A calibration device and calibration method for an isotope liquid level gauge

Abstract

This invention provides a calibration device and method for an isotope level gauge. The calibration device includes a ground rail with a pylon mounted on it. A lifting calibration component is mounted on the cantilever of the pylon. The lifting calibration component is used to hook and suspend a calibration block and control its vertical movement. By collecting the measurement values ​​of the level gauge sensor when the calibration block is in different positions, the level gauge is calibrated. The lifting calibration component hooks and suspends the calibration block through a rigid connection, avoiding swaying during vertical movement. Whether in manual or automatic mode, the operator can complete all operations through the control panel without approaching the crystallizer, thus avoiding radiation damage to the operator and significantly improving work safety. Furthermore, the ground rail is parallel to the arrangement direction of the crystallizer, and a shielding wall is provided between the ground rail and the crystallizer to shield the radiation from the level gauge's radiation source, further reducing the safety risks to personnel working behind it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of continuous casting machine production technology, and in particular to a calibration device and calibration method for an isotope level gauge. Background Technology

[0002] Continuous casting is an advanced casting method. Its principle is to continuously pour molten metal into a special metal mold called a crystallizer. The solidified (shelled) casting is continuously pulled out from the other end of the crystallizer. It can obtain castings of any length or a specific length.

[0003] The crystallizer requires an isotope level gauge, which works on the principle that radioactive particles pass through the medium layer and are partially absorbed. It does not require openings in the equipment and can withstand high (or low) temperatures, high (or low) pressures, strong corrosion, and highly toxic conditions. A radioactive source is placed on one side of the crystallizer, and a detector is placed on the opposite side. Radioactive particles passing through the molten steel in the crystallizer are received by the sensor. The sensor converts the received ion dose into a corresponding electrical signal to obtain an accurate value of the liquid level.

[0004] Because the ion dose received by the sensor is not linearly related to the liquid level, a steel billet is used as a calibration block to simulate the molten steel in the crystallizer. The calibration block is placed in the crystallizer, its position is moved up and down, and the sensor's measurement values ​​are collected when the calibration block is in different positions. Accurate calibration of the isotope level gauge is a necessary task whenever the crystallizer specifications (i.e., continuous casting and rolling specifications) are changed.

[0005] Currently, the calibration process is primarily completed manually, using a crane to transport the calibration block and accurately place it inside the crystallizer. During calibration, personnel must use a measuring tape to precisely adjust the height of the calibration block, sometimes requiring two people to work together, using a lever or hand-operated hoist to assist in raising and lowering the counterweight. When the crane cannot be coordinated, personnel must directly transport the calibration block. The complex on-site environment, with uneven and protruding locations, increases the risk of falls and injuries, and also places a significant workload on the workers. Furthermore, during calibration, the shutter is not closed, requiring personnel to be in close proximity to the isotope radiation source for extended periods, increasing the risk of radiation scattering and exposure, thus posing a high safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a calibration device for an isotope level gauge. The calibration device includes a ground rail, a movable base is installed on the ground rail, a pylon is installed on the movable base, the pylon includes a tower body and a cantilever, a lifting calibration assembly is installed at the end of the cantilever away from the tower body, the lifting calibration assembly includes a lifting rod that can move up and down, and a clamping member for hooking and suspending a calibration block is fixed at the bottom of the lifting rod.

[0007] The ground rail is set in a direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the crystallizer, and a shielding wall is provided between the ground rail and the crystallizer.

[0008] Optionally, the calibration block includes a square steel billet and a T-shaped handle fixed to the top of the steel billet, wherein the T-shaped handle includes a horizontally placed square crossbar;

[0009] The clamping component includes a horizontally placed square rod, the bottom surface of which has a T-shaped groove for accommodating the square rod.

[0010] Optionally, it also includes a control component, which includes a computer and a matching operation panel for controlling the operation of each component.

[0011] Optionally, the ground rail moves the base by means of a servo motor driving a lead screw, and the crane tower rotates relative to the base by means of a rotary servo motor.

[0012] Optionally, the lifting rod is raised or lowered by a lead screw driven by a lifting servo motor.

[0013] Optionally, a counterweight is also fixed to the side of the tower body away from the cantilever.

[0014] Optionally, an isotope level gauge is installed on the outside of the crystallizer. The isotope level gauge includes a radiation source and a detector. The radiation source is placed on one side of the crystallizer, and the detector is placed on the opposite side.

[0015] Optionally, the lifting calibration component also includes a rangefinder and a monitoring camera. The rangefinder is used to measure the distance between the end of the cantilever and the upper plane of the crystallizer.

[0016] Optionally, it also includes a display cabinet for storing calibration blocks of different sizes; the upper surface of the display cabinet is provided with a groove for placing the calibration blocks.

[0017] The present invention also provides a calibration method using the aforementioned calibration device, comprising the following steps:

[0018] S1: Start the calibration device: Turn on the power and ensure that all components are correctly connected and in working order;

[0019] S2: Select operating mode: Select the operating mode on the operation panel. If you select fully automatic mode, the system will automatically execute the subsequent steps; if you select manual mode, you need to follow the system prompts step by step.

[0020] S3: Select calibration mode: Select the desired calibration mode on the operation panel. After selecting the appropriate calibration mode, the system will automatically adjust the relevant parameters to adapt to different calibration requirements.

[0021] S4: Ground rail movement operation: Control the ground rail on the operation panel to move the crane to the position of the level gauge to be calibrated; the ground rail drives the lead screw through a servo motor to move the crane left and right; and rotates the crane through a rotary servo motor.

[0022] S5: Automatic calibration block grabbing: Select the calibration block specification to be grabbed on the operation panel, and the system will automatically grab the selected calibration block from the calibration block placement cabinet and transport it under the cantilever.

[0023] S6: Lifting Operation: Insert the square crossbar at the top of the calibration block into the square lifting rod to ensure the calibration block is securely suspended. Control the lifting servo motor on the operation panel to drive the lifting calibration component and realize the lifting action of the calibration block. The rangefinder integrated on the lifting calibration component will measure the distance between the bottom surface of the cantilever end and the upper plane of the crystallizer in real time. The camera integrated on the lifting calibration component will monitor the real-time image of the crystallizer port.

[0024] S7: Perform calibration: After all preparations are completed, the system will automatically execute the calibration procedure. Based on the selected calibration mode and parameters, the system will accurately calibrate the level gauge. Users can monitor the calibration process in real time through the control panel and intervene or record relevant data when necessary.

[0025] S8: End Operation: After calibration is complete, the system will automatically stop the calibration program and return to standby mode.

[0026] As described above, the present invention provides a calibration device and calibration method for an isotope level gauge. The calibration device includes a ground rail, a pylon mounted on the ground rail, and a lifting calibration component mounted on the cantilever of the pylon. The lifting calibration component is used to hook and suspend a calibration block and control its up and down movement. By collecting the measured values ​​of the level gauge sensor when the calibration block is in different positions, the level gauge is calibrated.

[0027] Compared to existing calibration trolleys, which still require moving calibration blocks and manual assistance during operation, this method fails to completely reduce manual labor. While it reduces time and radiation exposure compared to traditional manual calibration, the difference is still significant compared to this device. Furthermore, calibration trolleys present significant problems and safety hazards regarding charging. This device, however, achieves fully automated calibration, allowing for self-inspection and eliminating the need for additional personnel. It also eliminates the need for overhead cranes and other resources, while ensuring operators are kept away from radiation sources.

[0028] After its widespread application, this device can significantly shorten equipment repair time, creating substantial benefits for production. By reducing radiation damage, lowering labor costs, and improving work efficiency, this device makes a significant contribution to the safe production and economic efficiency of enterprises. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the overall structure of the calibration device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 The diagram shows the connection between the lifting calibration component and the calibration block in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 The diagram shows the setup of the isotope level gauge in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the clamping component in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the cabinet in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Component designation explanation

[0035] Shielding wall 11; ground rail 12; tower body 20; cantilever 21; counterweight 22; lifting rod 23; clamping component 24; calibration block 31; crystallizer 10; radiation source 41; detector 42; display cabinet 30. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0037] In the detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structure may be partially enlarged and not to scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In actual fabrication, the three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth should be included.

[0038] For ease of description, spatial relation terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower than,” “below,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the accompanying drawings and other elements or features. It will be understood that these spatial relation terms are intended to include directions other than those depicted in the drawings for the device in use or operation. Furthermore, when a layer is referred to as being “between” two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or there may be one or more layers in between. The phrase “between” as used herein includes both endpoint values.

[0039] In the context of this application, the structure described above the first feature may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, or embodiments in which additional features are formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.

[0040] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in this embodiment are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the illustrations only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a calibration device for an isotope level gauge, which includes:

[0043] A ground rail 12 is provided, on which a movable base is installed. A pylon is installed on the movable base. The pylon includes a tower body 20 and a cantilever 21. A lifting calibration assembly is installed at the end of the cantilever 21 away from the tower body. The lifting calibration assembly includes a lifting rod 23 that can move up and down. A clamping member 24 is fixed at the bottom of the lifting rod for hooking and lifting the calibration block 31.

[0044] The ground rail 12 is set in a direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the crystallizer 10, and a shielding wall 11 is provided between the ground rail 12 and the crystallizer 10.

[0045] Furthermore, the gantry is rotatably connected to the movable base so that the gantry can rotate on the movable base.

[0046] Specifically, the ground rail 12 is driven by a precision servo motor and a lead screw, enabling the movable base to move smoothly left and right along the ground rail. The corresponding control cables are placed in a cable chain. This design allows the system to accurately calibrate the level gauges of crystallizers at different locations. Simultaneously, the movable base is also equipped with a rotary servo motor to control the rotation of the crane, ensuring that the crane can accurately pick up the calibration block from the placement cabinet and move it above the crystallizer, improving calibration accuracy and efficiency. A counterweight 22 is also fixed to the side of the crane body away from the cantilever to maintain balance.

[0047] The isotope level gauge includes a radiation source 41 and a detector 42. The radiation source 41 is placed on one side of the crystallizer 10, and the detector 42 is placed on the opposite side. A calibration block is placed in the crystallizer, and its position is moved up and down by a lifting calibration assembly. The sensor's measurement values ​​are collected when the calibration block is in different positions, thus calibrating the level gauge. Considering the radioactivity of the radiation source, a shielding wall is installed here to shield the radiation from the source, further reducing the safety risks to personnel working behind it.

[0048] Furthermore, the calibration block 31 includes a square steel billet and a T-shaped handle fixed to the top of the steel billet. The T-shaped handle includes a horizontally placed square crossbar.

[0049] The clamping member 24 includes a horizontally placed square lifting rod with a T-shaped groove on its bottom surface. The T-shaped groove is used to accommodate the square horizontal bar, allowing the square horizontal bar to be inserted into the T-shaped groove to achieve a hook-and-lift connection. The square lifting rod is rigidly connected to the calibration block, and the clamping member is also rigidly connected to the crane tower. This rigid connection method is more stable than methods such as lifting ropes and hooks, preventing swaying during vertical movement.

[0050] Furthermore, the lifting rod of the lifting calibration component is driven by a lifting servo motor to drive the lead screw, thereby realizing the lifting action of the calibration block.

[0051] The lifting calibration assembly also includes a rangefinder and a monitoring camera. The rangefinder measures the distance between the end of the cantilever and the upper plane of the crystallizer and feeds the data back to the control program, thereby determining the height of the calibration block and providing an accurate reference for automatic calibration. Simultaneously, the camera captures real-time images of the crystallizer port and displays them to the user via the control panel for easy monitoring and recording.

[0052] Furthermore, the calibration device also includes a placement cabinet 30, which is specifically designed to store calibration blocks of different specifications. The upper surface of the placement cabinet 30 has a groove for placing the calibration blocks 31, preventing them from shaking or shifting position. This facilitates the device's automatic retrieval of the required calibration blocks. Through orderly placement and a convenient retrieval mechanism, the automation and efficiency of the calibration work are greatly improved. The placement cabinet is placed on the side of the shielding wall away from the crystallizer to prevent operational interference, and its distance from the crystallizer also facilitates personnel organization.

[0053] Furthermore, the calibration device also includes a control component, which may include a computer and a matching operation panel for controlling the operation of each component of the calibration device. The operation panel is the core control interface of the automatic calibration system, where the user can start the system. The panel supports convenient switching between manual and fully automatic operation modes and has a built-in advanced automatic calibration program system. Users can easily select different calibration modes to meet various calibration needs through simple operation. The automatic calibration program system has a built-in calibration algorithm. Simply place the calibration block into the crystallizer step by step according to the set step size, and the automatic calibration program will automatically complete the calibration based on the values ​​measured by the detector. Regarding the calibration algorithm, existing technologies or liquid level gauge manufacturers have already provided mature solutions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0054] Example 2

[0055] Based on the calibration device in Embodiment 1 above, this embodiment provides a calibration method, including the following steps:

[0056] S1: Start the calibration device. Turn on the power to the automatic calibration device and ensure that all components are correctly connected and in working order; start the system on the operation panel, which is the core control interface of the system and is used to perform all subsequent operations.

[0057] S2: Select Operating Mode. Select the operating mode on the control panel. The system supports both manual and fully automatic modes, allowing users to choose according to their needs. If fully automatic mode is selected, the system will automatically execute the subsequent steps; if manual mode is selected, the user must follow the system prompts step by step.

[0058] S3: Select Calibration Mode. Select the desired calibration mode on the operation panel. The system has a built-in advanced automatic calibration program, and users can select different calibration modes as needed. After selecting a suitable calibration mode, the system will automatically adjust the relevant parameters to adapt to different calibration requirements.

[0059] S4: Ground Rail Movement Operation. Control the ground rail on the control panel to move the crane to the position of the level gauge to be calibrated. The ground rail device uses a servo motor to drive a lead screw, enabling smooth left and right movement of the crane. If it is necessary to rotate the crane to accurately grasp the calibration block, the rotation servo motor can be controlled via the control panel for rotation.

[0060] S5: Automatic calibration block grabbing. Select the calibration block specification to be grabbed on the operation panel. The system will automatically grab the selected calibration block specification from the calibration block placement cabinet and transport it under the cantilever.

[0061] S6: Lifting Operation. Insert the square crossbar at the top of the calibration block into the square lifting rod to ensure a stable suspension of the calibration block. Control the lifting servo motor on the operation panel to drive the lifting calibration assembly, realizing the lifting and lowering action of the calibration block. Adjust the height of the calibration block as needed. The integrated rangefinder will measure the distance between the bottom surface of the cantilever end and the upper plane of the crystallizer in real time and feed the data back to the control program. Users can view the relevant data through the control panel. Monitor the real-time image of the crystallizer port through the camera on the control panel to ensure the smooth progress of the calibration process.

[0062] S7: Perform Calibration. After all preparations are complete, the system will automatically execute the calibration procedure. Based on the selected calibration mode and parameters, the system will accurately calibrate the level gauge. Users can monitor the calibration process in real time via the control panel and intervene or record relevant data as needed.

[0063] S8: End Operation. After calibration is complete, the system will automatically stop the calibration program and return to standby mode. Users can view the calibration results and perform subsequent operations or adjustments as needed.

[0064] In summary, this invention provides a calibration device and method for an isotope level gauge. The calibration device includes a ground rail with a pylon mounted on it. A lifting calibration component is mounted on the cantilever of the pylon. This lifting calibration component hooks and suspends a calibration block, controlling its vertical movement. Calibration of the level gauge is achieved by collecting the measurement values ​​of the level gauge sensor when the calibration block is in different positions. The lifting calibration component uses a rigid connection to suspend the calibration block, which is more stable than methods such as ropes or hooks, preventing swaying of the calibration block during vertical movement. Whether in manual or automatic mode, the operator can complete all operations through the control panel without approaching the crystallizer, thus avoiding the radiation source of the level gauge. This design fundamentally avoids radiation harm to the operator, significantly improving work safety. Furthermore, the ground rail is parallel to the arrangement direction of the crystallizer, and a shielding wall is installed between the ground rail and the crystallizer to shield the radiation source of the level gauge, further reducing the safety risks to personnel working behind it.

[0065] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A calibration device for an isotope level gauge, characterized in that The calibration device includes a ground rail, a movable base is mounted on the ground rail, a pylon is mounted on the movable base, the pylon includes a tower body and a cantilever, a lifting calibration component is mounted on the end of the cantilever away from the tower body, the lifting calibration component includes a lifting rod that can move up and down, and a clamping component for hooking and suspending the calibration block is fixed at the bottom of the lifting rod. The ground rail is set in a direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the crystallizer, and a shielding wall is provided between the ground rail and the crystallizer.

2. The calibration device for an isotopic liquid level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The calibration block includes a square steel billet and a T-shaped handle fixed to the top of the steel billet. The T-shaped handle includes a horizontal square bar. The clamping component includes a horizontally placed square rod, the bottom surface of which has a T-shaped groove for accommodating the square rod.

3. The calibration device for an isotopic liquid level gauge according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a control component, which includes a computer and a matching operation panel for controlling the operation of each component.

4. The calibration apparatus for an isotopic liquid level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ground rail moves the base via a servo motor-driven lead screw, and the crane tower rotates relative to the base via a rotary servo motor.

5. The calibration apparatus for an isotopic liquid level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting rod achieves its lifting action by driving the lead screw through a lifting servo motor.

6. The calibration device for the isotope level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: A counterweight is also fixed to the side of the tower body away from the cantilever.

7. The calibration device for the isotope level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: An isotope level gauge is installed on the outside of the crystallizer. The isotope level gauge includes a radiation source and a detector. The radiation source is placed on one side of the crystallizer, and the detector is placed on the opposite side.

8. The calibration apparatus for an isotopic liquid level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting calibration component also includes a rangefinder and a monitoring camera. The rangefinder is used to measure the distance between the end of the cantilever and the upper plane of the crystallizer.

9. The calibration apparatus for an isotopic liquid level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a storage cabinet for storing calibration blocks of different sizes; the upper surface of the storage cabinet is provided with a groove for placing the calibration blocks.

10. A calibration method using the calibration device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Start the calibration device: Turn on the power and ensure that all components are correctly connected and in working order; S2: Select operating mode: Select the operating mode on the operation panel. If you select fully automatic mode, the system will automatically execute the subsequent steps; if you select manual mode, you need to follow the system prompts step by step. S3: Select calibration mode: Select the desired calibration mode on the operation panel. After selecting the appropriate calibration mode, the system will automatically adjust the relevant parameters to adapt to different calibration requirements. S4: Ground rail movement operation: Control the ground rail on the operation panel to move the crane to the position of the level gauge to be calibrated; the ground rail drives the lead screw through a servo motor to move the crane left and right; and rotates the crane through a rotary servo motor. S5: Automatic calibration block grabbing: Select the calibration block specification to be grabbed on the operation panel, and the system will automatically grab the selected calibration block from the calibration block placement cabinet and transport it under the cantilever. S6: Lifting Operation: Insert the square crossbar at the top of the calibration block into the square lifting rod to ensure the calibration block is securely suspended. Control the lifting servo motor on the operation panel to drive the lifting calibration component and realize the lifting action of the calibration block. The rangefinder integrated on the lifting calibration component will measure the distance between the bottom surface of the cantilever end and the upper plane of the crystallizer in real time. The camera integrated on the lifting calibration component will monitor the real-time image of the crystallizer port. S7: Perform calibration: After all preparations are completed, the system will automatically execute the calibration procedure. Based on the selected calibration mode and parameters, the system will accurately calibrate the level gauge. Users can monitor the calibration process in real time through the control panel and intervene or record relevant data when necessary. S8: End Operation: After calibration is complete, the system will automatically stop the calibration program and return to standby mode.

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