Method and device for quenching flat steel products

The device comprises a high-pressure slotted nozzle (5) out of which water is sprayed upon a continuous metal sheet (4) to be quenched. A spiral roll (3) is provided downstream from the high-pressure slotted nozzle (5) and assists the lateral flowing off of the water over the lateral edges of the metal sheet. A channel effect arises between the spiral roll (3) and the nozzle housing (6) of the high-pressure slotted nozzle (5) whereby leading to an excessive accumulation of water on the surface of the metal sheet. This excessive accumulation of water disrupts the uniform cooling of the metal sheet and, as a result, is thereby removed by suction by means of a suction device (6 12). This suction device comprises a first duct (7) that, at the lower end, is immersed in the excessive accumulation of water and, at the top, leads into a second duct (8) whose two broadening sections (9) are each connected to a suction pump whereby leading away the suctioned water to the side.