A double-belt continuous casting machine water film inspection tool and a water film inspection method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of non-ferrous metal forming technology, specifically to a water film inspection fixture and method for a double-belt continuous casting machine. It includes a frame, on which a tensioning wheel and a driven wheel are mounted. A support roller is positioned between the tensioning wheel and the driven wheel. The tensioning wheel, driven wheel, and support roller form a cooling chamber, within which multiple water spray devices are installed. A bracket is mounted on the outer side of the support roller, and a transparent inspection plate is mounted on the bracket. A high-speed camera is mounted on the outer side of the inspection plate and is electrically connected to an analysis system. This invention, by using a transparent inspection plate, simulates the formation of a working water film by the water spray devices on the steel strip. The high-speed camera tracks and captures the state of the working water film, and the captured images are input into the analysis system. The analysis system compares the captured images with a reference water film, thereby adjusting the water spray devices. This ensures that the cast billet meets process requirements at the initial stage of production, avoiding material waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of non-ferrous metal forming technology, specifically to a water film inspection fixture and method for a double-belt continuous casting machine. Background Technology

[0002] The casting cavity of a twin-belt continuous casting machine mainly consists of two fully tensioned steel strips installed on the upper and lower frames and a chain of blocks between the steel strips. During casting operations, cooling water is sprayed onto the steel strips to cool the casting cavity, causing the molten metal in the cavity to solidify and crystallize to form a billet. Cooling the casting cavity with cooling water is an important casting process. The cooling water is output to the surface of the steel strip by multiple water spray devices set between the support rollers, forming a water film on the surface of the steel strip. The formation of the water film is related to the flow rate, shape, angle, and pressure of the water spray device spraying onto the steel strip. These factors affect the shape, flow rate, and thickness of the water film, ultimately affecting the quality of the billet. Furthermore, in order to meet process requirements, the shape, flow rate, and thickness of the water film at different locations on the surface of the steel strip will also vary.

[0003] During the billet forming process, since both the upper and lower steel strips are opaque, workers cannot see the shape and thickness of the water film at various locations on the steel strip surface. Workers mostly judge the state of the water film at each location by the defects that occur after the billet is formed, and then adjust the water spraying device accordingly. This operation makes it impossible to directly observe the shape, flow rate, and thickness of the water film. It is only possible to judge whether the water spraying device is properly adjusted by subsequently inspecting the shape of the billet after it is formed. The adjustment process is very cumbersome and also causes a lot of material waste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a water film inspection fixture and a water film inspection method for a double-belt continuous casting machine, which is used to simulate the situation where a water spraying device sprays cooling water onto the steel strip and to inspect the water film.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is a water film inspection fixture for a double-belt continuous casting machine, including a frame, on which a tensioning wheel and a driven wheel are arranged, and multiple support rollers are arranged in the area between the tensioning wheel and the driven wheel. The axis of the support rollers is parallel to the axis of the tensioning wheel. The tensioning wheel, the driven wheel and the support rollers form a cooling chamber, and multiple water spraying devices are arranged in the cooling chamber.

[0006] A bracket is provided on the outside of the support roller away from the water spraying device. A transparent inspection plate is provided on the bracket. The water spraying device is opposite to the inspection plate. A high-speed camera is provided on the outside of the inspection plate. The high-speed camera is electrically connected to the analysis system.

[0007] Furthermore, the inspection plate includes multiple insert plates, each insert plate having a mounting groove arranged along the axial direction of the support roller, and the bracket is provided with a locking strip that mates with the mounting groove.

[0008] Furthermore, the insert plate is provided with multiple observation windows, and a transparent observation plate is provided on the outside of the observation windows for opening or closing the observation windows.

[0009] Furthermore, a hinge is provided on the outer side of the insert plate, with one end of the hinge connected to the insert plate and the other end connected to the observation plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the observation window is stepped, the observation plate cooperates with the observation window, and a pressure strip is provided on the outer side of the observation plate. The pressure strip is connected to the insertion plate by screws.

[0011] Furthermore, the bracket is provided with an ear plate, which is bolted to the frame.

[0012] Furthermore, the water spraying device includes a main cooling water pipe and multiple branch pipes connected to the main cooling water pipe. Each branch pipe is equipped with a pressure equalization box. Multiple pressure equalization boxes are arranged along the axial direction of the support roller. Multiple water spray heads are provided at the bottom of the pressure equalization boxes. Each water spray head is opposite to the inner surface of the steel strip. Each branch pipe is equipped with an electric throttle valve.

[0013] Furthermore, an arc-shaped guide plate is provided between two adjacent support rollers. The guide plate extends along the axial direction of the support rollers. The water spray head is opposite to the arc surface of the guide plate. The lower end of the guide plate is in contact with the inspection plate. The arc surface of the guide plate is tangent to the inspection plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the spray head is connected to the pressure equalization box via a rotating mechanism, which is used to adjust the angle between the spray head and the guide plate.

[0015] The water film inspection method uses a double-belt continuous casting machine water film inspection fixture and includes the following steps:

[0016] S1: Determine different reference water films according to different process requirements, and input the morphology of the reference water films into the analysis system;

[0017] S2: Turn on the water spray device. The water spray device sprays cooling water onto the surface of the inspection plate. The shape of the working water film is obtained using a high-speed camera and a flow sensor.

[0018] S3: Input the morphology of the working water film into the analysis system and compare it with the reference water film to obtain the comparison results;

[0019] S4: Based on the comparison results, adjust the water spray device until the working water film and the reference water film have the same shape.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0021] 1. By setting up a transparent inspection plate, with the water spray device facing the inspection plate, the working water film formed by the water spray device on the steel strip is simulated. The state of the working water film is tracked and photographed by a high-speed camera, and the photographed working water film is input into the analysis system. The analysis system compares and analyzes the working water film with the reference water film, and then adjusts the water spray device until the working water film has the same shape as the reference water film. The support is then removed from the frame, and the steel strip is then installed on the frame for billet production. This ensures that the billet meets the process requirements in the initial stage of production, avoiding material waste.

[0022] 2. By setting up a water spray device, each water spray device includes multiple water distribution pipes. Each water distribution pipe can be water-intaked independently, and the flow rate of each water distribution pipe is individually controlled by an electric throttle valve. According to the water film condition on the inspection plate, the opening of the electric throttle valve at that location can be adjusted to increase or decrease the cooling water flow rate, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the spray head and realizing the adjustment of the working water film.

[0023] 3. By installing a pressure equalization box at the end of the water distribution pipe, the cross-sectional size of the pressure equalization box is larger than that of the water distribution pipe. After the cooling water flows from the water distribution pipe into the pressure equalization box, the cooling water will be pressure equalized in the pressure equalization box. In this way, the pressure of the cooling water sprayed by the spray head on each pressure equalization box is the same, which can better control the cooling water pressure and water volume on the corresponding inspection plate of the pressure equalization box. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 Sectional view of AA;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an inspection plate mounted on a bracket;

[0028] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 Sectional view of BB;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the connection between the observation window and the observation plate;

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a water spray device;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the pressure equalization box and the spray head.

[0034] Reference numerals: 500-Frame; 501-Tensioning wheel; 502-Driven wheel; 503-Support roller; 504-Cooling chamber; 505-Water spray device; 506-Bracket; 507-Inspection plate; 508-High-speed camera; 509-Insert plate; 510-Mounting slot; 511-Clamping strip; 512-Observation window; 513-Observation plate; 514-Hinge; 515-Ear plate; 516-Main cooling water pipe; 517-Divider pipe; 518-Equalizing box; 519-Water spray head; 520-Electric throttle valve; 521-Guide plate; 522-Pressure strip. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0036] like Figures 1-10 As shown, the present invention discloses a water film inspection fixture for a dual-belt continuous casting machine, comprising a frame 500, on which a tensioning wheel 501 and a driven wheel 502 are arranged. A plurality of support rollers 503 are arranged in the area between the tensioning wheel 501 and the driven wheel 502, the axis of the support rollers 503 being parallel to the axis of the tensioning wheel 501. The tensioning wheel 501, the driven wheel 502, and the support rollers 503 form a cooling chamber 504, and a plurality of water spraying devices 505 are arranged in the cooling chamber 504.

[0037] A bracket 506 is provided on the outer side of the support roller 503 away from the water spraying device 505. A transparent inspection plate 507 is provided on the bracket 506. The water spraying device 505 is opposite to the inspection plate 507. A high-speed camera 508 is provided on the outer side of the inspection plate 507. The high-speed camera 508 is electrically connected to the analysis system.

[0038] The dual-belt continuous casting machine includes upper and lower continuous casting machines. A frame 500 is used to install components such as the tension wheel 501, driven wheel 502, and support roller 503. During billet manufacturing, the steel strip is wound around the tension wheel 501, driven wheel 502, and support roller 503, with the support roller 503 providing support for the steel strip. A water spray device 505 sprays cooling water. During billet manufacturing, the cooling water is sprayed onto the surface of the steel strip; during water film inspection, the cooling water is sprayed onto the surface of the inspection plate 507. A bracket 506 is mounted on the frame 500. The bracket 506 can be bolted to the frame 500, or welded if both the bracket 506 and the frame 500 are made of steel. The bracket 506 is positioned on the outer side of the support roller 503, away from the water spray device 505. The upper bracket 506 is located on the upper support. The lower side of roller 503 has a support 506 located above it. The inspection plate 507 is made of transparent material, such as glass, PVC, or acrylic. The side of the inspection plate 507 opposite to the water spray device 505 is smooth, and its surface roughness should be similar to that of the steel strip. For example, if the surface roughness Ra value of the steel strip is 3.2 μm, the surface roughness Ra value of the inspection plate 507 should be between 2.8 and 3.6 μm. This is used to simulate the surface condition of the steel strip, so that the working water film formed on the inspection plate 507 by the cooling water sprayed by the water spray device 505 is similar to the working water film formed on the steel strip by the cooling water sprayed by the water spray device 505. The high-speed camera 508 is used to capture the working water film formed on the inspection plate 507, and can transmit it to the analysis system in the form of photos or videos.

[0039] By setting a transparent inspection plate 507, with the water spray device 505 facing the inspection plate 507, the working water film is simulated by the water spray device 505 spraying onto the steel strip. The working water film state is tracked and captured by a high-speed camera 508, and the flow rate sensor checks the flow rate of the working water film. The acquired working water film data is input into the analysis system, which compares and analyzes it with the reference water film. The water spray device 505 is then adjusted until the working water film and the reference water film have the same shape. The support 506 is then removed from the frame 500, and the steel strip is then installed on the frame 500 for billet production. This ensures that the billet meets the process requirements in the initial stage of production, avoiding material waste.

[0040] For ease of installation and replacement, see further details. Figures 4-8 The inspection plate 507 includes multiple insert plates 509. Each insert plate 509 has a mounting groove 510 arranged along the axis of the support roller 503. The bracket 506 is provided with a retaining strip 511 that mates with the mounting groove 510. Each insert plate 509 has a mounting groove 510 on both sides, and two insert plates 509 are connected by the retaining strip 511. The retaining strip 511 and the bracket 506 can be integrally formed or bolted together.

[0041] For easier adjustment of the water spray device 505, see further... Figures 4-8 The insert plate 509 is provided with multiple observation windows 512, and a transparent observation plate 513 for opening or closing the observation windows 512 is provided on the outside of the observation windows 512. The shape and size of the observation plate 513 are adapted to the observation windows 512. For example, if the observation windows 512 are square, the observation plate 513 is also square. By setting the observation windows 512 and the observation plate 513, when the water spray device 505 needs to be adjusted, the observation plate 513 can be removed from the observation window 512 to adjust the corresponding part of the water spray device 505.

[0042] Example 1 of the connection between observation plate 513 and insertion plate 509, see Figure 5 and Figure 6 A hinge 514 is provided on the outer side of the insert plate 509. One end of the hinge 514 is connected to the insert plate 509, and the other end is connected to the observation plate 513. The outer side of the insert plate 509 refers to the side of the insert plate 509 away from the support roller 503. Threaded holes are made on both the insert plate 509 and the observation plate 513. Screws are used to fix the two leaves of the hinge 514 to the observation plate 513 and the insert plate 509 respectively. Alternatively, an adhesive method can be used, by applying AB glue to the two leaves of the hinge 514 and adhering them to the observation plate 513 and the insert plate 509.

[0043] Example 2 of the connection between observation plate 513 and insertion plate 509, see Figure 7 and Figure 8 The observation window 512 is stepped, and the observation plate 513 cooperates with the observation window 512. A pressure strip 522 is provided on the outer side of the observation plate 513, and the pressure strip 522 is connected to the insert plate 509 by screws. The observation window 512 is stepped, and the observation plate 513 is also stepped. The length of the pressure strip 522 is greater than the length of the observation plate 513, and the pressure strip 522 and the insert plate 509 are connected by screws.

[0044] To facilitate the removal of ear plate 515 from rack 500, see further details. Figure 5 and Figure 7 The bracket 506 is provided with an ear plate 515, which is bolted to the frame 500. The ear plate 515 is provided with a first through hole, and the frame 500 is provided with a second through hole. By passing bolts through the first and second through holes and tightening them with nuts, the bracket 506 and the frame 500 are detachably connected.

[0045] Further, see Figure 9 and Figure 10The water spraying device 505 includes a main cooling water pipe 516 and multiple branch pipes 517 connected to the main cooling water pipe 516. Each branch pipe 517 has a pressure equalization box 518 at its end. Multiple pressure equalization boxes 518 are arranged along the axial direction of the support roller 503. Multiple water spray heads 519 are provided at the bottom of the pressure equalization box 518. Each water spray head 519 is opposite to the inner surface of the steel strip. Each branch pipe 517 is equipped with an electric throttle valve 520.

[0046] The main cooling water pipe 516 is used to transport cooling water. The cooling water from the cooling water pool is pumped to the main cooling water pipe 516. The branch pipe 517 is connected to the main cooling water pipe 516 and introduces the cooling water in the main cooling water pipe 516 into the equalizing box 518. The cross-sectional dimension of the equalizing box 518 is larger than that of the branch pipe 517. By setting the equalizing box 518 at the end of the branch pipe 517, and the cross-sectional dimension of the equalizing box 518 is larger than that of the branch pipe 517, after the cooling water flows from the branch pipe 517 into the equalizing box 518, the cooling water will be evenly pressurized in the equalizing box 518. In this way, the pressure of the cooling water sprayed by the spray head 519 on each equalizing box 518 is the same, which can better control the cooling water pressure and water volume of the cooling area corresponding to the equalizing box 518. It should be noted that by setting multiple water spray devices 505 in the cooling chamber 504, each water spray device 505 includes a main cooling water pipe 516 and multiple branch pipes 517 connected to the main cooling water pipe 516. Each branch pipe 517 has a pressure equalization box 518 at its end, and each pressure equalization box 518 has multiple spray heads 519 at its bottom. This arrangement ensures that each pressure equalization box 518 corresponds to a cooling area. By setting an electric throttle valve 520 on each branch pipe 517, the amount of cooling water sprayed to each cooling area can be adjusted.

[0047] Further, see Figure 9 and Figure 10 An arc-shaped guide plate 521 is provided between two adjacent support rollers 503. The guide plate 521 extends along the axial direction of the support rollers 503. The spray head 519 is opposite to the arc surface of the guide plate 521. The lower end of the guide plate 521 is in contact with the inspection plate 507. The arc surface of the guide plate 521 is tangent to the inspection plate 507.

[0048] The guide plate 521 can be connected to the frame 500 or to the equalizing box 518. The spray head 519 sprays cooling water onto the arc surface of the guide plate 521. Guided by the arc surface, the cooling water flows downward. Since the arc surface of the guide plate 521 is in contact with and tangent to the inspection plate 507, the cooling water can flow smoothly onto the inspection plate 507.

[0049] Further, see Figure 9 and Figure 10 The spray head 519 is connected to the pressure equalization box 518 through a rotating mechanism, which is used to adjust the angle between the spray head 519 and the guide plate 521.

[0050] The rotating mechanism can use a universal bearing. The outer ring of the universal bearing is connected to the pressure equalization box 518, and the inner ring of the universal bearing is connected to the spray head 519. This allows the angle between the spray head 519 and the guide plate 521 to be adjusted. If it is necessary to adjust the spray head 519 of the single-component water mechanism at once, the spray head 519 of the single-component water mechanism can be connected by a connecting rod. By adjusting the angle between the spray head 519 and the guide plate 521, it is convenient to adjust the water film formed by the cooling water flowing from the guide plate 521 onto the inspection plate 507.

[0051] The water film inspection method uses a double-belt continuous casting machine water film inspection fixture and includes the following steps:

[0052] S1: Determine different reference water films according to different process requirements, and input the morphology of the reference water films into the analysis system;

[0053] S2: Turn on the water spray device 505. The water spray device 505 sprays cooling water onto the surface of the inspection plate 507. The high-speed camera 508 and the flow rate sensor are used to obtain the shape of the working water film.

[0054] S3: Input the morphology of the working water film into the analysis system and compare it with the reference water film to obtain the comparison results;

[0055] S4: Based on the comparison results, adjust the water spray device 505 until the working water film and the reference water film have the same shape.

[0056] In step S1, the reference water film is obtained as follows: During the billet manufacturing process, when the billet quality is found to be good within a certain time period, the double-strip continuous casting machine is stopped, the steel strip is removed, the support 506 and the inspection plate 507 are installed on the frame 500, the water spray device 505 is turned on to spray cooling water onto the surface of the inspection plate 507, and the water film is photographed using a high-speed camera 508. This water film is the reference water film. The main parameters of the reference water film are thickness, flow rate, and pressure. It should be noted that the morphology of the reference water film will vary depending on the process requirements, and even with the same process requirements, the morphology of the reference water film may still differ. In daily production, it is necessary to obtain reference water films under different process requirements and input them into the analysis system for storage.

[0057] In step S2, the time for acquiring the working water film can be either at the start of casting or when defects in the quality of the billet are discovered during the casting process. Here, taking the start of casting as an example, the bracket 506 and the inspection plate 507 are installed on the frame 500, the water spray device 505 is turned on, and the water spray device 505 sprays cooling water onto the surface of the inspection plate 507. The shape of the working water film is acquired using a high-speed camera 508 and a flow rate sensor.

[0058] In step S3, the morphology of the working water film is input into the analysis system and compared with the reference water film. The analysis data mainly includes the water film thickness, flow velocity, and distribution, and the differences in thickness, flow velocity, and distribution between the working water film and the reference water film are obtained.

[0059] In step S4, when the working water film thickness is less than the reference water film thickness, the opening of the spray device 505 is adjusted to increase the amount of cooling water sprayed, thereby thickening the working water film; when the working water film thickness is greater than the reference water film thickness, the opening of the spray device 505 is adjusted to decrease the amount of cooling water sprayed, thereby thinning the working water film; when the working water film velocity is less than the reference water film velocity, the outlet pressure of the spray device 505 is adjusted to increase the cooling flow rate, thereby increasing the working water film velocity; when the working water film velocity is greater than the reference water film velocity, the outlet pressure of the spray device 505 is adjusted to decrease the cooling flow rate, thereby decreasing the working water film velocity. Once the working water film is adjusted to match the shape of the reference water film, the support 506 is removed, and the steel strip is installed for billet production.

[0060] The embodiments described herein are preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape, and principle of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water film inspection fixture for a double-belt continuous casting machine, comprising a frame (500), wherein a tensioning wheel (501) and a driven wheel (502) are provided on the frame (500), and a plurality of support rollers (503) are provided in the area between the tensioning wheel (501) and the driven wheel (502), wherein the axis of the support rollers (503) is parallel to the axis of the tensioning wheel (501), and the tensioning wheel (501), the driven wheel (502) and the support rollers (503) form a cooling chamber (504), wherein a plurality of water spraying devices (505) are provided in the cooling chamber (504); Its features are, A bracket (506) is provided on the outside of the support roller (503) away from the water spray device (505). A transparent inspection plate (507) is provided on the bracket (506). The water spray device (505) is opposite to the inspection plate (507). A high-speed camera (508) is provided on the outside of the inspection plate (507). The high-speed camera (508) is electrically connected to the analysis system.

2. The water film inspection fixture for a double-belt continuous casting machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inspection plate (507) includes multiple insert plates (509), and the insert plates (509) have mounting grooves (510) arranged along the axial direction of the support roller (503). The bracket (506) is provided with a locking strip (511) that cooperates with the mounting groove (510).

3. The water film inspection fixture for a double-belt continuous casting machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The insert plate (509) is provided with a plurality of observation windows (512), and a transparent observation plate (513) for opening or closing the observation window (512) is provided on the outside of the observation window (512).

4. The water film inspection fixture for a double-belt continuous casting machine as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A hinge (514) is provided on the outside of the insert plate (509). One end of the hinge (514) is connected to the insert plate (509), and the other end is connected to the observation plate (513).

5. The water film inspection fixture for a double-belt continuous casting machine as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The observation window (512) is stepped, and the observation plate (513) cooperates with the observation window (512). A pressure strip (522) is provided on the outside of the observation plate (513), and the pressure strip (522) is connected to the insert plate (509) by screws.

6. The water film inspection fixture for a double-belt continuous casting machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket (506) is provided with an ear plate (515), which is bolted to the frame (500).

7. The water film inspection fixture for a double-belt continuous casting machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water spraying device (505) includes a main cooling water pipe (516) and multiple branch pipes (517) connected to the main cooling water pipe (516). Each branch pipe (517) has a pressure equalization box (518) at its end. Multiple pressure equalization boxes (518) are arranged along the axial direction of the support roller (503). Multiple water spray heads (519) are provided at the bottom of each pressure equalization box (518). Each water spray head (519) is opposite to the inner surface of the steel strip. Each branch pipe (517) is equipped with an electric throttle valve (520).

8. The water film inspection fixture for a double-belt continuous casting machine as described in claim 7, characterized in that, An arc-shaped guide plate (521) is provided between two adjacent support rollers (503). The guide plate (521) extends along the axial direction of the support roller (503). The water spray head (519) is opposite to the arc surface of the guide plate (521). The lower end of the guide plate (521) is in contact with the inspection plate (507). The arc surface of the guide plate (521) is tangent to the inspection plate (507).

9. The water film inspection fixture for a double-belt continuous casting machine as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The spray head (519) is connected to the pressure equalization box (518) through a rotating mechanism, which is used to adjust the angle between the spray head (519) and the guide plate (521).

10. A water film inspection method, employing a water film inspection fixture for a double-belt continuous casting machine as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Determine different reference water films according to different process requirements, and input the morphology of the reference water films into the analysis system; S2: Turn on the water spray device (505), the water spray device (505) sprays cooling water onto the surface of the inspection plate (507), and uses a high-speed camera (508) and a flow rate sensor to obtain the shape of the working water film; S3: Input the morphology of the working water film into the analysis system and compare it with the reference water film to obtain the comparison results; S4: Based on the comparison results, adjust the water spray device (505) until the working water film and the reference water film have the same shape.

Images