On-line detection system for rare earth metal production

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of metal detection, and provides a rare earth metal production online detection system, which at least comprises: a mold comprising a cavity and at least one containing groove arranged at the bottom of the cavity, the containing groove being adapted to contain a first plug; the first plug is provided with a groove on one side; the containing groove is a through groove penetrating through the bottom of the cavity, one side of the first plug provided with the groove faces the containing groove and is pluggably arranged in the containing groove, and the containing groove is adapted to form a detection column at the bottom of the to-be-detected rare earth metal when the to-be-detected rare earth metal is cooled; and a detection machine is used for detecting the content information of a target element in the detection column. The rare earth metal production online detection system provided by the present application can shorten the detection period to several minutes, timely guide the subsequent production according to the detection result, and is beneficial to improving the yield of products.

Description

[0001] The present application is a divisional application of a patent application with the application date of January 25, 2022, the application number of 202210087018.4, and the invention name of a rare earth metal production online detection method and system TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of metal detection, in particular to a rare earth metal production online detection system. BACKGROUND

[0003] In the rare earth metal pyrometallurgy of metal lanthanum, metal neodymium, dysprosium-iron alloy, lanthanum-cerium alloy and praseodymium-neodymium alloy (hereinafter collectively referred to as rare earth metal), after the ingot of the finished product is completed, it needs to be detected, and the metal properties are judged according to the industry standard and / or enterprise standard, customer requirements, etc., and further graded and classified accordingly, so as to be suitable for different grade requirements of various industries. In the past production process, before the rare earth metal is detected, the rare earth metal in molten state needs to be taken out from the electrolytic furnace and poured into a previously prepared mold. After the rare earth metal in molten state is cooled to below the self-ignition temperature, it is transferred to the detection equipment for detection, and the production is guided according to the detection results. However, in this detection method, the cooling time of the rare earth metal to be tested needs to be more than 1 hour, which leads to the inability to detect the rare earth metal discharged from the furnace in the first time, so that the detection process has a certain hysteresis and cannot timely guide the production according to the detection results. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present application is that the cooling time of the rare earth metal to be tested in the detection method in the prior art is relatively long, which leads to the inability to detect the rare earth metal discharged from the furnace in the first time, so that the detection process has a certain hysteresis and cannot timely guide the production according to the detection results, thereby providing a rare earth metal production online detection system.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the technical scheme of the present application is as follows:

[0006] The present application provides a rare earth metal production online detection method, comprising the following steps: cooling the rare earth metal to be tested of the last furnace to form a detection column on its surface; detecting the detection column to obtain the content information of the target element in the rare earth metal to be tested and adjusting the process parameters for producing the rare earth metal of the next furnace according to the content information of the target element.

[0007] Further, the adjusting the process parameters for the next batch of rare earth metal production according to the content information of the target element comprises: when the content of the target element does not exceed the preset value, maintaining the process parameters for the next batch of rare earth metal production unchanged; when the content of the target element is greater than the preset value, obtaining a material ratio of the last batch of rare earth metal production, and adjusting the process parameters for the next batch of rare earth metal production according to the material ratio.

[0008] Further, the adjusting the process parameters for the next batch of rare earth metal production according to the material ratio comprises: comparing the material ratio with a target value, if the material ratio is greater than the target value, reducing the raw material of (M-N)*P in the next batch of rare earth metal production; if the material ratio is less than the target value, increasing the raw material of (N-M)*P in the next batch of rare earth metal production; wherein M is the material ratio, N is the target value, and P is the output of the rare earth metal.

[0009] Further, the material ratio satisfies M=Q / P, wherein Q is the rare earth element in the raw material in terms of rare earth oxide.

[0010] Further, the reducing the raw material of (M-N)*P is performed R times, and the raw material of (M-N)*P is reduced by {(M-N)*P} / R each time; the increasing the raw material of (N-M)*P is performed R times, and the raw material of (N-M)*P is increased by {(N-M)*P} / R each time; and R≥2.

[0011] Further, if the material ratio is greater than the target value, the speed of the raw material feeding is reduced in the next batch of rare earth metal production; if the material ratio is less than the target value, the speed of the raw material feeding is increased in the next batch of rare earth metal production.

[0012] Further, the adjusting the process parameters for the next batch of rare earth metal production according to the content information of the target element further comprises: when the content of the target element is greater than the preset value, adjusting the reaction temperature for the next batch of rare earth metal production.

[0013] Further, the adjusting the process parameters for the next batch of rare earth metal production according to the content information of the target element further comprises: when the content of the target element is greater than the preset value, adjusting the electrolyte level for the next batch of rare earth metal production to be not lower than a safety level line.

[0014] Further, the target element comprises one or more of C, Fe, Si, Al and Mo.

[0015] Further, the detecting the detection column is performed under the protection of inert gas.

[0016] The application further provides a rare earth metal production online detection system, which at least comprises: a mold comprising a cavity and at least one accommodating groove arranged at the bottom of the cavity, the accommodating groove being adapted to accommodate a first plug; the first plug is provided with a groove on one side; the accommodating groove is a through groove penetrating the bottom of the cavity, the side of the first plug provided with the groove is arranged in the accommodating groove in a pluggable manner, and the accommodating groove is adapted to form a detection column at the bottom of the rare earth metal to be detected when the molten rare earth metal to be detected cools.

[0017] Further, the accommodating groove is a tapered groove, and the inner diameter of the accommodating groove gradually increases along the direction close to the first plug; and the end of the first plug extending into the accommodating groove is a tapered structure matched with the accommodating groove.

[0018] Further, the two sides of the first plug are symmetrically provided with limiters, and the limiters are adapted to abut against the bottom of the mold when the first plug is inserted into the accommodating groove.

[0019] Further, the bottom surface of the first plug is provided with a first clamping plate, the plate surface of the first clamping plate is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the first plug, and the plate surface of the first clamping plate is provided with a first hole.

[0020] Further, the groove is a tapered groove, and the inner diameter of the groove gradually decreases along the direction close to the first clamping plate.

[0021] Further, the rare earth metal production online detection system further comprises a second plug, the plug head of the second plug is a tapered structure matched with the groove, and one end of the second plug is arranged in the groove in a pluggable manner; when the plug head is inserted into the groove, a preset gap is left between the outer wall of the plug head and the inner wall of the groove.

[0022] Further, the second plug is provided with a second clamping plate on the side opposite to the plug head, and the plate surface of the second clamping plate is provided with a second hole.

[0023] Further, the outer surface of the mold is symmetrically provided with two lifting lugs.

[0024] Further, the rare earth metal production online detection system further comprises a marking machine, a weighing machine and a first mechanical arm; the weighing machine is arranged downstream of the marking machine, and the first mechanical arm is arranged at the output end of the marking machine and is adapted to transfer the rare earth metal to be detected which has been marked to the weighing machine.

[0025] Further, the rare earth metal production online detection system further comprises a processing device and a second mechanical arm; the processing device is arranged downstream of the weighing machine, the detection machine is arranged downstream of the processing device, and the second mechanical arm is arranged between the weighing machine and the detection machine and is adapted to transfer the weighed rare earth metal on the weighing machine to the processing device for polishing and transfer the polished rare earth metal to the detection machine for detection; wherein the marking machine and the weighing machine are arranged along a first direction, the processing device and the detection machine are arranged along a second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0026] Further, the rare earth metal production online detection system further comprises a portal frame; the portal frame is arranged along a second direction, and the second mechanical arm is arranged on the portal frame and can move along the portal frame; a group of the marking machine and the weighing machine are arranged at both ends of the portal frame, and one second mechanical arm is arranged corresponding to each group of the marking machine and the weighing machine; the detection machine is located below the portal frame and at a middle position of the portal frame; the milling machine comprises two, and the two milling machines are located below the portal frame and are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the detection machine.

[0027] Further, the rare earth metal production online detection system further comprises a sorting structure, which comprises a sorting conveyor belt, a push hand, and a sorting box; the sorting conveyor belt is located on one side of the detection machine, the sorting conveyor belt is arranged along the first direction, and the second mechanical arm is adapted to transfer the detected rare earth metal to the sorting conveyor belt; a plurality of sorting boxes are arranged on one side of each sorting conveyor belt along the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor belt; and the other side of the sorting conveyor belt and the position corresponding to the sorting box are adapted to be provided with the push hand, so as to push the rare earth metal on the sorting conveyor belt into the sorting box.

[0028] Further, the sorting conveyor belt comprises two, and the two sorting conveyor belts are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the detection machine along the second direction.

[0029] Further, the detection machine is a spark source atomic emission spectrometer.

[0030] Further, a control system is further included; the control system controls the work of the detection machine, the marking machine, the weighing machine, the first mechanical arm system, etc.

[0031] Further, the control system further comprises a database, and the database is used for storing the number and related data of each rare earth metal or alloy ingot and other information.

[0032] The technical scheme of the present application has the following advantages:

[0033] The rare earth metal production online detection method provided by the application forms a detection column by rapidly cooling the to-be-detected metal of the previous furnace, and the detection can be performed without waiting for the whole rare earth metal to be cooled completely, thereby shortening the detection period, improving the hysteresis problem existing in the existing detection technology, and being beneficial to guiding the production in a timely manner according to the detection result and realizing stable production of products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the application or the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the specific embodiments or the prior art description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort on the basis of these drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 A flow chart of the rare earth metal production online detection method in the embodiments of the application;

[0036] Figure 2 A top view of the rare earth metal production online detection system in the embodiments of the application;

[0037] Figure 3 A front view of the rare earth metal production online detection system in the embodiments of the application;

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic view of the gantry in the rare earth metal production online detection system in the embodiments of the application;

[0039] Figure 5 A schematic view of the mold in the rare earth metal production online detection system in the embodiments of the application;

[0040] Figure 6 A schematic view of the first plug body in the rare earth metal production online detection system in one embodiment of the application;

[0041] Figure 7 A schematic view of the first plug body in the rare earth metal production online detection system in another embodiment of the application;

[0042] Figure 8 A schematic view of the first plug body and the mold in the rare earth metal production online detection system in one embodiment of the application in the assembled and working state;

[0043] Figure 9 A schematic view of the second plug body in the rare earth metal production online detection system in the embodiments of the application.

[0044] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] 1, first mechanical arm; 2, marking machine; 3, weighing machine; 4, milling machine; 5, detection machine; 6, gantry; 7, second mechanical arm; 8, sorting conveyor belt;

[0046] 9, push hand; 10, sorting box; 11, slide; 12, mold;

[0047] 13, cavity; 14, containing groove; 15, lifting lug; 16, first plug body;

[0048] 17, groove; 18, limiting piece; 19, first clamping plate; 20, first hole;

[0049] 21, second plug body; 22, plug head; 23, second clamping plate; 24, second hole;

[0050] 25, rare earth ingot; 26, detection column. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The technical solutions of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0052] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and therefore cannot be understood as indicating or implying that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0053] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connection", "connection" should be understood broadly, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it can be mechanically connected, or it can be electrically connected; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; it can be the communication inside two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0054] In addition, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0055] Figure 5 Figure 1 is a schematic view of a mold in a rare earth metal production online detection system according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 Figure 2 is a schematic view of a first plug body in a rare earth metal production online detection system according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 8 Figure 3 is a schematic view of the first plug body and the mold in a rare earth metal production online detection system according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 8 As shown in Figures 1-3, the present embodiment provides a rare earth metal production online detection system, which at least comprises: a mold 12, comprising a cavity 13 and at least one accommodating groove 14 arranged at the bottom of the cavity 13, the accommodating groove 14 being a through groove extending through the bottom of the cavity 13; a first plug body 16, one side of which is provided with a groove 17, the side of the first plug body 16 provided with the groove 17 facing the accommodating groove 14 and being pluggably arranged in the accommodating groove 14, the groove 17 being adapted to form a detection column 26 at the bottom of the rare earth metal to be detected when the rare earth metal to be detected in a molten state cools down; and a detection machine 5 for detecting the content information of a target element in the detection column 26.

[0056] Specifically, the mold 12 has an open structure, and the mold 12 has a hollow cavity 13 for accommodating the rare earth metal in a molten state and the rare earth metal ingot 25 after solidification. One or more accommodating grooves 14 can be arranged at the bottom of the cavity 13, and the accommodating grooves 14 extend downward perpendicularly to the bottom surface of the cavity 13 until the bottom of the cavity 13. The depth of the accommodating groove 14 can be set as needed, for example, the depth of the accommodating groove 14 can be 1 cm-2 cm. The first plug body 16 is pluggably arranged in the accommodating groove 14 from the bottom of the mold 12, and the top surface of the first plug body 16 is recessed downward to form a groove 17, the groove 17 being perpendicular to the top surface of the first plug body 16 and not extending through the first plug body 16. After the rare earth metal to be detected in a molten state is poured into the cavity 13, a part of the rare earth metal enters the groove 17. Compared with the liquid rare earth metal in the cavity 13, the rare earth metal in the groove 17 cools down and solidifies to form a detection column 26 more easily. After the detection column 26 is formed, the first plug head 22 can be removed. Since the liquid rare earth metal in the cavity 13 has not cooled down completely, the rare earth metal to be detected can be transferred together with the mold 12 to the detection machine 5. The detection machine 5 detects the cooled detection column 26 to obtain the content information of the target element in the detection column 26, thereby obtaining the quality information of the whole rare earth metal ingot 25 to be detected. Then, the next production can be guided according to the detection result. In this way, the detection period can be shortened to several minutes, and the subsequent production can be guided in time according to the detection result, which is beneficial to improving the yield of products.

[0057] ​​The accommodating groove 14 is a tapered groove, and the inner diameter of the accommodating groove 14 gradually increases along the direction close to the first plug body 16; the end of the first plug body 16 extending into the accommodating groove 14 is a tapered structure matched with the accommodating groove 14. For example, the upper half of the first plug body 16 can be a tapered structure, so that when the upper half of the first plug body 16 is inserted into the accommodating groove 14, the sealing between the two can be improved, preventing rare earth metals from flowing out of the gap between the two. Figure 7 It is a schematic view of the first plug body in the rare earth metal production online detection system in another embodiment of the present application; as shown in the figure, for example, the lower half of the first plug body 16 can be a rectangular or cylindrical structure. As shown in the figure, Figure 7 For example, the lower half of the first plug body 16 can be a tapered structure that is a mirror image of the upper half. Figure 6 For example, the lower half of the first plug body 16 can be a tapered structure that is a mirror image of the upper half.

[0058] The two sides of the first plug body 16 are symmetrically provided with limit pieces 18, and the limit pieces 18 are adapted to have a spacing with the outer bottom surface of the mold 12 when the first plug body 16 is inserted into the accommodating groove 14. For example, the limit pieces 18 can be provided at the intersection between the upper half and the lower half of the first plug body 16, and the two limit pieces 18 are located on the left and right sides of the first plug body 16 at the same height. For example, the limit pieces 18 can be a rod-shaped structure or a block-shaped structure, and the limit pieces 18 extend outwardly perpendicular to the surface of the first plug body 16. When the upper half of the first plug body 16 is inserted into the accommodating groove 14, the limit pieces 18 can have a spacing with the outer bottom surface of the mold 12, preventing the first plug body 16 from being difficult to pull out when the first plug body 16 is pulled out, and a lever is inserted into the gap between the limit pieces 18 and the mold 12 to pry the first plug body 16 to separate the first plug body 16 from the mold 12.

[0059] In order to facilitate plug pulling, a first clamping plate 19 is provided on the bottom surface of the first plug body 16, and the plate surface of the first clamping plate 19 is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the first plug body 16; a first hole 20 is provided on the plate surface of the first clamping plate 19. For example, the first clamping plate 19 can be a square plate, and the first hole 20 can be a circular hole and various shapes of through holes or blind holes. When pulling out the plug, the first clamping plate 19 can be clamped with pliers to pull out the first plug body 16, or a lever is inserted into the first hole 20 to apply force to assist in pulling out the plug.

[0060] The groove 17 is a tapered groove, and the cross section of the groove 17 gradually decreases along the direction close to the first clamping plate 19. For example, the groove 17 can be provided at the center position of the top surface of the first plug body 16. The size and height of the groove 17 can be set as needed, which can achieve rapid cooling while meeting the detection needs.

[0061] Figure 9 It is a schematic view of the second plug body in the rare earth metal online detection system in the embodiment of the present application, as shown in the figure, Figure 9As shown in the drawings, the rare earth metal production on-line detection system further comprises a second plug body 21, a plug head 22 of the second plug body 21 is in a tapered structure matching the groove 17, and one end of the second plug body 21 is pluggably arranged in the groove 17; wherein when the plug head 22 is inserted in the groove 17, a preset gap is left between the outer wall of the plug head 22 and the inner wall of the groove 17. In order to facilitate demolding and prevent the detection column 26 from being adhered to the groove 17, the second plug body 21 can be arranged, the shape of the plug head 22 of the second plug body 21 matches the shape of the groove 17, and the preset gap between the plug head 22 and the groove 17 can be designed according to needs. The greater the preset gap, the greater the thickness of the electrolyte film layer formed on the surface of the groove 17.

[0062] In use, after the first plug body 16 is arranged with the mold 12, the top surface of the first plug body 16 is preferably slightly higher than the bottom of the cavity 13 in the mold 12 after extending into the accommodating groove 14. Then the first plug body 16 and the mold 12 are placed on a workbench (not shown in the drawings) so that the weight of the mold 12 is partially or entirely placed on the first plug body 16. A small amount of molten electrolyte is first injected into the cavity 13, and when the electrolyte fills the groove 17, the injection of the electrolyte is stopped. The second plug body 21 is placed in the groove 17, at which time the second plug body 21 extrudes most of the molten electrolyte in the groove 17 out of the groove 17, leaving only a small amount of electrolyte between the groove wall of the groove 17 and the plug head 22. After the electrolyte cools, an electrolyte film layer is formed on the groove wall and the bottom of the groove 17, and after the electrolyte film layer solidifies, the second plug body 21 is removed. The electrolyte solidified on the outside of the first plug body 16 and the bottom of the mold 12 bonds the first plug body 16 and the mold 12 into one body, and also prevents liquid rare earth metal from leaking out of the gap between the first plug body 16 and the accommodating groove 14 when the rare earth metal is cast. Then molten rare earth metal to be measured is added to the cavity 13, and when the rare earth metal in the groove 17 cools, the detection column 26 is formed. Due to the presence of the electrolyte film layer in the groove 17, the first plug body 16 can be more easily removed, and the surface of the detection column 26 is not easily scratched when removed.

[0063] When the liquid rare earth metal is injected into the mold 12, the mold 12 is heated and the temperature is raised. Then the liquid rare earth metal flows into the groove 17, and the first plug body 16 is also heated and the temperature is raised. The small amount of electrolyte previously solidified on the inner wall and bottom of the groove 17 absorbs the heat of the liquid rare earth metal and is re-melted, and at least a part of the electrolyte is blocked in the groove 17 by the liquid rare earth metal. The detection column 26 remains liquid before and at the initial stage of solidification, and the heat released during the solidification and cooling of the detection column 26 is continuously transferred to the first plug body 16. The first plug body 16 absorbs the heat and further transfers the heat to other substances. The detection column 26 is usually solidified within 1-2 minutes, and the first plug body 16 can be removed under the protection of the protective gas or in a vacuum condition. If necessary, the detection work can be completed and the detection data such as weight and impurity content can be obtained after waiting for 2-3 minutes (i.e. 3-5 minutes after the liquid rare earth metal is injected into the mold 12). At this time, the remaining part of the rare earth metal ingot 25 has not been completely solidified, and the surface temperature is also higher than the self-ignition temperature. However, the cooling speed of the detection column 26 is much greater than that of the remaining part of the rare earth metal ingot 25. In the groove 17, as the temperature of the detection column 26 is further reduced, the volume of the detection column 26 is continuously reduced, and a gap is naturally generated between the detection column 26 and the groove 17. The small amount of electrolyte in the groove 17 fills the gap between the detection column 26 and the groove 17, and continuously transfers the heat from the detection column 26 to the first plug body 16. The small amount of electrolyte in the groove 17 is finally concentrated and solidified on the bottom of the groove 17 and surrounds the outside of the detection column 26. After the first plug body 16 is removed, the air is separated and the detection column 26 is continuously protected until it is stripped. If necessary, the lower half of the first plug body 16 can be placed in a suitable cooling material (preferably lead and / or tin, heat-conducting oil and the like) to accelerate the solidification and cooling speed of the detection column 26. The top surface of the first plug body 16 slightly protrudes into the accommodating groove 14 and is slightly higher than the bottom of the cavity 13 in the mold 12, which can prevent the liquid rare earth metal initially injected into the cavity 13 from directly entering the groove 17 at a lower temperature by transferring heat to the mold 12, and the liquid rare earth metal has not been solidified before reaching the bottom of the groove 17, which also conforms to the conventional "cutting head and tail" of material sampling. The thin film layer of electrolyte solidified on the inner wall and bottom of the groove 17 can also prevent the detection column 26 from being solidified too quickly due to direct contact with the first plug body 16 when the detection column 26 is still liquid.

[0064] The cooling material is preferably lead and / or tin, heat-conducting oil and the like.

[0065] The second plug body 21 is provided with a second clamping plate 23 on the side opposite to the plug head 22, and the second clamping plate 23 is provided with a second hole 24 on the plate surface. The structure of the second clamping plate 23 can be the same as that of the first clamping plate 19, and the purpose is to make it more convenient to take the second plug body 21, which will not be described here again.

[0066] The outer surface of the mold 12 is symmetrically provided with two lugs 15 (a plurality of lugs 15 can also be provided). In this way, the mold 12 can be transferred through the two lugs 15.

[0067] In use, the upper half of the first plug body 16 is first inserted into the accommodating groove 14 of the mold 12 from bottom to top; then the molten electrolyte in the electrolytic furnace is injected into the mold 12; immediately, the second plug body 21 is inserted into the groove 17 to extrude the excess molten electrolyte in the groove 17, and the second plug body 21 is removed after the electrolyte in the groove 17 solidifies; then, the rare earth metal is poured into the mold 12; then, the mold 12 and the rare earth metal therein are integrally sent to the detection machine 5; then, when the surface of the rare earth metal appears solid, the first plug body 16 is removed under the protection of inert gas, and the detection column 26 of the rare earth metal protruding out of the mold 12 is exposed; then, the detection column 26 is aligned with the detection hole of the detection machine 5, and the content information of the target element in the detection column 26 is measured; then, the process parameters of each electrolytic furnace can be adjusted according to the detection result. Before detection, the end of the detection column 26 can be treated by a processing device or the like to adapt to the requirements of the detection machine 5.

[0068] Figure 2 A top view of the rare earth metal production online detection system in the embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 A front view of the rare earth metal production online detection system in the embodiment of the present application; as Figure 2 And Figure 3 shown, the rare earth metal production online detection system further comprises a marking machine 2, a weighing machine 3 and a first mechanical arm 1; the weighing machine 3 is arranged downstream of the marking machine 2, and the first mechanical arm 1 is arranged at the output end of the marking machine 2 and is adapted to transfer the marked rare earth metal to be detected to the weighing machine 3. The marking machine 2 and the weighing machine 3 can be arranged in line, with the marking machine 2 being upstream and the weighing machine 3 being downstream. The upstream of the marking machine 2 can be a conveying line, which is adapted to convey the mold 12 containing the rare earth metal to the position of the marking machine 2, and the downstream of the weighing machine 3 can also be provided with a conveying line, which is adapted to transfer the mold 12 after weighing to the position of the second mechanical arm 7. The first mechanical arm 1 picks up the mold 12 on the conveying line upstream of the marking machine 2 and places it on the marking machine 2 for marking, then the first mechanical arm 1 transfers the mold 12 to the weighing machine 3 for weighing, and then places the mold 12 after weighing on the conveying line downstream of the weighing machine 3.

[0069] The rare earth metal production on-line detection system further comprises a processing device and a second mechanical arm 7; the processing device can be a milling machine and / or a grinding machine. The milling machine 4 is arranged downstream of the weighing machine 3, the second mechanical arm 7 grabs the mold 12 on the conveying line downstream of the weighing machine 3, and then moves to the position of the milling machine 4 to process the bottom of the detection column 26, so as to improve the smoothness of the surface of the detection column 26 and facilitate detection by the detection machine 5. The detection column 26 is under the protection of inert gas when the milling machine 4 processes the bottom of the detection column 26.

[0070] The detection machine 5 is arranged downstream of the milling machine 4, and the second mechanical arm 7 is arranged between the weighing machine 3 and the detection machine 5. The second mechanical arm 7 transfers the polished rare earth metal to be detected to the detection machine 5 for detection. During the processing of the milling machine 4 and the detection of the detection machine 5, the second mechanical arm 7 always keeps the mold 12 clamped. The final rotating speed of the milling motor output to the milling cutter is not greater than 100 r / min, the diameter of the milling cutter is not greater than 50 mm, the milling depth is not greater than 5 mm, and an inert gas pipe can be arranged beside the milling cutter to blow away the debris and cool and protect the detection column. The milling machine 4 and the detection machine 5 can also be arranged in an isolation box (not shown in the figure) filled with inert gas or in a vacuum state to process the detection column 26.

[0071] The marking machine 2 and the weighing machine 3 are arranged along a first direction, and the milling machine 4 and the detection machine 5 are arranged along a second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0072] The rare earth metal production on-line detection system further comprises a gantry 6; the gantry 6 is arranged along the second direction, and the gantry 6 and the conveying line downstream of the weighing machine 3 are arranged perpendicular to each other. The conveying line downstream of the weighing machine 3 extends to the lower side of the gantry 6 and is arranged close to the edge of the gantry 6. The second mechanical arm 7 can be arranged on the gantry 6 and can move along the gantry 6. For example, a sliding rail can be arranged on the gantry 6, and the top of the second mechanical arm 7 can be slidably arranged on the sliding rail, so that the second mechanical arm 7 can move along the gantry 6.

[0073] When the mold 12 on the conveying line needs to be grabbed, the second mechanical arm 7 can move downward to grab the mold 12, and then move upward to the middle position of the gantry 6 above the milling machine 4 to prepare for polishing the detection column 26.

[0074] Figure 4 It is a schematic view of the gantry in the rare earth metal production on-line detection system in the embodiment of the present application; as Figure 4As shown, one set of marking machines 2 and weighing machines 3 are arranged at both ends of the gantry 6, and each set of marking machines 2 and weighing machines 3 is correspondingly provided with a second mechanical arm 7; the marking machines are used for marking information such as numbers on the surface of the rare earth metal ingot, and the weighing machines are used for weighing the weight of the rare earth metal; the detection machine 5 is located below the gantry 6 and at the middle position of the gantry 6; the milling machine 4 includes two, and the two milling machines 4 are located below the gantry 6 and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the detection machine 5. When used, two lines can be operated at the same time, which is beneficial to improve the detection efficiency.

[0075] The rare earth metal production online detection system further includes a sorting structure, including a sorting conveyor belt 8, a push hand 9, and a sorting box 10; the sorting conveyor belt 8 is located on one side of the detection machine 5, and the sorting conveyor belt is arranged along a first direction; the second mechanical arm 7 is adapted to transfer the detected rare earth metal together with the mold 12 to the sorting conveyor belt 8; along the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor belt 8, a plurality of sorting boxes 10 are arranged on one side of each sorting conveyor belt 8; for example, three sorting boxes 10 can be arranged to hold rare earth metals of different grades, so that rare earth metals of different qualities can be distinguished. Wherein, a slide 11 can be arranged between the sorting box 10 and the sorting conveyor belt 8, so that the rare earth metal can fall gently from the sorting conveyor belt 8 into the sorting box 10 along the slide 11.

[0076] Wherein, the other side of the sorting conveyor belt 8 and the position matched with the sorting box 10 are correspondingly provided with a push hand 9, which is adapted to push the rare earth metal on the sorting conveyor belt 8 into the sorting box 10. For example, the push hand 9 can be a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder; the detection machine 5 and the push hand 9 are signal connected with the control system, and the control system can drive different push hands 9 according to the detection structure feedback by the detection machine 5, so as to push the rare earth metal of the corresponding grade into the corresponding sorting box 10.

[0077] Wherein, the sorting conveyor belt 8 includes two, and the two sorting conveyor belts 8 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the detection machine 5 along a second direction. The two sorting conveyor belts 8 are parallel to each other, for example, the detection machine 5 is located in the interval region between the two sorting conveyor belts 8. For example, the push hands 9 are located in the region between the two sorting conveyor belts 8. For example, the end of the sorting conveyor belt 8 can be provided with a sorting box 10, at this time, the push hand 9 is not required to be arranged, and the rare earth metal of the corresponding grade can also be automatically dropped into the sorting box 10.

[0078] Wherein, the detection machine 5 is a spark source atomic emission spectrometer, which is an instrument for qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing target elements according to the characteristic radiation generated by the excitation of atoms or ions of target elements in the detection column in the light source, and cooperates with the weighing machine to detect the weight of the rare earth metal, so as to finally obtain the content information of the target elements in the detection column, and store the detection data in the database for subsequent production guidance.

[0079] Figure 1 A flow chart of the on-line detection method for rare earth metal production in an embodiment of the present application; as shown in the figure, another embodiment provides an on-line detection method for rare earth metal production, comprising the following steps: cooling the rare earth metal to be detected of the last furnace to form a detection column on its surface; detecting the detection column to obtain the content information of the target element in the rare earth metal to be detected, wherein the target element includes one or more of C, Fe, Si, Al and Mo; and adjusting the process parameters for producing the next furnace of rare earth metal according to the content information of the target element. Figure 1

[0080] Specifically, the process parameters for producing the next furnace of rare earth metal are adjusted according to the content information of the target element, including: when the content of the target element does not exceed the preset value, maintaining the process parameters for producing the next furnace of rare earth metal unchanged; and when the content of the target element is greater than the preset value, obtaining the material ratio of the last furnace of rare earth metal production and adjusting the process parameters for producing the next furnace of rare earth metal according to the material ratio.

[0081] Taking C as the target element, the preset value is 300ppm, i.e. when C<300ppm, it is the product qualification index, at this time the process parameters for producing the next furnace of rare earth metal are maintained unchanged. When C≥300ppm, the detected metal is unqualified product, and maintaining the original process parameters will continue to produce unqualified products, so the process parameters need to be adjusted. At this time, the material ratio of the last furnace of rare earth metal production should be obtained first, and the process parameters for producing the next furnace of rare earth metal are adjusted according to the material ratio. Wherein, the material ratio satisfies M=Q / P, wherein M is the material ratio, Q is the rare earth metal oxide in the raw material, and P is the output rare earth metal.

[0082] Specifically, the process parameters for producing the next furnace of rare earth metal are adjusted according to the material ratio, including: comparing the material ratio with the target value, if the material ratio is greater than the target value, reducing the raw material of (M-N)*P in the production of the next furnace of rare earth metal; if the material ratio is less than the target value, increasing the raw material of (N-M)*P in the production of the next furnace of rare earth metal; wherein M is the material ratio, N is the target value, and P is the output rare earth metal.

[0083] ​The target value of the material ratio can be between 1.07-1.19. When the material ratio value is greater than 1.19, for example, the material ratio value is 1.26, and the output of praseodymium-neodymium alloy (Pr25%Nd75%) is 100 kg, it is known according to (1.26-1.19)*100 that 70 kg of raw materials should be reduced. When the raw material feeding is reduced by (M-N)*P, it can be divided into R times, R≥2, preferably R=20 times, and the feeding amount reduced each time is {(M-N)*P} / 20; according to the formula, when it is divided into 20 times, the feeding amount reduced each time should be 3.5 kg. Compared with one-time reduction, the feeding is reduced by multiple small amounts, which is beneficial to improve the adjustment effect.

[0084] The target value of the material ratio can be between 1.07-1.19. When the material ratio value is greater than 1.19, for example, the material ratio value is 1.26, and the output of praseodymium-neodymium alloy (Pr25%Nd75%) is 100 kg, it is known according to (1.26-1.19)*100 that 70 kg of raw materials should be reduced. When the raw material feeding is reduced by (M-N)*P, it can be divided into R times, R≥2, preferably R=20 times, and the feeding amount reduced each time is {(M-N)*P} / 20; according to the formula, when it is divided into 20 times, the feeding amount reduced each time should be 3.5 kg. Compared with one-time reduction, the feeding is reduced by multiple small amounts, which is beneficial to improve the adjustment effect.

[0085] For example, when the material ratio is 1.07-1.19 (1.13±0.06). When the output of rare earth metal in the first furnace is 8 kg, and the material ratio value is 0.94, it is known according to (1.13-0.94)*8=1.52 kg that 1.52 kg of raw material should be added to the first furnace in the second furnace. When the 1.52 kg of raw material is added, it can be divided into 20 times, and the feeding amount increased each time is 1520 / 20=76 g. Compared with one-time addition, the feeding is increased by multiple small amounts, which is beneficial to improve the adjustment effect.

[0086] In addition, the process can also be adjusted by adjusting the feeding speed. If the material ratio value is greater than the target value, the feeding speed of the raw material is reduced in the next furnace rare earth metal production; if the material ratio value is less than the target value, the feeding speed of the raw material is increased in the next furnace rare earth metal production. The increase of the feeding speed of the raw material includes increasing the feeding frequency and / or increasing the number of single feeding. For example, the normal feeding speed is 500 g every 2.5 min, and when the material ratio value of the first furnace is greater than the target value, the feeding speed of the second furnace can be adjusted to 500 g-the number of times of reduction g. Similarly, when the material ratio value of the first furnace is less than the target value, the feeding speed of the second furnace can be adjusted to 500 g+the number of times of increase g. The specific degree of reduction or increase of the feeding speed can be designed according to the actual situation, which is not limited here.

[0087] When the content of the target element is greater than the preset value, the reaction temperature of the next batch of rare earth metal production is adjusted, for example, for praseodymium-neodymium alloy, the electrolysis temperature can be adjusted to 1050-1150℃.

[0088] Since the electrolysis temperature is too high, which is one of the main reasons for the excessive carbon content, when the feedback electrolysis temperature is too high, the electrolysis voltage or current must be immediately reduced, and the electrolysis raw materials and electrolyte should be appropriately increased to quickly reduce the electrolysis temperature.

[0089] When the electrolysis temperature is too low, the solubility of rare earth oxides in the electrolyte decreases, which may cause insufficient concentration of rare earth oxides in the electrolyte, and in severe cases, anode effect occurs, which is one of the main factors causing excessive carbon content. Therefore, in the process of automatic production of rare earth metals, in addition to adjusting when the control system receives feedback information that C≥300ppm, the electrolysis temperature can also be controlled throughout the process of each batch of electrolysis.

[0090] When the content of the target element is greater than the preset value, the electrolysis temperature of the next batch of rare earth metal production is adjusted, for example, for praseodymium-neodymium alloy, the electrolysis temperature can be adjusted to 1050-1150℃.

[0091] When the liquid level needs to be adjusted, most of the time it is insufficient, and appropriate electrolyte and electrolysis raw materials need to be supplemented in time, and the electrolysis voltage and / or current, electrolysis temperature are adjusted as appropriate. If necessary, adjust the ratio of electrolyte and electrolysis raw materials input into the electrolysis furnace.

[0092] When C content is used as the target element, a warning value can be set, such as C≥280ppm. When the carbon content of the product of several consecutive batches continuously increases and exceeds or approaches the warning value, such as C≥280ppm, the control system will issue instructions to make small adjustments to the process parameters and / or issue a warning.

[0093] When C≥300ppm, the furnace temperature is at 1100±50℃, the material ratio is within the range of 1.13±0.06, and the system alarms, then there are other factors affecting production, such as anode and cathode consumption, anode effect, etc. which need manual intervention for control.

[0094] In this way, the final product qualification rate C<300ppm is increased from 75% to 95%, the electricity consumption is reduced from 7.9 degrees to 7.5 degrees, the product yield is increased from 98% to 99%, and the entire production is automatically controlled. Through rapid detection of metal quality, automatic adjustment of process parameters at the furnace is guided according to the metal quality, the entire production is stable and efficient, and the production cost is greatly reduced.

[0095] When Mo content is taken as the target element, the preset value is 500 ppm, i.e. when Mo < 500 ppm, the product is qualified, and the process parameters for the next furnace of rare earth metal production are maintained. When Mo ≥ 500 ppm, the detected metal is unqualified, and the original process parameters are maintained to continue production of unqualified products. Therefore, the process parameters need to be adjusted. The adjustment of the process parameters when Mo content is taken as the target element is basically the same as the adjustment of the process parameters when C content is taken as the target element, and will not be described here.

[0096] When Mo content is taken as the target element, a warning value can be set, such as Mo ≥ 400 ppm. When the carbon content of the products of a plurality of consecutive furnaces continuously increases and exceeds or approaches the warning value, such as Mo ≥ 400 ppm, the control system will issue an instruction to adjust the process parameters by a small amount and / or issue a warning.

[0097] During installation and use, the marking machine 2 and the weighing machine 3, the milling machine 4, and the detection machine 5 can be arranged in any order, except that the milling machine 4 should be located in front of the detection machine 5.

[0098] Even if the marking is performed first, when the weight and quality of the rare earth metal ingot 25 and other related parameters need to be checked in the future, the number and other information marked on the surface of the rare earth metal ingot 25 can be consulted.

[0099] It is preferred to arrange the working process in the order of the milling machine 4, the detection machine 5, the marking machine 2, and the weighing machine 3. The final weighing can appropriately prolong the cooling time of the rare earth metal ingot 25 to avoid that the rare earth metal ingot 25 is completely removed from the mold 12 when the temperature is too high.

[0100] Marking after detection can mark the number and quality grade and other information on the surface of the rare earth metal ingot 25 at the same time. In summary, the rare earth metal online detection system and method can quickly detect the results of the products, realize classification, and deliver the products. The cycle period of the materials is greatly shortened. In addition, the metal results detected quickly can guide the production at the furnace and the adjustment of the process parameters to realize stable production of the products. The control of the production is guided by online detection. The most important point is that the automatic feedback and adjustment simplify the entire process and automatically adjust and improve the product grade of the metal in a targeted manner. The lag of production relying on workers' experience is solved. Other uncertain factors are avoided with a high probability. The detection result has high accuracy, reduces the labor of production, and reduces the labor intensity of workers. The product consistency and product qualification rate can be effectively improved. The product power consumption is reduced. The operation is simple. The yield is improved. The stable production is finally realized. The production cost is reduced by 10%.

[0101] Preferably, the milling machine 4 and the inspection machine 5 are arranged in a protective box (not shown) through which inert gas is supplied. The protective box includes a door for the entry and exit of the rare earth metal or alloy ingot, and an inlet and outlet for the inert gas. The interior of the protective box can also be arranged to be in a vacuum state. The removal of the first plug 16 can be performed in the protective box, so that the rare earth metal or alloy ingot is not oxidized. Other equipment, such as a marking machine, can also be arranged in the same or other protective boxes, so that the rare earth metal or alloy ingot is not oxidized by air at a high temperature, and accidents such as fire are completely prevented.

[0102] Obviously, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the embodiments. Based on the above description, one of ordinary skill in the art can make other variations or changes in different forms. It is not necessary or possible to exhaust all the embodiments. The obvious variations or changes derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An online detection system for rare earth metal production, characterized in that, At least including: A mold includes a cavity and at least one receiving groove disposed at the bottom of the cavity, the receiving groove being a through groove extending through the bottom of the cavity, the receiving groove being adapted to receive a first plug. A first plug body, one side of which is provided with a groove; the side of the first plug body with the groove faces the receiving groove and is pluggably disposed in the receiving groove, suitable for forming a detection column at the bottom of the rare earth metal to be tested when the molten rare earth metal to be tested cools. It also includes marking machines, weighing machines, and the first robotic arm; The marking machine is located downstream of the conveyor line containing the mold containing rare earth metals. The weighing machine is located downstream of the marking machine. The first robotic arm is located at the output end of the marking machine and is adapted to transfer the marked rare earth metals to be tested onto the weighing machine. It also includes processing equipment, testing machines, and a second robotic arm; The processing equipment is located downstream of the weighing machine, and the detection machine is located downstream of the processing equipment. It is used to detect the content information of the target element in the detection column. The second robotic arm is located between the weighing machine and the detection machine. It is suitable for transferring the rare earth metal to be tested that has been weighed on the weighing machine to the processing equipment for processing, and transferring the processed rare earth metal to be tested to the detection machine for detection. It also includes a sorting structure, located downstream of the testing machine, for sorting rare earth metals after testing based on the testing results of the testing machine.

2. The online detection system for rare earth metal production according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving groove is a conical groove, and the inner diameter of the receiving groove gradually increases along the direction close to the first plug body; The end of the first plug that extends into the receiving groove has a conical structure adapted to the receiving groove.

3. The online detection system for rare earth metal production according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first plug is provided with limiting members on both sides, and the limiting members are adapted to abut against the bottom of the mold when the first plug is inserted into the receiving groove.

4. The online detection system for rare earth metal production according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first clamping plate is provided on the bottom surface of the first plug body, and the plate surface of the first clamping plate is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the first plug body; The first clamping plate has a first hole on its surface.

5. The online detection system for rare earth metal production according to claim 4, characterized in that, The groove is a conical groove, and the inner diameter of the groove gradually decreases along the direction close to the first clamping plate.

6. The online detection system for rare earth metal production according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a second plug, the plug of which has a tapered structure that fits the groove, and one end of the second plug is detachably disposed in the groove; When the plug is inserted into the groove, a preset gap is left between the outer wall of the plug and the inner wall of the groove.

7. The online detection system for rare earth metal production according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second plug body has a second clamping plate on the side facing away from the plug head, and a second hole is provided on the surface of the second clamping plate.

8. The online detection system for rare earth metal production according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The outer surface of the mold is symmetrically provided with two lifting lugs.

9. The online detection system for rare earth metal production according to claim 1, characterized in that, The marking machine and the weighing machine are arranged along a first direction, and the processing equipment and the testing machine are arranged along a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

10. The online detection system for rare earth metal production according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes gantry cranes; The gantry frame is arranged along the second direction, and the second robotic arm is mounted on the gantry frame and can move along the gantry frame; Each end of the gantry is equipped with a set of the marking machine and the weighing machine, and each set of the marking machine and the weighing machine is equipped with a second robotic arm. The testing machine is located below the gantry and in the middle of the gantry; The processing equipment is a milling machine, and there are two milling machines. Both milling machines are located below the gantry frame and are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the inspection machine.

11. The online detection system for rare earth metal production according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sorting structure includes a sorting conveyor belt, a pusher, and sorting boxes; The sorting conveyor belt is located on one side of the testing machine and is arranged along the first direction. The second robotic arm is adapted to transfer the tested rare earth metals onto the sorting conveyor belt. Along the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor belt, a plurality of sorting boxes are provided on one side of each sorting conveyor belt; The pusher is provided on the other side of the sorting conveyor belt at a position that matches the sorting box, which is suitable for pushing the rare earth metal on the sorting conveyor belt into the sorting box.

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