Heat treatment apparatus, method and use

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat treatment device for heating and treating a metallic material, comprising: a heating device, in particular a first heating device, having a nominal power density in the metallic material greater than or equal to 5 * 105 W / m2, preferably greater than or equal to 1 * 106 W / m2, preferably greater than or equal to 5 * 106 W / m2, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 2 * 107 W / m2; a homogenization device, in particular a first homogenization device, in which the homogenization device is arranged to reduce the temperature difference between the surface temperature of the metallic material and the core temperature of the metallic material to less than or equal to 50 DEG C, preferably less than or equal to 20 DEG C, in particular preferably less than or equal to 10 DEG C; the treatment equipment is used for treating the metal material; and the conveying equipment is used for conveying the metal material from the heating equipment in the direction of the processing equipment.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat treatment device, a method and a use.

[0002] Before hot forming of the slab, especially before hot rolling, an oven is used in the prior art to heat the slab. In this case, the slab can first be heated to a temperature greater than or equal to the temperature at which carbide precipitation and / or nitrite precipitation of the steel composition of the slab dissolves, especially to the average temperature of the slab, which is between 950 °C and 1280 °C depending on the alloy composition.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved solution or an alternative to the prior art.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by a heat treatment device for heating and treating a metallic material, the heat treatment device comprising:

[0005] - a heating device, the nominal power density of which in the metallic material is greater than or equal to 5·10 5 W / m 2 Preferably greater than or equal to 1·10 6 W / m 2 Preferably greater than or equal to 5·10 6 W / m 2 Particularly preferably greater than or equal to 2·10 7 W / m 2 Especially the first heating device;

[0006] - a homogenizing device, especially the first homogenizing device, wherein the homogenizing device is arranged to reduce the temperature difference between the surface temperature and the core temperature of the metallic material to less than or equal to 50 °C, preferably less than or equal to 20 °C, particularly preferably less than or equal to 10 °C;

[0007] - a processing device for processing the metallic material; and

[0008] - a conveying device for conveying the metallic material from the heating device in the direction of the processing device.

[0009] The explanations of relevant terms are as follows:

[0010] First of all, it should be clearly pointed out that within the scope of this patent application, if it is not clearly stated in the corresponding context, or is obvious to those skilled in the art, or is technically required to be "exactly one...", "exactly two..." etc., then indefinite articles such as "a", "two" and numerical data should generally be understood as "at least" data, that is, "at least one...", "at least two..." etc.

[0011] Within the scope of this patent application, the expression "in particular" always means that optional and preferred features are introduced by this expression. This expression should not be understood as "precisely" or "that is to say".

[0012] "Metallic material" means a semi-finished product composed of at least one metal or having a metal content greater than or equal to 90% by weight, preferably greater than or equal to 95% by weight, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 98% by weight.

[0013] The metallic material has a thickness, a width and a length, wherein the metallic material can also have an infinite length. The metallic material also has a surface and a core region, wherein the temperature at the surface of the metallic material, in particular the average temperature, can deviate from the temperature in the core region. Accordingly, the surface temperature of the metallic material can deviate from the core temperature of the metallic material, in particular by a heat flux entering the metallic material from the surroundings of the metallic material and / or by a heat flux from the metallic material to the surroundings of the metallic material.

[0014] The metallic material can be a blank, wherein the thickness of the blank substantially corresponds to the width of the blank. In other words, the blank has a substantially square cross-sectional area. Preferably, the blank thickness is greater than or equal to 0.9 times the blank width and less than or equal to 1.1 times the blank width, preferably, the blank thickness is greater than or equal to 0.95 times the blank width and less than or equal to 1.05 times the blank width, and particularly preferably, the blank thickness is greater than or equal to 0.975 times the blank width and less than or equal to 1.025 times the blank width.

[0015] The metallic material can be a pre-block. Preferably, the pre-block width is less than or equal to 1.4 times the pre-block thickness, preferably less than or equal to 1.3 times the pre-block thickness, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 1.2 times the pre-block thickness. In addition, the pre-block width is preferably greater than or equal to 1.1 times the pre-block thickness, preferably greater than or equal to 1.15 times the pre-block thickness, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1.2 times the pre-block thickness.

[0016] The metallic material can be a slab. Preferably, the slab width is less than or equal to 35 times the slab thickness, preferably less than or equal to 30 times the slab thickness, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 20 times the slab thickness. In addition, the slab width is preferably greater than or equal to 1.5 times the slab thickness, preferably greater than or equal to 1.6 times the slab thickness, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 2 times the slab thickness.

[0017] If the slab thickness is greater than or equal to 150 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 180 mm, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 220 mm, the slab is also referred to as a thick slab.

[0018] If the slab thickness is less than or equal to 150 mm, preferably less than or equal to 135 mm, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 120 mm, the slab is also referred to as a thin slab.

[0019] Preferably, the slab length is greater than or equal to 1.2 m, preferably greater than or equal to 1.5 m, more preferably greater than or equal to 1.8 m, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 2 m. In addition, the slab length is preferably greater than or equal to 4 m, preferably greater than or equal to 5 m, more preferably greater than or equal to 10 m, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 12 m.

[0020] The metallic material can be a metal sheet. Preferably, the metal sheet thickness is less than or equal to 100 mm, preferably less than or equal to 80 mm, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 50 mm. In addition, the metal sheet width is preferably greater than or equal to 30 times the metal sheet thickness, preferably greater than or equal to 50 times the metal sheet thickness, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 100 times the metal sheet thickness.

[0021] The "heating device", in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device, is understood to be a device that is configured to increase the average temperature in the metallic material, in particular from an average starting temperature to an average end temperature. The heating device can be in a substantially effective connection with one or more surfaces of the metallic material. Preferably, the heating device acts mainly on the upper and lower surfaces of the metallic material.

[0022] The "power density" is understood to be the areal power density in W / m2, where the power density represents the distribution of the power of the heating device on the surface of the metallic material, in particular on the upper surface and the lower surface of the metallic material. The "nominal power density" means the maximum power density that the heating device can achieve during a specified operation. Thus, a heating device with a nominal power density greater than or equal to 5·10 5 W / m 2 is configured to be able to supply a power of greater than or equal to 5·10 5 W to one square meter of the surface of the metallic material. In certain cases, where the edges of the metallic material are specifically heated separately, the surface of the metallic material relevant for determining the power density can also extend to the side surfaces of the metallic material that are heated by edge heaters and extend beyond the upper and lower sides of the metallic material.

[0023] Preferably, the heating device has a nominal power density greater than or equal to 9·10 5 W / m 2 and more preferably greater than or equal to 1·10 6 W / m 2 preferably greater than or equal to 2·10 6 W / m 2 and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 3.5·10 6 W / m2 In addition, the heating device preferably has a nominal power density greater than or equal to 7·10 6 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 8.5·10 6 W / m 2 , particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1·10 7 W / m 2 .

[0024] The power density actually introduced into the metallic material by the heating device can be limited, in particular by controlling and / or regulating the heating device, if there is a threat of surface temperatures exceeding 1300 °C and, depending on the alloy composition, also exceeding 1380 °C. Thus, melting of the surface of the metallic material can be prevented.

[0025] An "inductor" is a device configured to use a magnetic field to increase the temperature of a metallic material. The inductor has at least one inductor coil, which is effectively connected to at least one capacitor to form a resonant circuit. The resonant circuit can be supplied with electrical energy by a power supply device. The power supply device can include an inverter, which is preferably connected or can be connected to a DC intermediate circuit.

[0026] The inductor can have a nominal power density greater than or equal to 1·10 6 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 8.5·10 6 W / m 2 , particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1·10 7 W / m 2 .

[0027] Using an inductor as a heating device advantageously results in a nominal power density that is independent of the ambient temperature of the metallic material. This is particularly advantageous for heating metallic materials, especially at high average end temperatures.

[0028] The inductor preferably has two inductor coils. These can be arranged to generate a transverse field and / or a longitudinal field with respect to the metallic material.

[0029] During specified operation, the inductor has a thermographic layer starting from the surface of the metallic material to be heated facing the inductor coil, which substantially extends beyond the penetration depth of the metallic material to be heated. The penetration depth of the thermographic layer also depends on the frequency of the resonant circuit exciting the inductor coil. However, the penetration depth of the thermographic layer also depends on the temperature of the metallic material in the region of the thermographic layer.

[0030] If the temperature of the material to be heated in the region of the thermographic layer is lower than the Curie temperature of the material of the metallic material, the thermographic layer can have a penetration depth less than or equal to 4 mm, preferably less than or equal to 3 mm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0031] If the temperature of the material to be heated in the region of the thermographic layer is greater than or equal to the Curie temperature, the thermographic layer may have a penetration depth of less than or equal to 25 mm, preferably less than or equal to 20 mm, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 15 mm. In addition, in the region of the thermographic layer where the temperature of the material to be heated is greater than or equal to the Curie temperature, the thermographic layer may have a penetration depth of greater than or equal to 5 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 7 mm, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 10 mm.

[0032] The heating device may have a plurality of inductors, in particular two inductors, three inductors, four inductors, five inductors or more than five inductors. These plurality of inductors may be arranged in a common inductor housing. Optionally, the plurality of inductors may have separate inductor housings, which may be arranged in sequence relative to each other in the specified conveying direction of the metallic material.

[0033] The "DFI module" is understood to be a heating device that is configured to heat a metallic material using the direct flame impingement (DFI) method. The DFI method is also known as the oxy-fuel method. In the DFI method, at least one self-generated flame or oxygen flame directly heats the metallic material, in particular by directly acting on the metallic material. The nominal power density that can be achieved using the DFI method can be 10 times higher than that of a conventional fuel heating furnace. The nominal power density of the DFI module can reach 1·10 6 W / m 2 .

[0034] The heating device may have a plurality of DFI modules, in particular two DFI modules, three DFI modules, four DFI modules, five DFI modules or more than five DFI modules.

[0035] These plurality of DFI modules may be arranged in a common housing. Optionally, the plurality of DFI modules may have independent housings, which are arranged in sequence relative to each other in the specified conveying direction of the metallic material.

[0036] The "homogenizing device", in particular the first homogenizing device and / or the second homogenizing device, is understood to be a device for homogenizing the temperature distribution in the metallic material. In other words, the homogenizing device is configured to reduce the temperature difference in the metallic material.

[0037] By heating and / or cooling the metallic material, high temperature differences may occur in the metallic material. When the metallic material cools, the core of the metallic material cools more slowly than its surface. When heating the metallic material, it is also possible that the surface of the metallic material heats up faster than its core. In addition, the temperature difference may also be caused by the processing process and / or the casting process of the metallic material.

[0038] When casting a slab through a continuous caster, the casting speed at which the cast slab leaves the continuous caster can have a value less than or equal to 0.14 m / s, especially a value less than or equal to 0.1 m / s. Therefore, for the casting of a 12-m long slab, it generally takes 2 minutes. During this period, the head of the slab that first leaves the continuous caster cools faster than the end of the slab. Therefore, the temperature difference of the metallic material should not be understood only as a change in the temperature distribution only across the cross-section of the metallic material; rather, it can also vary in the longitudinal extent of the metallic material.

[0039] The homogenization of the temperature of the metallic material can be understood as a reduction in the absolute temperature difference of the metallic material from when it enters the homogenization device until it leaves the homogenization device.

[0040] If the slab is reheated immediately after leaving the continuous caster using an inductor, the absolute temperature difference, especially the absolute temperature difference between the core of the slab and the surface of the slab, can be greater than or equal to 100 °C. In some cases, the temperature difference can also be greater than or equal to 300 °C, and in the case of very intense heating using an inductor, the temperature difference can also be greater than or equal to 650 °C.

[0041] If the slab is strongly heated from room temperature using an inductor, the temperature difference can be greater than or equal to 1000 °C, and in special cases can be greater than or equal to 1300 °C.

[0042] The homogenization device can be set to reduce the temperature difference of the metallic material before it leaves the homogenization device to less than or equal to 100 °C, preferably less than or equal to 60 °C, more preferably less than or equal to 30 °C, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 15 °C.

[0043] The homogenization device can also be set such that the metallic material can leave the homogenization device at an average temperature greater than or equal to 950 °C, preferably greater than or equal to 1000 °C, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1050 °C.

[0044] Preferably, the homogenization device can have an active device for heating the metallic material, especially at least one gas burner, preferably in combination with at least one corresponding injection pipe. Among other things, the homogenization device can be configured as a walking beam furnace. The homogenization device can be in the form of a roller hearth furnace. The homogenization device can be in the form of a blast furnace. The nominal power density of the gas burner can reach 1·10 5 W / m 2 .

[0045] Optionally, the homogenization device can have at least one heat radiator, especially at least one electrically operated heat radiator, as an active device for heating the metallic material, wherein the heat radiator is arranged to emit thermal radiation towards the metallic material. The electrically operated heat radiator can reach 4·10 4 W / m 2The nominal power density.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment, the homogenizing furnace may have a heat-insulating device, as a passive device for homogenizing the temperature distribution of the metallic material, which is arranged to thermally insulate the metallic material from its surroundings.

[0047] In terms of energy, it is particularly preferred that the homogenizing device may only have passive devices for homogenizing the temperature distribution of the metallic material, in particular insulating devices, preferably heating hoods. As a result, the thermal energy of the metallic material entering the homogenizing device can be used to compensate for the temperature distribution in the metallic material.

[0048] "Processing device" means a device that can be used to process metallic materials.

[0049] According to another variant, the processing device may be configured as a press-forming device, in which the metallic material is press-formed. The press-forming device may be a rolling device. Advantageously, metallic materials with a starting thickness greater than or equal to 5 mm are press-formed, in particular rolled, preferably with a starting thickness greater than or equal to 10 mm, particularly preferably with a starting thickness greater than or equal to 30 mm.

[0050] A stretch-forming device may also occur as another variant of the processing device, in which the stretch-forming device is configured to deform the metallic material by means of tension. The stretch-forming device may be a stretching device, in particular a stretching device for improving the flatness of the metallic material. Advantageously, metallic materials with a starting thickness less than or equal to 12 mm are press-formed, in particular stretched, preferably with a starting thickness less than or equal to 10 mm, particularly preferably with a starting thickness less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0051] "Conveying device" is understood to mean any system that is arranged for transporting metallic materials, in particular for transporting slabs. Preferably, the conveying device has roller tracks, in particular electric roller tracks.

[0052] The conveying device may have a plurality of different segments, in particular a first segment between the heating device and the homogenizing device and a second segment between the homogenizing device and the processing device or the final-stage heating device. It should be understood that the conveying device may also have further segments between the equipment components of the heat treatment device. However, this does not explicitly exclude that the heat treatment device may have a plurality of conveying devices, in particular a first conveying device between the heating device and the homogenizing device and a second conveying device between the homogenizing device and the processing device or the final-stage heating device.

[0053] Furthermore, the conveying device may be arranged to convey the metallic material from the homogenizing device to the heating device, in particular from a homogenizing device that is effectively connected to a continuous casting machine to the heating device, in particular the first heating device, and the homogenizing device may be arranged to at least partially receive the cast billets.

[0054] "Heat treatment equipment" refers to equipment and / or devices suitable for heating a metallic material from its average starting temperature when it reaches the heating equipment to its average ending temperature when it leaves the heating equipment and / or homogenizing equipment, and for treating the metallic material, in particular rolling the metallic material, in the treatment equipment, wherein the heat treatment equipment has at least one conveying device which is arranged to convey the metallic material in the direction of the treatment equipment.

[0055] The heat treatment equipment can be arranged such that when the metallic material reaches the treatment equipment, its average temperature is greater than or equal to 1050 °C, preferably greater than or equal to 1100 °C, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1200 °C. In addition, the heat treatment equipment can advantageously be arranged such that the metallic material has an average temperature greater than or equal to 950 °C, preferably greater than or equal to 1050 °C, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1250 °C when it reaches the treatment equipment.

[0056] The heat treatment equipment can be arranged such that when the metallic material reaches the heating equipment, in particular the first heating equipment, its average temperature is less than or equal to 250 °C, preferably less than or equal to 200 °C, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 150 °C. In addition, the heat treatment equipment can advantageously be arranged such that when the metallic material reaches the heating equipment, in particular the first heating equipment, it has an average temperature less than or equal to 100 °C, preferably less than or equal to 50 °C, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 35 °C. In this case, it can also be said that the metallic material is cold inserted into the heat treatment equipment.

[0057] The heat treatment equipment can conveniently be arranged such that when the metallic material reaches the heating equipment, in particular the first heating equipment, its average temperature is less than or equal to 650 °C, preferably less than or equal to 550 °C, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 450 °C. In this case, it can also be said that the metallic material is heated into the heat treatment equipment. In addition, the heat treatment equipment for hot insertion can be arranged such that when the metallic material reaches the heating equipment, in particular the first heating equipment, it has an average temperature greater than or equal to 200 °C, preferably greater than or equal to 250 °C, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 300 °C.

[0058] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the heat treatment equipment can be arranged such that when the metallic material reaches the heating equipment, in particular the first heating equipment, it has an average temperature greater than or equal to 600 °C, preferably greater than or equal to 700 °C, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 800 °C. In the case where the starting temperature of the metallic material is in one of the above-mentioned orders of magnitude, it can also be said to be a direct insertion of the metallic material.

[0059] Particularly preferably, the heat treatment device can be set to combine the above-mentioned use scenarios of "cold insertion" and / or "hot insertion" and / or "direct insertion" with each other. In this case, among other things, it is conceivable that the heat treatment device is arranged corresponding to one or more casting machines and / or hot bearings for metallic materials and / or cold bearings for metallic materials. The heat treatment device can be used alternately with metallic materials at different temperatures or in any desired order. Thus, the heat treatment device can be set to operate with metallic materials having very different temperatures in any desired order.

[0060] The average temperature of the metallic material can be understood as the volume-averaged mean temperature of the metallic material.

[0061] In particular, by using low-carbon energy to improve the energy process efficiency of the heat treatment device and / or reduce the carbon dioxide emissions released by the heat treatment device, it can be advantageously achieved by a heating device having a nominal power density greater than or equal to 5·10 5 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 1·10 6 W / m 2 of the nominal power density.

[0062] A heating device having such a high nominal power density can advantageously be converted into energy efficiency with a compact length, and thus has a short throughput time, because the power required for the temperature increase can be transferred to the metallic material in a relatively compact structural form. This can particularly advantageously affect the energy process efficiency, especially by reducing heat losses. In addition, the heat treatment device proposed here can be more compact as a whole.

[0063] However, a heating device having a correspondingly high nominal power density, in particular an inductor and / or a DFI module, physically results in a limited direct penetration depth of heat on the surface of the metallic material. Therefore, a temperature higher than the melting point of the material can already be reached on the surface of the metallic material, while the core temperature of the metallic material can still be at room temperature. Over time, the temperature difference can be compensated, but in the process, heat will be released into the environment of the metallic material.

[0064] A combination of a heating device having a high nominal power density and a homogenizing device is proposed here, wherein the homogenizing device is set to reduce the temperature difference in the metallic material caused by heating by means of the heating device having a high nominal power density.

[0065] The combination of the heating device and the homogenizing device can advantageously allow the metallic material to be heated to a high average temperature with a small local temperature difference in a low-carbon dioxide manner. The metallic material temperature-controlled in this way can advantageously be processed by a subsequent processing device, in particular rolling.

[0066] In the modernization process of existing heat treatment equipment for heating equipment with a nominal power density less than or equal to 1·10 5 W / m 2 , it is also possible to consider further using the existing heating equipment as a homogenizing device, and advantageously placing in front of it a modern heating equipment with a nominal power density greater than or equal to 5·10 5 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 1·10 6 W / m 2 . Thus, by a moderate intervention in the existing heat treatment equipment, the energy efficiency can be increased and / or the carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced.

[0067] According to an alternative embodiment, the metal material has a thickness greater than or equal to 50 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 150 mm, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 200 mm.

[0068] In particular, the combination of the heating equipment and the homogenizing equipment can act particularly advantageously on the treatment of metal materials with a thickness of the metal material greater than or equal to 20 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 35 mm, further preferably greater than or equal to 50 mm, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 75 mm. In addition, the combination of the heating equipment and the homogenizing equipment proposed here can advantageously act particularly advantageously on the treatment of metal materials with a thickness of the metal material greater than or equal to 100 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 135 mm, further preferably greater than or equal to 180 mm, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 250 mm.

[0069] It should be understood that the thickness values of the metal materials specified above can interact with the penetration depth of the heating equipment with a high nominal power density, and thus with the need for temperature differences in the homogeneous metal material.

[0070] Optionally, the ratio of the width of the metal material to the thickness of the metal material is greater than or equal to 1.1, preferably greater than or equal to 1.5, further preferably greater than or equal to 5, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 10.

[0071] In addition, it is preferred that the ratio of the width of the metal material to the thickness is greater than or equal to 1.25, preferably greater than or equal to 2.5, further preferably greater than or equal to 8, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 16.

[0072] Heating equipment with a relatively high nominal power density benefits from a high ratio of the width of the metal material to the thickness of the metal material. In particular, in the case of a larger width-to-thickness ratio, a larger proportion of the cross-sectional area of the metal material can be achieved through the direct penetration depth of the heat of the heating equipment with a high nominal power density, whereby the consumption of temperature differences in the homogeneous metal material can be reduced.

[0073] In contrast, heating devices with a low nominal power density, in particular conventional furnaces with gas burners, can benefit from a higher ratio of the surface area of the metallic material to the volume of the metallic material, which can be achieved by a particularly small ratio of the width to the thickness of the metallic material.

[0074] According to an advantageous embodiment, the ratio of the perimeter of the metallic material to the cross-sectional area of the metallic material is less than or equal to 3.25 1 / mm, preferably less than or equal to 2.5 1 / mm, more preferably less than or equal to 2.3 1 / mm, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 2.1 1 / mm.

[0075] According to another advantageous embodiment, the ratio of the perimeter of the metallic material to the cross-sectional area of the metallic material is less than or equal to 3 1 / mm, preferably less than or equal to 2.75 1 / mm, more preferably less than or equal to 2.4 1 / mm, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 2.2 1 / mm.

[0076] It has been found that a small ratio of the perimeter to the cross-sectional area is advantageous for temperature control of the metallic material with a heating device having a nominal power density greater than or equal to 5·10 5 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 1·10 6 W / m 2 so that energy-saving and / or low-carbon dioxide emission heat treatment of the metallic material can be achieved with the heat treatment device proposed here.

[0077] Optionally, the conveying device is configured to convey the metallic material from the heating device in the direction of the homogenizing device.

[0078] Preferably, the conveying device is configured to convey the metallic material from the homogenizing device in the direction of the processing device.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment, the heat treatment device has at least two heating devices and at least two homogenizing devices, in particular a first heating device, a first homogenizing device, a second heating device and a second homogenizing device, wherein the conveying device is arranged to convey the metallic material from the first heating device in the direction of the first homogenizing device, from the first homogenizing device in the direction of the second heating device, from the second heating device in the direction of the second homogenizing device and from the second homogenizing device in the direction of the processing device.

[0080] Furthermore, preferably, the heat treatment device has at least three heating devices and at least three homogenizing devices, in particular a first heating device, a first homogenizing device, a second heating device, a second homogenizing device, a third heating device and a third homogenizing device, wherein the conveying device is arranged to convey the metallic material from the first heating device in the direction of the first homogenizing device, from the first homogenizing device in the direction of the second heating device, from the second homogenizing device in the direction of the third heating device, from the third heating device in the direction of the third homogenizing device and from the third homogenizing device in the direction of the processing device.

[0081] Optionally, the three heating devices and the three homogenizing devices can be arranged one after another in a block and can be connected to each other by the conveying device.

[0082] It should be understood that a heating device with a nominal power density greater than or equal to 5·10 5 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 1·10 6 W / m 2 can only transfer so much power to the metallic material that the edges and / or the surface of the metallic material have not melted yet. Especially in the case of a relatively large absolute thickness of the material to be heated and / or a high end temperature and / or a low temperature when the metallic material is introduced into the first heating device, without intermediate homogenization of the temperature difference, the heating required by the processing device may not be achievable with the first heating device.

[0083] By means of the cascade of the heating devices and homogenizing devices proposed here, the heating of the metallic material required by the processing device can be advantageously achieved.

[0084] Furthermore, preferably, the heat treatment device has a final-stage heating device, in particular a final-stage heating device, the nominal power density of which with respect to the metallic material is greater than or equal to 5·10 5 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 1·10 6 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 5·10 6 W / m 2 , particularly preferably greater than or equal to 2·10 7 W / m 2 , wherein the conveying device is arranged to convey the metallic material from the homogenizing device in the direction of the final-stage heating device and to convey the metallic material from the final-stage heating device in the direction of the final-stage heating device.

[0085] The explanation of the relevant terms is as follows:

[0086] The "final-stage heating device" means a device with a nominal power density greater than or equal to 5·10 5 W / m 2, preferably greater than or equal to 1·10 6 W / m 2 of a heating device that is arranged directly in front of the processing device.

[0087] Some materials of metallic materials are preferably processed at higher average temperatures, especially rolling. Therefore, in order to increase the flexibility of different materials, it is recommended that the heat treatment device can have a final-stage heating device that reheats the material only at a specific increased optimum processing temperature and does not have to affect other materials, but can do so under favorable circumstances.

[0088] Therefore, in order to improve energy efficiency and / or reduce carbon dioxide emissions, it is recommended that the final-stage heating device be designed to have a nominal power density in the metallic material greater than or equal to 5·10 5 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 1·10 6 W / m 2 , especially as a DFI module and / or inductor, because these structural forms can be used as needed without a preheating time.

[0089] Preferably, the final-stage heating device has a nominal power density greater than or equal to 9·10 5 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 2·10 6 W / m 2 , particularly preferably greater than or equal to 3.5·10 6 W / m 2 In addition, the final-stage heating device preferably has a nominal power density greater than or equal to 7·10 6 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 8.5·10 6 W / m 2 , particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1·10 7 W / m 2 .

[0090] The final-stage heating device can have a plurality of inductors, especially two inductors, three inductors, four inductors, five inductors or more than five inductors. The final-stage heating device can have a plurality of DFI modules, especially two DFI modules, three DFI modules, four DFI modules, five DFI modules or more than five DFI modules.

[0091] In addition, it is recommended to arrange the final-stage heating device after the processing device. In this way, the temperature of the metallic material can be increased again after processing. In this case, among other things, treatment by descaling can be considered.

[0092] Suitably, the final-stage heating device is configured to heat the metallic material to an average temperature of greater than or equal to 1125 °C, preferably greater than or equal to 1175 °C, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1225 °C.

[0093] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the heating device, in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final-stage heating device, comprises an inductor and / or has at least one inductor.

[0094] Preferably, the heating device, in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final-stage heating device, comprises a DFI module and / or has at least one DFI module.

[0095] According to an advantageous embodiment, the heating device, in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final-stage heating device, has a metallic material with a length less than or equal to 1 length, preferably less than or equal to 0.7 lengths, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 0.5 lengths.

[0096] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the heating device has a metallic material with a length less than or equal to 0.85 lengths, preferably less than or equal to 0.6 lengths, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 0.4 lengths.

[0097] Particularly preferably, the heating device, in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final-stage heating device, has a metallic material with a length greater than or equal to 0.2 lengths, preferably greater than or equal to 0.3 lengths, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 0.4 lengths.

[0098] Experiments have shown that with the above values of the longitudinal extent of the heating device, particularly economical heating of the metallic material can be achieved.

[0099] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the homogenizing device, in particular the first homogenizing device and / or the second homogenizing device, has a metallic material with a length less than or equal to 2.7 lengths in the conveying direction, preferably less than or equal to 2.6 lengths, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 2.5 lengths.

[0100] Experiments have shown that with the above values of the longitudinal extent of the homogenizing device, particularly economical homogenization of the metallic material can be achieved.

[0101] Advantageously, the homogenizing device, in particular the first homogenizing device and / or the second homogenizing device, comprises a heat insulation and preservation device and / or has at least one heat insulation and preservation device.

[0102] Optionally, the homogenizing device, in particular the first homogenizing device and / or the second homogenizing device, has at least one gas burner, in particular at least one gas burner in the injection pipe.

[0103] Furthermore, optionally, the homogenizing device, in particular the first homogenizing device and / or the second homogenizing device, has at least one electric radiator.

[0104] According to an optional embodiment, the processing device has a pressure forming device for pressure forming a metallic material, in particular a rolling device for rolling a metallic material.

[0105] According to another optional embodiment, the processing device includes a stretch forming device for stretch forming a metallic material, in particular a stretching device for stretch leveling a metallic material.

[0106] According to a second aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a method for heating and processing a metallic material by means of a heat treatment device according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein a metallic material with an average temperature less than or equal to 700 °C, preferably an average temperature less than or equal to 800 °C, particularly preferably an average temperature less than or equal to 950 °C is supplied to the heat treatment device.

[0107] In particular, a hybrid insertion of the heat treatment device can be advantageously established, wherein cold insertion and / or hot insertion and / or direct insertion can be advantageously combined with each other in the heat treatment device.

[0108] Advantageously, a metallic material with an average temperature less than or equal to 400 °C, preferably an average temperature less than or equal to 500 °C, particularly preferably an average temperature less than or equal to 600 °C is supplied to the heat treatment device.

[0109] With the above temperature values, the hot insertion method can be advantageously used, and the energy requirement and emissions can be reduced.

[0110] Optionally, a metallic material with an average temperature less than or equal to 100 °C, preferably an average temperature less than or equal to 200 °C, particularly preferably an average temperature less than or equal to 300 °C is supplied to the heat treatment device.

[0111] In this way, the heat treatment device can also be advantageously used for cold insertion.

[0112] Particularly advantageously, a metallic material with an average temperature greater than or equal to 600 °C, preferably an average temperature greater than or equal to 700 °C, particularly preferably an average temperature greater than or equal to 800 °C is supplied to the heat treatment device.

[0113] In this way, a particularly energy-saving direct insertion method, in particular a direct conversion from a continuous casting machine, can be advantageously implemented, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0114] It should be clearly pointed out that the subject matter of the second aspect can be advantageously combined with the subject matter of the above aspects of the present invention and can be accumulated individually or in any combination.

[0115] According to a third aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by using the heat treatment equipment according to the first aspect of the present invention and / or the method according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0116] It should be understood that the advantages of the heat treatment equipment according to the first aspect of the present invention and / or the method according to the second aspect of the present invention directly extend to the use of the heat treatment equipment according to the first aspect of the present invention and / or the method according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0117] It should be noted that the subject matter of the third aspect can be advantageously combined with the subject matter of the foregoing aspects of the present invention individually or in any cumulative combination.

[0118] More advantages, details and features of the present invention can be obtained from the embodiments described below. Specifically:

[0119] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a metal material having a non-uniform temperature distribution in cross-section is schematically shown;

[0120] Figure 2 A first embodiment of the heat treatment equipment and a related temperature curve of the average temperature of the metal material in the heat treatment equipment are schematically shown;

[0121] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the heat treatment equipment and a related temperature curve of the average temperature of the metal material in the heat treatment equipment are schematically shown; and

[0122] Figure 4 A third embodiment of the heat treatment equipment and a related temperature curve of the average temperature of the metal material in the heat treatment equipment are schematically shown.

[0123] In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same components or the same features. Therefore, the description made for one component with reference to one drawing also applies to other drawings to avoid repeated description. In addition, the features described in connection with one embodiment can also be used alone in other embodiments.

[0124] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a metal material 10 having a non-uniform temperature curve along the cross-section of the metal material 10 is schematically shown. In this case, the core temperature T of the metal material K can be higher or lower than the surface temperature T of the metal material O . From the core temperature to the surface temperature T OThe temperature curve can be run at multiple temperatures T i and above.

[0125] According to Figure 2 A first embodiment of the heat treatment apparatus 20 substantially includes a heating apparatus 30, a homogenizing apparatus 40, a conveying apparatus 60, and a processing apparatus 50. The conveying apparatus 60 can convey the metal material 10 from the heating apparatus 30 in the direction of the processing apparatus 50. In the first embodiment described herein, the metal material 10 is directly transferred from the heating apparatus 30 to the homogenizing apparatus 40. Optionally, the first embodiment described herein can also be modified in such a way that the metal material 10 is conveyed from the heating apparatus 30 to the homogenizing apparatus 40 by another conveying apparatus (not shown).

[0126] The average temperature of the metal material 10 in the heat treatment apparatus 20 rises from the average starting temperature T St of the metal material 10 to the first average temperature T1 in the region of the heating apparatus 30 and is homogenized in the region of the homogenizing apparatus 40. The metal material 10 is conveyed to the processing apparatus 50 by the conveying apparatus 60, particularly at the first average temperature T1.

[0127] According to Figure 3 A second embodiment of the heat treatment apparatus 20 substantially includes a first heating apparatus 31, a first homogenizing apparatus 41, a second heating apparatus 32, a second homogenizing apparatus 42, a final-stage heating apparatus 70, a conveying apparatus 60, and a processing apparatus 50. The heat treatment apparatus can have any number of additional nth heating apparatuses 33 and nth homogenizing apparatuses 43 after the second homogenizing apparatus 42 and before the final-stage heating apparatus 70, and there is always an nth homogenizing apparatus 43 after the nth heating apparatus 33. The conveying apparatus 60 can convey the metal material 10 from the first heating apparatus 31 in the direction of the processing apparatus 50.

[0128] In the second embodiment described herein, the metallic material 10 is transferred directly from the first heating device 31 to the first homogenization device 41. Further, the metallic material 10 is transferred directly from the first homogenization device 41 to the second heating device 32 and from there directly to the second homogenization device 42. The metallic material is transferred at least indirectly from the second homogenization device 42 to the nth heating device 33 and from there directly to the nth homogenization device 43 and then directly to the final-stage heating device 70. It should be understood that the second embodiment described herein may also be modified in such a way that a conveying device (not shown) may be arranged between the heating devices (30, 31, 32, 33, 70) and the homogenization devices (40, 41, 42, 43), the conveying device being arranged to convey the metallic material 10 to the respective subsequent device (41, 32, 42, 33, 43, 70). Due to the residence time of the metallic material 10 on the conveying device, heat flow may be released from the metallic material to the rollers of the conveying device and / or the surroundings of the metallic material 10. However, this does not result in complete homogenization; rather, the metallic material may cool in the edge regions. Therefore, homogenization of the average temperature takes place in the respective downstream homogenization devices (40, 41, 42, 43).

[0129] The average temperature of the metallic material 10 in the heat treatment device 20 rises from the average starting temperature T of the metallic material 10 in the region of the first heating device 31 St to the first average temperature T1 of the metallic material 10 and is homogenized in the region of the first homogenization device 41. The average temperature of the metallic material 10 rises from the first average temperature T1 of the metallic material 10 in the region of the second heating device 32 to the second average temperature T2 and is homogenized by the second homogenization device 42. The average temperature of the metallic material 10 rises from the second average temperature T2 in the region of the final-stage heating device 70 to the average end temperature T End . The metallic material 10 is conveyed to the processing device 50 by means of a conveying device 60, in particular at the average end temperature T End .

[0130] Optionally, the average temperature of the metallic material 10 may rise from the second average temperature T2 in the region of the nth heating device 33 to the nth average temperature T n of the metallic material 10 and may be homogenized in the region of the nth homogenization device 43. The average temperature of the metallic material 10 may increase from the nth average temperature T n in the region of the final-stage heating device 70 to the average end temperature T End . The metallic material 10 is conveyed to the processing device 50 by means of a conveying device 60, in particular at the average end temperature T End .

[0131] According to Figure 4The third embodiment of the heat treatment apparatus 20 for

[0132] List of reference signs

[0133] 10 Metal material

[0134] 20 Heat treatment apparatus

[0135] 30 Heating apparatus

[0136] 31 First heating apparatus

[0137] 32 Second heating apparatus

[0138] 33 n-th heating apparatus; Third heating apparatus

[0139] 40 Homogenizing apparatus

[0140] 41 First homogenizing apparatus

[0141] 42 Second homogenizing apparatus

[0142] 43 n-th homogenizing apparatus

[0143] 50 Processing apparatus

[0144] 51 Processing apparatus

[0145] 60 Conveying apparatus

[0146] 61 First conveying apparatus

[0147] 65 Conveying length

[0148] 70 Final-stage heating apparatus

[0149] T K Core temperature of the metal material

[0150] T O Surface temperature of the metal material

[0151] T i Internal temperature at point i of the metallic material

[0152] T St Average starting temperature of the metallic material

[0153] T1 First average temperature of the metallic material

[0154] T2 Second average temperature of the metallic material

[0155] T3 Third average temperature of the metallic material

[0156] T n nth average temperature of the metallic material

[0157] T end Average ending temperature of the metallic material

Claims

1. A heat treatment device (20) for heating and processing a metal material (10), comprising: - Heating device (30), the nominal power density of which in the metallic material (10) is greater than or equal to 5·10 5 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 1·10 6 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 5·10 6 W / m 2 , particularly preferably greater than or equal to 2·10 7 W / m 2 , in particular the first heating device (31); - A homogenizing device (40), in particular a first homogenizing device (41), wherein the homogenizing device (40) is configured to reduce the temperature difference between the surface temperature (T O ) of the metallic material (10) and the core temperature (T K ) of the metallic material (10) to less than or equal to 50 °C, preferably less than or equal to 20 °C, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 10 °C; - A processing device (50, 51) for processing the metallic material (10); and - A conveying device (60, 61) for conveying the metallic material (10) from the heating device (30) in the direction of the processing device (50, 51).

2. The heat treatment device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metallic material (10) has a thickness greater than or equal to 50 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 150 mm, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 200 mm.

3. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, For the metallic material (10), the ratio of the width of the metallic material (10) to the thickness of the metallic material (10) is greater than or equal to 1.1, preferably greater than or equal to 1.5, further preferably greater than or equal to 5, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 10.

4. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, For the metallic material (10), the ratio of the perimeter of the metallic material (10) to the cross-sectional area of the metallic material (10) is less than or equal to 3.25 1 / mm, preferably less than or equal to 2.5 1 / mm, further preferably less than or equal to 2.3 1 / mm, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 2.1 1 / mm.

5. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The conveying device (60, 61) is configured to convey the metallic material (10) from the heating device (30) in the direction of the homogenizing device.

6. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The conveying device (60, 61) is configured to convey the metallic material (10) from the homogenizing device in the direction of the processing device (50, 51).

7. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, - The heat treatment device (20) includes at least two heating devices (30) and at least two homogenizing devices, particularly a first heating device (31), a first homogenizing device (41), a second heating device (32), and a second homogenizing device (42); and - Wherein, The conveying device (60, 61) is arranged to convey the metallic material (10) from the first heating device (31) in the direction of the first homogenizing device (41), from the first homogenizing device (41) in the direction of the second heating device (32), from the second heating device (32) in the direction of the second homogenizing device (42), and from the second homogenizing device (42) in the direction of the processing device (50, 51).

8. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, - The heat treatment device (20) includes a final-stage heating device (70), in particular a final-stage heating device (70), whose nominal power density for the metal material (10) is greater than or equal to 5·10 5 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 1·10 6 W / m 2 , preferably greater than or equal to 5·10 6 W / m 2 , particularly preferably greater than or equal to 2·10 7 W / m 2 ; and - Wherein, the conveying device (60, 61) is configured to convey the metallic material (10) from the homogenizing device in the direction of the final-stage heating device (70) and from the final-stage heating device (70) in the direction of the processing device (50, 51).

9. The heat treatment device (20) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The final-stage heating device (70) is configured to heat the metallic material (10) to an average temperature greater than or equal to 1125 °C, preferably greater than or equal to 1175 °C, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1225 °C.

10. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heating device (30), particularly the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final-stage heating device (70), consists of inductors and / or has at least one inductor.

11. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heating device (30), in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final-stage heating device (70), consists of DFI modules and / or has at least one DFI module.

12. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heating device (30), in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final-stage heating device (70), has a longitudinal extent that is less than or equal to 1 length of the metallic material (10), preferably less than or equal to 0.7 lengths of the metallic material (10), and particularly preferably less than or equal to 0.5 lengths of the metallic material (10).

13. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heating device (30), in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final-stage heating device (70), has a longitudinal extent that is greater than or equal to 0.2 lengths of the metallic material (10), preferably greater than or equal to 0.3 lengths of the metallic material (10), and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 0.4 lengths of the metallic material (10).

14. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The homogenizing device, in particular the first homogenizing device and / or the second homogenizing device, has a length in the conveying direction that is less than or equal to 2.7 lengths of the metallic material (10), preferably less than or equal to 2.6 lengths of the metallic material (10), and particularly preferably less than or equal to 2.5 lengths of the metallic material (10).

15. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The homogenizing device, in particular the first homogenizing device and / or the second homogenizing device, consists of an insulating and heat-preserving device and / or has at least one insulating and heat-preserving device.

16. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The homogenizing device, in particular the first homogenizing device and / or the second homogenizing device, has at least one gas burner, in particular at least one gas burner in the injection pipe.

17. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The homogenizing device, in particular the first homogenizing device and / or the second homogenizing device, has at least one electric heating radiator.

18. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The processing device (50, 51) includes a pressure-forming device for pressure-forming the metallic material (10), in particular a rolling device for rolling the metallic material (10).

19. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The processing device (50, 51) includes a stretch-forming device for stretch-forming the metallic material (10), in particular a stretching device for stretch-straightening the metallic material (10).

20. A method for heating and treating a metallic material (10) by means of a heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The metallic material (10) with an average temperature less than or equal to 700 °C, preferably less than or equal to 800 °C, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 950 °C is supplied to the heat treatment device (20).

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The metallic material (10) with an average temperature less than or equal to 400 °C, preferably less than or equal to 500 °C, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 600 °C is supplied to the heat treatment device (20).

22. The method according to any one of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that, The metallic material (10) with an average temperature less than or equal to 100 °C, preferably less than or equal to 200 °C, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 300 °C is supplied to the heat treatment device (20).

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, Supply the heat treatment equipment (20) with a metallic material (10) having an average temperature of 600 °C or higher, preferably 700 °C or higher, and particularly preferably 800 °C or higher.

24. Use of the heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 19 and / or the method according to any one of claims 20 to 23.

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