Multi-metal coating horizontal continuous casting device and continuous casting method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a multi-metal-clad horizontal continuous casting device and a continuous casting method thereof, and relates to the field of copper-clad steel production, the multi-metal-clad horizontal continuous casting device comprises a melting furnace, a crystallizer and a preheating device for preheating a steel wire, and further comprises a heat preservation box; the heat preservation box is provided with an inlet allowing a steel wire to penetrate and an outlet allowing a copper-clad steel billet to be led out. The preheating device is arranged corresponding to the inlet, the crystallizer is arranged corresponding to the outlet, and the heat preservation box is provided with a feeding pipe communicated with the melting furnace. According to the multi-metal cladding horizontal continuous casting device, through the heat preservation box independent of the melting furnace and the arrangement of continuous casting in the heat preservation box, the situation that the thickness uniformity, compactness and bonding strength of a cladding copper layer are unstable due to temperature gradient and flow disturbance when the melting furnace works can be effectively prevented, and the product quality is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of copper-clad steel production technology, specifically to a multi-metal clad horizontal continuous casting apparatus and its continuous casting method. Background Technology

[0002] Copper-clad steel wire combines the excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance of copper with the high strength of steel, and is widely used in power, communications and other fields. One of its mainstream manufacturing methods is horizontal continuous casting, in which steel wire is horizontally passed through molten metal and cooled and shaped at the exit crystallizer, so that copper is coated on the surface of the steel wire.

[0003] Currently, many copper-clad steel horizontal continuous casting devices directly place the molten metal into the melting furnace, where the steel wire completes the heating and cladding process.

[0004] However, in order to maintain the copper liquid temperature required for casting, the melting furnace needs to operate continuously to maintain a high and uniform temperature. As the steel wire passes through the melting pool, the temperature, fluidity, and subsequent cooling and crystallization conditions of the molten metal attached to its surface will change due to the unavoidable temperature gradient and flow disturbance within the melting pool. This directly leads to instability in the thickness uniformity, density, and bonding strength of the final copper coating layer, affecting product quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting apparatus and method, which effectively improves the uniformity of copper layers and product quality by setting up an insulation box with independent temperature zones.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a multi-metal clad horizontal continuous casting device, comprising a melting furnace, a crystallizer, and a preheating device for preheating steel wire, and further comprising a heat preservation box; the heat preservation box is provided with an inlet for steel wire to pass through and an outlet for copper-clad steel billets to be drawn out; the preheating device is provided corresponding to the inlet, the crystallizer is provided corresponding to the outlet, and the heat preservation box is provided with a feed pipe communicating with the melting furnace.

[0007] Preferably, the insulation box is provided with a heat insulation structure, which divides to form a first insulation chamber and a second insulation chamber arranged sequentially along the direction of steel wire travel; the heat insulation structure is provided with a controlled liquid passage connection, which includes a mold assembly that slides axially through the heat insulation structure; the mold assembly is configured to: in its first axial position, block the flow of molten metal between the first insulation chamber and the second insulation chamber; in its second axial position, allow the molten metal in the first insulation chamber to be introduced into the second insulation chamber through a flow channel opened on the mold assembly.

[0008] Preferably, the first and second insulation chambers are also provided with discharge pipes.

[0009] Preferably, the mold assembly includes a first mold, a second mold, a connecting conduit, a casting pipe, and a driving mechanism; the first mold is long and cylindrical, with its first end slidably and sealingly inserted into the through hole of the heat insulation structure; the casting pipe slidably inserts into the crystallizer, with its inner end extending into the second insulation chamber; the second mold is fixed to the inner end of the casting pipe and located within the second insulation chamber; the connecting conduit connects the first mold and the second mold; and the driving mechanism is drively connected to the mold assembly for driving its axial movement.

[0010] Preferably, the first mold has a first injection hole on its side wall, and the second mold has a second injection hole. The connecting conduit connects the first injection hole and the second injection hole to form the flow channel. The mold assembly is configured such that when it is in the first axial position, the first mold blocks the through hole of the heat insulation structure, and the first injection hole is located outside the first insulation chamber. When it moves to the second axial position, the first injection hole moves to a position that communicates with the first insulation chamber.

[0011] Preferably, the end of the first mold is provided with a positioning hole for the steel wire to pass through. The positioning hole, the first injection hole, the connecting conduit, the second injection hole and the inner hole of the casting pipe are connected in sequence to form a continuous channel for the steel wire to pass through.

[0012] Preferably, the driving mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder and a driving plate; the driving plate is fixedly connected to the casting pipe, and the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is drivenly connected to the driving plate.

[0013] Preferably, the working temperature of the molten metal in the first insulation chamber is higher than that of the molten metal in the second insulation chamber.

[0014] A method for horizontal continuous casting of multi-metal composites, characterized by employing the multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting apparatus as described above, and comprising the following steps: S1: Threading the wire, passing the steel wire sequentially through the preheating device, the positioning hole of the first mold, and the continuous channel, and leading it out from the crystallizer; S2: Establish a temperature gradient, inject molten metal into the first and second insulation chambers, and control the temperature threshold of the molten metal in the first insulation chamber to be between 1160°C and 1200°C, and the temperature threshold of the molten metal in the second insulation chamber to be between 1120°C and 1160°C. S3: Continuous casting. The preheating device is started to preheat the steel wire, so that the steel wire passes through the first and second holding chambers in sequence. The temperature is further increased in the first holding chamber, and the copper layer is completed in the melting and casting tube in the second holding chamber and then shaped and drawn out through the crystallizer. S4: Metal liquid replenishment and circulation. When the temperature of the metal liquid in the first holding chamber is lower than the set threshold, a replenishment and circulation operation is performed: the mold assembly is driven to move axially to its second axial position, the flow channel is opened, and part of the metal liquid in the first holding chamber is introduced into the second holding chamber through the flow channel; then the mold assembly is driven to move axially to its first axial position, the flow channel is closed, and metal liquid from the melting furnace is replenished into the first holding chamber, so that the temperature of the metal liquid in the first holding chamber reaches the set threshold.

[0015] Preferably, in S3, the preheating device preheats the steel wire to 300°C to 800°C, and the steel wire is heated to 1120°C to 1200°C in the first insulation chamber. The molten metal is configured as molten copper, molten aluminum, or molten zinc.

[0016] This invention provides a multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting apparatus and method. It offers the following advantages: 1. This multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting device, through the setting of an independent heat preservation box and continuous casting within the heat preservation box, can effectively prevent the instability of the uniformity, density, and bonding strength of the copper coating layer caused by temperature gradient and flow disturbance during the operation of the heat preservation furnace, thus ensuring product quality.

[0017] 2. This multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting device achieves stepped heating of the steel wire by setting up independently temperature-controlled first and second holding chambers. The steel wire is first preheated externally, then steadily heated to near or at the temperature of the molten metal in the first holding chamber, and finally coated in the second holding chamber where the temperature is more stable and the fluidity is better. This significantly reduces the impact of thermal shock and temperature fluctuations on the coating process, and improves the thickness and uniformity of the copper layer.

[0018] 3. This multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting device has two insulation chambers that can be independently set and maintained at the optimal process temperature. The first insulation chamber focuses on efficient heat transfer to the steel wire, while the second insulation chamber focuses on providing stable casting conditions. In the insulation chamber where active heating and insulation are not possible, the device effectively prevents the temperature fluctuation of the molten metal caused by the heating of the steel wire in the first insulation chamber from affecting the casting, thus ensuring product quality.

[0019] 4. This multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting device, through an axially sliding mold assembly and its flow channels, enables controlled and directional replenishment of molten metal, whose temperature has decreased in the first holding chamber, to the second holding chamber after the molten metal has been consumed. Simultaneously, high-temperature molten metal is replenished from the melting furnace to the first holding chamber. This circulation pattern, where the molten metal in the preheating zone is replenished to the casting zone, maintains temperature stability in each zone and ensures the uniformity of molten metal composition and temperature in the casting zone. This is crucial for ensuring continuous and stable production of high-quality products. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the mold assembly structure of the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Melting furnace; 2. Insulation box; 3. First mold; 4. Preheating device; 5. Steel wire; 6. Crystallizer; 7. Second mold; 8. Melting and casting pipe; 9. Feed pipe; 10. Discharge pipe; 11. Drive plate; 12. Hydraulic cylinder; 13. Heat insulation structure; 14. Connecting conduit; 15. First injection hole; 16. Second injection hole; 17. Positioning hole. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] This invention provides a multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting apparatus, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it includes a melting furnace 1, a heat preservation box 2, a preheating device 4, a crystallizer 6, and a mold assembly.

[0024] The melting furnace 1 is used to melt raw materials such as electrolytic copper, providing high-temperature molten metal. The insulation box 2 is a sealed box, internally divided into a first insulation chamber and a second insulation chamber by a fixed heat insulation structure 13, which is a refractory brick wall. The two chambers are connected to the melting furnace 1 via feed pipes 9 to receive molten metal, which is configured as copper, aluminum, or zinc liquid, and are equipped with discharge pipes 10 for maintenance or venting. The preheating device 4 is located outside the inlet of the insulation box 2 to preheat the steel wire 5 before it enters. The crystallizer 6 is installed at the outlet of the insulation box 2 to perform final cooling and shaping of the initially formed copper-clad steel billet.

[0025] The mold assembly is the core component for achieving gradient heating and controllable molten metal circulation. It is axially slidable and mounted on the heat insulation structure 13 and the crystallizer 6. This assembly mainly includes: The first mold 3 is a long cylinder made of high-temperature resistant alloy. Its right end slides and seals through the through hole in the heat insulation structure 13, and its left end extends into the first insulation chamber. A positioning hole 17 is opened at the center of the left end face for precise guidance of the steel wire 5. A first injection hole 15 is opened on its cylindrical side wall.

[0026] The second mold 7 and the casting tube 8: The casting tube 8 is slidably inserted through the central hole of the crystallizer 6. The second mold 7 is fixed to the left end of the casting tube 8 and is located inside the second insulation chamber. The second mold 7 has a second pouring hole 16.

[0027] Connecting conduit 14: Connects between the first mold 3 and the second mold 7 to form a closed pipe that spans the heat insulation structure 13.

[0028] Drive mechanism: Consists of hydraulic cylinder 12 and drive plate 11. Drive plate 11 is fixedly connected to the right end of casting tube 8, and piston rod of hydraulic cylinder 12 is connected to drive plate 11, driving the entire mold assembly to move left and right along the axis.

[0029] The positioning hole 17, the first injection hole 15, the connecting conduit 14, the second injection hole 16, and the inner hole of the casting pipe 8 together form a continuous channel running through the entire device, through which the steel wire 5 passes.

[0030] The mold assembly has two key working positions: First axial position: Hydraulic cylinder 12 is in its initial state. At this time, the cylindrical section of the first mold 3 tightly seals the through hole of the heat insulation structure 13, and the first injection hole 15 on its side wall is located to the right of the through hole, isolated from the first insulation chamber. The molten metal between the two insulation chambers cannot flow.

[0031] Second axial position: Hydraulic cylinder 12 retracts, pushing the mold assembly to the left. The first mold 3 moves to the left accordingly, and the first injection hole 15 on its side wall moves to the left and slides into the first insulation chamber, while the first mold 3 still partially maintains a seal with the through hole. At this time, the molten metal in the first insulation chamber can flow into the second insulation chamber through the first injection hole 15, the connecting conduit 14, and the second injection hole 16, realizing the transfer of molten metal.

[0032] A method for horizontal continuous casting of multi-metal composites includes the following steps: Preparation and threading (S1): The steel wire 5 is sequentially threaded through the preheating device 4, the positioning hole 17 of the first mold 3, and the continuous channel, and finally led out from the crystallizer 6.

[0033] Establish a temperature gradient (S2): Molten metal is injected from the melting furnace 1 into the first and second holding chambers respectively. Through insulation measures, the temperature of the molten metal in the first holding chamber is controlled at 1160-1200℃, a higher temperature used for rapid heating of the steel wire. The temperature of the molten metal in the second holding chamber is controlled at 1120-1160℃, a slightly lower temperature more suitable for casting solidification. The mold assembly is positioned in the first axial direction.

[0034] Continuous casting (S3): The preheating device 4 is activated to preheat the steel wire 5 to 300-800℃. The steel wire 5 is continuously pulled through the device. The steel wire 5 is further heated to 1120-1200℃ in the high-temperature molten metal in the first holding chamber, so that its core temperature is close to the temperature of the molten metal. Subsequently, the steel wire 5 enters the melting and casting tube 8 in the second holding chamber through a continuous channel. Here, the molten metal at a moderate temperature and in a stable state solidifies and coats the surface of the steel wire, forming an initial copper layer. Finally, it is cooled and shaped in the crystallizer 6 to form a copper-coated steel billet that is continuously drawn out.

[0035] Metal molten metal replenishment and circulation (S4): During continuous casting, the temperature of the molten metal in the first holding chamber gradually decreases due to the heating of the steel wire. When its temperature falls below a set threshold, a replenishment and circulation operation is initiated: the hydraulic cylinder 12 extends, driving the mold assembly to the second axial position. The molten metal in the first holding chamber, whose temperature has decreased, is injected into the second holding chamber through the opened flow channel, replenishing the casting consumption and maintaining its level and temperature stability. Subsequently, the hydraulic cylinder 12 quickly retracts, restoring the mold assembly to the first axial position. Simultaneously, high-temperature new molten metal from the melting furnace 1 is immediately replenished to the first holding chamber through the feed pipe 9, rapidly raising its temperature back to the set threshold. This replenishment and circulation operation can be performed intermittently or automatically as needed.

[0036] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting apparatus, comprising a melting furnace (1), a crystallizer (6), and a preheating device (4) for preheating a steel wire (5), characterized in that: It also includes a heat preservation box (2); the heat preservation box (2) is provided with an inlet for the steel wire (5) to pass through and an outlet for the copper-clad steel billet to be drawn out; the preheating device (4) is set in relation to the inlet, the crystallizer (6) is set in relation to the outlet, and the heat preservation box (2) is provided with a feed pipe (9) that is connected to the melting furnace (1).

2. The multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat insulation box (2) is provided with a heat insulation structure (13), which is divided into a first heat insulation chamber and a second heat insulation chamber arranged sequentially along the direction of travel of the steel wire (5). The heat insulation structure (13) is provided with a controlled liquid passage connection, which includes a mold assembly that slides axially through the heat insulation structure (13); the mold assembly is configured to: block the flow of molten metal between the first insulation chamber and the second insulation chamber when in its first axial position; and allow molten metal in the first insulation chamber to be introduced into the second insulation chamber through a flow channel opened on the mold assembly when in its second axial position.

3. The multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first and second insulation chambers are also equipped with discharge pipes (10).

4. The multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mold assembly includes a first mold (3), a second mold (7), a connecting conduit (14), a casting pipe (8), and a driving mechanism; the first mold (3) is long and cylindrical, with its first end slidably and sealingly inserted into the through hole of the heat insulation structure (13); the casting pipe (8) slidably inserts into the crystallizer (6), with its inner end extending into the second insulation chamber; the second mold (7) is fixed to the inner end of the casting pipe (8) and located in the second insulation chamber; the connecting conduit (14) is connected between the first mold (3) and the second mold (7); and the driving mechanism is connected to the mold assembly for driving its axial movement.

5. A multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first mold (3) has a first injection hole (15) on its side wall, and the second mold (7) has a second injection hole (16). The connecting conduit (14) connects the first injection hole (15) and the second injection hole (16) to form the flow channel. The mold assembly is configured such that when it is in the first axial position, the first mold (3) blocks the through hole of the heat insulation structure (13), and the first injection hole (15) is located outside the first insulation chamber; when it is moved to the second axial position, the first injection hole (15) moves to a position communicating with the first insulation chamber.

6. The multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first mold (3) has a positioning hole (17) at its end for the steel wire (5) to pass through. The positioning hole (17), the first injection hole (15), the connecting conduit (14), the second injection hole (16) and the inner hole of the casting pipe (8) are connected in sequence to form a continuous channel for the steel wire (5) to pass through.

7. A multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: The driving mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder (12) and a driving plate (11); the driving plate (11) is fixedly connected to the casting pipe (8), and the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder (12) is drivenly connected to the driving plate (11).

8. A multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The working temperature of the molten metal in the first insulation chamber is higher than that of the molten metal in the second insulation chamber.

9. A method for horizontal continuous casting of multi-metal composites, characterized in that, The method employs a multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, and includes the following steps: S1: Threading: Pass the steel wire (5) sequentially through the preheating device (4), the positioning hole (17) of the first mold (3), the continuous channel, and out from the crystallizer (6); S2: Establish a temperature gradient, inject molten metal into the first and second insulation chambers, and control the temperature threshold of the molten metal in the first insulation chamber to be between 1160°C and 1200°C, and the temperature threshold of the molten metal in the second insulation chamber to be between 1120°C and 1160°C. S3: Continuous casting, start the preheating device (4) to preheat the steel wire (5), so that the steel wire (5) passes through the first insulation chamber and the second insulation chamber in sequence, and is further heated in the first insulation chamber. The copper layer is coated in the melting and casting tube (8) in the second insulation chamber and is shaped and drawn out through the crystallizer (6). S4: Metal liquid replenishment and circulation. When the temperature of the metal liquid in the first insulation chamber is lower than the set threshold, a replenishment and circulation operation is performed: drive the mold assembly to move axially to its second axial position, open the flow channel, and introduce part of the metal liquid in the first insulation chamber into the second insulation chamber through the flow channel; then drive the mold assembly to move axially to its first axial position, close the flow channel, and at the same time replenish the metal liquid from the melting furnace (1) into the first insulation chamber, so that the temperature of the metal liquid in the first insulation chamber reaches the set threshold.

10. A multi-metal composite horizontal continuous casting method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The preheating device (4) in S3 preheats the steel wire (5) to 300°C to 800°C, and the steel wire (5) is heated to 1120°C to 1200°C in the first insulation chamber. The molten metal is configured as molten copper, molten aluminum or molten zinc.

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