An oxide feeding control system and a control method thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of rare earth electrolysis processes, specifically to an oxide feeding control system and its control method, comprising: an oxide feeding device and a control module. The oxide feeding device includes a first hopper and a second hopper located below the first hopper. A control valve is installed between the first and second hoppers. A feeding mechanism is installed below the second hopper, and a loss-in-weight detection scale is installed at the bottom of the second hopper. The control valve includes a valve body, a drive motor, and a transmission component. A valve core is connected to the end of the transmission component. A spring is installed on the side wall of the valve body located below the valve core. A first vibration sensor is provided at one end of the spring near the side wall. The control module is electrically connected to the drive motor, the loss-in-weight detection scale, the first vibration sensor, and the second vibration sensor. When the second hopper is filled to more than 70% of the target weight, the speed of the motor auger is reduced. This invention reduces the impact on the sensors to an acceptable range, thereby achieving precise control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rare earth electrolysis processes, specifically to an oxide feeding control system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, rare earth electrolysis is the main method for producing rare earth metals, and the oxide feeding control system is the key equipment in this process. Before electrolysis, the oxide feeding control system controls the addition of oxides. The amount of oxide added is controlled by a loss-in-weight sensor, typically located at the bottom of the silo. This loss-in-weight sensor also has a mechanical structure, and the raw material transmission is an auger type. Therefore, when the motor auger maintains a high speed or changes speed, mechanical vibrations will occur, thus affecting the accuracy of the oxide feeding sensor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes an oxide feeding control system that solves the defect that existing systems experience mechanical vibrations when the motor auger maintains a high speed or changes speed, thus affecting the accuracy of the constant sensor.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0005] An oxide feeding control system includes an oxide feeding device and a control module. The oxide feeding device includes a first hopper and a second hopper located below the first hopper. A control valve is installed between the first and second hoppers. A feeding mechanism is installed below the second hopper, and the feeding mechanism includes a motor auger. A loss-in-weight detection scale is installed at the bottom of the second hopper. The control valve includes a valve body, a drive motor, and a transmission component. The transmission component is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and a valve core is connected to the end of the transmission component. The valve core is inserted into the valve body. A spring is installed on the side wall of the valve body below the valve core. A first vibration sensor is installed at one end of the spring near the side wall. The control module is electrically connected to the drive motor, the loss-in-weight detection scale, and the first vibration sensor. When the second hopper is filled to more than 70% of the target weight, the speed of the motor auger is reduced and kept constant. If the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is greater than a threshold, the control module uses signal shielding technology to process the signal of the loss-in-weight detection scale. The system resumes operation after a period of time when the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is less than the threshold.

[0006] Optionally, the side of the spring piece near the sidewall is provided with multiple sets of first strip-shaped holes, and the side of the spring piece away from the sidewall is provided with multiple sets of second strip-shaped holes, wherein the length of the first strip-shaped holes is greater than the length of the second strip-shaped holes.

[0007] Optionally, the width of the first strip hole is greater than the width of the second strip hole.

[0008] Optionally, the gap between the first strip-shaped holes along the length direction is smaller than the gap between the second strip-shaped holes along the width direction.

[0009] Optionally, a second vibration sensor is provided at the end of the spring piece away from the side wall, and an upwardly extending edge strip is provided at the end of the spring piece, with the second vibration sensor installed at the end of the spring piece near the edge strip.

[0010] Optionally, the upper part of the edge strip is provided with an inclined surface that slopes from the top of the edge strip toward one end of the side wall of the valve body.

[0011] Optionally, the second hopper is equipped with a vibrator.

[0012] Optionally, the first hopper is equipped with a weight detection device.

[0013] Optionally, the end of the spring extends to the centerline of the valve body.

[0014] Optionally, the first hopper operates for only 1-3 minutes per hour.

[0015] Optionally, the data line of the second vibration sensor is located on the outer wall of the spring sheet, and the outer side of the data line is provided with an elastic sleeve. The elastic sleeve includes a first tube and a second tube near the side wall of the valve body, and the elastic coefficient of the first tube is smaller than that of the second tube.

[0016] This invention also discloses a control method for an oxide feeding control system, comprising the following steps:

[0017] When replenishing materials, the weight of the first hopper is reduced and the weight of the second hopper is increased. If the weight is within the error range, the weighing sensor of the second hopper is considered to be normal; otherwise, it is abnormal and manual calibration is required.

[0018] Alternatively, if the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is greater than the threshold, the control module will perform signal shielding on the weight loss detection scale and restore it after the vibration stops.

[0019] Alternatively, if the weight feedback value of the second hopper is lower than the target value for a long time, the motor speed will remain high. After a certain period of time, the system will determine that bridging has occurred inside the second hopper, and at this time the vibrator will be activated.

[0020] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. This invention achieves precision control by reducing the motor auger speed and maintaining a constant speed when the second hopper is filled to more than 70% of the target weight, thereby minimizing the impact on the sensors and bringing the feed rate within an acceptable range. Currently, the feed rate accuracy is within 0.5%.

[0022] 2. This invention employs a dual weighing mode. The first and second hoppers each have a set of weight loss sensors. The first hopper operates for only 1-3 minutes per hour, allowing ample time for calibration; therefore, the weight in the first hopper is the standard weight. During replenishment, the weight in the first hopper is reduced, and the weight in the second hopper is increased. If the weight is within the error range, the second hopper's weighing sensor is considered normal; otherwise, it is abnormal and requires manual recalibration.

[0023] 3. The arrangement of the first strip-shaped holes in this invention is more compact and the arrangement of the second strip-shaped holes is more sparse, which makes the elastic deformation performance of the spring sheet part located on the first strip-shaped hole side better and the elastic deformation performance of the spring sheet part located on the second strip-shaped hole side poorer. At the same time, the overall diameter of the first strip-shaped hole is larger and the overall diameter of the second strip-shaped hole is smaller, so that finer materials are filtered through the second strip-shaped hole and coarser materials are filtered through the first strip-shaped hole. This allows the materials of different particle sizes to fall evenly along the elastic path.

[0024] 4. In this invention, the first and second pipes serve to adjust the elasticity of the spring and further adjust the bending amplitude of the spring. The end of the spring has a large bending performance and is affected by heavier particles, resulting in more bending at the end of the spring. On the one hand, it guides some of the material to flow evenly and dispersedly to the middle of the second hopper, which can reduce material accumulation and facilitate material spillage. On the other hand, the shaking of the spring also vibrates and loosens the material, preventing the material from bridging in the second hopper.

[0025] 5. In this invention, the edge strip guides large particles of material downwards and disperses the material, and the second vibration sensor acts as a counterweight, which can increase the vibration amplitude of the spring.

[0026] 6. The data detected by the second vibration sensor can reflect the falling rate of the material, that is, the feeding speed. Combined with the weight data measured by the first hopper, if the vibration frequency detected by the second vibration sensor is small, while the weight data measured by the first hopper is large, it indicates that the material is accumulating in the first hopper and is not falling quickly. The operator should be notified to perform the feeding vibration operation.

[0027] 7. In this invention, if the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is greater than the threshold, the control module uses signal shielding technology to process the signal of the loss-in-weight detection scale. After the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is less than the threshold, it will be restored after a period of time. This facilitates the handling of material bridging, eliminates false weighing caused by abnormal vibration, and further reduces the impact on the motor auger and the weighing sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the oxide feeding device of the oxide feeding control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2This is an assembly diagram of the drive motor, transmission components, and valve core of the crucible extraction device in the oxide feeding control system of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is an assembly diagram of the drive motor, transmission components, and valve core of the crucible extraction device in the oxide feeding control system of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0031] The labels for the attached figures are as follows:

[0032] 1. First hopper; 2. Second hopper; 3. Control valve; 4. Feeding mechanism; 5. Loss-in-weight scale; 6.

[0033] 7. Valve body, 8. Drive motor, 9. Transmission component, 10. Valve core, 11. Spring, 12. First strip hole, 13. Second strip hole, 14. Side strip, 15. Inclined surface. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0035] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "head," "tail," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" or "linked" should be interpreted broadly, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0038] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, this invention discloses an oxide feeding control system, comprising: an oxide feeding device and a control module. The oxide feeding device includes a first hopper 1 and a second hopper 2 located below the first hopper. A control valve 3 is installed between the first and second hoppers. A feeding mechanism 4 is installed below the second hopper, and the feeding mechanism includes a motor auger. A loss-in-weight detection scale 5 is installed at the bottom of the second hopper. The control valve includes a valve body 6, a drive motor 7, and a transmission component 8. The transmission component is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and a valve core 9 is connected to the end of the transmission component. The valve core is inserted into the valve body and located below the valve core. A spring plate 10 is installed on the side wall of the square valve body. A first vibration sensor is provided at the end of the spring plate near the side wall, and a second vibration sensor is provided at the end of the spring plate away from the side wall. The control module is electrically connected to the drive motor, the loss-in-weight detection scale, the first vibration sensor, and the second vibration sensor. When the second hopper is filled to more than 70% of the target weight, the speed of the motor auger is reduced and kept at a constant speed. When the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is greater than the threshold, the control module uses signal shielding technology to process the signal of the loss-in-weight detection scale. The system will resume operation after a period of time when the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is less than the threshold.

[0039] The spring sheet has multiple sets of first strip-shaped holes 11 on the side near the sidewall and multiple sets of second strip-shaped holes 12 on the side away from the sidewall. The length of the first strip-shaped hole is greater than the length of the second strip-shaped hole, and the width of the first strip-shaped hole is greater than the width of the second strip-shaped hole.

[0040] The lengthwise gap between the first strip-shaped holes is smaller than the widthwise gap between the second strip-shaped holes. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the first strip-shaped holes is more compact and the arrangement of the second strip-shaped holes is more sparse, resulting in better elastic deformation performance of the spring portion located on the first strip-shaped hole side and poorer elastic deformation performance of the spring portion located on the second strip-shaped hole side. At the same time, the overall diameter of the first strip-shaped holes is larger and the overall diameter of the second strip-shaped holes is smaller, allowing finer materials to be filtered through the second strip-shaped holes and coarser materials to be filtered through the first strip-shaped holes. This allows the materials of different particle sizes to fall evenly along the elastic direction.

[0041] The end of the spring is fitted with an upwardly extending edge strip 13, and the second vibration sensor is installed at the end of the spring near the edge strip.

[0042] The upper part of the side strip is provided with an inclined surface 14 that slopes from the top of the side strip towards one end of the side wall of the valve body. The second hopper is equipped with a vibrator.

[0043] The first hopper is equipped with a weight detection device. In this embodiment, the weight detection device can be a weightlessness sensor.

[0044] In the embodiment, the overall diameter of the first strip-shaped hole is larger, and the overall diameter of the second strip-shaped hole is smaller, so that finer materials are filtered through the second strip-shaped hole and coarser materials are filtered through the first strip-shaped hole. This allows the materials of different particle sizes to fall evenly along the elastic path.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that, as Figure 3 As shown, the data line of the second vibration sensor is located on the outer wall of the spring sheet. The outer side of the data line is provided with an elastic sleeve 15. The elastic sleeve includes a first tube 16 and a second tube 17 near the side wall of the valve body. The elastic coefficient of the first tube is smaller than that of the second tube.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first and second pipes serve to adjust the elasticity of the spring and further adjust the bending amplitude of the spring. The end of the spring has a large bending performance and is affected by heavier particles, resulting in more bending at the end of the spring. On the one hand, it guides some of the material to flow evenly and dispersedly to the middle of the second hopper, which can reduce material accumulation and facilitate material spillage. On the other hand, the shaking of the spring also vibrates and loosens the material, preventing the material from bridging in the second hopper.

[0048] The data detected by the second vibration sensor can reflect the falling rate of the material, that is, the feeding speed. Combined with the weight data measured by the first hopper, if the vibration frequency detected by the second vibration sensor is small, while the weight data measured by the first hopper is large, it indicates that the material is accumulating in the first hopper and is not falling quickly. The operator should be notified to perform the feeding vibration operation.

[0049] Example 3

[0050] This invention also discloses a control method for an oxide feeding control system, comprising the following steps:

[0051] When replenishing materials, the weight of the first hopper is reduced and the weight of the second hopper is increased. If the weight is within the error range, the weighing sensor of the second hopper is considered to be normal; otherwise, it is abnormal and manual calibration is required.

[0052] It should be noted that currently, due to the existing equipment operating at over 80% load, each stop lasts about 10 minutes, and recalibration requires material discharge (which takes more than half an hour), the equipment needs to be stopped when manually (inspecting) the weightlessness sensor, thus affecting the normal operation of the furnace.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first hopper operates for only 1-3 minutes per hour.

[0054] To address this issue, this embodiment employs a dual-weighing mode, with each of the first and second hoppers having its own set of weight loss sensors. In this implementation, the first hopper operates for only one minute per hour, allowing ample time for calibration; therefore, the weight in the first hopper is the standard weight. During replenishment, the weight decrease in the first hopper is compared to the weight increase in the second hopper. If the difference is within the error range (national standard), the second hopper's weighing sensor is considered normal; otherwise, it is considered abnormal and requires manual recalibration.

[0055] Alternatively, if the weight feedback value of the second hopper is lower than the target value for a long time, the motor speed will remain high. After a certain period of time, the system will determine that bridging has occurred inside the second hopper, and at this time the vibrator will be activated.

[0056] Alternatively, if the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is greater than the threshold, the control module will perform signal shielding on the weightlessness detection scale and restore it after the vibration stops.

[0057] In this embodiment, according to the PID calculation, when the weight feedback value of the second hopper is less than the target value for a long time, the motor speed remains high. After a certain period of time, the system determines that bridging occurs inside the feeder hopper. At this time, the vibrator is started. Since the vibration will have a significant impact on the weight loss sensor, the PLC performs signal shielding on the weight loss scale and restores it after the vibration stops.

[0058] In this embodiment, a weight loss sensor is used as the weighing sensor. In this embodiment, when the second hopper is filled to more than 70% of the target weight, the speed of the motor auger is reduced and kept constant to reduce the impact on the sensor to an acceptable range, thereby achieving precision control (currently the feeding accuracy is within 0.5%).

[0059] Furthermore, when the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is greater than the threshold, the control module uses signal shielding technology to process the signal of the loss-in-weight detection scale. After a period of time, the signal is restored, which facilitates the handling of material bridging and further reduces the impact on the motor auger and the balance sensor.

[0060] More precisely, when the second hopper is filled to more than 70% of the target weight, and the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is greater than the vibration frequency detected by the second vibration sensor, the vibration brought by the motor auger is far greater than the vibration frequency of the end of the spring caused by the falling material. This indicates that the falling speed of the material is slow, while the vibration of the motor auger is large. Therefore, the speed of the motor auger should be reduced to 1 / 2 to 1 / 3 of the original speed.

[0061] When the second hopper is filled to 70% below the target weight, the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is less than that detected by the second vibration sensor. At this time, the material falls faster, which can increase the speed of the motor auger.

[0062] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of patent protection of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the description and drawings of the present invention, whether directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An oxide charge control system characterized by, include: An oxide feeding device and a control module are provided. The oxide feeding device includes a first hopper and a second hopper located below the first hopper. A control valve is installed between the first and second hoppers. A feeding mechanism is installed below the second hopper, and the feeding mechanism includes a motor auger. A loss-in-weight detection scale is installed at the bottom of the second hopper. The control valve includes a valve body, a drive motor, and a transmission component. The transmission component is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and a valve core is connected to the end of the transmission component. The valve core is inserted into the valve body. A spring is installed on the side wall of the valve body below the valve core. A first vibration sensor is installed at one end of the spring near the side wall. The control module is electrically connected to the drive motor, the loss-in-weight detection scale, and the first vibration sensor. When the second hopper is filled to... If the weight exceeds 70% of the target weight, the motor auger speed is reduced and kept constant. If the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is greater than the threshold, the control module uses signal shielding technology to process the signal of the weight loss detection scale. The speed is restored after a period of time when the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is less than the threshold. The side of the spring plate near the sidewall has multiple sets of first strip-shaped holes, and the side of the spring plate away from the sidewall has multiple sets of second strip-shaped holes. The length of the first strip-shaped hole is greater than the length of the second strip-shaped hole, and the width of the first strip-shaped hole is greater than the width of the second strip-shaped hole. The end of the spring plate away from the sidewall is equipped with a second vibration sensor, and the end of the spring plate is equipped with an upwardly extending edge strip. The second vibration sensor is installed at the end of the spring plate near the edge strip.

2. An oxide charge control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The upper part of the edge strip is provided with an inclined surface that slopes from the top of the edge strip toward one end of the side wall of the valve body.

3. An oxide charge control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The second hopper is equipped with a vibrator.

4. An oxide charge control system as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The first hopper is equipped with a weight detection device.

5. An oxide charge control system as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The end of the spring plate extends to the center line of the valve body.

6. An oxide charge control system as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The data line of the second vibration sensor is located on the outer wall of the spring sheet. The outer side of the data line is provided with an elastic sleeve. The elastic sleeve includes a first tube and a second tube near the side wall of the valve body. The elastic coefficient of the first tube is smaller than that of the second tube.

7. A method for controlling oxide feeding, characterized in that, The oxide feeding control system is the oxide feeding control system as described in claim 4; The process includes the following steps: During replenishment, the weight of the first hopper decreases and the weight of the second hopper increases. If the weight is within the error range, the weighing sensor of the second hopper is considered normal; otherwise, it is abnormal and requires manual recalibration. Alternatively, when the second hopper is filled to more than 70% of the target weight, the motor auger speed is reduced and kept constant. If the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is greater than the threshold, the control module uses signal shielding technology to process the signal of the weight loss detection scale. The system resumes operation after the vibration frequency detected by the first vibration sensor is less than the threshold for a period of time. Alternatively, if the weight feedback value of the second hopper is less than the target value for a long time, the motor speed remains high. After a certain period of time, the system determines that bridging has occurred inside the second hopper, and the vibrator is activated.

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