A device for measuring the alignment of a stopper before continuous casting

Abstract

The utility model provides a device for measuring the centering of stopper before continuous casting and pouring, which comprises a moving trolley, can move the device to the position below the upper water gap of the tundish, a lifting device installed on the trolley, which can control the lifting of the centering device, a cover connected to the output end of the lifting device, which is used to cover the upper water gap, a thermocouple in the cover, which detects the temperature of the stopper head, a data feedback device electrically connected to the thermocouple, which receives and displays the temperature data to determine the centering state of the stopper. The device can replace manual operation, quickly, accurately and efficiently detect the centering state of the stopper outside the safe distance, and overcome the shortcomings of poor safety, low reliability and low efficiency of the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of continuous casting technology in iron and steel metallurgy, and particularly relates to a device for measuring the alignment of the stopper rod before continuous casting begins. Background Technology

[0002] In the continuous casting process of billets, after the tundish is baked and before the casting operation begins, it is essential to confirm that the tundish stopper rod is perpendicularly aligned with the top nozzle. This is a crucial prerequisite for successful casting. If the stopper rod is not accurately aligned, the top nozzle cup above it will not be effectively sealed. Once molten steel is injected into the tundish, it will leak out through the gap caused by the misalignment, resulting in the inability to start casting normally or a failed casting operation. This seriously affects the stability and continuity of production and may even lead to safety accidents.

[0003] Currently, the commonly used inspection method on-site is as follows: after the tundish has been baked (its internal temperature can reach over 1000℃), operators cannot directly observe the alignment of the stopper rods from above the high-temperature tundish. They are forced to indirectly observe the alignment from the sprue located below, using the principle of mirror reflection. This method has significant drawbacks: First, manual observation results are affected by the operator's experience and perspective, resulting in large judgment errors and uncertainties, and low reliability. Second, operators need to be close to the high-temperature equipment, facing potential dangers such as high-temperature baking and molten steel splashing, posing significant safety hazards. In addition, for multi-strand continuous casting machines, the stopper rods of each strand need to be observed one by one, which is cumbersome, time-consuming, and seriously affects production preparation efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a dedicated device that can replace manual labor and quickly, accurately and efficiently detect the alignment status of stoppers from a safe distance, in order to overcome the problems of poor safety, low reliability and low efficiency in existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides a device for measuring the alignment of the stopper rod before continuous casting begins.

[0006] This invention is implemented as follows: a device for measuring stopper rod alignment before continuous casting, characterized by comprising: a mobile trolley for moving the device to below the tundish nozzle; a lifting device mounted on the mobile trolley for controlling the lifting of the alignment device; an alignment device cover connected to the output end of the lifting device for covering the tundish nozzle; an alignment device thermocouple disposed inside the alignment device cover for detecting the stopper rod head temperature; and a data feedback device electrically connected to the alignment device thermocouple for receiving and displaying temperature data.

[0007] More preferably, the thermocouple of the centering device is 200 mm long, and its front end is used to contact the stopper rod head.

[0008] More preferably, the data feedback device includes a temperature display unit and / or an alarm unit, used to issue a prompt when the temperature is below 900°C.

[0009] More preferably, the shape of the centering device cover matches the water inlet of the intermediate package, and can completely cover the water inlet.

[0010] More preferably, the lifting device is one of an electric push rod, a hydraulic cylinder, or a screw lifting mechanism.

[0011] More preferably, the mobile trolley is equipped with rollers at its bottom and a braking device.

[0012] Further preferably, the device also includes a control unit, which is mounted on the mobile trolley and electrically connected to the lifting device and the data feedback device, for controlling the lifting operation of the lifting device and receiving temperature signals from the data feedback device. Further preferably, the control unit is a PLC controller or a microcontroller.

[0013] The advantages and technical effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model provides a device for measuring stopper rod alignment before continuous casting begins. Its overall technical effects are significant, mainly reflected in four aspects: safety, efficiency, accuracy, and multifunctionality. First, the device completely replaces the traditional and dangerous manual mirror observation method through mechanized and automated detection, allowing operators to operate remotely and completely avoiding the risks of high-temperature molten steel splashing and baking, thus greatly improving inherent safety performance. Second, the integrated design of the mobile trolley and lifting device enables rapid and continuous detection of each flow in a multi-flow continuous casting machine, significantly shortening production preparation time and significantly improving operational efficiency. Third, using thermocouple contact temperature measurement as the judgment basis transforms subjective qualitative judgment into objective quantitative data judgment (with 900℃ as the critical value), eliminating interference from subjective human factors and making the judgment result of the alignment status extremely reliable and accurate. In addition, the device also has the additional function of diagnosing whether the stopper rod head is intact, and can indirectly detect abnormalities such as stopper rod head cracking, preventing problems before they occur. In summary, this utility model effectively solves the long-standing safety and precision problems in the continuous casting start-up process, providing strong technical support for ensuring smooth continuous casting start-up, stabilizing production rhythm, and improving product quality. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of the water inlet alignment.

[0015] In the diagram: 1. Moving trolley; 2. Lifting device; 3. Centering device cover; 4. Centering device thermocouple; 5. Data feedback device; 6. Water inlet; 7. Stopper head. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0017] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 A device for measuring stopper rod alignment before continuous casting is disclosed, characterized by comprising: a mobile trolley 1 for moving the device below the tundish top nozzle 6; a lifting device 2 mounted on the mobile trolley 1 for controlling the lifting and lowering of the alignment device; an alignment device cover 3 connected to the output end of the lifting device 2 for covering the tundish top nozzle; an alignment device thermocouple 4 disposed inside the alignment device cover 3 for detecting the temperature of the stopper rod head 7; and a data feedback device 5 electrically connected to the alignment device thermocouple 4 for receiving and displaying temperature data. This technical solution, through the coordinated operation of the mobile trolley, lifting device, alignment device cover, thermocouple, and data feedback device, constructs a complete mechanized alignment detection system. Its core effect lies in achieving long-distance, non-contact automated measurement, allowing operators to complete alignment judgments without approaching the high-temperature tundish, completely eliminating the safety hazards associated with manual mirror observation. Meanwhile, the device has a compact structure and high integration, enabling rapid deployment and operation. It provides reliable technical support for safety preparations before continuous casting begins, effectively avoiding casting failures and production accidents caused by poor alignment.

[0018] Preferably, the thermocouple 4 of the centering device has a length of 200mm, with its tip used to contact the stopper rod head. The specific extension length of the thermocouple is limited to 200mm, an optimized value based on engineering practice of the standard tundish inlet and stopper rod structure. This length ensures that after the centering device outer casing 3 completely covers the inlet, the tip of the thermocouple 4 can accurately and reliably contact the end face of the stopper rod head, thereby obtaining an accurate temperature signal. This specific dimension avoids the problems of insufficient contact due to excessive length or structural interference due to excessive length, ensuring the effectiveness and consistency of the detection.

[0019] Further preferably, the data feedback device 5 includes a temperature display unit and / or an alarm unit for issuing a prompt when the temperature is below 900℃. This preferred embodiment clarifies the quantitative standard for judging the alignment status and the automated prompting function. Setting the 900℃ threshold is a safety lower limit based on the actual temperature range of the stopper head after baking (usually above 1000℃). When the detected temperature is ≥900℃, the system determines that the alignment is good; below this temperature, it is determined that the alignment has failed. The display unit provides intuitive readings, and combined with audible and visual alarm units for immediate prompts, subjective manual judgment is transformed into objective data judgment, greatly improving the accuracy, reliability, and response speed of the judgment, guiding operators to make quick adjustment decisions.

[0020] Further preferably, the shape of the centering device outer cover 3 matches the upper water inlet of the intermediate package, completely covering the upper water inlet. The key effect of this preferred solution is to isolate interference and achieve precise positioning. The outer cover 3, which matches the shape of the upper water inlet, can automatically guide and align itself during its ascent, ultimately achieving complete coverage. This coverage creates a relatively closed detection environment, effectively isolating interference from external airflow and the influence of surrounding high-temperature radiators, making the temperature measured by the thermocouple 4 more accurately reflect the temperature of the stopper head, thus improving measurement accuracy. On the other hand, it also ensures that the thermocouple 4 is basically aligned with the central axis of the upper water inlet, further guaranteeing the accuracy of the detection.

[0021] More preferably, the lifting device 2 is one of an electric push rod, a hydraulic cylinder, or a screw lifting mechanism. This scheme defines the specific implementation of the lifting device 2, all of which are mature, reliable, and controllable linear drive mechanisms. Using an electric push rod, hydraulic cylinder, or screw mechanism can provide smooth, precise, and self-locking reliable linear motion, thereby accurately controlling the lifting position of the centering device outer cover 3. This not only ensures the smooth operation of the detection process, but its stable thrust also ensures that the outer cover 3 can fit tightly with the inlet. Furthermore, these mechanisms are easy to integrate with automated control systems, laying the hardware foundation for achieving fully automated control throughout the process.

[0022] Further preferably, the mobile trolley 1 is equipped with rollers at its bottom and a braking device. This preferred design improves the mobility and operational stability of the device. The trolley with rollers allows the entire heavy device to be easily and flexibly moved below the sprue nozzles of different flow stages, greatly reducing the labor intensity of operators, and is particularly suitable for rapid sequential inspection of multi-strand continuous casting machines. The braking device can reliably lock after positioning, preventing the trolley from moving during the inspection process due to equipment vibration or uneven ground, thereby ensuring the accuracy and safety of lifting and centering operations, and avoiding measurement errors or equipment collisions caused by positioning deviations.

[0023] Further preferably, the device also includes a control unit, which is mounted on the mobile trolley 1 and electrically connected to the lifting device 2 and the data feedback device 5. This control unit controls the lifting operation of the lifting device 2 and receives temperature signals from the data feedback device 5. Adding a control unit is the core of achieving automation and intelligence in the device. It integrates the dispersed lifting drive and temperature detection functions into a unified whole. By receiving operation commands or preset programs, the control unit automatically controls the start, stop, and travel of the lifting device 2, achieving precise automated positioning of the centering device's outer casing 3. Its control logic is based on mature technology in this field. Simultaneously, it collects and processes temperature signals from the data feedback device 5 in real time and automatically determines the centering status based on preset logic (such as temperature threshold comparison). This solution elevates operation from manual to automatic control, significantly reducing human intervention. It not only further improves operational efficiency and safety but also ensures the consistency and reliability of the detection process and result determination, avoiding human error.

[0024] More preferably, the control unit is a PLC controller or a microcontroller controller. This scheme further specifies the hardware selection of the control unit. Both PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and microcontrollers are dedicated control chips or modules with high reliability and strong anti-interference capabilities for industrial environments. They can operate stably in the harsh conditions of continuous casting workshops, characterized by high temperatures, high dust levels, and complex electromagnetic interference. Using such controllers facilitates the writing and implementation of complex control logic (such as sequential control and conditional judgment), processing of analog and digital signals, and provides excellent scalability. They can be easily connected to human-machine interfaces, remote control stations, or upper-level management systems, providing a solid hardware guarantee for the stability, durability, and functional expansion of the device.

[0025] The working principle of this utility model device is as follows: After the intermediate ladle is baked, the operator pushes the mobile trolley 1 to directly below the inlet of the intermediate ladle to be tested. The device is started, and the control unit (if equipped) or the lifting device 2 is operated manually to drive the centering device cover 3 to rise smoothly. The centering device cover 3, with its shape matching the inlet, automatically aligns itself during the rise and finally completely covers the inlet. As the cover 3 is in place, the centering device thermocouple 4, which is fixedly installed inside it, moves forward along with it, and its front end (probe) extends out and attempts to contact the end face of the stopper rod blocked in the inlet cup.

[0026] If the stopper rod is properly aligned, its head will be centered at the top of the inlet, and the tip of thermocouple 4 will successfully make contact with the high-temperature (approximately 1000℃) stopper rod head. Thermocouple 4 quickly senses the temperature and transmits the corresponding thermoelectric signal to the data feedback device 5. The data feedback device 5 converts the signal into a temperature value and displays it. When the displayed temperature is within the expected range of 900-1100℃, alignment is considered successful.

[0027] If the stopper rod is misaligned, its head will deviate from the center position. The rising thermocouple 4 will not be able to contact the stopper rod head, instead being exposed to ambient air or only in contact with the relatively low-temperature refractory material at the nozzle. In this case, the temperature displayed by the data feedback device 5 will be far below 900℃ (possibly close to ambient temperature or the radiation temperature of baking). The device will then determine that the alignment has failed and issue a warning via the alarm unit (if equipped), prompting the operator to readjust the stopper rod position. Throughout the entire testing process, personnel can remain away from the high-temperature area and make judgments by observing the data display or listening to the alarm, ensuring safety, speed, and accuracy.

[0028] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A device for measuring the alignment of a stopper rod before continuous casting begins, characterized in that, include: A mobile trolley (1) is used to move the device to below the tundish inlet; A lifting device (2) is installed on the mobile trolley (1) to realize the lifting control of the centering device; The centering device outer cover (3) is connected to the output end of the lifting device (2) and is used to cover the water inlet of the intermediate package; The centering thermocouple (4) is installed inside the centering cover (3) and is used to detect the temperature of the stopper head; The data feedback device (5) is electrically connected to the thermocouple (4) of the centering device and is used to receive and display temperature data.

2. The device for measuring the alignment of the stopper rod before continuous casting as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The centering thermocouple (4) is 200 mm long, and its front end is used to contact the stopper head.

3. The device for measuring the alignment of the stopper rod before continuous casting as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The data feedback device (5) includes a temperature display unit and / or an alarm unit, which is used to issue a prompt when the temperature is below 900°C.

4. The device for measuring the alignment of the stopper rod before continuous casting as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the centering device outer cover (3) matches the water inlet of the intermediate package and can completely cover the water inlet.

5. The device for measuring the alignment of the stopper rod before continuous casting as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting device (2) is one of an electric push rod, a hydraulic cylinder, or a screw lifting mechanism.

6. The device for measuring the alignment of the stopper rod before continuous casting as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile trolley (1) is equipped with rollers at the bottom and a braking device.

7. The device for measuring the alignment of the stopper rod before continuous casting according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control unit, which is located on the mobile trolley (1) and electrically connected to the lifting device (2) and the data feedback device (5), for controlling the lifting operation of the lifting device (2) and receiving the temperature signal from the data feedback device (5).

8. The device for measuring the alignment of the stopper rod before continuous casting according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit is a PLC controller or a microcontroller controller.

Images