Novel converter backing ring hoisting method for upgrading and reconstruction project of steelmaking converter
By coordinating the main trolley gantry crane and the auxiliary trolley hook, and combining them with high-precision measuring instruments, the safety hazards and precise positioning problems in the hoisting process of the new converter support ring were solved, and the safe and efficient installation of the converter support ring was achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511946399.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
AI Technical Summary
In the upgrading and renovation project of steelmaking converter, the hoisting of the new converter support ring is subject to safety hazards due to its increased weight, complex shape and limited site space. Traditional hoisting methods are also difficult to achieve precise positioning.
The main trolley gantry crane and the auxiliary trolley hook work together, and through synchronous lifting control and high-precision measuring instruments, the load is evenly distributed, ensuring the smooth lifting and precise positioning of the converter support ring.
The system enabled the safe and efficient hoisting of large equipment under space constraints, improving construction safety and installation accuracy, shortening the construction cycle, and reducing interference with surrounding equipment.
Smart Images

Figure CN121493794A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of building assembly technology, and in particular to a method for hoisting a new converter support ring in a steelmaking converter upgrade and renovation project. Background Technology
[0002] With social development and economic progress, more and more factories and equipment are facing the need for renovation and upgrading. The replacement of old equipment is not only a reflection of technological progress, but also a dual guarantee of production efficiency and safety. In the upgrading and renovation project of steelmaking converter, the converter support ring, as a key support component of the converter, mainly plays the role of bearing the weight of the furnace body and transmitting the tilting torque, ensuring that the converter can freely tilt and pour molten steel during the smelting process. Its installation accuracy directly affects the stability and safety of converter operation.
[0003] In the upgrading and renovation project of steelmaking converter, due to the height restrictions of the plant, the complexity of the equipment structure and safety requirements, the hoisting of the new converter support ring has become the core link. The traditional hoisting method is to remove the plate hook of the main trolley of the crane and use the gantry crane and wire rope to hoist directly. However, the new support ring has increased weight and complex shape, and is limited by the site space, which makes the original main trolley of the crane unable to meet the hoisting requirements and poses a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To overcome the above deficiencies, this invention provides a new converter support ring hoisting method for steelmaking converter upgrade and renovation projects. It adopts the coordinated operation of the main trolley gantry crane and the auxiliary trolley hook. Through the synchronous lifting and lowering control of the main trolley gantry crane and the auxiliary trolley hook, the load is evenly distributed. With the help of high-precision measuring instruments for real-time monitoring, the support ring can be lifted smoothly and accurately positioned. This effectively solves the problem of hoisting large equipment under space-constrained conditions and improves construction safety and installation accuracy.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a method for hoisting a new converter support ring in a steelmaking converter upgrade and renovation project, characterized by comprising the following steps:
[0006] Step 1: Before hoisting the converter support ring, inspect the existing crane system in the plant to ensure that the synchronous control accuracy of the main and auxiliary trolleys meets the requirements for balanced lifting;
[0007] Step 2: Select four symmetrical lifting points on the converter support ring and weld lifting lugs to ensure uniform force distribution;
[0008] Step 3: Remove the plate hook of the main trolley lifting device, and use the main trolley gantry crane as a special balance beam structure for lifting. The balance beam is connected to the four lifting lugs on the converter support ring by four sets of steel wire ropes.
[0009] Step 4: The auxiliary trolley retains its original single hook structure and is simultaneously connected to the four lifting lugs on the converter support ring via four additional sets of steel wire ropes, forming a hoisting system in which the main and auxiliary trolleys share four lifting points and cooperate in bearing forces.
[0010] Step 5: Slowly raise the main and auxiliary trolleys until the converter support ring is completely off the ground. Then, use the sensors of the trolley system to provide real-time feedback data and dynamically adjust the load distribution of the main and auxiliary trolleys to ensure balanced force at four points.
[0011] Step Six: Keep the main and auxiliary trolleys running synchronously and lifting. After reaching the predetermined height, move smoothly along the predetermined route. Adjust the running speed of the main and auxiliary trolleys in real time to control the attitude stability during the translation process and avoid interference with surrounding equipment.
[0012] Step 7: When approaching the positioning area, slowly lower the converter ring and use the fine-tuning device to complete the precise positioning. After positioning, check the levelness and center coordinates of the converter ring again to confirm that it meets the design requirements.
[0013] Step 8: After fixing the converter support ring, remove the connecting steel wire rope between the main and auxiliary trolleys and the converter support ring, restore the original hoisting function of the crane, clean up the work site and remove the temporary monitoring equipment to complete the entire hoisting operation process.
[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution: In step one, the load-bearing capacity of the original crane system in the factory is checked and the operating status is detected.
[0015] As a further description of the above technical solution: the four lifting lugs in step two are welded to the upper surface of the converter support ring, and non-destructive testing is performed after welding.
[0016] As a further description of the above technical solution: in step three, wire rope one and wire rope two are connected to the lifting lugs on the converter support ring using shackles.
[0017] As a further description of the above technical solution: in step three, the steel wire rope is connected to the main trolley gantry crane by a binding method, and the connection is completed by shackles.
[0018] As a further description of the above technical solution: the four corners of the main trolley gantry crane bundled with the wire rope are equipped with corner protectors, which are made by cutting a DN50 steel pipe in half.
[0019] As a further description of the above technical solution: the main trolley gantry crane and the auxiliary trolley hook respectively use the gantry crane lifting wire rope and the hook lifting wire rope to complete their own lifting and lowering, while transferring the tension to wire rope one and wire rope two, thereby completing the lifting and lowering of the converter support ring.
[0020] As a further description of the above technical solution: the verification of the levelness and center coordinates of the converter support ring in step seven is carried out by a combination of a high-precision level and a total station.
[0021] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0022] 1. In this invention, the existing overhead crane system in the plant is combined with a new hoisting method to accurately position the converter support ring. The entire process does not require additional large-scale lifting equipment, effectively overcoming the hoisting difficulties caused by the limited height of the plant and the limitations of insufficient rated lifting capacity of the main trolley. Through the coordination of the main and auxiliary trolleys and multi-point balancing hoisting technology, the balance and stability of the converter support ring are ensured throughout the lifting, translation and placement process, avoiding tilting or swaying during hoisting.
[0023] 2. The hoisting method of this invention fully considers the complexity of the on-site working environment. By simulating the hoisting path and linking with the real-time monitoring system, it ensures that the actions at each stage are precise and controllable. It uses existing equipment to complete the precise installation of oversized components. There is no structural adjustment or equipment damage throughout the process, which significantly improves construction efficiency and reduces safety risks. It is suitable for existing factory renovation scenarios with limited space and insufficient equipment load-bearing capacity. It realizes the safe and efficient installation of converter support rings in narrow spaces, effectively shortens the construction cycle, reduces interference with surrounding equipment, and can quickly restore the original function of the crane after the operation is completed, thus improving the overall construction efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a front view of the converter support ring hoisting in this invention;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a side view of the converter support ring hoisting in this invention;
[0026] Figure 3 This is a top view of the converter support ring hoisting in this invention;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main trolley gantry crane node in this invention;
[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the binding method of the main trolley gantry crane in this invention.
[0029] Legend:
[0030] 1. Converter support ring; 2. Main trolley gantry crane; 3. Gantry crane lifting wire rope; 4. Auxiliary trolley hook; 5. Hook lifting wire rope; 6. Lifting lug; 7. Wire rope one; 8. Wire rope two; 9. Shackle; 10. Corner protector. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0032] Example 1
[0033] Reference Figure 1-5 The present invention provides an embodiment of a method for hoisting a new converter support ring in a steelmaking converter upgrade and renovation project, comprising the following steps:
[0034] Step 1: Before hoisting converter support ring 1, conduct a comprehensive inspection of the existing crane system in the plant, focusing on verifying the electrical synchronization control system and brake response time of the main and auxiliary trolleys to ensure that the speed difference between the two trolleys does not exceed 0.5% during start-up and shutdown. At the same time, verify the load-bearing capacity of the crane system, check the calibration status of the wire rope tension sensor and weighing system, ensure that the load data is fed back accurately and reliably in real time, and ensure that the synchronization control accuracy and load-bearing capacity of the main and auxiliary trolleys meet the requirements for balanced lifting. Only after passing the inspection can the next process be carried out.
[0035] Step 2: Based on the structural drawings of converter support ring 1, select four symmetrical lifting points on its upper surface, with the positional error of the lifting points controlled within ±5mm; select qualified special lifting lugs 6 and weld them to the support ring 1 body using a double-sided bevel weld to ensure uniform stress distribution; after welding, perform 100% ultrasonic non-destructive testing on the four lifting lugs 6, and grind the surface of the lifting lugs 6 to achieve a smooth transition, eliminate stress concentration, and prevent the risk of cracks or breakage during lifting;
[0036] Step 3: Remove the hooks from the main trolley lifting device and use the main trolley gantry crane 2 as a special balance beam structure for lifting; select four sets of high-strength steel wire ropes 7 from the same batch and pre-stretched to ensure that the length of each wire rope is consistent to avoid uneven stress due to differences in elastic deformation; the steel wire ropes 7 and the main trolley gantry crane 2 are connected by a binding method and locked with shackles 9, and corner guards 10 made of DN50 steel pipe cut in half are installed at the four corners where the steel wire ropes 7 and the main trolley gantry crane 2 come into contact to prevent the steel wire ropes from being damaged by friction at the corners; then connect the other ends of the four sets of steel wire ropes 7 to the four lifting lugs 6 on the converter support ring 1 respectively through shackles 9;
[0037] Step 4: The auxiliary trolley retains the original single hook structure. Select four more sets of high-strength steel wire ropes of the same specification 8 and connect them synchronously with the four lifting lugs 6 on the converter support ring 1 through shackles 9. Ensure that the specifications of shackles 9 match the steel wire ropes. After tightening shackles 9, install cotter pins to prevent loosening. Finally, a lifting system in which the main and auxiliary trolleys share four lifting points and cooperate in bearing forces is formed.
[0038] Step 5: The main trolley gantry crane 2 is raised and lowered via the gantry crane lifting wire rope 3, and the auxiliary trolley hook 4 is raised and lowered via the auxiliary trolley hook lifting wire rope 5. Before lifting, the load distribution ratio is preset, with the main trolley bearing 80% of the load and the auxiliary trolley bearing 20% of the load, under the unified signal command of a designated person. First, the main trolley gantry crane 2 is slowly raised to the predetermined load and then paused. Then, the auxiliary trolley hook 4 is slowly raised. After the load on both trolleys is stable, they are raised synchronously until the converter support ring 1 is completely off the ground. The load data of each lifting point is fed back in real time through the sensors of the crane system, and the load distribution of the main and auxiliary trolleys is dynamically adjusted to ensure that the force on the four points is balanced.
[0039] Step 6: Keep the main and auxiliary trolleys running synchronously and lift the converter support ring 1 to the predetermined height, and then move it smoothly along the preset route. During the translation process, observe the swing amplitude of the converter support ring 1 in real time. If the swing amplitude is too large, stop the operation immediately and adjust the speed difference between the main and auxiliary trolleys. Continue the translation after the swing stabilizes to avoid interference with surrounding equipment.
[0040] Step 7: When converter support ring 1 is moved horizontally to directly above the installation position, it is slowly lowered and precisely positioned using a hydraulic jack fine-tuning device. After positioning, a high-precision level and total station are used to measure and check the levelness and center coordinates of converter support ring 1. The three-dimensional coordinate deviation between the center of converter support ring 1 and the center of the foundation is controlled within ±3mm. After confirming that all parameters meet the design requirements, converter support ring 1 is smoothly placed on the support base and checked again.
[0041] Step 8: After fixing the converter support ring 1, remove the connecting shackles 9 between wire rope 1 7, wire rope 2 8 and lifting lug 6, main trolley gantry crane 2, and auxiliary trolley hook 4 in sequence, and recover the wire rope, corner protector 10 and other components; restore the original lifting function of the crane system, clean up the debris at the work site, remove the temporary monitoring equipment, and complete the entire lifting operation process.
[0042] Example 2
[0043] Reference Figure 1-5 This invention provides a specific implementation process. In a converter upgrade and renovation project at a steel plant, a new converter support ring with a weight of 80t and external dimensions of 6m×4m×1.2m needs to be hoisted. The plant height is 18m. The original overhead crane system has a rated lifting capacity of 64t for the main trolley and 16t for the auxiliary trolley. The hoisting operation is carried out using the method described in this invention. The specific implementation process is as follows:
[0044] Step 1: Before construction, organize a professional testing team to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the existing crane system: verify the electrical synchronization control system of the main and auxiliary trolleys, test the brake response time through simulated operation to ensure that the difference in start-stop speed between the two vehicles is controlled within 0.3% (≤0.5% of the standard value); use load tests to verify the crane's load-bearing capacity to confirm that both the main and auxiliary trolleys meet the lifting load requirements; calibrate the wire rope tension sensor and weighing system to ensure that the load data measurement error is ≤1%, and issue a test report after the test is qualified before proceeding to the next step;
[0045] Step 2: Based on the structural strength calculation results of converter support ring 1, four symmetrical lifting points are determined on its upper surface. These points are positioned using a laser rangefinder, with the positional error controlled within ±3mm (≤±5mm standard value). Special lifting lugs 1 (20mm thick) made of Q345 material are selected and welded to the converter support ring 1 body using a double-sided V-groove weld. The welding current is controlled at 180-220A, and the weld height is 12mm. After welding, the four lifting lugs 6 undergo 100% non-destructive testing using an ultrasonic flaw detector. No cracks, incomplete penetration, or other defects are found, and the surface of the lifting lugs 6 is polished smooth to eliminate stress concentration.
[0046] Step 3: Remove the plate hook of the main trolley lifting device and select the main trolley gantry crane 2 with a rated load of 80t as the balance beam; select four sets of high-strength steel wire ropes 7 with a strength grade of 18×7+FC-15.5 and a diameter of 32mm. After pre-stretching treatment (pre-stretching force is 10% of the rated load), ensure that the length deviation of each steel wire rope is ≤5mm; fix the steel wire ropes 7 to both ends of the main trolley gantry crane 2 by binding and lock them with 6.5t shackles 9. At the four corners where the steel wire ropes 7 and the main trolley gantry crane 2 meet, install corner guards 10 made of DN50 steel pipe cut in half. The surface of the corner guards 10 is wrapped with a rubber pad for enhanced protection; then connect the other ends of the four sets of steel wire ropes 7 to the four lifting lugs 6 of the converter support ring 1 through shackles of the same specification 9, ensuring that the connection nodes are not twisted or loose.
[0047] Step 4: The auxiliary trolley maintains the original single hook structure 4 with a rated lifting capacity of 16t. Four sets of wire ropes 8 with the same specifications as wire rope 7 are selected and connected synchronously to the four lifting lugs 6 of the converter support ring 1 through 6.5t shackles 9. After tightening the shackles 9, cotter pins are added for locking, forming a collaborative force system for the main and auxiliary trolleys to share four lifting points. All eight sets of wire ropes are in a vertical state and there is no lateral force.
[0048] Step 5: Determine the load distribution ratio between the main and auxiliary trolleys: the main trolley bears 64t (80% of the total weight) of the load, and the auxiliary trolley bears 16t (20% of the total weight) of the load. A dedicated commander will coordinate the operation via walkie-talkie. First, start the main trolley and slowly lift the gantry crane 2. Pause when the load reaches 64t, then start the auxiliary trolley hook 4 and slowly lift it until the auxiliary trolley load reaches 16t. After both trolleys are stable, lift them simultaneously at a speed of 0.5m / min until the converter support ring 1 is completely off the ground (200mm off the ground). The load data at each lifting point will be fed back in real time through the weighing sensors of the crane system. The commander will adjust the lifting speed of the main and auxiliary trolleys to control the load deviation at the four points within ±2%, ensuring balanced force distribution.
[0049] Step Six: Keep the main and auxiliary trolleys running synchronously. After raising the converter support ring 1 to a height of 10m at a speed of 1.0m / min, move it horizontally along the preset route (avoiding surrounding equipment, with a minimum safety distance of ≥500mm). During the horizontal movement, the swing amplitude of the converter support ring 1 is observed in real time through a high-definition camera. When the swing amplitude exceeds 30mm, stop the operation immediately, adjust the speed difference between the main and auxiliary trolleys (reduce the speed of the main trolley by 0.1m / min), and continue the horizontal movement when the swing amplitude is ≤10mm. No interference with surrounding equipment occurred throughout the entire process.
[0050] Step 7: When converter support ring 1 is moved directly above the installation position, it is slowly lowered at a speed of 0.3 m / min. When converter support ring 1 is 500 mm away from the support base, the descent is stopped. A total station is used to compare the three-dimensional coordinates of the center of converter support ring 1 with the center of the foundation. The initial deviation is +2.5 mm. The position of converter support ring 1 is finely adjusted using hydraulic jacks to adjust the deviation to +0.8 mm (≤±3 mm standard value). Then, converter support ring 1 is slowly lowered and lands smoothly on the support base. The levelness of converter support ring 1 is measured using an electronic level. The levelness error is 0.2 mm / m (≤0.5 mm / m design requirement). The center coordinates and levelness are checked again and both meet the design requirements.
[0051] Step 8: Secure the converter support ring 1 to the support base using high-strength bolts, tightening the bolts to 110% of the design torque; sequentially remove the connecting shackles 9 of the eight sets of wire ropes to the lifting lugs 6, gantry crane 2, and auxiliary trolley hook 4, recovering the wire ropes, corner protectors 10, and other components, and checking the wire ropes for wear, broken wires, or other damage; remove the main trolley gantry crane 2, restore the original main trolley hook, and conduct a no-load test run on the crane system to confirm that its lifting function has returned to normal; clean up the tools and debris at the work site, remove temporary monitoring equipment (sensors, cameras, etc.), and complete the entire lifting operation. The total operation time is 8 hours, which is 4 hours shorter than the traditional method.
[0052] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A method for hoisting a new converter support ring in a steelmaking converter upgrade and renovation project, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Step 1: Before hoisting the converter support ring (1), inspect the existing crane system in the plant to ensure that the synchronous control accuracy of the main and auxiliary trolleys meets the requirements for balanced lifting; Step 2: Select four symmetrical lifting points on the converter support ring (1) and weld the lifting lugs (6) to ensure uniform force distribution; Step 3: Remove the plate hook of the main trolley lifting device and use the main trolley gantry crane (2) as a special balance beam structure for lifting. The balance beam is connected to the four lifting lugs (6) on the converter support ring (1) by four sets of steel wire ropes (7). Step 4: The auxiliary trolley retains its original single hook structure and is simultaneously connected to the four lifting lugs (6) on the converter support ring (1) through four other sets of steel wire ropes (8), forming a hoisting system in which the main and auxiliary trolleys share four lifting points and cooperate in bearing force. Step 5: Slowly lift the main and auxiliary trolleys until the converter support ring (1) is completely off the ground. Then, use the sensors of the trolley system to provide real-time feedback data and dynamically adjust the load distribution of the main and auxiliary trolleys to ensure that the four points are balanced. Step Six: Keep the main and auxiliary trolleys running synchronously and lifting. After reaching the predetermined height, move smoothly along the predetermined route. Adjust the running speed of the main and auxiliary trolleys in real time to control the attitude stability during the translation process and avoid interference with surrounding equipment. Step 7: When approaching the positioning area, slowly lower the furnace and use the fine-tuning device to complete the precise positioning. After positioning, check the levelness and center coordinates of the converter support ring (1) again to confirm that it meets the design requirements. Step 8: After fixing the converter support ring (1), remove the connecting steel wire rope between the main and auxiliary trolleys and the converter support ring (1), restore the original hoisting function of the crane, clean up the work site and remove the temporary monitoring equipment to complete the entire hoisting operation process.
2. The method for hoisting a new converter support ring in a steelmaking converter upgrade and renovation project according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step one, the load-bearing capacity of the existing crane system in the factory is checked and its operating status is detected.
3. The method for hoisting a new converter support ring in a steelmaking converter upgrade and renovation project according to claim 1, characterized in that: The four lifting lugs (6) in step two are welded to the upper surface of the converter support ring (1) and non-destructive testing is performed after welding.
4. The method for hoisting a new converter support ring in a steelmaking converter upgrade and renovation project according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step three, the first wire rope (7) and the second wire rope (8) are connected to the lifting lug (6) on the converter support ring (1) using shackles (9).
5. The method for hoisting a new converter support ring in a steelmaking converter upgrade and renovation project according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step three, the steel wire rope (7) is connected to the main trolley gantry crane (2) by a binding method, and the connection is completed by shackle (9).
6. The method for hoisting a new converter support ring in a steelmaking converter upgrade and renovation project according to claim 5, characterized in that: The steel wire rope (7) is equipped with corner guards (10) at the four corners of the main trolley gantry crane (2). The corner guards (10) are made by cutting a DN50 steel pipe in half.
7. The method for hoisting a new converter support ring in a steelmaking converter upgrade and renovation project according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main trolley gantry crane (2) and the auxiliary trolley hook (4) respectively use the gantry crane lifting wire rope (3) and the hook lifting wire rope (5) to complete their own lifting and lowering, while transmitting the tension to wire rope one (7) and wire rope two (8), thereby completing the lifting and lowering of the converter support ring (1).
8. The method for hoisting a new converter support ring in a steelmaking converter upgrade and renovation project according to claim 1, characterized in that: The levelness and center coordinates of the converter support ring (1) in step seven are checked by a combination of a high-precision level and a total station.