A forming device for aluminum ingot grain refinement

Abstract

The application provides a forming device for aluminum ingot grain refinement, and relates to the technical field of grain refinement.The application comprises a forming groove, a water cooling mechanism arranged below the forming groove, the water cooling mechanism comprising a plurality of circulating water pipe assemblies arranged on the outer wall of the forming groove, a first cover and a second cover sequentially arranged on the periphery of the forming groove, a first cavity formed between the first cover and the forming groove, a second cavity formed between the second cover and the first cover, a first water inlet pipe and a water return pipe communicated with the first cavity, a plurality of partitions separating the second cavity into a cold water cavity and a hot water cavity, a second water inlet pipe and a water return pipe respectively communicated with the cold water cavity and the hot water cavity, an electromagnetic stirring mechanism arranged below the water cooling mechanism, an air cooling mechanism arranged above the forming groove, the circulating water pipe assembly comprising an inner pipe and an outer pipe coaxially arranged and perpendicular to the outer wall of the forming groove, the outer pipe communicated with the outer wall of the forming groove and the hot water cavity at both ends, and the outer end of the inner pipe communicated with the cold water cavity.The application can uniformly cool the aluminum liquid and improve the grain refinement effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of grain refinement technology, and more specifically to a forming apparatus for refining the grains of aluminum ingots. Background Technology

[0002] The ideal ingot microstructure is characterized by uniform, fine equiaxed grains across the entire cross-section. This is because equiaxed grains exhibit low anisotropy, resulting in uniform deformation during processing, excellent performance, and good plasticity, which is beneficial for casting and subsequent plastic processing. To achieve this microstructure, the melt typically requires refining treatment. Any treatment that promotes nucleation and inhibits grain growth can refine the grains. Grain refinement is mainly achieved through several methods: deformation processing, heat treatment, and dynamic grain refinement. Dynamic grain refinement involves vibrating and agitating the solidified metal. This, on the one hand, uses external energy to accelerate the formation of crystal nuclei, and on the other hand, breaks up growing dendrites, increasing the number of crystal nuclei. Cooling efficiency has a significant impact on grain refinement; improving cooling efficiency during the cooling process from molten aluminum to ingots helps enhance grain refinement.

[0003] In existing technologies, electromagnetic stirring is performed during the cooling process to improve the grain refinement effect. The current cooling method is mainly water cooling. Due to the water flow path, the water temperature at the inlet is low and its heat exchange efficiency is high. After the cooling water is heated by heat exchange, the water temperature at the outlet is high and its heat exchange efficiency is low, resulting in uneven cooling. The consequences are: stress concentration and residual stress are generated inside the aluminum ingot, and the grain size and microstructure inside the aluminum ingot are uneven. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to develop a forming device for refining aluminum ingot grains, which enables uniform cooling of molten aluminum and improves grain refinement.

[0005] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A forming apparatus for refining the grain size of aluminum ingots, comprising:

[0007] Forming groove;

[0008] A water-cooling mechanism, located below the forming tank, includes:

[0009] Multiple circulating water pipe assemblies are located on the outer wall of the molding tank;

[0010] A first cover and a second cover are sequentially arranged around the molding groove. The first cover and the molding groove form a first cavity, and the second cover and the first cover form a second cavity.

[0011] The first inlet pipe and the first return pipe are connected to the first cavity;

[0012] Multiple partitions are installed in the second cavity to divide it into a cold water cavity and a hot water cavity;

[0013] The second inlet pipe and the second return pipe are respectively connected to the cold water chamber and the hot water chamber;

[0014] An electromagnetic stirring mechanism is located below the water cooling mechanism;

[0015] The air-cooling mechanism is located above the forming tank;

[0016] The circulating water pipe assembly includes an inner pipe and an outer pipe that are coaxially arranged and perpendicular to the outer wall of the forming tank. The inner end of the outer pipe is connected to the outer wall of the forming tank and the outer end of the outer pipe is connected to the hot water chamber. There is a gap between the inner end of the inner pipe and the outer wall of the forming tank. The outer end of the inner pipe passes through the side wall of the outer pipe and is connected to the cold water chamber. The first inlet pipe, the first return pipe, the second inlet pipe, and the second return pipe are all connected to the water cooling equipment.

[0017] Optionally, the forming groove is in the shape of a frustum, and both the first cover and the second cover are frustums adapted to the shape of the forming groove. The circulating water pipe assembly is arranged in a matrix on the outer wall of the forming groove, and the inner end of the outer pipe is frustum-shaped, with the larger end connected to the outer wall of the forming groove.

[0018] Optionally, the second cavity is provided with five first partitions located on the outer sides of the five outer walls of the forming groove. The five first partitions are parallel to the corresponding outer walls of the forming groove. The distance between the first partitions and the first cover and the second cover is the same. The edges of the first partitions are provided with second partitions that are perpendicular to them and connected to the first cover and the second cover at both ends. The first partitions, the second partitions and the first cover form a cold water cavity, and the first partitions, the second partitions and the second cover form a hot water cavity.

[0019] Optionally, the inner wall of the cold water chamber, the inner tube, and the outer tube in the cold water chamber are all made of heat-insulating material, and the outer wall of the outer tube in the first cavity is provided with heat exchange fins.

[0020] Optionally, the air-cooling mechanism includes a cover that connects to the molding groove cover. The top edge of the molding groove and the bottom edge of the cover are respectively provided with matching sealing rings. The cover is connected to a second air inlet pipe and a second air outlet pipe. The second air inlet pipe and the second air outlet pipe are connected to the cold air unit.

[0021] Optionally, the cover is provided with a partition component, with an upper cavity above the partition component and a lower cavity below it. The second air inlet pipe and the second air outlet pipe are connected to the upper cavity. The cover on the side of the lower cavity is connected to a first air inlet pipe and a first air outlet pipe. Both the first air inlet pipe and the first air outlet pipe are equipped with solenoid valves. The first air inlet pipe is connected to the cold air unit.

[0022] Optionally, the separating assembly includes a retaining ring disposed along the inner wall of the cover, a sealing plate disposed inside the cover above the retaining ring, the edge of the sealing plate slidingly contacting the inner wall of the cover of the upper cavity, a sealing gasket disposed at the bottom edge of the sealing plate and the top of the retaining ring, an electric push rod vertically disposed at the top of the cover, the electric push rod being connected to the sealing plate, and the second air inlet pipe and the second air outlet pipe being located at the lower part of the maximum upward stroke of the sealing plate.

[0023] Optionally, the cold air unit includes a filter assembly, a cooling assembly, and a detection assembly connected in sequence. The second air outlet pipe is connected to the filter assembly, and a make-up air pipe is also connected to the second air outlet pipe. The make-up air pipe is equipped with a solenoid valve. The first air inlet pipe and the second air inlet pipe are connected to the detection assembly. A circulation pump is provided between the filter assembly and the cooling assembly.

[0024] Optionally, the detection component includes a detection box, which contains a pressure sensor, a dust sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0025] Optionally, the filtration assembly includes a filter box, which contains multiple layers of air filters, with the pore size of the multiple air filters decreasing sequentially in the airflow direction; the cooling assembly can be any one or more combinations of plate heat exchangers, finned tube heat exchangers, and shell-and-tube heat exchangers, with multiple heat exchangers connected in series when combined.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0027] During the cooling process of molten aluminum, cooling and electromagnetic stirring are combined to achieve grain refinement. Air cooling and water cooling are combined, and temperature control is achieved by adjusting the circulation speed of air cooling and water cooling. The cooling efficiency is high, which effectively promotes grain refinement.

[0028] In the water-cooling mechanism, the temperature of the cold water supplied to the cold water chamber through the second inlet pipe is controllable. The cold water temperature in the cold water chambers surrounding the forming tank is the same, and the cold water temperature entering the inner pipe within the cold water chamber is also the same. The cold water is sent from the inner pipe to the outer wall of the forming tank for heat exchange and then flows back to the hot water chamber through the outer pipe. During this process, because the inner pipe is made of heat-insulating material, the heat exchange between the cold water in the inner pipe and the hot water in the outer pipe is small, preventing a large temperature rise in the cold water. The temperature of the cold water after heat exchange with the forming tank is basically the same, so the temperature of the hot water returning from the outer pipe is basically the same. The cold water in all inner pipes is also affected in the same way, and the temperature of the cold water in contact with the outer wall of the forming tank is the same. The uniform temperature of the cold water at all points on the outer wall of the forming tank ensures uniform cooling of the aluminum liquid and avoids uneven local heat exchange that could cause stress inside the aluminum ingot. To concentrate force and residual stress, and to avoid uneven grain size and microstructure within the aluminum ingot, the hot water returning after heat exchange with the forming tank is located in the hot water chamber surrounding the first chamber. Cooling water circulates in the first chamber to isolate the hot water chamber from the outside heat, preventing it from affecting the cooling of the molten aluminum. The cooling water in the first chamber cools the circulating water pipe assembly outside the forming tank. Since the cooling water in the first chamber mainly cools the hot water in the outer pipe in advance, and all the hot water in the outer pipe eventually flows into the water cooling equipment for cooling, even if there are local temperature differences in the cooling water in the first chamber, it will not affect the cooling of the molten aluminum. The contact points between the first and second circulating water paths are made of heat-insulating material to prevent the cold water from absorbing too much heat from the hot water and causing a large temperature rise.

[0029] In the air-cooling mechanism, clean, dry nitrogen gas is used as the cooling medium in a closed space to prevent oxygen and impurities from entering the molten aluminum, thus maintaining the purity and quality of the aluminum. The sealing plate, in conjunction with the first air inlet and outlet pipes, can purge and replace the air in the forming tank, preventing oxygen residue from remaining in the forming tank. The sealing plate can be raised and lowered to achieve internal sealing of the air-cooling mechanism, preventing external air impurities from entering and contaminating the internal nitrogen. Furthermore, the nitrogen is recyclable; each time air cooling is performed, only the nitrogen purged during purging and air replacement needs to be replenished through the air supply pipe. The nitrogen consumption is small. The temperature sensor, in conjunction with the circulation pump, can adjust the nitrogen circulation speed to regulate the air-cooling efficiency. The air pressure sensor and dust sensor will alarm when nitrogen leaks or impurities are mixed in, so as to promptly remind that the sealing of the internal space of the air-cooling mechanism has been compromised, and timely inspection and maintenance should be carried out to avoid affecting the quality of the aluminum ingots. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water-cooling mechanism;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the circulating water pipe assembly.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the air-cooling mechanism.

[0035] Reference numerals: 100, molding tank; 200, air-cooling mechanism; 201, first air inlet pipe; 202, first air outlet pipe; 203, second air inlet pipe; 204, second air outlet pipe; 205, cover; 206, sealing plate; 207, retaining ring; 208, electric push rod; 209, filter assembly; 210, circulating pump; 211, cooling assembly; 212, detection assembly; 300, water-cooling mechanism; 301, first... 302. Second cover; 303. First cavity; 304. Second cavity; 305. Circulating water pipe assembly; 3051. Outer pipe; 3052. Inner pipe; 306. Second partition; 307. First partition; 308. Second outlet pipe; 309. Second inlet pipe; 310. First inlet pipe; 311. First outlet pipe; 312. Hot water cavity; 313. Cold water cavity; 400. Electromagnetic stirring mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered to be exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0038] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] like Figures 1-4As shown, the present invention discloses a forming device for refining aluminum ingot grains, including a forming tank 100, which is in the shape of a quadrangular frustum. A water cooling mechanism 300 and an electromagnetic stirring mechanism 400 are sequentially arranged at the lower part of the forming tank 100, and an air cooling mechanism 200 is arranged at the upper part of the forming tank 100.

[0040] The water cooling mechanism 300 includes several circulating water pipe assemblies 305 disposed on the five outer side walls of the molding tank 100. The circulating water pipe assemblies 305 are arranged in a matrix on the outer side walls of the molding tank 100, and the cooling water is continuously exchanged with the molding tank 100 and then output through the circulating water pipe assemblies 305.

[0041] The circulating water pipe assembly 305 includes an inner pipe 3052 and an outer pipe 3051 arranged coaxially. A support rod (not shown in the figure) connects the outer pipe 3051 and the inner pipe 3052. The outer pipe 3051 and the inner pipe 3052 are perpendicular to the outer wall of the molding tank 100 where they are located. The inner end of the outer pipe 3051 (the end near the molding tank 100) is connected to the outer wall of the molding tank 100. The inner pipe 3052 is inside the outer pipe 3051 and there is a gap between the inner end of the inner pipe 3052 (the end near the molding tank 100) and the outer wall of the molding tank 100. The inner end of the outer tube 3051 is shaped like a truncated quadrangular pyramid, and the end connected to the outer wall of the molding groove 100 is the larger end. After the cooling water is output from the inner end of the inner tube 3052, it enters the inner end of the outer tube 3051 and comes into contact with the molding groove 100. Since the outer walls of the molding groove 100 are all rectangular, the outer walls of the molding groove 100 can be covered by the inner ends of multiple outer tubes 3051, and the outer walls of the molding groove 100 are completely in contact with the cooling water.

[0042] A first cover 301 and a second cover 302, adapted to the shape of the molding groove 100, are sequentially arranged around its periphery. The second cover 302 is located outside the first cover 301. Both the first cover 301 and the second cover 302 are truncated quadrangular shapes adapted to the shape of the molding groove 100. The distance between any position on the first cover 301 and the second cover 302 and the outer wall of the molding groove 100 is the same, that is, the first cover 301 and the second cover 302 are parallel to the molding groove 100 at all points. The first cover 301 and the molding groove 100 form a first cavity 303, and the second cover 302 and the first cover 301 form a second cavity 304. Except for the bottom outer wall, the top of the other four outer walls of the molding groove 100 are connected to the first cover 301, and the baffles make the first cavity 303 enclosed between the first cover 301 and the molding groove 100 a sealed space.

[0043] The second cavity 304 is provided with five first partitions 307 located on the outer sides of the five outer walls of the molding groove 100. The five first partitions 307 are parallel to the corresponding outer walls of the molding groove 100. The first partitions 307 are spaced at the same distance from the first cover 301 and the second cover 302. The edges of the first partitions 307 are provided with second partitions 306 that are perpendicular to them and connected to the first cover 301 and the second cover 302 at both ends. The first partitions 307, the second partitions 306 and the first cover 301 form a sealed cold water cavity 313. The first partitions 307, the second partitions 306 and the second cover 302 form a sealed hot water cavity 312.

[0044] The outer end of the outer pipe 3051 of the circulating water pipe assembly 305 (the end furthest from the molding tank 100) passes through the first cover 301 and is connected to the first partition 307. The outer end of the outer pipe 3051 is connected to the hot water chamber 312. The outer end of the inner pipe 3052 of the circulating water pipe assembly 305 (the end furthest from the molding tank 100) is L-shaped and passes through the side wall of the outer pipe 3051 to connect to the cold water chamber 313.

[0045] The first cavity 303 is connected to multiple first inlet pipes 310 and first return pipes, which pass through the second cover 302 and the first cover 301. The hot water cavity 312 is connected to multiple second return pipes, and the cold water cavity 313 is connected to multiple second inlet pipes 309, which pass through the second cover 302 and the corresponding second partition 306.

[0046] In the water cooling mechanism 300, the inner wall of the cold water cavity 313, the inner tube 3052, and the outer tube 3051 in the cold water cavity 313 are all made of heat insulation material. The outer tube 3051 in the first cavity 303 is made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity, and the outer wall of the outer tube 3051 in the first cavity 303 is provided with heat exchange fins (not shown in the figure).

[0047] The air-cooling mechanism 200 includes a cover 205 that can be fitted onto the molding groove 100. The cover 205 is driven to move by a drive device (not shown in the figure). The top edge of the molding groove 100 and the bottom edge of the cover 205 are respectively provided with matching sealing rings, so that the internal space is sealed after the cover 205 is placed on the molding groove 100. A partition assembly is provided inside the cover 205, with the upper cavity above the partition assembly and the lower cavity below it.

[0048] The partition assembly includes a retaining ring 207 disposed along the inner wall of the cover 205. A sealing plate 206 is disposed within the cover 205 above the retaining ring 207. The edge of the sealing plate 206 slides in contact with the inner wall of the cover 205 in the upper cavity. A sealing gasket is provided on the bottom edge of the sealing plate 206 and the top of the retaining ring 207. An electric push rod 208 is vertically disposed at the top of the cover 205. The electric push rod 208 is connected to the sealing plate 206. The electric push rod 208 drives the sealing plate 206 to move vertically up and down in the upper cavity. After the sealing plate 206 contacts the retaining ring 207, the upper cavity is sealed.

[0049] The cover 205 on the side of the lower cavity is connected to a first air inlet pipe 201 and a first air outlet pipe 202. Both the first air inlet pipe 201 and the first air outlet pipe 202 are equipped with solenoid valves. The cover 205 on the side of the upper cavity is connected to a second air inlet pipe 203 and a second air outlet pipe 204. The second air inlet pipe 203 and the second air outlet pipe 204 are located at the lower part of the maximum upward stroke of the sealing plate 206. That is, when the sealing plate 206 slides up to the maximum stroke, the second air inlet pipe 203 and the second air outlet pipe 204 are located below the sealing plate 206. The first air inlet pipe 201, the second air inlet pipe 203, and the second air outlet pipe 204 are connected to the cold air unit, and the first air outlet pipe 202 is connected to the outside.

[0050] The cold air unit includes a filter assembly 209, a cooling assembly 211, and a detection assembly 212 connected in sequence. A second air outlet pipe 204 is connected to the filter assembly 209 and is also connected to a make-up air pipe. A solenoid valve is installed on the make-up air pipe. A first air inlet pipe 201 and a second air inlet pipe 203 are connected to the detection assembly 212. A circulation pump 210 is provided between the filter assembly 209 and the cooling assembly 211.

[0051] The filter assembly 209 includes a filter box, which contains multiple air filter layers. In the direction of airflow, the pore size of the multiple air filter layers in the filter box decreases sequentially. First, larger impurities in the airflow are filtered, and then smaller impurities are filtered, thus achieving graded filtration.

[0052] The cooling component 211 can be any one or more combinations of heat exchangers such as plate heat exchangers, finned tube heat exchangers, and shell-and-tube heat exchangers. When multiple heat exchangers are combined, they are connected in series. The cooling component 211 exchanges heat and cools the airflow output by the filter component 209. During this process, the cooling component 211 remains sealed from the outside.

[0053] The detection component 212 includes a detection box, which contains a pressure sensor, a dust sensor and a temperature sensor. The cold airflow output from the cooling component 211 enters the detection component 212.

[0054] After the molten aluminum enters the forming tank 100, the water cooling mechanism 300 and the electromagnetic stirring mechanism 400 operate, and the driving equipment drives the cover 205 to cover the forming tank 100. After the cover 205 is connected to the forming tank 100, it is sealed from the outside. Before the cover 205 is connected to the forming tank 100, the sealing plate 206 inside the cover 205 is in contact with the retaining ring 207. At this time, the upper cavity and the cooling air unit form a closed space, and the internal space is filled with nitrogen and the gas pressure is greater than that of the outside. After the cover 205 is connected to the molding tank 100, the lower cavity inside the cover 205 and the molding tank 100 form a space. The circulation pump 210 operates, and the solenoid valves on the first air inlet pipe 201, the first air outlet pipe 202, and the air replenishment pipe are opened. Dry and clean nitrogen is injected into the second air outlet pipe 204 through the air replenishment pipe. Since the air pressure in the sealed space formed by the upper cavity and the cold air unit is greater than that of the outside, the nitrogen in this sealed space enters the lower cavity and the molding tank 100 through the first air inlet pipe 201. The nitrogen and air in the lower cavity are discharged through the first air outlet pipe 202, realizing the purging and air replacement of the lower cavity and the molding tank 100. Finally, the lower cavity and the molding tank 100 are filled with nitrogen. Then, the solenoid valve of the first air outlet pipe 202 is closed, and the air pressure sensor in the detection box detects the air pressure. After reaching a certain value, the solenoid valve on the gas supply pipe closes, and the electric push rod 208 drives the sealing plate 206 to rise to its maximum stroke. The second air inlet pipe 203 and the second air outlet pipe 204 are located below the sealing plate 206, so that they are connected to the lower cavity and the forming tank 100. The circulation pump 210 runs continuously. After the airflow in the lower cavity and the forming tank 100 exchanges heat with the aluminum liquid, it passes through the filter assembly 209, the circulation pump 210, the cooling assembly 211, and the detection assembly 212 in sequence, and then enters the lower cavity and the forming tank 100 through the first air inlet pipe 201 and the second air inlet pipe 203. The filter assembly 209 can filter impurities that may exist in the nitrogen gas flow. The cooling assembly 211 cools down the nitrogen gas flow after exchanging heat with the aluminum liquid. The detection assembly 212 monitors the gas pressure, temperature and cleanliness of the nitrogen gas flow.

[0055] To prevent the aluminum liquid from cooling too quickly in the early stages, the operation of the circulating pump 210 is based on the airflow temperature monitored by the temperature sensor in the detection chamber. When the airflow temperature is below a certain range, the ambient temperature may cause the surface of the aluminum liquid in the forming tank 100 to cool too quickly, resulting in uneven cooling between the surface and the bottom of the aluminum liquid. At this time, the circulating pump 210 slows down, the airflow circulation speed is reduced, and the heat exchange of the nitrogen gas flow to the aluminum liquid is reduced. Conversely, if the ambient temperature is above a certain range, the ambient temperature may cause the surface of the aluminum liquid in the forming tank 100 to cool slowly, resulting in uneven cooling between the surface and the bottom of the aluminum liquid. At this time, the circulating pump 210 speeds up, increasing the heat exchange of the nitrogen gas flow to the aluminum liquid. After the aluminum liquid solidifies, the circulating pump 210 can operate at high speed to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the nitrogen gas flow to the aluminum liquid. After air cooling is complete, the electric push rod 208 drives the sealing plate 206 to descend until it contacts the retaining ring 207. The solenoid valve of the first air inlet pipe 201 closes. At this time, the upper cavity and the cold air unit form a closed space, preventing outside air and impurities from entering. The drive device drives the cover 205 to slide away from the forming groove 100. The cover 205 awaits the next air cooling operation. During this process, if the air pressure detected by the pressure sensor inside the chamber drops, the sealed space formed by the upper cavity and the cold air unit will leak, and nitrogen will escape. The air cooling mechanism 200 will require maintenance. In the air cooling mechanism 200, the cold air unit can be fixedly installed, and the pipeline between the cold air unit and the cover 205 is a flexible hose.

[0056] The electromagnetic stirring mechanism 400 performs electromagnetic stirring on the aluminum liquid in the early stage of cooling, and stops electromagnetic stirring when the aluminum liquid reaches a sufficient degree of grain refinement and the solidification process is nearing completion.

[0057] The water-cooling mechanism 300 has two circulating water paths, which are connected to two sets of water-cooling equipment, which can be plate heat exchangers. The path of the first circulating water path is: first inlet pipe 310, first cavity 303, and first return pipe. The first inlet pipe 310 and the first return pipe are connected to the water-cooling equipment. The cold water output from the water-cooling equipment enters the first cavity 303 through the first inlet pipe 310. After the cold water is heated by heat exchange in the first cavity 303, it flows back into the water-cooling equipment through the first return pipe for cooling. The path of the second circulating water circuit is as follows: second inlet pipe 309, cold water chamber 313, inner pipe 3052, outer pipe 3051, hot water chamber 312, and second return pipe. The second inlet pipe 309 and the second return pipe are connected to the water cooling equipment. The cold water output from the water cooling equipment enters the cold water chamber 313 through the second inlet pipe 309. The cold water in the cold water chamber 313 then flows to the outer wall of the molding tank 100 through the inner pipe 3052 of the multiple circulating water pipe assemblies 305 and exchanges heat with it to heat up into hot water. The hot water flows into the hot water chamber 312 through the outer pipe 3051 and flows back to the water cooling equipment through the second return pipe for cooling. The cooling of the molten aluminum is mainly achieved through the second circulating water path and supplemented by the first circulating water path. The cold water in the first chamber 303 of the first circulating water path is mainly used to cool the water outside the second circulating water path and to pre-cool the hot water in the outer pipe 3051, so that the water temperature flowing back to the water cooling equipment in the second circulating water path is relatively low. The cold water in the first chamber 303 also isolates the heat transfer from the hot water chamber 312, preventing the heat from the hot water chamber 312 from being transferred inward and affecting the cooling of the molten aluminum.

[0058] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0059] During the cooling process of molten aluminum, cooling and electromagnetic stirring are combined to achieve grain refinement. Air cooling and water cooling are combined, and temperature control is achieved by adjusting the circulation speed of air cooling and water cooling. The cooling efficiency is high, which effectively promotes grain refinement.

[0060] In the water-cooling mechanism 300, the temperature of the cold water supplied to the cold water chamber 313 via the second inlet pipe 309 is controllable. The cold water temperature in the cold water chambers 313 surrounding the forming tank 100 is the same. The cold water temperature entering the inner pipe 3052 within the cold water chamber 313 is also the same. The cold water is sent from the inner pipe 3052 to the outer wall of the forming tank 100 for heat exchange and then flows back to the hot water chamber 312 via the outer pipe 3051. During this process, because the inner pipe 3052 is an insulating material, the heat exchange between the cold water in the inner pipe 3052 and the hot water in the outer pipe 3051 is small, preventing a large temperature rise in the cold water. The temperature of the cold water after heat exchange and temperature rise in the forming tank 100 is basically the same. Therefore, the temperature of the hot water flowing back in the outer pipe 3051 is basically the same, and the cold water in all inner pipes 3052 is also affected in the same way. The temperature of the cold water in contact with the outer wall of the forming tank 100 is the same. The uniform temperature of the cold water at all points on the outer wall of the forming tank 100 ensures uniform cooling of the aluminum liquid and avoids localized cooling. Uneven heat exchange leads to stress concentration and residual stress inside the aluminum ingot. To avoid uneven grain size and microstructure inside the aluminum ingot, the hot water returning after heat exchange with the forming tank 100 is placed in the hot water chamber 312 outside the first chamber 303. Cooling water circulates in the first chamber 303 to isolate the hot water chamber 312 from the outside heat, so as to avoid affecting the cooling of the aluminum liquid. The cooling water in the first chamber 303 cools the circulating water pipe assembly 305 outside the forming tank 100. Since the cooling water in the first chamber 303 mainly cools the hot water in the outer pipe 3051 in advance, and all the hot water in the outer pipe 3051 eventually flows into the water cooling equipment for cooling, even if there are local temperature differences in the cooling water in the first chamber 303, it will not affect the cooling of the aluminum liquid. The contact points between the first and second circulating water paths are made of heat-insulating material to prevent the cold water from absorbing too much heat from the hot water and causing a large temperature rise.

[0061] In the air-cooling mechanism 200, dry and clean nitrogen gas in a closed space is used as the cooling medium to prevent oxygen and impurities from entering the molten aluminum, thus maintaining the purity and quality of the aluminum. The sealing plate 206, in conjunction with the first air inlet pipe 201 and the first air outlet pipe 202, can purge and replace the air in the forming tank 100, preventing oxygen residue in the forming tank 100. The sealing plate 206 can be raised and lowered to achieve the sealing of the air-cooling mechanism 200, preventing external air impurities from entering and contaminating the internal nitrogen. The nitrogen gas can be recycled. Each time air cooling is performed, only the nitrogen gas discharged during purging and air replacement needs to be replenished through the air replenishment pipe. The nitrogen gas consumption is small. The temperature sensor, in conjunction with the circulation pump 210, can adjust the nitrogen gas circulation speed to regulate the air-cooling efficiency. The air pressure sensor and dust sensor can alarm when nitrogen gas leaks or impurities are mixed in, so as to promptly remind that the sealing of the internal sealed space of the air-cooling mechanism 200 has been compromised, and timely inspection and maintenance should be carried out to avoid affecting the quality of the aluminum ingot.

[0062] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions of the present invention. Any technical solution that can be implemented based on the above embodiments without creative effort should be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the patent of the present invention.

Claims

1. A forming apparatus for refining the grain size of aluminum ingots, characterized in that, include: Forming groove; A water-cooling mechanism, located below the forming tank, includes: Multiple circulating water pipe assemblies are located on the outer wall of the molding tank; A first cover and a second cover are sequentially arranged around the molding groove. The first cover and the molding groove form a first cavity, and the second cover and the first cover form a second cavity. The first inlet pipe and the first return pipe are connected to the first cavity; Multiple partitions are installed in the second cavity to divide it into a cold water cavity and a hot water cavity; The second inlet pipe and the second return pipe are respectively connected to the cold water chamber and the hot water chamber; An electromagnetic stirring mechanism is located below the water cooling mechanism; The air-cooling mechanism is located above the forming tank; The circulating water pipe assembly includes an inner pipe and an outer pipe that are coaxially arranged and perpendicular to the outer wall of the forming tank. The inner end of the outer pipe is connected to the outer wall of the forming tank and the outer end of the outer pipe is connected to the hot water chamber. There is a gap between the inner end of the inner pipe and the outer wall of the forming tank. The outer end of the inner pipe passes through the side wall of the outer pipe and is connected to the cold water chamber. The first inlet pipe, the first return pipe, the second inlet pipe, and the second return pipe are all connected to the water cooling equipment. The inner wall of the cold water chamber, the inner tube, and the outer tube in the cold water chamber are all made of heat insulation material, and the outer wall of the outer tube in the first cavity is provided with heat exchange fins. The air-cooling mechanism includes a cover that connects to the molding tank cover. The top edge of the molding tank and the bottom edge of the cover are respectively provided with matching sealing rings. The cover is connected to a second air inlet pipe and a second air outlet pipe. The second air inlet pipe and the second air outlet pipe are connected to the cold air unit. The cover is provided with a partition component. The upper part of the partition component is the upper cavity and the lower part is the lower cavity. The second air inlet pipe and the second air outlet pipe are connected to the upper cavity. The cover on the side of the lower cavity is connected to the first air inlet pipe and the first air outlet pipe. The first air inlet pipe and the first air outlet pipe are both provided with solenoid valves. The first air inlet pipe is connected to the cold air unit. The separation assembly includes a retaining ring disposed along the inner wall of the cover, a sealing plate disposed inside the cover above the retaining ring, the edge of the sealing plate slidingly contacting the inner wall of the cover of the upper cavity, a sealing gasket disposed at the bottom edge of the sealing plate and the top of the retaining ring, an electric push rod vertically disposed at the top of the cover, the electric push rod being connected to the sealing plate, and the second air inlet pipe and the second air outlet pipe being located at the lower part of the maximum upward stroke of the sealing plate; The cold air unit includes a filter assembly, a cooling assembly, and a detection assembly connected in sequence. The second air outlet pipe is connected to the filter assembly, and a make-up air pipe is also connected to the second air outlet pipe. A solenoid valve is installed on the make-up air pipe. The first air inlet pipe and the second air inlet pipe are connected to the detection assembly. A circulation pump is installed between the filter assembly and the cooling assembly. The first air outlet pipe is connected to the outside.

2. The forming apparatus for refining aluminum ingot grains according to claim 1, characterized in that, The forming groove is in the shape of a frustum. The first cover and the second cover are both frustums that are adapted to the shape of the forming groove. The circulating water pipe assembly is arranged in a matrix on the outer wall of the forming groove. The inner end of the outer pipe is frustum and the end connected to the outer wall of the forming groove is the larger end.

3. The forming apparatus for refining aluminum ingot grains according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second cavity is provided with five first partitions located on the outer sides of the five outer walls of the forming groove. The five first partitions are parallel to the corresponding outer walls of the forming groove. The distance between the first partitions and the first cover and the second cover is the same. The edges of the first partitions are provided with second partitions that are perpendicular to them and connected to the first cover and the second cover at both ends. The first partitions, the second partitions and the first cover form a cold water cavity, and the first partitions, the second partitions and the second cover form a hot water cavity.

4. The forming apparatus for refining aluminum ingot grains according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection component includes a detection box, which contains a pressure sensor, a dust sensor, and a temperature sensor.

5. The forming apparatus for refining aluminum ingot grains according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filtration assembly includes a filter box, which contains multiple air filter layers. The pore sizes of the multiple air filter layers in the filter box decrease sequentially in the airflow direction. The cooling assembly is any one or more combinations of plate heat exchangers, finned tube heat exchangers, and shell-and-tube heat exchangers. When multiple heat exchangers are combined, they are connected in series.

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