A large section continuous casting machine vertical bending section shell bulge measuring device

Abstract

The application discloses a large-section continuous casting machine vertical bending section shell bulging measuring device, which comprises a probe assembly, a fixing support, a displacement sensor, a signal transmission cable and a monitoring terminal. The probe assembly, as a core sensing unit, is composed of a high-temperature-resistant contact roller and a swing type suspension frame of the roller. The roller is made of high-rigidity high-temperature-resistant alloy material, so that plastic deformation of the roller does not occur under long-time high-temperature contact. The application breaks through the sensor packaging and thermal compensation technology under high temperature, high pressure spraying and a multi-dust environment, and realizes direct integration in a narrow space of the vertical bending section. The device can acquire absolute displacement of the shell relative to a physical reference surface in real time, and provides high-confidence sensing data for intelligent adjustment of a continuous casting process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of iron and steel metallurgical equipment technology, specifically a device for measuring the bulging of the billet shell in the vertical bending section of a large-section continuous casting machine. Background Technology

[0002] Large-section steel billets (including large square billets and thick slabs) are an indispensable basic raw material in national economic construction, widely used in major national projects and key livelihood projects, such as ocean-going vessels, offshore oil platforms, cross-sea bridges, long-distance oil and gas pipelines, and high-standard rail transit equipment. High-quality and efficient continuous casting of steel billets is a reflection of the core competitiveness of steel enterprises. However, due to the large cross-sectional dimensions, high heat capacity, and long solidification period of large-section steel billets, the billet shell is subjected to enormous internal static pressure from the molten steel during continuous casting. Driven by both high-temperature creep and plastic deformation, it is highly susceptible to severe bulging deformation in the vertical bending section.

[0003] This bulging deformation is a major cause of solute element redistribution (segregation) and the formation of internal microcracks. Simultaneously, the periodic changes in the billet's internal volume caused by bulging can flow back into the crystallizer, triggering abnormal liquid level fluctuations, severely disrupting the dynamic balance of the continuous casting process, reducing production efficiency, and even leading to steel leakage accidents. Therefore, accurately capturing the temporal evolution of billet bulging in the vertical bending section is a prerequisite for dynamically optimizing casting speed, secondary cooling water supply, and crystallizer vibration parameters.

[0004] Currently, while some in the industry have attempted to use mathematical methods such as Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT) or Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) to reverse-analyze crystallizer level signals to monitor bulging, these methods are typical indirect deductions. In actual production environments, due to long signal transmission paths and numerous interference sources (such as fluid turbulence, mechanical vibration, and slag balance changes), useful signals are often obscured by background noise, making it difficult to support high-precision online closed-loop control in terms of the accuracy and timeliness of the prediction results.

[0005] The confined space and harsh environment (high temperature, high water mist, and high dust levels) of the vertical bending section of a continuous casting machine make it difficult to monitor billet bulging in real time, directly, and accurately. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a billet bulging measurement device for the vertical bending section of a large-section continuous casting machine to solve these technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a measuring device for measuring the bulging of the billet shell in the vertical bending section of a large-section continuous casting machine, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A device for measuring the bulging of billet shell in the vertical bending section of a large-section continuous casting machine includes: a probe assembly, a fixed bracket, a displacement sensor, a signal transmission cable, and a monitoring terminal; The probe assembly, as the core sensing unit, consists of a high-temperature resistant roller and a swing-type lifting suspension. The roller is made of high-rigidity, high-temperature resistant alloy material to ensure that it does not undergo plastic deformation under long-term high-temperature contact. Fixed bracket: It adopts a high-rigidity wing plate structure with thermal compensation characteristics and is fixed as a whole on the fan-shaped section frame of the vertical bending section of the continuous casting machine. A heat insulation protective layer is provided between the fixed bracket and the displacement sensor housing to block the influence of high temperature radiation on the measurement reference. Displacement sensor: A linear variable differential transformer is used. The movable iron core of the linear variable differential transformer is mechanically coupled to the suspension of the probe assembly through a connecting rod. When the billet shell undergoes bulging deformation, causing radial displacement of the roller, the displacement signal is transmitted proportionally to the movable iron core of the linear variable differential transformer through the suspension. Signal transmission cable and monitoring terminal: The electrical signal is transmitted to the main control room via a shielded cable. It is then filtered and converted from analog to digital by the signal conditioning module, and finally displayed in real time on the monitor terminal as the time-series change curve of the signal and its peak characteristics.

[0008] As a further aspect of the present invention: the suspension has a dual-state switching function. Before casting begins, the suspension drive probe assembly is raised to avoid the dummy bar. After casting begins, the suspension drive probe assembly is lowered and maintains the preload, so that the high-temperature resistant contact roller is always in contact with the solidified billet shell surface of the continuous casting billet and undergoes vertical displacement with the undulation of the billet shell contour.

[0009] As a further aspect of the present invention: the roller is mounted on the suspension via a bearing, the suspension is a swing arm structure that can rotate around a fixed axis, and a drive cylinder is mounted on the suspension.

[0010] As a further aspect of the present invention: the displacement sensor is covered with a stainless steel water-cooling jacket, and the water-cooling jacket is filled with circulating cooling water to ensure that the working environment temperature of the displacement sensor is maintained below 80°C.

[0011] As a further aspect of the present invention: the displacement sensor has an IP68 protection rating and uses an O-ring seal and an anti-wear push rod to prevent secondary cooling water and iron oxide scale from entering.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. High accuracy of direct measurement: It abandons the indirect algorithm of liquid level back-inference and directly measures the physical deformation of billet shell, which significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio and avoids the interference of molten steel flow and crystallizer vibration. 2. Fast dynamic response: The contact displacement sensor, in conjunction with the signal conditioning circuit, can achieve a real-time response at the millisecond level, providing support for transient adjustment of the continuous casting process; 3. Strong structural robustness: The special lifting and avoidance design solves the problem of mechanical interference when the guide rod passes through, and the high protection level design enables it to adapt to the high temperature and high humidity environment of the vertical bending section. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 A detailed diagram of the probe assembly in the measuring device for the bulging of the billet shell in the vertical bending section of a large-section continuous casting machine.

[0014] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the online measurement principle of billet shell bulging in the vertical bending section of a large-section continuous casting machine.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the cooling protective sleeve of the displacement sensor in the billet shell bulging measurement device of the vertical bending section of a large-section continuous casting machine.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the signal transmission process for the billet shell bulging measurement device in the vertical bending section of a large-section continuous casting machine.

[0017] In the diagram: 1-Drive cylinder, 2-Fixed bracket, 3-Displacement sensor, 4-Suspension, 5-Roller. Detailed Implementation

[0018] 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.

[0019] Example 1 Please see Figure 1-4 A device for measuring the bulging of billet shell in the vertical bending section of a large-section continuous casting machine includes: a probe assembly, a fixed bracket 2, a displacement sensor 3, a signal transmission cable, and a monitoring terminal.

[0020] The probe assembly, as the core sensing unit, consists of a high-temperature resistant roller 5 and a swing-type lifting suspension 4. The roller is made of high-rigidity, high-temperature resistant alloy material to ensure that it does not undergo plastic deformation under long-term high-temperature contact. Fixed bracket 2: It adopts a high-rigidity wing plate structure with thermal compensation characteristics and is fixed as a whole on the fan-shaped section frame of the vertical bending section of the continuous casting machine. A heat insulation protective layer is provided between the fixed bracket 2 and the housing of the displacement sensor 3 to block the influence of high temperature radiation on the measurement reference. It should be specifically noted that, in order to eliminate the displacement error caused by the thermal expansion of the frame itself, this device is equipped with a reference zero-point calibration block on the fixed support 2. Before each pouring, the system automatically records the current displacement reading as the "cold zero point", so that the thermal deformation of the mechanical frame can be eliminated in subsequent measurements through a differential algorithm.

[0021] Displacement sensor 3: A linear variable differential transformer is used. The movable iron core of the linear variable differential transformer is mechanically coupled to the suspension 4 of the probe assembly through a connecting rod. When the billet shell undergoes bulging deformation, causing the roller 5 to move radially, the displacement signal is transmitted proportionally to the movable iron core of the linear variable differential transformer through the suspension 4. Signal transmission cable and monitoring terminal: The electrical signal is transmitted to the main control room via a shielded cable. It is then filtered and converted from analog to digital by the signal conditioning module, and finally displayed in real time on the monitor terminal as the time-series change curve of the signal and its peak characteristics.

[0022] It should be noted that the raw AC signal output by displacement sensor 3 is converted into a 4-20 mA standard industrial current signal by the signal conditioning module in the field junction box. The signal is then transmitted to the control system in the main control room via a high-temperature shielded cable.

[0023] The monitor terminal displays a dynamic curve D=f(t) of the bloat volume D versus time t in real time.

[0024] Automatic alarm logic: When the measured bulge volume D exceeds the preset threshold Dmax, the system will automatically send an early warning to the continuous casting secondary computer.

[0025] Process linkage: The continuous casting operator or automatic control system can reduce the casting speed or increase the secondary cooling spray intensity of the corresponding sector section in real time based on feedback data to enhance the rigidity of the billet shell and thus suppress the further development of bulging.

[0026] Preferably, the suspension 4 has a dual-state switching function. Before casting begins, the suspension 4 drives the probe assembly to lift up to avoid the dummy bar. After casting begins, the suspension 4 drives the probe assembly to lower and maintain the preload, so that the high-temperature resistant contact roller 5 always adheres to the surface of the solidified billet shell of the continuous casting billet and undergoes vertical displacement with the undulation of the billet shell contour.

[0027] Preferably, the roller 5 is mounted on the suspension 4 via a bearing. The suspension 4 is a swing arm structure that can rotate around a fixed axis, and a drive cylinder 1 is mounted on the suspension 4.

[0028] Preferably, the displacement sensor 3 is covered with a stainless steel water-cooling jacket, and the water-cooling jacket is filled with circulating cooling water to ensure that the working environment temperature of the displacement sensor 3 is maintained below 80°C.

[0029] Preferably, the displacement sensor 3 has an IP68 protection rating and uses an O-ring seal and an anti-wear push rod to prevent secondary cooling water and iron oxide scale from entering.

[0030] It should be specifically noted that, in order to achieve the guide rod avoidance function, a drive cylinder 1 is connected to the suspension 4 in this embodiment. Its operating logic is as follows: Non-measuring state (casting stage): When the dummy bar passes through the vertical bend, the control system controls the drive cylinder 1 to retract, driving the suspension 4 and roller 5 to lift it up, so that it leaves the center line of the casting flow, ensuring that the dummy bar passes smoothly without mechanical collision.

[0031] Measurement status (normal straightening stage): After the dummy bar disengages, the drive cylinder 1 extends, and the drive roller 5 presses against the surface of the billet. At this time, the drive cylinder 1 maintains a constant preload pressure to ensure that the roller 5 can always fit against the outline of the billet shell when the billet shell undergoes bulging deformation.

[0032] Working principle: The measuring device is installed between the support rollers in the vertical bending section where bulging is prone to occur. When the continuously cast billet undergoes bulging deformation, the geometric protrusions on the billet shell surface drive the roller 5 to undergo outward radial displacement. The displacement sensor 3 collects this mechanical displacement in real time and converts it into a corresponding electrical signal. By analyzing the functional relationship between the displacement D and time t, the degree of billet bulging can be quantitatively assessed in real time, and the degree of deviation from the reference value is fed back to the control system.

[0033] This invention achieves direct integration within the confined space of a vertical bending section by overcoming breakthroughs in sensor packaging and thermal compensation technologies under high-temperature, high-pressure spraying, and dusty environments. The device can acquire the absolute displacement of the billet shell relative to a physical reference plane in real time, providing high-confidence sensing data for the intelligent adjustment of the continuous casting process.

[0034] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within the present invention.

[0035] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A measuring device for measuring the bulging of the billet shell in the vertical bending section of a large-section continuous casting machine, comprising: The probe assembly, the mounting bracket (2), the displacement sensor (3), the signal transmission cable, and the monitoring terminal are characterized in that: Probe assembly: As the core sensing unit, it consists of a high-temperature resistant roller (5) and a swing-type lifting suspension (4). The roller is made of high-rigidity, high-temperature resistant alloy material to ensure that no plastic deformation occurs under long-term high-temperature contact. Fixed bracket (2): It adopts a high rigidity wing plate structure with thermal compensation characteristics and is fixed as a whole on the fan-shaped section frame of the vertical bending section of the continuous casting machine. A heat insulation protective layer is provided between the fixed bracket (2) and the outer shell of the displacement sensor (3) to block the influence of high temperature radiation on the measurement reference. Displacement sensor (3): A linear variable differential transformer is used. The movable iron core of the linear variable differential transformer is mechanically coupled to the suspension (4) of the probe assembly through a connecting rod. When the billet shell undergoes bulging deformation, causing the roller (5) to move radially, the displacement signal is transmitted proportionally to the movable iron core of the linear variable differential transformer through the suspension (4). Signal transmission cable and monitoring terminal: The electrical signal is transmitted to the main control room via a shielded cable. It is then filtered and converted from analog to digital by the signal conditioning module, and finally displayed in real time on the monitor terminal as the time-series change curve of the signal and its peak characteristics.

2. The measuring device for measuring the bulging of the billet shell in the vertical bending section of a large-section continuous casting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suspension (4) has a dual-state switching function. Before casting, the suspension (4) drives the probe assembly to lift up to avoid the ingot rod. After casting, the suspension (4) drives the probe assembly to lower and maintain the pre-tightening force so that the high-temperature contact roller (5) always fits against the surface of the solidified billet shell of the continuous casting billet and undergoes vertical displacement with the undulation of the billet shell contour.

3. The measuring device for measuring the bulging of the billet shell in the vertical bending section of a large-section continuous casting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The roller (5) is mounted on the suspension (4) via a bearing. The suspension (4) is a swing arm structure that can rotate around a fixed axis, and a drive cylinder (1) is mounted on the suspension (4).

4. The measuring device for measuring the bulging of the billet shell in the vertical bending section of a large-section continuous casting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The displacement sensor (3) is covered with a stainless steel water-cooled jacket, and the water-cooled jacket is filled with circulating cooling water to ensure that the working environment temperature of the displacement sensor (3) is maintained below 80°C.

5. The measuring device for measuring the bulging of the billet shell in the vertical bending section of a large-section continuous casting machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The displacement sensor (3) has an IP68 protection rating and uses an O-ring seal and wear-resistant push rod to prevent secondary cooling water and iron oxide scale from entering.

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