybrid heating elements. Indeed, burner-type immersion heaters have an efficiency of around 70%, while electric immersion heaters achieve an efficiency exceeding 90%. This difference in efficiency is due to the presence of a chimney in the structure of burner-type immersion heaters, which allows for the evacuation of combustion gases. This chimney results in additional heat loss, unlike electric immersion heaters where the only significant heat loss is due to conduction in the non-immersed portion of the heater. By combining these two types of immersion heaters, energy efficiency is therefore optimized, while reducing overall heat loss.

[0054] Although electric immersion heaters are more efficient than burner-type immersion heaters, the cost of electricity is generally higher than that of gas, making an exclusively electric bath heating option expensive in the long run. Combining these two types of immersion heaters therefore offers improved energy efficiency while optimizing costs, providing an advantageous hybrid solution that reduces overall heat loss while controlling energy expenses.

[0055] Advantageously, at least two burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements, more particularly more than two burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements, are spaced at a distance of between 25 cm and 75 cm, preferably between 35 cm and 65 cm, even more preferably between 45 cm and 55 cm.

[0056] In the case where the burner heating elements are burner immersion heaters, such a distance is measured between each vertical central axis of said burner immersion heaters.

[0057] Advantageously, said bath comprises 4 substantially parallel walls 2 to 2, said bath comprising a treatment zone and said hybrid heating elements, said hybrid heating elements being located in the bath between said treatment zone and said 4 walls.

[0058] Preferably, said bath comprises 4 substantially parallel walls 2 to 2, said bath comprising a treatment zone and said hybrid heating elements, said hybrid heating elements being located in the bath between said treatment zone and said 4 walls, said treatment zone preferably comprising one or more sub-treatment zones, each sub-treatment zone comprising said at least one regulation zone.

[0059] Advantageously, said treatment zone comprises one or more treatment sub-zones, each treatment sub-zone comprising said at least one regulation zone.

[0060] Indeed, it is advantageous to divide the treatment area into several sub-zones to ensure a homogeneous bath temperature and optimal control of each treatment sub-zone, thus allowing more precise temperature regulation in each sub-zone.

[0061] Hybrid heating elements are positioned inside the galvanizing bath, in the molten metal, when they are immersion heaters.

[0062] Preferably, in the galvanizing device according to the invention, the diameter of said burner immersion heaters is between 15 cm and 30 cm.

[0063] Preferably, in the galvanizing device according to the invention, the diameter of said electric immersion heaters is between 3 cm and 15 cm.

[0064] In a particular embodiment, said galvanizing device is a galvanizing device for moving parts comprising an inlet of moving parts into the bath and an outlet of moving parts into the bath, between which is said bath filled with molten metal through which said moving parts pass, said moving parts being directed along a direction of movement, said direction of movement going from said inlet of moving parts to said outlet of moving parts.

[0065] Advantageously, said one or more processing sub-zones include said scrolling element outlet comprising at least one control zone comprising temperature measurement means in contact with the molten metal of the bath, arranged to measure a molten metal temperature at the bath outlet, and wherein said control means are arranged to adjust said operating power so as to increase said operating power of at least one hybrid heating element when said bath outlet temperature is less than a predetermined bath outlet temperature.

[0066] If the bath outlet temperature is lower than the predetermined bath outlet temperature, the control means instruct the adjustment means to increase the operating power of at least one hybrid heating element to compensate for the temperature difference. This ensures that the necessary amount of thermal energy is supplied to raise the bath temperature to the predetermined bath inlet temperature and prevents the molten metal from cooling excessively due to wires, tapes, or parts exiting the galvanizing bath and carrying away some of the bath's thermal energy.

[0067] Advantageously, said one or more processing sub-zones include said scrolling element inlet comprising at least one control zone comprising temperature measurement means in contact with the molten metal of the bath, arranged to measure a temperature of the molten metal inlet to the bath, and wherein said control means are arranged to adjust said operating power so as to increase said operating power of at least one hybrid heating element when said bath inlet temperature is less than a predetermined bath inlet temperature.

[0068] If the bath inlet temperature is lower than the predetermined bath inlet temperature, the control means instruct the adjustment means to increase the operating power of at least one hybrid heating element to compensate for the temperature difference. This provides the necessary thermal energy to raise the bath inlet temperature to the predetermined bath inlet temperature and ensures that the molten metal does not cool excessively due to wires, ribbons, or moving parts entering the galvanizing bath.

[0069] Advantageously, said one or more processing sub-zones comprise at least one intermediate zone included in the bath between said inlet of scrolling elements and said outlet of scrolling elements, said at least one intermediate zone comprising at least one control zone, said at least one control zone comprising temperature measurement means in contact with the molten metal of the bath, arranged to measure a molten metal temperature of at least one intermediate zone of the bath, and wherein said control means are arranged to adjust said operating power so as to increase said operating power of at least one hybrid heating element when said temperature of at least one intermediate bath zone is less than a predetermined temperature of at least one intermediate bath zone.

[0070] If the temperature of at least one intermediate zone of the bath is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control means instructs the adjustment means to increase the operating power of at least one hybrid heating element to compensate for the temperature difference. This ensures that the necessary amount of thermal energy is supplied, without energy waste, to raise the temperature of at least one intermediate zone of the bath to a predetermined temperature and to guarantee that the molten metal is homogeneous.

[0071] Even more advantageously, said inlet of scrolling elements is positioned on a first wall of said 4 walls substantially parallel 2 to 2, said outlet of scrolling elements is positioned on a second wall parallel to said first wall, and a third and a fourth wall are parallel to the direction of scrolling of the scrolling elements, said bath comprising said hybrid heating elements located along the third wall and / or the fourth wall, in the bath.

[0072] Preferably, said inlet of the moving elements is positioned on a first wall of said four substantially parallel walls, said outlet of the moving elements is positioned on a second wall parallel to said first wall, and a third and a fourth wall are parallel to the direction of movement of the moving elements, said bath comprising said hybrid heating elements located along the third and / or fourth wall, or said bath comprising said hybrid heating elements located in the treatment zone, preferably centrally, such that the moving elements move on either side of said hybrid heating elements

[0073] Equally advantageously, said bath includes said hybrid heating elements located in the treatment area, preferably centrally, in such a way that the scrolling elements move on either side of said hybrid heating elements.

[0074] Other embodiments of the hybrid heating device according to the invention are indicated in the attached claims.

[0075] The invention also relates to a method for regulating the temperature of a galvanizing bath comprising a ceramic bath filled with molten zinc-based metal for parts to be galvanized, comprising the steps of: a measurement of the bath temperature by a temperature-measuring means in contact with the molten metal of the bath with emission of a signal containing the bath temperature value; a comparison of the bath temperature measured in said galvanizing bath to a bath temperature predetermined by the control means and, if the measured bath temperature value is lower than the bath temperature value predetermined by the latter, an activation of said hybrid heating elements selected from the group consisting of: o one, several or all of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements, or ∘ one, several or all of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements, or o all of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and all of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements,or ∘ one or more of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and all the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements, or o all the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and one or more of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements, or ∘ one or more of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and one or more of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements. ,

[0076] Advantageously, the activation of the hybrid heating elements is an activation of (i) one, several or all of the burner heating elements using at least one fuel source, or, (ii) one, several or all of the electric heating elements using at least one electricity source, or, (iii) one, several or all of the burner heating elements using at least one fuel source and one, several or all of the electric heating elements using at least one electricity source.

[0077] For example, fuel sources can be natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, coal, fuel oil or biogas, and electricity sources can be solar, wind, hydro or nuclear power.

[0078] Advantageously, a priority gas mode is included in which: When the bath temperature measured in said galvanizing bath is lower than the predetermined bath temperature, the control means activate the burner heating elements at an operating power via adjustment means, said operating power being less than or equal to a maximum operating power of the burner heating elements that are activated, and if said operating power of the burner heating elements is equal to the maximum operating power of said burner heating elements that are activated and if the bath temperature measured in said galvanizing bath is lower than the predetermined bath temperature, the control means activate said electric heating elements via said adjustment means,The operational power of said electric heating elements is adjusted by said adjustment means until the bath temperature measured in said galvanizing bath is equivalent to the predetermined bath temperature.

[0079] Indeed, the priority gas mode is advantageous in several circumstances, for example when the price of gas is low or gas availability is high.

[0080] Equally advantageously, a priority electric mode is included in which: when the bath temperature measured in said galvanizing bath is lower than the predetermined bath temperature, the control means activate the electric heating elements at an operating power via adjustment means, said operating power being less than or equal to a maximum operating power of the electric heating elements that are activated, and if said operating power of the electric heating elements is equal to the maximum operating power of said electric heating elements that are activated and if the bath temperature measured in said galvanizing bath is lower than the predetermined bath temperature, the control means activate said burner heating elements via said adjustment means,The operating power of said burner heating elements is adjusted by said adjustment means until the bath temperature measured in said galvanizing bath is equivalent to the predetermined bath temperature.

[0081] Indeed, the priority electric mode is advantageous in several circumstances, for example when the price of electricity is low or the availability of electricity is high.

[0082] Advantageously, a switch from said priority electrical mode to said priority gas mode or a switch from said priority gas mode to said priority electrical mode is included in the process of regulating the temperature of a galvanizing bath according to pre-recorded or predetermined constraints or an external signal from an additional PLC, the pre-recorded or predetermined constraints being the price of gas, the price of electricity, the availability of gas, the availability of electricity, the factor (tariff, availability, presence of photovoltaic system, ...) day / night, the energy storage capacity and CO2 emissions.

[0083] The transition from said priority electrical mode to priority gas mode, or from said priority gas mode to priority electrical mode, can be operated automatically or manually.

[0084] In cases where the switchover between modes is based on pre-recorded or predetermined constraints, when one of these constraints exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold, an activation signal is generated by a controller. This signal instructs the control system to switch modes, either from priority electrical mode to priority gas mode, or vice versa. For example, if the electricity supply becomes insufficient, the system may switch from priority electrical mode to priority gas mode. In the case of a switchover from priority gas mode to priority electrical mode, when a pre-recorded constraint crosses its predetermined threshold, a signal is sent to the control system. This system will then deactivate or reduce the output of the burner heating elements and activate the electric heating elements via the operational power adjustment means.

[0085] In the event of a switch from priority electric mode to priority gas mode, when a pre-recorded constraint exceeds its predetermined threshold, a signal is sent to the control system. This system will then deactivate or reduce the power of the electric heating elements and activate the burner heating elements via the operational power adjustment mechanisms.

[0086] In a particularly advantageous manner, the temperature regulation method of a galvanizing bath implements the galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath filled with molten zinc-based metal for elements to be galvanized according to the present invention.

[0087] Other embodiments of the temperature regulation method for a galvanizing bath according to the invention are indicated in the attached claims.

[0088] The invention also relates to a method for modifying a galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath filled with zinc-based molten metal for galvanizing parts, comprising at least one regulating zone, said at least one regulating zone being equipped with at least one temperature measurement means in contact with the molten metal of the bath, arranged to measure a bath temperature, heating elements arranged to impart a predetermined bath temperature to said molten metal bath, said heating elements comprising a series of burner heating elements, means for regulating the temperature of the molten metal bath arranged to control said hybrid heating elements, said regulating means being connected to said heating elements so as to activate said heating elements when the bath temperature is lower than the predetermined bath temperature.characterized in that said redesign process comprises a step of adding a series of electric heating elements among said burner heating elements and / or a step of replacing at least one burner heating element of said series of burner heating elements with at least one electric heating element from said series of electric heating elements, a connection of each electric heating element of said series of electric heating elements to the control means via adjustment means and a programming of said control means.

[0089] Other embodiments of the process for refurbishing a galvanizing device according to the invention are indicated in the attached claims.

[0090] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description given below, by way of non-limitation and with reference to the drawings and examples.

[0091] In the drawings, the figure 1 is a perspective view of a galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath filled with zinc-based molten metal for parts to be galvanized, with a cut showing the hybrid heating elements inside the bath.

[0092] There figure 2 describes the priority gas mode of the temperature regulation process of a galvanizing bath according to the present invention.

[0093] There figure 3 describes the priority electrical mode of the temperature regulation method of a galvanizing bath according to the present invention.

[0094] There figure 4 describes the transition from priority gas mode to priority electric mode according to pre-recorded or predetermined constraints.

[0095] There figure 5 describes the transition from priority electric mode to priority gas mode according to pre-recorded or predetermined constraints.

[0096] In the figures, identical or analogous elements bear the same references.

[0097] There figure 1 shows a galvanizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a ceramic bath 1 filled with zinc-based molten metal for items to be galvanized, such as wires, ribbons or parts, in which hybrid heating elements 2, 3 are located. In this embodiment, these hybrid heating elements are 4 electric immersion heaters 2 and 6 burner immersion heaters 3. Said hybrid heating elements 2, 3 are arranged to impart a predetermined bath temperature to the molten metal bath.

[0098] The use of hybrid heating elements 2, 3 in the device according to the embodiment of the figure 1 allows the temperature of the galvanizing bath 1 to be maintained within the range necessary to ensure that the metal remains in a molten state, at the required temperature and is ready to adhere uniformly to the wires, tapes or parts to be galvanized, even if galvanizing production speeds increase.

[0099] The bath 1 includes at least one regulation zone (not visible in the figure) in which there is a means for measuring the temperature, in contact with the molten metal contained in the bath 1, allowing the temperature of said molten metal to be measured.

[0100] The device according to the implementation method of the figure 1 It also includes means for regulating the temperature of the molten metal bath (not shown in the figure) connected to the hybrid heating elements 2 and 3. These control means operate the hybrid heating elements 2 and 3, for example, by activating them when the bath temperature is lower than the predetermined bath temperature. In this case, the control means selectively activate the heating elements chosen from the group consisting of: one, several or all of the 6 burner 3 heating elements, or one, several or all of the 4 electric heating elements 2, or all of the 6 burner 3 heating elements and all of the 4 electric heating elements 2, or one or more of the 6 burner 3 heating elements and all of the 4 electric heating elements 2, or all of the 6 burner 3 heating elements and one or more of the 4 electric heating elements 2, or one or more of the 6 burner 3 heating elements and one or more of the 4 electric heating elements 2.

[0101] The choice to selectively activate hybrid heating elements 2, 3 can be made according to various fluctuating constraints such as the price of gas, the price of electricity, the availability of gas, the availability of electricity, the factor (tariff, availability, presence of photovoltaic system, ...) day / night, the energy storage capacity and CO2 emissions.

[0102] Still according to the method of implementation of the figure 1 , said temperature measurement means includes a thermocouple with cold junction compensation (CP), connected to said control means, which are PID controllers adjusting the power of the hybrid heating elements 2, 3 according to the desired temperature.

[0103] The hybrid heating elements 2 and 3 also include means for adjusting their operating power (not shown in the figure), which are controlled by the regulating means. This allows the operating power of the hybrid heating elements 2 and 3 to be increased when the bath temperature is lower than the predetermined bath temperature, or to deactivate all or some of the hybrid heating elements 2 and 3 when the bath temperature is higher than the predetermined bath temperature.

[0104] The said means for adjusting operational power have a minimum operational power and a maximum operational power. The operational power of the hybrid heating elements 2, 3 is between the minimum operational power and the maximum operational power, or an operational power equivalent to the minimum operational power, or an operational power equivalent to the maximum operational power.

[0105] In the implementation of the figure 1 The six immersion heaters with three burners each consist of a head equipped with a burner and connected to the control system, and a submersible body comprising an outer wall defining a cavity, this cavity being designed to contain hot combustion gases. The diameter of the immersion heaters with three burners ranges from 15 cm to 30 cm.

[0106] In this embodiment, to increase / decrease the operating power of the burner immersion heaters, each burner is equipped with a motorized valve to regulate the combustion air flow. The gas flow is automatically adjusted to the combustion air flow via a pneumatic element called a proportioner.

[0107] The four immersion heaters (type 2) consist of a head connected to the control unit and a submersible body comprising an outer wall defining a cavity containing a metallic heating element; said outer wall is made of SiAlON. The diameter of the immersion heaters (type 2) ranges from 3 cm to 15 cm.

[0108] In this embodiment, the operating power of the electric immersion heaters is generally adjusted using a thyristor, allowing for modulating and continuous power control, which is the most common operating mode. Alternatively, a relay can also be used for ON / OFF operation.

[0109] On the figure 1 , 2 Three-burner immersion heaters are spaced at a distance of between 25 and 75 cm, preferably between 35 and 65 cm, and even more preferably between 45 and 55 cm. This distance is measured between each vertical center axis of said three-burner immersion heaters.

[0110] Bath 1 has 4 parallel walls 2 by 2 and includes a treatment zone and hybrid heating elements 2, 3, the latter being located between the treatment zone and the 4 walls of bath 1. Hybrid heating elements 2, 3 being immersion heaters, they are positioned inside the galvanizing bath, in the molten metal.

[0111] In one particular embodiment, the galvanizing device of the figure 1 is a galvanizing device for moving parts, such as wires or ribbons, comprising an inlet of moving parts into the bath and an outlet of moving parts into the bath, between which is said bath filled with molten metal through which said moving parts pass.

[0112] The flow-through element outlet includes at least one control zone in which temperature measuring means are in contact with the molten metal of bath 1, enabling the temperature of the molten metal exiting the bath to be measured. When the bath outlet temperature is lower than a predetermined bath outlet temperature, the control means increase the operating power of at least one hybrid heating element 2, 3 to raise the temperature of the molten metal exiting the bath until it reaches the predetermined bath outlet temperature.

[0113] The inlet of the scrolling elements includes at least one control zone in which temperature measuring means are in contact with the molten metal of the bath 1, allowing the temperature of the inlet molten metal to be measured. When the inlet temperature is lower than a predetermined inlet temperature, the control means increase the operating power of at least one hybrid heating element 2, 3 to raise the temperature of the inlet molten metal to the predetermined inlet temperature.

[0114] An intermediate zone is also included in the bath 1 between said inlet of moving elements and said outlet of moving elements. The intermediate zone includes at least one control zone in which temperature measuring means are in contact with the molten metal of the bath 1, allowing the temperature of the molten metal in at least one intermediate zone of the bath to be measured. When the temperature of at least one intermediate zone of the bath is lower than a predetermined temperature of at least one intermediate zone of the bath, the control means increase the operating power of at least one hybrid heating element 2, 3 to raise the temperature of the molten metal in at least one intermediate zone of the bath until it reaches the temperature of at least one predetermined intermediate zone of the bath.

[0115] According to this particular embodiment of the figure 1 The outlet for the moving elements is positioned on the first of the four walls of bath 1, and the inlet for the moving elements is positioned on a second wall parallel to the first. The third and fourth walls are parallel to the direction of movement of the moving elements, from the inlet to the outlet. The hybrid heating elements 2 and 3 are located in the bath along the third and / or fourth wall.

[0116] Temperature regulation of a galvanizing bath 1 according to the embodiment of the figure 1 , implementing the galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath filled with molten zinc-based metal for elements to be galvanized according to the present invention, comprises the following steps: a measurement of the temperature of bath 1 by a temperature measuring means in contact with the molten metal of the bath with emission of a signal containing the value of the bath temperature; a comparison of the bath temperature measured in the galvanizing bath 1 to a bath temperature predetermined by the control means and, if the value of the measured bath temperature is less than the value of the bath temperature predetermined by the latter, an activation of the hybrid heating elements 2, 3 chosen from the group consisting of: ∘ one, several or all of the 6 burner heating elements 3, or ∘ one, several or all of the 4 electric heating elements 2, or ∘ all 6 burner heating elements 3 and all 4 electric heating elements 2, or ∘ one or more of the 6 burner heating elements 3 and all 4 electric heating elements 2,or o all 6 burner heating elements 3 and one or more of the 4 electric heating elements 2, or ∘ one or more of the 6 burner heating elements 3 and one or more of the 4 electric heating elements 2. ,

[0117] The activation of the hybrid heating elements 2, 3 is an activation of (i) one, several, or all of the 6 burner heating elements 3 using at least one fuel source, or (ii) one, several, or all of the 4 electric heating elements 2 using at least one electricity source, or (iii) one, several, or all of the 6 burner heating elements 3 using at least one fuel source and one, several, or all of the 4 electric heating elements 2 using at least one electricity source. The fuel sources may be natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, coal, fuel oil, or biogas, and the electricity sources may be solar, wind, hydroelectric, or nuclear.

[0118] THE figures 2 And 3respectively describe the priority gas mode and the priority electric mode of the temperature regulation process of a galvanizing bath by activating the different hybrid heating elements.

[0119] In priority gas mode ( figure 2 The bath temperature is measured and compared with the predetermined bath temperature (A1). If the bath temperature is greater than or equal to the predetermined bath temperature, then the system enters state A2 and the temperature control means do not activate the hybrid heating elements. If the bath temperature is less than the predetermined bath temperature, then the system enters state A3 and the temperature control means activate the burner heating elements and control their operating power adjustment means to provide them with a certain operating power that is less than or equal to a maximum operating power of the burner heating elements.

[0120] When the burner heating elements are activated, the bath temperature is measured and compared with the predetermined bath temperature, and the operating power of the burner heating elements is compared to their maximum operating power (A4). If the bath temperature is greater than or equal to the predetermined bath temperature and the operating power is less than or equal to the maximum operating power of the burner heating elements, then the system enters state A5 and the temperature control means do not activate the electric heating elements.If the bath temperature is less than the predetermined bath temperature and the operating power is equal to the maximum operating power of the burner heating elements, then the system goes into state A6 and the temperature control means solicit / activate the electric heating elements and control the means for adjusting the operating power of these to give them a certain operating power being less than or equal to a maximum operating power of the electric heating elements, allowing the molten metal bath 1 to have a measured bath temperature equal to the predetermined bath temperature (A7).

[0121] In priority electric mode ( figure 3 The bath temperature is measured and compared with the predetermined bath temperature (B1). If the bath temperature is greater than or equal to the predetermined bath temperature, then the system enters state B2 and the temperature control means do not activate the hybrid heating elements. If the bath temperature is less than the predetermined bath temperature, then the system enters state B3 and the temperature control means activate the electric heating elements and control their operating power adjustment means to provide them with a certain operating power that is less than or equal to a maximum operating power of the electric heating elements.

[0122] When the electric heating elements are activated, the bath temperature is measured and compared with the predetermined bath temperature, and the operating power of the electric heating elements is compared to their maximum operating power (B4). If the bath temperature is greater than or equal to the predetermined bath temperature and the operating power is less than or equal to the maximum operating power of the electric heating elements, then the system enters state B5 and the temperature control means do not activate the burner heating elements.If the bath temperature is less than the predetermined bath temperature and the operating power is equal to the maximum operating power of the electric heating elements, then the system goes into state B6 and the temperature control means solicit / activate the burner heating elements and control the means for adjusting the operating power of these to give them a certain operating power being less than or equal to a maximum operating power of the burner heating elements, allowing the molten metal bath 1 to have a measured bath temperature equal to the predetermined bath temperature (B7).

[0123] THE figures 4 And 5respectively describe the switch from priority electricity mode to priority gas mode and the switch from priority gas mode to priority electricity mode according to pre-recorded or predetermined constraints such as gas price, electricity price, gas availability, electricity availability, CO2 emission quota, day / night factor (tariff, availability, presence of photovoltaic system, ...), energy storage capacity.

[0124] It is understood that, according to the present invention, the pre-recorded or predetermined constraints can have any order of priority and that other constraints, not specified here, can also be pre-recorded according to specific needs or particular conditions.

[0125] When the system's initial mode is gas priority mode ( figure 4 ), a possible switch to priority electric mode can be made according to these pre-recorded or predetermined constraints.

[0126] In the implementation of the figure 4 The gas price is first recorded (C1). If the gas price is not high, then gas availability is assessed (C2). If gas is not available, the system enters state C3 and switches from priority gas mode to priority electricity mode. If gas is available, then the CO2 emissions quota is checked (C4). If the CO2 emissions quota is not met, the system enters state C5 and priority gas mode is maintained. If the CO2 emissions quota is met, the system enters state C6 and switches from priority gas mode to priority electricity mode.

[0127] If the gas price is high, then the electricity price is increased (C7). If the electricity price is higher than the gas price, then the system switches to state C8 and the priority gas mode is maintained. If the electricity price is lower than or equal to the gas price, then the availability of electricity is assessed (C9). If electricity is not available, then the system switches to state C10 and the priority gas mode is maintained. If electricity is available, then the day / night factor (tariff, availability, presence of a photovoltaic system, etc.) is assessed (C11). If it is daytime, then the system switches to state C12 and the switch from priority gas mode to priority electricity mode is made. If it is nighttime, then the energy storage capacity is assessed (C13). If energy can be stored, then the system switches to state C14 and the switch from priority gas mode to priority electricity mode is made.If energy cannot be stored, then the system switches to state C15 and the priority gas mode is maintained.

[0128] When the initial mode is the priority electrical mode ( figure 5 ), a possible switch to priority gas mode can be made according to pre-recorded or predetermined constraints.

[0129] In the implementation of the figure 5The electricity price is first recorded (D1). If the electricity price is low, then electricity availability is assessed (D2). If electricity is unavailable, the system enters state D3 and switches from priority electricity mode to priority gas mode. If electricity is available, then the day / night factor (tariff, availability, presence of a photovoltaic system, etc.) is assessed (D4). If it is daytime, the system enters state D5 and priority electricity mode is maintained. If it is nighttime, then energy storage capacity is assessed (D6). If energy can be stored, the system enters state D7 and priority electricity mode is maintained. If energy cannot be stored, the system enters state D8 and switches from priority electricity mode to priority gas mode.

[0130] If the electricity price is high, then the gas price is raised (D9). If the gas price is higher than the electricity price, then the system switches to state D10 and the priority electricity mode is maintained. If the gas price is lower than or equal to the electricity price, then gas availability is assessed (D11). If gas is not available, then the system switches to state D12 and the priority electricity mode is maintained. If gas is available, then the CO2 emission quota is checked (D13). If the CO2 emission quota is met, then the system switches to state D14 and the priority electricity mode is maintained. If the CO2 emission quota is not met, then the system switches to state D15 and the switch from priority electricity mode to priority gas mode is performed.

[0131] The invention also relates to a method of redesigning a galvanizing device in which the heating elements are burner heating elements.

[0132] The redesign process includes a step of adding electric heating elements among the burner heating elements and / or a step of replacing at least one burner heating element with at least one electric heating element, a connection of each added electric heating element to the control means via adjustment means and a programming of the control means.

[0133] It is understood that the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above and that many modifications can be made to it without departing from the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1. Galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath (1) filled with zinc-based molten metal for parts to be galvanized, comprising at least one regulating zone, said at least one regulating zone being provided with at least one temperature measuring means in contact with the molten metal of the bath (1), arranged to measure a bath temperature, hybrid heating elements (2, 3) arranged to impart a predetermined bath temperature to said molten metal bath, molten metal bath temperature control means arranged to control said hybrid heating elements (2, 3), said control means being connected to said hybrid heating elements (2, 3) so as to activate said hybrid heating elements (2, 3) when the bath temperature is lower than the predetermined bath temperature, said hybrid heating elements (2,3) comprise a series of burner heating elements and a series of electric heating elements, said series of burner heating elements being composed of 1 to 25 burner immersion heaters (3) and said series of electric heating elements being composed of 1 to 50 electric immersion heaters (2), said control means being arranged to activate at least the heating elements selected from the group consisting of: - one, several or all of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements, or - one, several or all of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements, or - all of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and all of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements,or - one or more of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and all the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements, or - all the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and one or more of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements, or - one or more of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and one or more of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements.

2. Galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath (1) filled with zinc-based molten metal for elements to be galvanized according to claim 1, in which each hybrid heating element (2, 3) comprises means for adjusting operational power and in which said regulating means are arranged to control the means for adjusting operational power so as to increase said operational power of at least one hybrid heating element (2, 3) when the bath temperature is lower than the predetermined bath temperature, said means for adjusting operational power preferably having a minimum operational power and a maximum operational power, said operational power being between the minimum operational power and the maximum operational power,said means of adjusting operational power preferably having an operational power equivalent to the minimum operational power or an operational power equivalent to the maximum operational power.

3. Galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath (1) filled with molten zinc-based metal for elements to be galvanized according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said control means are connected to said hybrid heating elements (2, 3) so as to deactivate said hybrid heating elements (2, 3) when the bath temperature is greater than the predetermined bath temperature.

4. Galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath (1) filled with zinc-based molten metal for elements to be galvanized according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which said burner immersion heaters (3) are composed of a head equipped with said burner and connected to said regulating means and of an immersible body comprising an outer wall defining a cavity, said cavity being arranged to contain hot combustion gases, the diameter of said burner immersion heaters (3) preferably being between 15 cm and 30 cm.

5. Galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath (1) filled with zinc-based molten metal for elements to be galvanized according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which said electric immersion heaters (2) are composed of a head connected to said regulating means and an immersible body comprising an outer wall defining a cavity comprising a metallic resistance, said outer wall preferably being made of a ceramic material, more particularly of silicon carbide, even more preferably of SiAlON, the diameter of said electric immersion heaters (2) preferably being between 3 cm and 15 cm.

6. Galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath (1) filled with zinc-based molten metal for elements to be galvanized according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which at least two burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements, more particularly more than two burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements, are spaced at a distance of between 25 cm and 75 cm, preferably between 35 cm and 65 cm, even more preferably between 45 cm and 55 cm.

7. Galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath (1) filled with zinc-based molten metal for elements to be galvanized according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said bath (1) has 4 substantially parallel walls 2 to 2, said bath (1) comprising a treatment zone and said hybrid heating elements (2, 3), said hybrid heating elements (2, 3) being located in the bath (1) between said treatment zone and said 4 walls, said treatment zone preferably comprising one or more sub-treatment zones, each sub-treatment zone comprising said at least one regulating zone.

8. Galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath (1) filled with zinc-based molten metal for elements to be galvanized according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said galvanizing device is a galvanizing device for moving elements comprising an inlet of moving elements into the bath and an outlet of moving elements into the bath, between which is said bath (1) filled with molten metal through which is said moving elements.

9. Galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath (1) filled with zinc-based molten metal for elements to be galvanized according to claim 8, in which said inlet of scrolling elements is positioned on a first wall of said 4 walls substantially parallel 2 to 2, said outlet of scrolling elements is positioned on a second wall parallel to said first wall, and a third and a fourth wall are parallel to the direction of scrolling of the scrolling elements, said bath (1) comprising said hybrid heating elements (2, 3) located along the third and / or fourth wall, in the bath (1), or in which said bath (1) comprises said hybrid heating elements (2, 3) located in the treatment zone, preferably centrally, such that the scrolling elements move on either side of said hybrid heating elements (2, 3).

10. A method for regulating the temperature of a galvanizing bath comprising a ceramic bath (1) filled with zinc-based molten metal for galvanizing parts according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps of: - measuring the bath temperature by a temperature-measuring means in contact with the molten metal of the bath (1) with emission of a signal containing the bath temperature value; - comparing the measured bath temperature in said galvanizing bath to a bath temperature predetermined by the regulating means and, if the measured bath temperature value is lower than the bath temperature value predetermined by the latter, activating said hybrid heating elements (2, 3) selected from the group consisting of: ∘ one, several, or all of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements, or ∘ one,several or all of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements, or ∘ all of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and all of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements, or ∘ one or more of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and all of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements, or ∘ all of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and one or more of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements, or ∘ one or more of the burner heating elements of said series of burner heating elements and one or more of the electric heating elements of said series of electric heating elements., 11. Method for regulating the temperature of a galvanizing bath according to claim 10, wherein the activation of the hybrid heating elements (2, 3) is an activation of (i) one, several or all of the burner heating elements using at least one fuel source, or, (ii) one, several or all of the electric heating elements using at least one electricity source, or, (iii) one, several or all of the burner heating elements using at least one fuel source and one, several or all of the electric heating elements using at least one electricity source.

12. A method for regulating the temperature of a galvanizing bath according to claim 10 or 11, comprising a priority gas mode in which: - when the bath temperature measured in said galvanizing bath (1) is lower than the predetermined bath temperature, the regulating means activate the burner heating elements at an operating power via adjustment means, said operating power being less than or equal to a maximum operating power of the burner heating elements that are activated, and - if said operating power of the burner heating elements is equal to the maximum operating power of said burner heating elements that are activated and if the bath temperature measured in said galvanizing bath (1) is lower than the predetermined bath temperature, the regulating means activate said electric heating elements via said adjustment means,The operational power of said electric heating elements is adjusted by said adjustment means until the bath temperature measured in said galvanizing bath (1) is equivalent to the predetermined bath temperature.

13. A method for regulating the temperature of a galvanizing bath (1) according to claim 10 or 11, comprising a priority electrical mode in which: - when the bath temperature measured in said galvanizing bath (1) is lower than the predetermined bath temperature, the control means activate the electric heating elements at an operating power via adjustment means, said operating power being less than or equal to a maximum operating power of the electric heating elements that are activated, and - if said operating power of the electric heating elements is equal to the maximum operating power of said electric heating elements that are activated and if the bath temperature measured in said galvanizing bath (1) is lower than the predetermined bath temperature, the control means activate said burner heating elements via said adjustment means,The operating power of said burner heating elements is adjusted by said adjustment means until the bath temperature measured in said galvanizing bath (1) is equivalent to the predetermined bath temperature.

14. Method for regulating the temperature of a galvanizing bath (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising a switch from said priority electrical mode to said priority gas mode or a switch from said priority gas mode to said priority electrical mode according to pre-recorded or predetermined constraints or an external signal from an additional controller, such as the price of gas, the price of electricity, the availability of gas, the availability of electricity, the factor (tariff, availability, presence of photovoltaic system, ...) day / night, the energy storage capacity and CO2 emissions.

15. A method for modifying a galvanizing device comprising a ceramic bath (1) filled with zinc-based molten metal for parts to be galvanized, comprising at least one regulating zone, said at least one regulating zone being provided with at least one temperature measuring means in contact with the molten metal of the bath (1), arranged to measure a bath temperature, heating elements arranged to impart a predetermined bath temperature to said molten metal bath, said heating elements comprising a series of burner heating elements, means for regulating the temperature of the molten metal bath arranged to control said heating elements, said regulating means being connected to said heating elements so as to activate said heating elements when the bath temperature is lower than the predetermined bath temperature, characterized in thatsaid redesign process includes a step of adding a series of electric heating elements among said heating elements and / or a step of replacing at least one burner heating element of said series of burner heating elements with at least one electric heating element of said series of electric heating elements, a connection of each electric heating element of said series of electric heating elements to the control means via adjustment means and a programming of said control means.

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