The HICON/H2-Vertical Strand Annealing Line was developed to enable bright annealing of light gauge brass, copper and bronze strip in hydrogen atmosphere. This thesis shows alternative constructions as well as fundamental proceedings and possibilities of application. Studying the dependence of heat transfer on the atmosphere allows the calculation of the most efficient and most effective atmosphere. The empirical analysis of the production records shows a dependence of the product on process parameters like furnace temperature, strip speed, reduction and alloy. Furthermore the energy and hydrogen consumption are evaluated and shown graphically. Influences on the zinc evaporation from brass strip are explained and constructional solutions are described. The investigation of the distribution of convective and radiative heat transfer shows that only a small part of heat is transferred by radiation. In addition a rapidly decreasing emissivity of brass samples is discovered. Annealing cycles in oxidising atmosphere show a constant but lower emissivity. Further possibilities of application are the implementation of the furnace for heating up pickled hot-rolled strip before galvanizing or as strand annealing line for EDDQ Strip Steel. The application as pre-heating part in a galvanizing line is discussed as well.