Automatic calibration device for gamma-ray liquid level meter

Abstract

The invention provides an automatic calibration device for a gamma-ray liquid level meter. The automatic calibration device comprises a moving mechanism, a rotating mechanism, a telescopic mechanism, a lifting mechanism and a control mechanism. The moving mechanism is used for conveying the calibration block to a preset position; the rotating mechanism comprises a base and a rotating stand column. The bottom of the rotating stand column is rotationally connected with the base. The telescopic mechanism is connected with the top of the rotating stand column and comprises a telescopic arm with the adjustable extending length. The lifting mechanism is fixedly connected with the free end of the telescopic arm and comprises a hanging strip, and a hook is arranged at the bottom of the hanging strip and used for being connected with the calibration block; the control mechanism is in communication connection with the moving mechanism, the rotating mechanism, the telescopic mechanism and the lifting mechanism so as to control the position of the calibration block, and the calibration block can accurately enter the crystallizer. And through the arrangement of the lifting mechanism, the height of the calibration block can be controlled, so that the calibration block accurately reaches a calibration position, and calibration operation is completed. And meanwhile, the harm of radiation of a radioactive source to operators can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of continuous casting machine maintenance technology, and more specifically, to an automatic calibration device for a gamma-ray level gauge. Background Technology

[0002] When switching between different specifications of continuously cast steel in an electric arc furnace plant, the specifications of the crystallizer need to be changed. Therefore, the gamma-ray level gauge needs to be recalibrated.

[0003] Calibration blocks, ranging in weight from 35 kg to 150 kg, are required during the calibration process. In existing technology, a crane is used to lift the calibration blocks and place them inside the crystallizer. Operators then determine the height of the blocks using a measuring tape and adjust it accordingly to complete the calibration. During adjustment, a boom is typically used to raise or lower the calibration blocks. Because the shutter remains open during calibration, operators are in close contact with the gamma radiation source for an extended period, posing risks such as gamma radiation scattering and exposure to the source.

[0004] On average, the 7CC continuous casting machine in the electric arc furnace plant changes its crystallizer specifications nearly 150 times per year. The 7CC has six crystallizer ports, and each change involves calibrating one to six ports. The 8CC continuous casting machine changes its crystallizer specifications nearly 50 times per year. The 8CC has four crystallizer ports, and each change involves calibrating one to four ports, totaling approximately 200 changes. During these calibration processes, the calibration blocks are located far from the site, resulting in a significant workload for manual handling. When using overhead cranes for hoisting, coordination with production and the use of crane operators are necessary. Furthermore, since calibration work is usually carried out at night, manpower allocation presents considerable challenges. Moreover, overhead crane hoisting can result in inaccurate positioning, necessitating manual handling of the calibration blocks. The complex ground conditions at the site further increase the labor load and pose safety risks.

[0005] In summary, there is a need to provide an improved technical solution that addresses the shortcomings of the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide an automatic calibration device for a gamma-ray level gauge, which can quickly calibrate the calibration block and reduce the radiation exposure of operators during operation, thus ensuring the safety of the calibration operation.

[0007] This application provides an automatic calibration device for a gamma-ray level gauge, characterized in that it includes:

[0008] A moving mechanism is provided to transport a calibration block to a predetermined position; a first connecting plate is provided on the moving mechanism, the first connecting plate includes a vertical plate and a horizontal plate, the vertical plate is fixedly connected to the front side of the moving mechanism, the horizontal plate is vertically connected to the bottom of the vertical plate and extends outward, and the upper surface of the horizontal plate is a fixed connection surface;

[0009] A rotating mechanism includes a base and a rotating column, wherein the bottom of the base is fixedly connected to the fixed connection surface, and the bottom of the rotating column is rotatably connected to the base;

[0010] A telescopic mechanism, connected to the top of the rotating column, includes a telescopic arm whose extension length is adjustable;

[0011] The lifting mechanism includes a connecting seat, which is fixedly connected to the free end of the telescopic arm. A second connecting plate is provided on the connecting seat, and a suspension bar is slidably connected to the end of the second connecting plate. A hook is provided at the bottom of the suspension bar, and the hook is used to connect with a calibration block.

[0012] The control mechanism is communicatively connected to the moving mechanism, rotating mechanism, telescopic mechanism and lifting mechanism to control the position of the calibration block.

[0013] In one feasible embodiment, the second connecting plate is an L-shaped folded plate, one folded plate of the second connecting plate is fixedly connected to the connecting seat, and the other folded plate of the second connecting plate is provided with a grooved fixing block. A guide rail is provided on the suspension bar, and the guide rail is slidably connected to the groove so that the second connecting plate and the suspension bar are slidably connected.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the groove is a dovetail groove or a wedge-shaped groove.

[0015] In one feasible embodiment, a rangefinder is provided at the end of the suspension arm, which is used to obtain the distance between the calibration block and the upper plane of the crystallizer after the calibration block is placed inside the crystallizer.

[0016] In one feasible embodiment, a horizontally arranged hydraulic cylinder is provided at the top of the rotating column. The hydraulic rod of the hydraulic cylinder extends into the telescopic arm and is fixedly connected to the free end of the telescopic arm. The extension amount of the telescopic arm is controlled by the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0017] In one feasible embodiment, the telescopic arm can be configured as a three-stage sleeve, including a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and a third sleeve, wherein the outer diameter of the first sleeve is equal to the inner diameter of the second sleeve, and the outer diameter of the second sleeve is equal to the inner diameter of the third sleeve.

[0018] In one feasible embodiment, a first sliding groove arranged axially is provided on the outer side of the first sleeve, and a first limiting slider is provided on the inner side of the second sleeve, the first limiting slider sliding within the first sliding groove; the length of the first sliding groove is less than the length of the first sleeve.

[0019] The outer side of the second sleeve is provided with a second sliding groove arranged axially, and the inner side of the third sleeve is provided with a second limiting slider, which slides in the second sliding groove; the length of the second sliding groove is less than the length of the second sleeve.

[0020] In one feasible embodiment, a first rotating gear is provided on the second connecting plate, and a first rack arranged vertically is provided on the suspension bar. The first rack is meshed with the first rotating gear, and the first rotating gear is controlled to rotate forward or backward so that the suspension bar slides up and down along the groove.

[0021] In one feasible embodiment, a second rack is provided at the bottom of the rotating column, the second rack being an annular rack arranged around the circumference of the bottom of the rotating column; a second rotating gear is provided on the upper surface of the base, the second rack meshing with the second rotating gear, controlling the rotation of the second rotating gear to adjust the position of the suspension arm on the horizontal plane.

[0022] In one feasible embodiment, an image acquisition unit is provided at the end of the suspension arm, the image acquisition unit being communicatively connected to the control system, and the image acquisition unit being used to acquire images of the interior of the crystallizer.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0024] In the technical solution of this application, the calibration block is accurately positioned into the crystallizer by controlling the telescopic and rotating mechanisms. The lifting mechanism controls the height of the calibration block, ensuring it reaches the correct calibration position and completes the calibration operation. The first connecting plate eliminates torque generated by the calibration block at the end of the suspension bar; the rotating column provides primary horizontal adjustment; and the telescopic arm provides secondary horizontal adjustment, ensuring accurate entry into the crystallizer. Furthermore, this application's rapid and accurate calibration reduces radiation exposure to workers, particularly gamma-ray radiation. The moving mechanism facilitates the transfer of the calibration block, eliminating waiting time for crane operations and saving on crane operator costs. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic calibration device for the γ-ray level gauge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the automatic calibration device for a γ-ray level gauge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the first sleeve and the second sleeve in the automatic calibration device for a γ-ray level gauge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0029] 1. Moving mechanism; 2. First connecting plate; 3. Base; 4. Rotating column; 5. Telescopic arm; 6. Connecting seat; 7. Second connecting plate; 8. Suspension bar; 9. Hook; 10. First sleeve; 11. Second sleeve; 12. First limiting slider; 13. First sliding groove; 14. First rotating gear; 15. First rack; 16. First motor; 17. Second rack; 18. Second rotating gear; 19. Second motor; 20. Operating handle. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0034] See Figures 1 to 3This application provides an automatic calibration device for a gamma-ray level gauge, comprising:

[0035] A moving mechanism 1 is used to transport a calibration block to a predetermined position; a first connecting plate 2 is provided on the moving mechanism 1, the first connecting plate 2 includes a vertical plate and a horizontal plate, the vertical plate is fixedly connected to the front side of the moving mechanism 1, the horizontal plate is vertically connected to the bottom of the vertical plate and extends outward, and the upper surface of the horizontal plate is a fixed connection surface;

[0036] It should be noted that the mobile mechanism 1 of this application can be moved by either wheels or tracks. The mobile mechanism 1 enables the transport of calibration blocks, avoiding waiting for crane operations and eliminating the need for crane work, thus saving on crane operator costs.

[0037] The rotating mechanism includes a base 3 and a rotating column 4. The bottom of the base 3 is fixedly connected to the fixed connection surface, and the bottom of the rotating column 4 is rotatably connected to the base 3.

[0038] The telescopic mechanism is connected to the top of the rotating column 4 and includes a telescopic arm 5, the extension length of which is adjustable.

[0039] The lifting mechanism includes a connecting seat 6, which is fixedly connected to the free end of the telescopic arm 5. A second connecting plate 7 is provided on the connecting seat 6, and a suspension bar 8 is slidably connected to the end of the second connecting plate 7. A hook 9 is provided at the bottom of the suspension bar 8, and the hook 9 is used to connect with a calibration block. The height of the calibration block can be adjusted by controlling the suspension bar 8 to slide along the second connecting plate 7.

[0040] It should be noted that the second connecting plate 7 is an L-shaped folded plate. One folded plate of the second connecting plate 7 is fixedly connected to the connecting seat 6, and a fixing block with a groove is provided on the other folded plate of the second connecting plate 7. A guide rail is provided on the suspension bar 8, and the guide rail is slidably connected to the groove so that the second connecting plate 7 and the suspension bar 8 are slidably connected.

[0041] In one feasible embodiment, the groove is a dovetail groove or a wedge groove, restricting the suspension bar 8 to slide up and down only within the groove.

[0042] The control mechanism is communicatively connected to the moving mechanism 1, the rotating mechanism, the telescopic mechanism and the lifting mechanism to control the position of the calibration block;

[0043] This application utilizes a control mechanism to regulate the telescopic and rotating mechanisms, enabling the calibration block to accurately enter the crystallizer. The lifting mechanism allows for height control of the calibration block, ensuring it reaches the correct calibration position and completes the calibration process. The first connecting plate 2 eliminates torque generated by the calibration block at the end of the suspension bar 8; the rotating column 4 provides primary horizontal adjustment; and the telescopic arm 5 provides secondary horizontal adjustment, ensuring accurate entry of the calibration block into the crystallizer.

[0044] In one feasible embodiment, a rangefinder is installed at the end of the suspension arm. After the calibration block is placed inside the crystallizer, the rangefinder is used to acquire the distance between the calibration block and the upper surface of the crystallizer to reconfirm the accuracy of the calibration position. The rangefinder sends the acquired distance information to the control system. If there is a discrepancy in the calibration position, the control system controls the height adjustment of the calibration block through a lifting mechanism.

[0045] It should be noted that the calibration positions include at least the zero point, 67% of the range, and the full scale.

[0046] In one feasible embodiment, a horizontally arranged hydraulic cylinder is provided at the top of the rotating column 4. The hydraulic rod of the hydraulic cylinder extends into the telescopic arm 5 and is fixedly connected to the free end of the telescopic arm 5. The extension amount of the telescopic arm 5 is controlled by the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0047] It should be noted that the telescopic arm 5 in this application can also be telescopically extended or retracted through mechanical means such as pulley blocks or chain drives.

[0048] In one feasible approach, such as Figure 3As shown, the telescopic arm 5 can be configured as a three-stage sleeve, including a first sleeve 10, a second sleeve 11, and a third sleeve. The outer diameter of the first sleeve 10 is equal to the inner diameter of the second sleeve 11, and the outer diameter of the second sleeve 11 is equal to the inner diameter of the third sleeve. A first sliding groove 13 arranged axially is provided on the outer surface of the first sleeve 10, and a first limiting slider 12 is provided on the inner surface of the second sleeve 11. The first limiting slider 12 slides within the first sliding groove 13, allowing the first sleeve 10 to slide within the second sleeve 11. The length of the first sliding groove 13 is less than the length of the first sleeve 10 to prevent the first sleeve 10 from sliding out of the second sleeve 11 and separating from it. A second sliding groove arranged axially is provided on the outer surface of the second sleeve 11, and a second limiting slider is provided on the inner surface of the third sleeve. The second limiting slider slides within the second sliding groove, allowing the second sleeve 11 to slide within the third sleeve. The length of the second sliding groove is less than the length of the second sleeve 11 to prevent the second sleeve 11 from sliding out of the third sleeve and separating from it. By using a three-stage sleeve, frictional resistance during the expansion and contraction process can be reduced, thereby improving expansion and contraction efficiency.

[0049] It should be noted that, in its fully extended state, the length of the three-stage sleeve exceeds 5 meters. For a point radiation source, the radiation dose rate is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the radiation source. The telescopic mechanism ensures that workers remain within a safe range, preventing them from approaching the radiation source. Furthermore, the shielding provided by the moving mechanism 1 significantly reduces the gamma-ray radiation dose received by workers.

[0050] In one feasible embodiment, a first rotating gear 14 is provided on the second connecting plate 7, and a first rack 15 arranged vertically is provided on the suspension bar 8. The first rack 15 is meshed with the first rotating gear 14. By controlling the first rotating gear 14 to rotate forward or backward, the suspension bar 8 slides up and down along the groove, thereby controlling the height of the calibration block at the bottom of the suspension bar 8.

[0051] It should be noted that the first rotating gear 14 is connected to the first motor 16 for transmission, and the first motor 16 controls the first rotating gear 14 to rotate forward or backward.

[0052] In one feasible embodiment, a second rack 17 is provided at the bottom of the rotating column 4, the second rack 17 being an annular rack arranged around the bottom periphery of the rotating column 4. A second rotating gear 18 is provided on the upper surface of the base 3, and the second rack 17 is meshed with the second rotating gear 18. By controlling the rotation of the second rotating gear 18, the position of the suspension arm on the horizontal plane can be adjusted.

[0053] It should be noted that the second rotating gear 18 is connected to the second motor 19 for transmission, and the second rotating gear 18 is controlled to rotate by the second motor 19.

[0054] In one feasible embodiment, the control mechanism is connected to the first motor 16, the second motor 19, and the hydraulic cylinder respectively, and the height and position of the calibration block on the horizontal plane are precisely adjusted by the control mechanism.

[0055] In one feasible embodiment, an image acquisition unit is provided at the end of the suspension arm. The image acquisition unit is communicatively connected to the control system. The image acquisition unit is used to acquire images of the inside of the crystallizer. This can avoid the radiation impact caused by operators being too close to the crystallizer, and can also obtain the calibration status inside the crystallizer in a timely manner.

[0056] It should be noted that this application uses a 24V power supply.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the moving mechanism 1 also includes an operating handle 20, which controls the moving mechanism 1 to move, turn, or stop suddenly.

[0058] When this application is in use, when the operator moves to the predetermined position through the moving mechanism 1, the calibration block is placed at the entrance of the crystallizer through the lifting mechanism, rotating mechanism and telescopic mechanism; according to the calibration specifications, the lifting mechanism is controlled to place the calibration block at the calibration position, and the operator performs calibration.

[0059] In summary, this application controls the telescopic and rotating mechanisms via a control mechanism, enabling the calibration block to accurately enter the crystallizer. The lifting mechanism allows for height control of the calibration block, ensuring it reaches the correct calibration position and completes the calibration operation. The first connecting plate 2 eliminates torque generated by the calibration block at the end of the suspension bar 8; the rotating column 4 provides primary horizontal adjustment; and the telescopic arm 5 provides secondary horizontal adjustment, ensuring accurate entry of the calibration block into the crystallizer. Furthermore, this application reduces radiation exposure to workers, minimizing gamma-ray radiation dose. The moving mechanism 1 facilitates the transfer of the calibration block, eliminating waiting time for crane operations and saving on crane operator costs.

[0060] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic calibration device for a gamma-ray level gauge, characterized in that, include: A moving mechanism is provided to transport a calibration block to a predetermined position; a first connecting plate is provided on the moving mechanism, the first connecting plate includes a vertical plate and a horizontal plate, the vertical plate is fixedly connected to the front side of the moving mechanism, the horizontal plate is vertically connected to the bottom of the vertical plate and extends outward, and the upper surface of the horizontal plate is a fixed connection surface; A rotating mechanism includes a base and a rotating column, wherein the bottom of the base is fixedly connected to the fixed connection surface, and the bottom of the rotating column is rotatably connected to the base; A telescopic mechanism, connected to the top of the rotating column, includes a telescopic arm whose extension length is adjustable; The lifting mechanism includes a connecting seat, which is fixedly connected to the free end of the telescopic arm. A second connecting plate is provided on the connecting seat, and a suspension bar is slidably connected to the end of the second connecting plate. A hook is provided at the bottom of the suspension bar, and the hook is used to connect with a calibration block. The control mechanism is communicatively connected to the moving mechanism, rotating mechanism, telescopic mechanism and lifting mechanism to control the position of the calibration block.

2. The automatic calibration device for a γ-ray level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connecting plate is an L-shaped folded plate. One folded plate of the second connecting plate is fixedly connected to the connecting seat. A fixing block with a groove is provided on the other folded plate of the second connecting plate. A guide rail is provided on the suspension bar. The guide rail is slidably connected to the groove so that the second connecting plate and the suspension bar are slidably connected.

3. The automatic calibration device for a γ-ray level gauge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The groove is a dovetail groove or a wedge-shaped groove.

4. The automatic calibration device for a γ-ray level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, A rangefinder is installed at the end of the suspension arm. After the calibration block is placed into the crystallizer, the rangefinder is used to obtain the distance between the calibration block and the upper plane of the crystallizer.

5. The automatic calibration device for a γ-ray level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, A horizontally arranged hydraulic cylinder is installed at the top of the rotating column. The hydraulic rod of the hydraulic cylinder extends into the telescopic arm and is fixedly connected to the free end of the telescopic arm. The extension amount of the telescopic arm is controlled by the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder.

6. The automatic calibration device for a γ-ray level gauge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The telescopic arm can be configured as a three-stage sleeve, including a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and a third sleeve, wherein the outer diameter of the first sleeve is equal to the inner diameter of the second sleeve, and the outer diameter of the second sleeve is equal to the inner diameter of the third sleeve.

7. The automatic calibration device for a γ-ray level gauge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer side of the first sleeve is provided with a first sliding groove arranged along the axial direction, and the inner side of the second sleeve is provided with a first limiting slider, which slides in the first sliding groove; the length of the first sliding groove is less than the length of the first sleeve. The outer side of the second sleeve is provided with a second sliding groove arranged axially, and the inner side of the third sleeve is provided with a second limiting slider, which slides in the second sliding groove; the length of the second sliding groove is less than the length of the second sleeve.

8. The automatic calibration device for a γ-ray level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first rotating gear is provided on the second connecting plate, and a first rack arranged vertically is provided on the suspension bar. The first rack is meshed with the first rotating gear to control the first rotating gear to rotate forward or backward, so that the suspension bar can slide up and down along the groove.

9. The automatic calibration device for a γ-ray level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the rotating column is provided with a second rack, which is an annular rack arranged around the bottom periphery of the rotating column; the upper surface of the base is provided with a second rotating gear, which meshes with the second rack to control the rotation of the second rotating gear, thereby adjusting the position of the suspension arm on the horizontal plane.

10. The automatic calibration device for a γ-ray level gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, An image acquisition unit is provided at the end of the suspension arm. The image acquisition unit is communicatively connected to the control system and is used to acquire images of the inside of the crystallizer.

Images