Metal melting apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a metal smelting apparatus including a casting station, the casting station comprising a steel ladle, a first sensor, and a control circuit. The steel ladle has a first sensing position, a first gate, and a first valve. The first valve is actuated to open and close the first gate. The first sensor is located at the first sensing position to sense a first electrical characteristic. The control circuit continuously drives the first sensor to obtain a first electrical signal corresponding to the first electrical characteristic, and when the first electrical signal meets the actuation conditions, the control circuit actuates the first valve to close the first gate.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to a Taiwan patent application filed on April 19, 2022, with application number 111114906 and entitled "Metal Smelting Equipment", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to a metal smelting apparatus, and more particularly to a metal smelting apparatus having a casting station. Background Technology

[0003] In the metal smelting process, raw metal materials are melted into molten metal to facilitate subsequent casting. Depending on the melting point of different raw metals, the smelting equipment heats the materials to the corresponding melting point temperature, melting them into molten metal. This molten metal then undergoes refining and casting processes. Impurities and oxides in the raw metal form slag. Due to its low density, the slag floats and covers the surface of the molten metal, absorbing non-metallic inclusions and providing insulation. During the casting process, to prevent the molten metal from cooling too quickly, additional slag is added when necessary. This slag covers the surface of the molten metal to maintain its temperature, allowing it to flow at a suitable temperature into the casting mold (also called a crystallizer) to form cast billets (such as steel ingots or bars), ensuring the casting process proceeds smoothly. Traditional ingot casting involves pouring molten metal into a mold, allowing it to solidify and cool before removing the castings one by one. Modern continuous casting, on the other hand, involves pouring molten metal into a mold with cooling water. Once the surface solidifies into a shell, a straightener pulls the casting out of the mold. The resulting billet is then straightened by the straightener and cut according to product requirements before finally cooling in a cooling bed. However, during the casting process, if the slag is very close to the gate (also called the sprue), some slag may flow into the mold due to eddy currents, resulting in poor billet cleanliness. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, in some embodiments, a metal smelting apparatus includes a casting station. The casting station includes a ladle, a first sensor, and a control circuit. The ladle has a first sensing position, a first gate, and a first valve, the first valve being actuated to open and close the first gate. The first sensor is located at the first sensing position and is used to sense a first electrical characteristic. The control circuit is used to continuously drive the first sensor to obtain a first electrical signal corresponding to the first electrical characteristic, and when the first electrical signal meets the actuation conditions, the control circuit actuates the first valve to close the first gate.

[0005] In some embodiments, the casting station further includes a steel distribution trough and a second sensor. The steel distribution trough has a second sensing position, an inlet, a second gate, and a second valve. The inlet corresponds to the first gate, and the second valve is actuated to open and close the second gate. The second sensor is located at the second sensing position and is used to sense a second electrical characteristic. A control circuit continuously drives the second sensor to obtain a second electrical signal corresponding to the second electrical characteristic, and the control circuit drives the second valve to close based on the second electrical signal.

[0006] In some embodiments, the casting station further includes a third sensor, and the steel ladle has a third sensing position. The third sensor is located at the third sensing position and is used to sense a third electrical characteristic. A control circuit is used to continuously drive the third sensor to obtain a third electrical signal corresponding to the third electrical characteristic. When the third electrical signal meets the actuation conditions, the control circuit drives the first valve to open the first gate.

[0007] In summary, according to some embodiments of the metal smelting equipment, when the first sensor comes into contact with the slag, the first sensor measures a first electrical characteristic; when the second sensor comes into contact with the slag, the second sensor measures a second electrical characteristic. The control circuit drives the first valve to close based on the first electrical signal corresponding to the first electrical characteristic, and drives the second valve to close based on the second electrical signal corresponding to the second electrical characteristic. This allows the control circuit to automatically control the closure of the first or second valve to limit the amount of slag flowing out of the ladle or trough, thus meeting the cleanliness requirements of the process. Furthermore, by cooperating with the first and second sensors, the control circuit continuously monitors the first or second electrical signal to control the opening and closing of the first or second valve, thereby controlling the slag level. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a steel ladle in a casting station of a metal smelting facility, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 According to some embodiments of the present invention, a circuit diagram (I) of a casting station in a metal smelting equipment is provided.

[0010] Figure 3A According to some embodiments of the present invention, a first electrical characteristic measurement circuit is provided in the first sensor.

[0011] Figure 3B According to some embodiments of the present invention, a voltage-time characteristic curve of a first electrical signal measured by a first sensor is provided.

[0012] Figure 4 According to some embodiments of the present invention, a cross-sectional view of the steel ladle and steel distribution trough in the casting station of a metal smelting equipment.

[0013] Figure 5 According to some embodiments of the present invention, a circuit diagram (II) of a casting station in a metal smelting equipment is provided.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a steel ladle in a metal smelting apparatus, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a steel trough in a metal smelting apparatus, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 According to some embodiments of the present invention, a block diagram of a casting station and a refining station in a metal smelting equipment.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0018] 10: Metal smelting equipment;

[0019] 100: Casting station;

[0020] 110: Steel drum;

[0021] 111: First sensing position;

[0022] 112: First gate;

[0023] 113: First valve;

[0024] 114: Third sensing position;

[0025] 115: Bottom of the bucket;

[0026] 116: First gate area;

[0027] 117: First Guidance Area;

[0028] 120: First sensor;

[0029] 121: Resistance of voltage measurement circuit;

[0030] 122: Control circuit resistance;

[0031] 123: Measuring the resistance of the object;

[0032] 130: Control circuit;

[0033] 140: Steel channel;

[0034] 141: Second sensing position;

[0035] 142: Second gate;

[0036] 143: Second valve;

[0037] 144: Entrance;

[0038] 145: Bottom of the trough;

[0039] 146: Second gate zone;

[0040] 147: Second guidance area;

[0041] 150: Second sensor;

[0042] 160: Third sensor;

[0043] 200: Transfer station;

[0044] 300: Refining Station;

[0045] 310: Converter;

[0046] 320: Vacuum furnace;

[0047] D1: First distance;

[0048] D2: Second distance;

[0049] D3: Third distance;

[0050] L1~L4: Height of the plumb bob;

[0051] m1, m2: Molten metal;

[0052] n1, n2: Slag;

[0053] P1: First liquid level;

[0054] P2: Second liquid level;

[0055] P3: Third liquid level;

[0056] P4: Fourth liquid level;

[0057] P5: Fifth liquid level;

[0058] T1: First time interval;

[0059] T2: Second time interval. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Various embodiments are described in detail below; however, these embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of protection intended for this invention. Furthermore, some elements are omitted from the accompanying drawings in the embodiments to clearly illustrate the technical features of the invention. The same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar elements in all the drawings.

[0061] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 1This is a cross-sectional view of a steel ladle in a casting station of a metal smelting facility, according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 2 A circuit diagram (I) of a casting station in a metal smelting apparatus is provided according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the metal smelting apparatus 10 includes a casting station 100. The casting station 100 includes a ladle 110, a first sensor 120, and a control circuit 130. The ladle 110 has a first sensing position 111, a first gate 112, and a first valve 113 (or casting channel and sliding gate). The first valve 113 is actuated to open and close the first gate 112. The first sensor 120 is located at the first sensing position 111 (described later) and is used to sense a first electrical characteristic (described later). The control circuit 130 continuously drives the first sensor 120 to obtain a first electrical signal corresponding to the first electrical characteristic (described later). When the first electrical signal meets the actuation conditions, the control circuit 130 actuates the first valve 113 to close the first gate 112.

[0062] Metal smelting equipment 10 is used to melt molten metal to cast the required billets. The metal raw materials used for casting in metal smelting equipment 10 can be, for example, but not limited to, carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. The metal raw materials are heated to a preset melting point temperature to obtain molten metal. Different types of metals have different melting points. After melting and / or refining according to the melting point temperature requirements of the pre-treated metal, the molten metal is poured into a ladle 110, and the ladle 110 containing the molten metal is transported to a casting station 100. Casting station 100 may include a continuous casting process or a die casting process. In the continuous casting process carried out in casting station 100, the high-temperature molten metal is continuously cast into billets with a certain cross-sectional shape or a certain size specification. In some embodiments, molten metal at high temperature in the ladle 110 is continuously transported to a distribution channel (described later). The distribution channel may have one or more gates, through which the molten metal is injected into a casting mold (not shown) to cast a billet with a certain cross-sectional shape or size. In other embodiments, molten metal at high temperature in the ladle 110 is continuously injected into a casting mold to cast a billet with a certain cross-sectional shape or size.

[0063] The ladle 110 is used to hold molten metal m1 (such as molten steel) that has been melted at high temperatures. Therefore, the ladle 110 needs to have appropriate refractory properties to withstand the high-temperature operating environment of the process. After the molten metal m1 is poured into the ladle 110 to a preset height (described later), the ladle 110 can then pour the molten metal m1 into the casting mold through the first gate 112 at an appropriate temperature for casting. During the casting process, in order to ensure that the molten metal m1 in the ladle 110 is maintained at an appropriate temperature, slag n1 can be added to the inside of the ladle 110 after the molten metal m1 is poured into the ladle 110. Since the specific gravity of slag n1 is lower than that of molten metal m1, slag n1 will be located on the surface of molten metal m1, so that slag n1 can cover the surface of molten metal m1 and slow down the heat loss of molten metal m1.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the control circuit 130 is electrically connected to the first sensor 120 and the first valve 113. The control circuit 130 can be, but is not limited to, a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The control circuit 130 generates a shut-off signal and a shut-off signal, and can transmit the shut-off signal to the first valve 113, so that the first valve 113 can open the first gate 112 according to the shut-off signal, and close the first gate 112 according to the shut-off signal. In operation, the control circuit 130 continuously receives the first electrical signal emitted by the first sensor 120, and can determine whether the first electrical signal meets the operating conditions. When the first electrical signal meets the operating conditions, the control circuit 130 can transmit a shut-off signal to the first valve 113, so that the first valve 113 can switch to the shut-off state according to the shut-off signal. The aforementioned "first electrical signal meets the actuation condition" can mean that the first electrical signal is less than or equal to the actuation condition. The aforementioned "first electrical signal does not meet the actuation condition" can mean that the first electrical signal is greater than the actuation condition. In some embodiments, the control circuit 130 may issue a shut-off signal after the first electrical signal meets the actuation condition and is maintained for a judgment time. The judgment time may be, for example, but not limited to, ten seconds. For example, when the first electrical signal meets the actuation condition and is maintained for ten seconds, the control circuit 130 issues a shut-off signal to the first valve 113.

[0065] The first valve 113 can be an electric valve. The first valve 113 is located at the first gate 112 to close or open the first gate 112. In some embodiments, the first valve 113 can be preset to a closed state. For example, when the ladle 110 is to hold molten metal m1, the control circuit 130 can first send a closing signal to the first valve 113, causing the first valve 113 to be in a closed state. When the molten metal m1 is injected into the ladle 110, the molten metal m1 can be kept inside the ladle 110. When the casting process of the casting station 100 starts, the control circuit 130 can send an opening signal to the first valve 113 (described in detail later), and the first valve 113 switches to an open state, allowing the molten metal m1 in the ladle 110 to be output through the first gate 112.

[0066] Please refer to both together. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B . Figure 3A According to some embodiments of the present invention, a first electrical characteristic measurement circuit for a first sensor is provided. Figure 3BAccording to some embodiments of the present invention, the voltage-time characteristic curve of the first electrical signal measured by the first sensor is shown. The first sensor 120 is suitable for operation in high-temperature environments. Therefore, the first sensor 120 can be selected from sensor materials that can withstand temperatures up to the melting point of the metal being applied. For example, when the casting temperature is 1100 degrees Celsius, a carbon steel sensor can be used, as carbon steel has a melting point of 1145 to 1250 degrees Celsius. Another example is a ceramic sensor, as ceramic has a melting point of 2000 degrees Celsius, when the casting temperature is 1250 degrees Celsius, but the sensor is not limited to the aforementioned materials. Accordingly, depending on the different metal molten metal processes, a sensor with a corresponding temperature resistance can be selected as needed, so that the first sensor 120 can continuously detect during the process of the casting station 100. The first sensor 120 is used to detect the first electrical characteristic of the substance corresponding to its sensing location. In this embodiment, the substance at the sensing location can be air, molten metal, and / or slag. The first electrical characteristic can be, but is not limited to, resistance value. The following explanation uses resistance as an example of the first electrical characteristic. The control circuit 130 drives the first sensor 120 by providing it with a certain current or voltage. The control circuit 130 then measures the electrical signal of the first sensor 120, such as voltage or current. The control circuit 130 can continuously drive the first sensor 120 by either continuously providing a constant current or voltage to the first sensor 120, or intermittently providing a constant current or voltage to the first sensor 120. "The control circuit 130 intermittently provides a constant current or voltage to the first sensor 120" can mean periodically providing a constant current or voltage to the first sensor 120, meaning that the control circuit 130 provides a constant current or voltage to the first sensor 120 at predetermined time intervals and, after obtaining the corresponding first electrical signal, pauses providing the constant current or voltage to the first sensor 120. Figure 3AAs shown, the first sensor 120 includes a voltage measurement circuit resistor 121, a control circuit resistor 122, and a measurement object resistor 123. The voltage measurement circuit resistor 121 is assumed to be 5.1 ohms (Ω), the control circuit resistor 122 is assumed to be 3.6 ohms (Ω), and the measurement object resistor 123 is assumed to be R (Ω). When a constant voltage of 10 volts (V) is applied, according to Ohm's law, V = 10V / (3.6 + 5.1 + R) × 5.1. Wherein, when the measurement object resistor 123 is a relatively large slag n1... When the current in the voltage measurement circuit resistor 121 is small, the voltage measured by the voltage measurement circuit resistor 121 is also small. When the slag n1 of the measured object resistor 123 is R ohms (Ω), the voltage measured by the voltage measurement circuit resistor 121 is 0.475 volts (V). It can be deduced that the resistance value R of the measured object resistor 123 is approximately 98.6 ohms (Ω), that is, the resistance value of the slag n1 is 98.6 ohms (Ω). Conversely, when the measured object resistance 123 is a small-value molten metal m1 (steel), the current in the voltage measurement circuit resistor 121 is large, and the voltage measured by the voltage measurement circuit resistor 121 is also large. When the molten metal m1 (steel) of the measured object resistance 123 has a resistance of R ohms (Ω), the voltage measured by the voltage measurement circuit resistor 121 is 0.495V. Therefore, the resistance value R of the measured object resistance 123 can be deduced to be 94.3 ohms (Ω), meaning the resistance value of the slag n1 is 94.3 ohms (Ω). The above is merely an example and is not intended to limit the measurement of the first electrical signal in the first sensor 120.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, after the first sensor 120 is driven, the first sensor 120 can continuously detect the first electrical characteristic. Please also refer to... Figure 3B The voltage-time characteristic curve is plotted, with the horizontal axis representing time (each division being ten seconds) and the vertical axis representing voltage value (the unit can be millivolts mV). For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, taking a constant voltage as an example, when the molten metal m1 is at the first liquid level P1, the molten metal m1 has not yet come into contact with the first sensor 120. The substance detected by the first sensor 120 is air. Since the resistance of air can be regarded as infinite, the voltage value of the first electrical signal is about 0 millivolts (mV).

[0068] When the level of molten metal m1 continues to rise to the second level P2 or the third level P3, molten metal m1 has contacted the sensing position of the first sensor 120. The first sensor 120 detects the first electrical characteristics of molten metal m1, and the control circuit 130 obtains the first electrical signal accordingly. In this embodiment, the constant voltage is 10 volts (V), and the first electrical signal obtained by the control circuit 130 is approximately 495 millivolts (mV) to 490 millivolts (mV). Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3B The voltage value within the first time interval T1. When the molten metal m1 has reached a preset height (e.g., the third liquid level P3), the slag n1 has a smaller specific gravity than the molten metal m1. At this time, the slag n1 contained in the molten metal m1 will float to the surface (or the amount of slag n1 can be increased as needed), forming the slag n1 floating on the molten metal m1 as shown in the figure. In some embodiments, after the slag n1 is added, the control circuit 130 can drive the first valve 113 to open, so that the molten metal m1 is output from the first gate 112 (details to follow). "The aforementioned control circuit 130 drives the first valve 113 to open" can be manually pressed open or automatically opened; the automatic part will be detailed later. As the levels of molten metal m1 and slag n1 continue to decrease, and slag n1 drops to the second level P2 (i.e., the position where slag n1 contacts the sensing position of the first sensor 120), the first sensor 120 detects the first electrical characteristics of slag n1, and the control circuit 130 obtains a corresponding first electrical signal of approximately 480 millivolts (mV) to 470 millivolts (mV). Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3B The voltage value within the second time interval T2 is such that the first electrical signal meets the actuation conditions, and the control circuit 130 can drive the first valve 113 to close, thereby closing the first gate 112 and preventing slag n1 from being output from the first gate 112.

[0069] In some embodiments, the actuation condition may be that the current electrical signal (current first electrical signal) is less than or equal to a preset value, or that the change between the previous electrical signal (first electrical signal) and the current electrical signal (first electrical signal) is greater than or equal to a change value. The preset value may be 485 millivolts (mV). The change value may be 10 millivolts (mV) to 20 millivolts (mV), wherein the change value may be the change between the previous first electrical signal and the current first electrical signal continuously measured within a preset period. The preset period may be set to ten seconds, that is, the control circuit 130 can compare the first electrical signal from the current time to ten seconds prior. When the first electrical signal meets or does not meet the actuation condition, the control circuit 130 drives the first valve 113. For an explanation of the operation of the control circuit 130, please refer to the foregoing description, which will not be repeated here. In some embodiments, the actuation condition may also be that the change between the previous electrical signal (first electrical signal) and the current electrical signal (first electrical signal) is greater than or equal to the change value. The change value may also be more than 2% of the previous electrical signal. For example, when the previous first electrical signal is 490 millivolts (mV), the change value is 9.8 millivolts (mV). That is, when the change amplitude between the previous first electrical signal and the next first electrical signal is greater than or equal to 9.8 millivolts (mV), the control circuit 130 drives the first valve 113.

[0070] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4The image shows a cross-sectional view of the steel ladle and steel distribution trough in a casting station of a metal smelting apparatus, according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the casting station 100 further includes a tundish 140 (or tundish) and a second sensor 150. The tundish 140 has a second sensing position 141, a second gate 142, a second valve 143, and an inlet 144. The inlet 144 corresponds to the first gate 112, and the second valve 143 is driven to open and close the second gate 142. The second sensor 150 is located at the second sensing position 141 and is used to sense a second electrical characteristic. A control circuit 130 continuously drives the second sensor 150 to obtain a second electrical signal corresponding to the second electrical characteristic, and the control circuit 130 drives the second valve 143 to close based on the second electrical signal. The tundish 140 is used to receive the molten metal m1 output from the first gate 112, and the molten metal m1 output from the first gate 112 can be poured into the tundish 140 through the inlet 144. The steel trough 140 needs to have appropriate fire-resistant properties so that it can withstand the high-temperature operating environment during the process.

[0071] Please refer to both together. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 5 A circuit diagram (II) of a casting station in a metal smelting apparatus is provided according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 5As shown, the control circuit 130 is electrically connected to the second sensor 150 and the second valve 143. The control circuit 130 can transmit an open signal or a close signal to the second valve 143, causing the second valve 143 to open according to the open signal and close according to the close signal. In operation, the control circuit 130 continuously receives the second electrical signal emitted by the second sensor 150, and can determine whether the second electrical signal meets the operating conditions. When the second electrical signal meets the operating conditions, the control circuit 130 can transmit a close signal to the second valve 143, causing the second valve 143 to switch to the closed state, thereby closing the second gate 142. The aforementioned "second electrical signal meets the operating conditions" can mean that the second electrical signal is less than or equal to the operating conditions. The aforementioned "second electrical signal does not meet the operating conditions" can mean that the second electrical signal is greater than the operating conditions. In some embodiments, the actuation condition may be that the current electrical signal (second electrical signal) is less than or equal to a preset value, or that the change between the previous electrical signal (second electrical signal) and the current electrical signal (second electrical signal) is greater than or equal to the change value. The preset value may be 485 millivolts (mV). The change value may be 10 millivolts (mV) to 20 millivolts (mV), wherein the change value may be the change between the previous second electrical signal and the current second electrical signal continuously measured within a preset period. The preset period may be set to ten seconds, that is, the control circuit 130 can compare the second electrical signal from the current time to ten seconds prior. In some embodiments, the control circuit 130 may issue a shut-off signal after the second electrical signal meets the actuation condition and maintains the judgment time. The judgment time may be, for example, but not limited to, ten seconds. For example, when the second electrical signal meets the actuation condition and maintains the compliance with the actuation condition for ten seconds, the control circuit 130 issues a shut-off signal to the second valve 143. In some embodiments, the actuation condition may also be that the change between the previous electrical signal (second electrical signal) and the current electrical signal (second electrical signal) is greater than or equal to the change value. The change value may also be more than 2% of the previous second electrical signal. For example, when the previous second electrical signal is 490 millivolts (mV), the change value is 9.8 millivolts (mV). That is, when the change amplitude between the previous second electrical signal and the current second electrical signal is greater than or equal to 9.8 millivolts (mV), the control circuit 130 drives the second valve 143.

[0072] like Figure 4As shown, the second valve 143 can be an electric valve. The second valve 143 is disposed at the second gate 142 to close or open the second gate 142. In some embodiments, the second valve 143 can be preset to an open state. After the control circuit 130 sends a closing signal, the second valve 143 closes according to the closing signal to close the second gate 142. For example, when the control circuit 130 drives the first valve 113 to open, the molten metal m1 in the steel ladle 110 is output from the first gate 112 to the steel distribution tank 140, so that the steel distribution tank 140 is filled with molten metal m2, the control circuit 130 can transmit the opening signal to the second valve 143 so that the second valve 143 is in the open state, so that the molten metal m2 can flow out through the second gate 142. During the output of molten metal m1, a portion of slag n1 may flow into the steel distribution tank 140 along with molten metal m1, so that slag n2 accumulates on molten metal m2. When the second electrical signal meets the actuation conditions, the control circuit 130 drives the first valve 113 to close. Alternatively, the control circuit 130 can first send a closing signal to the second valve 143, so that the steel trough 140 can hold an appropriate amount of molten metal m2. Then, the control circuit 130 can send an opening signal to the second valve 143 to output molten metal m2. When the second electrical signal meets the actuation conditions, the control circuit 130 drives the first valve 113 to close.

[0073] The material and operating principle of the second sensor 150 are the same as those of the first sensor 120. Please refer to the description of the first sensor 120 above; it will not be repeated here. It should be noted that, taking a constant voltage of 10 volts (V) for the second sensor 150 as an example, when the liquid levels of the molten metal m2 and slag n2 continue to decrease, and the slag n2 drops to the fourth liquid level P4, the second sensor 150 has come into contact with the slag n2, and the substance detected by the second sensor 150 is the slag n2. In this embodiment, the constant voltage is 10 volts (V), and the second electrical signal obtained by the control circuit 130 is approximately 480 millivolts (mV) to 470 millivolts (mV). Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3B The voltage value within the second time interval T2. The control circuit 130 closes the second valve 143 to prevent slag n2 from being output from the second gate 142, so that the cleanliness of the finished casting (such as steel ingot or steel bar) meets the requirements.

[0074] For example Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the casting station 100 further includes a third sensor 160, and the steel ladle 110 has a third sensing position 114. The third sensor 160 is located at the third sensing position 114 and is used to sense a third electrical characteristic. The control circuit 130 is used to sense the third electrical signal, and when the third electrical signal meets the actuation conditions, the control circuit 130 drives the first valve 113 to open the first gate 112.

[0075] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the control circuit 130 is electrically connected to the third sensor 160. The material and operating principle of the third sensor 160 are the same as those of the first sensor 120; please refer to the description of the first sensor 120 above, which will not be repeated here. It should be noted that the aforementioned control circuit 130 automatically opens the first valve 113. For example, when molten metal m1 is initially poured into the steel ladle 110, the first valve 113 is preset to be closed. When the molten metal m1 has been poured to a preset height, the molten metal m1 may contain a small amount of slag n1, which can be added as needed. When the level of slag n1 rises to the fifth level P5, that is, the third sensor 160 has come into contact with the slag n1, and the substance detected by the third sensor 160 is slag n1. In this embodiment, the constant voltage is 10 volts (V), and the third electrical signal obtained by the control circuit 130 is approximately 480 millivolts (mV) to 470 millivolts (mV). Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3B The voltage value within the second time interval T2. The control circuit 130 opens the first valve 113 to output the molten metal m1 from the first gate 112, and when the first sensor 120 detects slag n1, the control circuit 130 obtains the first electrical signal, and if the first electrical signal meets the actuation conditions, the control circuit 130 closes the first valve 113. In some embodiments, the actuation condition may be that the current electrical signal (third electrical signal) is less than or equal to a preset value, or that the change between the previous electrical signal (third electrical signal) and the current electrical signal (third electrical signal) is greater than or equal to the change value. The preset value may be 485 millivolts (mV), and the change value may be 10 millivolts (mV) to 20 millivolts (mV). The change value may be the change between the previous third electrical signal and the current third electrical signal continuously measured within a preset period. The preset period may be set to ten seconds, meaning that the control circuit 130 can compare the third electrical signal from the current time to ten seconds prior. In some embodiments, the control circuit 130 may issue an opening signal after the third electrical signal meets the actuation condition and is maintained for a judgment time. The judgment time may be, for example, but not limited to, ten seconds. For example, when the third electrical signal meets the actuation condition and is maintained for ten seconds, the control circuit 130 issues an opening signal to the first valve 113. In some embodiments, the actuation condition may also be that the change between the previous electrical signal (third electrical signal) and the current electrical signal (third electrical signal) is greater than or equal to the change value. The change value may also be more than 2% of the previous third electrical signal. For example, when the previous third electrical signal is 490 millivolts (mV), the change value is 9.8. That is, when the change between the previous third electrical signal and the current third electrical signal is greater than or equal to 9.8, the control circuit 130 drives the first valve 113.

[0076] For example Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the aforementioned steel ladle 110 is filled with molten metal m1 to a preset height. The preset height can be a fixed capacity, and it can exceed the first sensing position 111 but not exceed the third sensing position 114. After the molten metal m1 is completely filled, slag n1 is then poured into the steel ladle 110. Thus, when the third sensor 160 contacts the slag n1, the amount of slag n1 added can be controlled to an appropriate level. Furthermore, the molten metal m1 is set to stop being poured at a preset height, and the amount of slag n1 can be obtained based on the distance between the preset height of the molten metal m1 and the third sensing position 114.

[0077] For example Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the steel ladle 110 has a bottom 115, which includes a first gating region 116, and a first gating gate 112 is located in the first gating region 116. In some embodiments, the first sensing position 111 is a first distance D1 from the first gating region 116, and the first distance D1 can be from 1 cm to 25 cm. In some embodiments, the third sensing position 114 is a second distance D2 from the first gating region 116, and the second distance D2 is greater than the first distance D1. In some embodiments, the first distance D1 can be set according to the cleanliness requirements of the billet. For example, if the cleanliness requirements of the billet are high, the first sensing position 111 can be set at a distance far from the first gating area 116 (i.e., the first distance D1 is large). Since the first sensing position 111 is far from the first gating area 116, when the first valve 113 is closed, the amount of slag n1 entrained into the first gating 112 by the eddy current can be controlled to be extremely low or the slag n1 can be prevented from being entrained into the first gating 112. At this time, a large amount of molten metal m1 will remain inside the steel ladle 110. Conversely, if the required cleanliness of the cast billet is lower, the first sensing position 111 can be set at a distance closer to the first gating area 116 (i.e., a smaller first distance D1). Because the first sensing position 111 is closer to the first gating area 116, when the first valve 113 is closed, the amount of slag n1 drawn into the first gating 112 via the eddy current may increase slightly, while the amount of molten metal m1 remaining inside the ladle 110 can be controlled at a lower level. When the first valve 113 is closed, the distance between the surface of the molten metal m1 and the bottom 115 of the ladle is close to or equal to the first distance D1. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the steel distribution tank 140 has a tank bottom 145, which includes a second gating area 146, and a second gating gate 142 is located in the second gating area 146. The second sensing position 141 is a third distance D3 from the second gating area 146, which can be 1 cm to 25 cm. In some embodiments, the third distance D3 can be substantially equal to the first distance D1, so that both the steel ladle 110 and the steel distribution tank 140 can control the same amount of residual material and achieve the cleanliness requirements.

[0078] Please refer to both together. Figure 4 and Figure 6 . Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a steel ladle in a metal smelting apparatus, according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the bottom 115 of the ladle further includes a first guide area 117. The vertical height L1 of the first gating area 116 is lower than the vertical height L2 of the first guide area 117. Therefore, when molten metal m1 is continuously output from the ladle 110, the first guide area 117 can guide the molten metal m1 to the first gating 112, facilitating the output of molten metal m1 to the steel distribution tank 140 (e.g., Figure 4 As shown), and when the first sensor 120 senses slag n1, the control circuit 130 can close the first valve 113. Since the first guide area 117 is inclined towards the first gate area 116 in a funnel shape, it can be compared. Figure 6 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the amount of molten metal remaining in the steel drum 110 can be reduced to a smaller amount, thereby reducing the loss of steel.

[0079] Please refer to both together. Figure 4 and Figure 7 . Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a steel trough in a metal smelting apparatus according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the steel distribution channel 140 has a channel bottom 145, which further includes a second guide area 147. The vertical height L3 of the second gate area 146 is lower than the vertical height L4 of the second guide area 147. Therefore, when molten metal m2 is continuously output from the steel distribution channel 140, the second guide area 147 can guide the molten metal m2 to flow towards the second gate 142, facilitating the pouring of the molten metal m2 into the mold (not shown in the figure). When the second sensor 150 senses slag n2, the control circuit 130 can close the second valve 143. Since the second guide area 147 is inclined towards the second gate area 146 in a funnel shape, it can be compared... Figure 7 and Figure 4 Compared to the amount of molten metal m2 remaining in the middle steel trough 140, in this embodiment, the amount of molten metal m2 remaining at the bottom of the trough 145 can be less, thereby reducing the loss of steel.

[0080] Please refer to both together. Figure 4 and Figure 8 . Figure 8 The following is a block diagram of the casting station and refining station in a metal smelting apparatus according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 8As shown, in some embodiments, the metal smelting equipment 10 further includes a transfer platform 200 (or continuous casting turntable). The transfer platform 200 may include a carrying mechanism and a conveying mechanism (not shown in the figure). The carrying mechanism may be, but is not limited to, a clamping device or a carrying platform. The carrying mechanism can carry at least one ladle 110. The conveying mechanism may be, but is not limited to, a crane. The conveying mechanism can move the ladle 110 and the carrying mechanism between the refining station 300 and the casting station 100 (described later). The ladle 110 can receive the refined molten metal m2 at the refining station 300 and move the filled ladle 110 to the corresponding position. The corresponding position may refer to the position where the first gate 112 of the ladle 110 and the inlet 144 of the steel distribution channel 140 correspond to each other. In some embodiments, the transfer platform 200 can transport multiple steel ladles 110 simultaneously. The number of steel ladles 110 carried by the support mechanism can be set according to the casting process requirements. After the steel ladle 110 moves to the corresponding position, the control circuit 130 can send an opening signal to the first valve 113, so that the molten metal m1 in the steel ladle 110 is output to the steel distribution tank 140 through the first gate 112. When the first sensor 120 senses the slag n1, the first electrical signal meets the actuation conditions, and the control circuit 130 closes the first valve 113. At this time, the current steel ladle 110 has completed the output of molten metal m1. The transfer platform 200 can move the current steel ladle 110 out of the corresponding position and move the next steel ladle 110 to the corresponding position, and continue to output molten metal m1 to the steel distribution tank 140 to ensure that the casting process can continue. In some embodiments, after the control circuit 130 sends a closing signal to the first valve 113, the control circuit 130 may then send a transport signal to the transfer table 200, so that the transfer table 200 can move the steel drum 110 according to the transport signal. For example... Figure 8As shown, in some embodiments, the metal smelting equipment 10 further includes a refining station 300, which includes a converter 310 and / or a vacuum furnace 320. The converter 310 is used to refine metal. The converter 310 may include a rotating mechanism and a blowing mechanism (not shown in this figure). The converter 310 can hold molten iron after the smelting process. The blowing mechanism can deliver gas (such as high-pressure oxygen) into the converter 310, allowing the gas to react with the molten iron in an oxidation reaction to remove other elements (such as silicon, manganese, or carbon). After refining, molten steel is obtained. The rotating mechanism then rotates the converter 310 to pour out the refined molten steel (i.e., the molten metal in the continuous casting process). The vacuum furnace 320 is used to refine metal. The vacuum furnace 320 can perform vacuum degassing, degassing the molten steel after refining in the converter 310 to achieve secondary refining through decarburization treatment. The vacuum furnace 320 may include a vacuum control mechanism that can extract air from the vacuum furnace 320, bringing the interior of the vacuum furnace 320 into a vacuum state, thereby achieving the effect of secondary refining. In some embodiments, the transfer platform 200 can move the steel ladle 110 to the refining station 300, allowing the molten steel (molten metal m1 and slag n1) refined by the converter 310 or the vacuum furnace 320 to be fed into the steel ladle 110, and then the steel ladle 110 containing the molten steel to the aforementioned corresponding position.

[0081] According to some embodiments of the metal smelting equipment 10, when the first sensor 120 senses slag n1, the control circuit 130 obtains a first electrical signal, and when the first electrical signal meets the operating conditions, the control circuit 130 closes the first valve 113. In addition, when the second sensor 150 senses slag n2, the control circuit 130 obtains a second electrical signal, and when the second electrical signal meets the operating conditions, the control circuit 130 closes the second valve 143. In this way, the metal smelting equipment 10 can automatically control the first valve 113 and the second valve 143 to continuously monitor and control the slag (n1, n2) flowing out of the steel ladle 110 and the steel distribution trough 140 within the allowable range to meet the cleanliness requirements in the process.

[0082] The embodiments described above are only for illustrating the technical ideas and features of this case. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this case and implement it accordingly. They should not be used to limit the scope of the patent in this case. That is, any equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit disclosed in this case should still be covered within the scope of the patent application in this case.

Claims

1. A metal smelting apparatus, characterized in that, Include: The casting station includes: A steel ladle has a first sensing position, a first gate, and a first valve, wherein the first valve is actuated to open or close the first gate; A first sensor is located at the first sensing position and is used to sense a first electrical characteristic; and A control circuit is used to continuously drive the first sensor to obtain a first electrical signal corresponding to the first electrical characteristic. When the first electrical signal meets the actuation conditions, the control circuit drives the first valve to close the first gate.

2. The metal smelting equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The casting station also includes: The steel channel has a second sensing position, an inlet, a second gate, and a second valve. The inlet corresponds to the first gate, and the second valve is driven to open and close the second gate. and A second sensor is located at the second sensing position and is used to sense the second electrical characteristic; The control circuit is used to continuously drive the second sensor to obtain a second electrical signal corresponding to the second electrical characteristic, and the control circuit is used to drive the second valve to close according to the second electrical signal.

3. The metal smelting equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The casting station further includes a third sensor, and the steel ladle further has a third sensing position, the third sensor being located at the third sensing position and used to sense a third electrical characteristic; and The control circuit is used to continuously drive the third sensor to obtain a third electrical signal corresponding to the third electrical characteristic. When the third electrical signal meets the actuation conditions, the control circuit is used to drive the first valve to open the first gate.

4. The metal smelting equipment as described in claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The actuation condition is that the current electrical signal is less than or equal to a preset value.

5. The metal smelting equipment as described in claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The actuation condition is that the change between the previous electrical signal and the current electrical signal is greater than or equal to the change value, where the change value is between 10 millivolts (mV) and 20 millivolts (mV).

6. The metal smelting equipment as described in claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The actuation condition is that the change between the previous electrical signal and the current electrical signal is greater than or equal to a change value, wherein the change value is more than 2% of the previous electrical signal.

7. The metal smelting equipment as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The steel ladle has a bottom, which includes a first guide area and a first gate area. The vertical height of the first gate area is lower than that of the first guide area. The first gate is located in the first gate area. The first sensing position is a first distance from the first gate area. The steel ladle also has a third sensing position, which is a second distance from the first gate area. The second distance is greater than the first distance.

8. The metal smelting equipment as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The steel distribution channel has a channel bottom, which includes a second guide area and a second gate area. The vertical height of the second gate area is lower than the vertical height of the second guide area, and the second gate is located in the second gate area.

9. The metal smelting equipment as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The third distance between the second sensing position and the second gate area is 1 cm to 25 cm, and the third distance is equal to the first distance.

Images