Device and method for detecting thickness of slag layer of lf ladle refining furnace

Abstract

The application discloses a LF ladle refining furnace slag layer thickness detection device and detection method, and relates to the technical field of metallurgy, which comprises a bearing base, a vertical rod rotatably installed on the bearing base, a horizontal rod hinged to the upper end of the vertical rod, a first electric push rod with a fixed end hinged to the vertical rod and a telescopic end hinged to the horizontal rod, a second electric push rod with a fixed end fixedly installed on the other end of the horizontal rod and used for providing telescopic driving in the vertical direction, a measuring rod fixedly connected with the telescopic end of the second electric push rod and used for moving up and down along with the telescopic movement of the second electric push rod, a conductivity probe installed on the lower end of the measuring rod, a pull rope sensor installed on the vertical rod and used for detecting the displacement of the measuring rod in real time, and a pull rope with one end connected with the pull rope sensor and the other end fixed on the measuring rod after winding around a fixed pulley arranged on the horizontal rod and the second electric push rod. The application has the advantages of safety and reliability, high measurement accuracy and high operation efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of metallurgical technology, specifically to a device and method for detecting the thickness of slag layer in LF ladle refining furnace. Background Technology

[0002] In the metallurgical industry, the LF ladle refining furnace is a key piece of equipment, and its internal molten pool structure directly affects the refining effect. The molten pool consists of an upper slag layer and a lower molten steel layer. The thickness of the slag layer plays a decisive role in the quality of the submerged arc, thus affecting energy consumption and refining efficiency. Traditional measurement methods rely on manual operation, requiring operators to hold sensors in the high-temperature furnace top environment for detection. This process has significant drawbacks: First, the furnace top area has extremely high temperatures and radiant heat hazards, making close-range manual operation prone to burns and other safety accidents; second, manual observation and recording are subject to subjective interference, resulting in large fluctuations and poor repeatability of measurement data, making it difficult to obtain stable and reliable slag layer thickness parameters; third, manual measurement requires interrupting the production process, extending the refining cycle, and reducing overall operational efficiency. In addition, existing measurement methods cannot achieve accurate identification of the slag-molten steel interface, especially when the slag composition fluctuates, further amplifying measurement errors and hindering process optimization and quality control. These problems have long plagued production sites, necessitating the development of safe, accurate, and automated alternatives. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device and method for detecting the thickness of the slag layer in an LF ladle refining furnace, which has the advantages of being safe and reliable, having high measurement accuracy, and high operating efficiency.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an LF ladle refining slag layer thickness detection device, comprising: The bearing base serves as the rotational support foundation for the entire testing device. The upright pole is rotatably mounted on the bearing base at its lower end, which is used to support the entire detection device and realize horizontal rotation adjustment; A horizontal bar, one end of which is hinged to the upper end of the vertical bar, is used to extend towards the furnace opening; The first electric push rod has a fixed end hinged to the upright and a telescopic end hinged to the horizontal rod, and is used to drive the horizontal rod to swing relative to the upright to adjust the pitch angle of the horizontal rod. The second electric push rod, with its fixed end fixedly installed at the other end of the horizontal rod, is used to provide vertical extension and retraction drive; The measuring rod is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the second electric push rod and is used to move up and down as the second electric push rod extends and retracts. A conductivity probe, installed at the lower end of the measuring rod, is used to detect changes in the conductivity of the medium in real time during the insertion of the ladle, in order to distinguish between air, slag layer and molten steel; A pull-rope sensor, installed on the upright, is used to detect the displacement of the measuring rod in real time; A pull rope, one end of which is connected to the pull rope sensor, and the other end, after passing over a fixed pulley set on the horizontal rod and the second electric push rod, is fixed to the measuring rod to transmit the displacement of the measuring rod to the pull rope sensor.

[0005] In one optional embodiment, the bearing base is provided with two bearings to support the smooth rotation of the upright, making it easy to align the measuring rod with the center of the ladle.

[0006] In one optional embodiment, the upright and the first electric push rod, the first electric push rod and the horizontal rod, and the upright and the horizontal rod are all hinged by pins to achieve multi-degree-of-freedom angle adjustment.

[0007] In one optional embodiment, the horizontal rod is provided with a first fixed pulley, the second electric push rod is provided with a second fixed pulley, and the pull rope passes through the first fixed pulley and the second fixed pulley in sequence and is fixed to the measuring rod by rivets, which is used to guide the direction of the pull rope and ensure the accuracy of displacement measurement.

[0008] In one optional embodiment, the telescopic end of the second electric push rod is provided with a threaded groove, and the measuring rod is connected to the threaded groove by a thread, which facilitates disassembly and maintenance.

[0009] In one optional embodiment, the conductivity probe is wrapped with a paper tube to provide insulation protection when passing through the slag layer; two symmetrically arranged galvanized iron plates are fixed to the lower end of the conductivity probe to enhance the stability of conductivity signal acquisition.

[0010] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for detecting the thickness of the slag layer in an LF ladle refining furnace, applied to the aforementioned apparatus, comprising the following steps: S1. Rotate the upright pole to move the horizontal bar directly above the ladle to complete the alignment; S2. Control the extension and retraction of the first electric push rod to adjust the horizontal rod to a horizontal state perpendicular to the vertical rod, ensuring that the measuring rod is vertically downward; S3. Control the second electric push rod to extend, drive the measuring rod to drive the conductivity probe to enter the ladle at a constant speed, pass through the air and slag layer in sequence and enter the molten steel, collect the voltage signal output by the conductivity probe in real time, and record the time corresponding to the voltage change, which are the time points of entering the slag layer and entering the molten steel, respectively. S4. The displacement of the measuring rod is collected in real time by the rope sensor. Combined with the time points of entering the slag layer and entering the molten steel recorded in S3, the displacement difference between the upper interface of the slag layer and the interface of the molten steel is calculated, which is the thickness of the slag layer.

[0011] As can be seen from the above, the LF ladle refining slag layer thickness detection device and method provided in this application achieves automated detection of slag layer thickness through a device including a bearing base, a vertical rod, a horizontal rod, a first electric push rod, a second electric push rod, a measuring rod, a conductivity probe, a pull rope sensor, and a pull rope. This solves the problems of high temperature hazards, subjective errors, and production interruptions associated with traditional manual operation, and has the advantages of safety, reliability, high measurement accuracy, and high operating efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an LF ladle refining slag layer thickness detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for detecting the thickness of the slag layer in an LF ladle refining furnace according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure label: 1. Bearing base; 2. Upright pole; 3. First pin; 4. Pull rope sensor; 5. Second pin; 6. First electric push rod; 7. Third pin; 8. Horizontal bar; 9. First fixed pulley; 10. Pull rope; 11. Second fixed pulley; 12. Second electric push rod; 13. Threaded groove; 14. Rivet; 15. Measuring rod; 16. Conductivity probe. Detailed Implementation

[0014] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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, 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.

[0015] Traditional methods for measuring the slag layer thickness in LF ladle refining furnaces require manual operation of sensors in high-temperature and high-risk environments. The slag layer thickness is measured by manual observation and recording, which leads to discrepancies between the measurements and records, resulting in low accuracy and posing certain safety risks.

[0016] In this regard, such as Figure 1As shown, this application proposes an LF ladle refining slag layer thickness detection device, which realizes automated and high-precision measurement of slag layer thickness by setting a bearing base 1, a vertical rod 2, a horizontal rod 8, a first electric push rod 6, a second electric push rod 12, a measuring rod 15, a conductivity probe 16, a rope sensor 4, and a rope 10, effectively avoiding the safety hazards and measurement errors caused by manual operation.

[0017] The detection device includes: Bearing base 1 serves as the rotational support foundation for the entire testing device; The upright 2 is rotatably mounted on the bearing base 1 at its lower end, which is used to support the entire detection device and realize horizontal rotation adjustment; The horizontal bar 8 is hinged at one end to the upper end of the vertical bar 2 and is used to extend towards the furnace opening. The first electric push rod 6 has a fixed end hinged to the upright rod 2 and a telescopic end hinged to the horizontal rod 8. It is used to drive the horizontal rod 8 to swing relative to the upright rod 2 in order to adjust the pitch angle of the horizontal rod 8. The second electric push rod 12 is fixedly installed at the other end of the horizontal rod 8 and is used to provide vertical extension and retraction drive. The measuring rod 15 is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the second electric push rod 12 and is used to move up and down as the second electric push rod extends and retracts. The conductivity probe 16 is installed at the lower end of the measuring rod 15 and is used to detect changes in the conductivity of the medium in real time during the insertion of the ladle in order to distinguish between air, slag layer and molten steel. The rope sensor 4 is installed on the pole 2 and is used to detect and measure the displacement of the measuring rod 15 in real time. The pull rope 10 is connected at one end to the pull rope sensor 4, and at the other end, after passing over the fixed pulley set on the horizontal rod 8 and the second electric push rod 12, it is fixed to the measuring rod 15 and is used to transmit the displacement of the measuring rod 15 to the pull rope sensor.

[0018] The bearing base 1 serves as the rotating support foundation for the entire testing device, typically fixed to the ground or a supporting structure to provide stable support. The lower end of the upright 2 is rotatably mounted on the bearing base 1. Its main function is to support the entire testing device and adjust its horizontal position through rotation, allowing the measuring component to be aligned with the target area. One end of the horizontal rod 8 is hinged to the upper end of the upright 2, extending towards the furnace opening to bring the measuring component above the ladle. The fixed end of the first electric push rod 6 is hinged to the upright 2, and its telescopic end is hinged to the horizontal rod 8. Its telescopic movement drives the horizontal rod 8 to swing relative to the upright 2, thereby adjusting the pitch angle of the horizontal rod 8 to adapt to different measurement requirements or furnace opening heights. The fixed end of the second electric push rod 12 is mounted on the other end of the horizontal rod 8. Its main function is to provide vertical telescopic drive to control the up-and-down movement of the measuring rod 15. The measuring rod 15 is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the second electric push rod 12, and moves up and down with the extension and retraction of the second electric push rod, serving as the carrier of the conductivity probe 16. The conductivity probe 16 is installed at the lower end of the measuring rod 15, and its core function is to detect the change in conductivity of the medium in real time during the insertion of the ladle, and to accurately distinguish between air, slag layer and molten steel by the difference in conductivity. The pull rope sensor 4 is installed on the upright rod 2 to detect the displacement of the measuring rod 15 in real time, thereby obtaining the precise position information of the measuring rod 15 in the vertical direction. One end of the pull rope 10 is connected to the pull rope sensor 4, and the other end passes over the fixed pulley set on the horizontal rod 8 and the second electric push rod 12 and is fixed to the measuring rod 15. Its function is to accurately transmit the vertical displacement of the measuring rod 15 to the pull rope sensor 4. A hinge is a connection method that allows the connecting parts to rotate relative to each other around a common axis, thereby realizing multi-degree-of-freedom angle adjustment. A fixed pulley is a simple mechanical device used to change the direction of movement of a pull rope and to assist in the smooth operation of the rope, ensuring the accuracy of displacement measurement.

[0019] The LF ladle refining slag layer thickness detection device in this embodiment is designed to achieve accurate measurement of slag layer thickness under high temperature conditions.

[0020] Specifically, the bearing base 1 is configured as the rotational support foundation for the entire testing device. The bearing base 1 can take various forms; for example, it can be a fixed base with a single rotating shaft, or a structure containing a sliding bearing to allow the upright 2 to rotate above it.

[0021] The lower end of the upright 2 is rotatably mounted on the bearing base 1. Its main function is to support the entire detection device and enable horizontal rotation adjustment. The connection between the upright 2 and the bearing base 1 can be a simple pin connection or a sleeve connection to achieve rotation. The upper end of the upright 2 is hinged to one end of the horizontal rod 8. This hinge connection can use a general-purpose bearing or a simple pivot structure.

[0022] One end of the horizontal bar 8 is hinged to the upper end of the vertical bar 2 for extending towards the furnace opening. The horizontal bar 8 can be a solid or hollow bar, and its length and strength are designed to be sufficient to extend the measuring component above the ladle.

[0023] The fixed end of the first electric actuator 6 is hinged to the upright 2, and the telescopic end is hinged to the horizontal rod 8. The first electric actuator 6 extends and retracts via an internal motor-driven lead screw or gear mechanism, thereby driving the horizontal rod 8 to swing relative to the upright 2 to adjust its pitch angle. The hinges between the upright 2, the first electric actuator 6, and the horizontal rod 8 can be connected using universal bolts, allowing relative rotation.

[0024] The fixed end of the second electric actuator 12 is fixedly installed at the other end of the horizontal rod 8 to provide vertical telescopic drive. The second electric actuator 12 can be a linear actuator that controls the up and down movement of its telescopic rod electrically.

[0025] The measuring rod 15 is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the second electric push rod 12, and is used to move up and down as the second electric push rod extends and retracts. The measuring rod 15 can be a metal or ceramic rod, and its connection with the second electric push rod 12 can be achieved by welding, gluing, or simple fasteners.

[0026] The conductivity probe 16 is mounted at the lower end of the measuring rod 15 and is used to detect changes in the conductivity of the medium in real time during the insertion of the ladle, in order to distinguish between air, slag layer and molten steel. The conductivity probe 16 can be an exposed electrode pair, directly exposed to the medium to be measured, and the type of medium is determined by measuring the resistance or conductivity between them.

[0027] The pull-rope sensor 4 is mounted on the upright 2 to detect the displacement of the measuring rod 15 in real time. The pull-rope sensor 4 can be a simple encoder or potentiometer that senses displacement by the extension and retraction of the pull rope.

[0028] One end of the pull rope 10 is connected to the pull rope sensor 4, and the other end passes over a fixed pulley mounted on the horizontal rod 8 and the second electric push rod 12, and is then fixed to the measuring rod 15. This serves to transmit the displacement of the measuring rod 15 to the pull rope sensor 4. Simple guide holes or smooth cylinders can be provided on the horizontal rod 8 and the second electric push rod 12 as fixed pulleys to guide the path of the pull rope 10. The connection between the pull rope 10 and the measuring rod 15 can be achieved by binding or clamping.

[0029] The slag layer thickness detection device for the LF ladle refining furnace in this embodiment combines an automated mechanical structure with conductivity detection technology to achieve non-contact, high-precision measurement of slag layer thickness in the high-temperature, high-risk environment of the LF ladle refining furnace. This device effectively avoids the safety risks and measurement errors associated with traditional manual measurement, improves measurement efficiency and data accuracy, and provides reliable data support for the energy-saving operation of the refining furnace.

[0030] In one optional embodiment, the bearing base 1 is provided with two bearings to support the smooth rotation of the upright 2, so as to facilitate the alignment of the measuring rod 15 with the center of the ladle.

[0031] Specifically, bearings are mechanical components used to support rotating mechanical bodies, reduce the coefficient of friction during their movement, and ensure their rotational accuracy. Here, two bearings typically refer to two rolling bearings arranged vertically, which together bear the radial and axial loads of the upright 2. By using two bearings, a more stable support structure can be formed, effectively limiting the swaying and wobble of the upright 2 during rotation, and improving its rotational rigidity and accuracy. These two bearings can be arranged concentrically, for example, with one bearing installed at each end of the bearing base 1, and the lower end of the upright 2 passing through and being supported by these two bearings. The type of bearing can be selected according to the load-bearing capacity and accuracy requirements. For example, a pair of angular contact ball bearings can be used to simultaneously bear radial and axial loads, or a combination of a radial bearing and a thrust bearing can be used. Smooth rotation means that there is no jamming, shaking, or excessive friction during rotation, and the rotation axis remains stable. The configuration of two bearings provides a more uniform load distribution and lower frictional resistance, thereby ensuring that the upright 2 can rotate smoothly and accurately when adjusted in the horizontal direction, avoiding positioning errors caused by unstable rotation. Besides the quality and installation accuracy of the bearing itself, the smooth rotation of the upright 2 can be further ensured by setting appropriate fit tolerances between the bearing and the upright 2, and by filling the bearing base 1 with grease. In the LF ladle refining process, accurate measurement of the slag layer thickness requires the measuring rod 15 and its conductivity probe 16 to be accurately inserted into the predetermined position of the ladle, usually the ladle center. Smooth rotation of the upright 2 is key to achieving this precise alignment. With the stable support provided by the two bearings, the operator can finely adjust the horizontal rotation angle of the upright 2, allowing the measuring rod 15 to move accurately above the center of the ladle, preparing for subsequent vertical measurements. Combined with a vision positioning system or a laser alignment system, the operator can precisely align the measuring rod 15 with the ladle center by controlling the rotation angle of the upright 2 based on real-time feedback. The smooth rotation characteristics provided by the two bearings make this fine adjustment possible, reducing alignment errors caused by mechanical shaking or jamming.

[0032] Through the above technical solution, in the LF ladle refining slag layer thickness detection device, the upright rod 2 needs to be adjusted horizontally to align the measuring rod 15 with the center of the ladle. If the rotation support structure of the upright rod 2 is not stable enough, it is prone to shaking, jamming, or inaccurate positioning during rotation, thus affecting the centering accuracy of the measuring rod 15 and leading to deviations in the slag layer thickness measurement results. By setting two bearings in the bearing base 1, a more stable and precise rotation support can be provided for the upright rod 2. The two bearings work together to effectively distribute the radial and axial loads borne by the upright rod 2, significantly reduce the frictional resistance during rotation, and suppress the radial and axial runout of the upright rod 2. Therefore, the upright rod 2 can achieve a more stable, smooth, and wobble-free horizontal rotation, greatly improving the operator's ability to accurately align the measuring rod 15 with the center of the ladle during adjustment. This precise alignment not only ensures that the measuring rod 15 can be inserted vertically into the ladle along the predetermined path, avoiding collisions with the edge of the ladle or other obstacles, but more importantly, it ensures that the conductivity probe 16 can detect the slag layer thickness in the central area of ​​the ladle, thereby obtaining more representative and accurate measurement data and improving the reliability and measurement accuracy of the entire detection device.

[0033] In one optional embodiment, the upright 2 and the first electric push rod 6, the first electric push rod 6 and the horizontal rod 8, and the upright 2 and the horizontal rod 8 are all hinged by pins to achieve multi-degree-of-freedom angle adjustment.

[0034] Specifically, pin hinges are a common mechanical connection method that connects two or more components by inserting a pin, allowing relative rotation between the components around the pin's axis. This connection method is simple in structure, highly reliable, and provides a stable axis of rotation while withstanding certain radial and axial loads. In the LF ladle refining slag layer thickness detection device, pin hinges ensure that the connection points can rotate flexibly while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength and stability during angle adjustments, preventing measurement accuracy from being affected by loosening or deformation of the connection.

[0035] The upright 2 and the first electric push rod 6 are hinged together by a first pin 3, allowing the fixed end of the first electric push rod 6 to swing around the first pin 3 on the upright 2. When the first electric push rod 6 extends or retracts, its fixed end will move in a small arc around the pin point, thereby effectively transmitting the thrust or pull force to the horizontal bar 8 and allowing for fine adjustment of the first electric push rod 6's own attitude to adapt to changes in the pitch angle of the horizontal bar 8.

[0036] Meanwhile, the first electric actuator 6 is hinged to the horizontal rod 8 via a third pin 7. This pin hinge point is located between the telescopic end of the first electric actuator 6 and the horizontal rod 8. Through this connection, the telescopic movement of the first electric actuator 6 can be directly converted into the swinging motion of the horizontal rod 8 around its hinge point with the vertical rod 2. The pin hinge ensures smooth force transmission and allows the horizontal rod 8 to maintain flexible and unhindered relative movement with the first electric actuator 6 during pitching.

[0037] Furthermore, the vertical pole 2 and the horizontal pole 8 are also hinged together by a second pin 5. This is the core fulcrum for the horizontal pole 8 to pitch and swing. Through the pin hinge, the horizontal pole 8 can swing freely in the vertical plane with the fixed point above the vertical pole 2 as the center. This connection method provides a stable axis of rotation for the horizontal pole 8, enabling the first electric push rod 6 to effectively drive the horizontal pole 8 to make precise pitch angle adjustments, thereby controlling the verticality of the measuring rod 15.

[0038] The synergistic effect of the three pin hinge points gives the entire robotic arm structure a multi-degree-of-freedom angle adjustment capability. Specifically, the hinge between the vertical rod 2 and the horizontal rod 8 provides the horizontal rod 8 with pitch freedom; the hinge between the vertical rod 2 and the first electric push rod 6, and the hinge between the first electric push rod 6 and the horizontal rod 8, together ensure that the first electric push rod 6 can flexibly adapt to angle changes when driving the horizontal rod 8 to swing, avoiding stress concentration or motion interference. This multi-degree-of-freedom design allows the device to adapt to angle adjustment requirements under different working conditions, ensuring that the measuring rod 15 can always enter the ladle in the optimal posture.

[0039] By employing pin hinges between the upright 2 and the first electric push rod 6, between the first electric push rod 6 and the horizontal rod 8, and between the upright 2 and the horizontal rod 8, this application effectively solves the problems of rigid constraints and motion interference that may exist between connecting components during the adjustment of the pitch angle of the horizontal rod 8. The introduction of pin hinges provides a stable and flexible rotation axis for each component, ensuring a smooth force transmission path and stable movement when the first electric push rod 6 drives the horizontal rod 8 to swing. This multi-degree-of-freedom angle adjustment capability allows operators to adjust the pitch angle of the horizontal rod 8 more accurately and conveniently, thereby ensuring that the measuring rod 15 always maintains an ideal vertical posture when entering the ladle, avoiding measurement errors or probe damage caused by tilting. In addition, the pin hinge structure is simple and easy to maintain, further improving the reliability and service life of the device.

[0040] In one optional embodiment, the horizontal rod 8 is provided with a first fixed pulley 9, the second electric push rod 12 is provided with a second fixed pulley 11, and the pull rope 10 passes through the first fixed pulley 9 and the second fixed pulley 11 in sequence, and is fixed to the measuring rod 15 by a rivet 14, which is used to guide the direction of the pull rope and ensure the accuracy of displacement measurement.

[0041] Specifically, the first fixed pulley 9 is mounted on the horizontal bar 8. Its main function is to change the direction of movement of the pull rope 10 and provide a stable support point for the pull rope 10. Guided by the first fixed pulley 9, the pull rope 10 can avoid unnecessary friction with the horizontal bar 8 or other structural components, thereby reducing energy loss and ensuring uniform tension of the pull rope 10 during movement, providing a stable foundation for subsequent displacement measurement. The first fixed pulley 9 can be made of wear-resistant materials, such as engineering plastics or metal, and can be embedded with rolling bearings to further reduce frictional resistance. Meanwhile, the second fixed pulley 11 is mounted on the second electric push rod 12, adjacent to the connection point of the measuring rod 15. Its function is similar to that of the first fixed pulley 9, further guiding the path of the pull rope 10 so that it can smoothly extend from the second electric push rod 12 to the measuring rod 15. The presence of the second fixed pulley 11 ensures that the pull rope 10 always maintains the correct direction and appropriate tension when the measuring rod 15 moves up and down, avoiding jamming or jumping of the pull rope 10 due to angle changes, thereby ensuring the continuity and accuracy of the displacement signal. This specific wiring method for the pull rope 10, which sequentially passes through the first fixed pulley 9 on the horizontal rod 8 and the second fixed pulley 11 on the second electric push rod 12, forms a stable pulley system. This structure effectively converts the vertical displacement of the measuring rod 15 into the linear motion of the pull rope 10 and transmits it to the pull rope sensor 4. Guided by the double pulleys, the motion trajectory of the pull rope 10 is precisely defined, greatly reducing measurement errors caused by the swinging or deviation of the pull rope 10 from its path, and ensuring the linearity and reliability of displacement transmission. Furthermore, the rivet 14, as a reliable mechanical connection, firmly fixes the end of the pull rope 10 to the measuring rod 15. This fixing method ensures that every minute displacement of the measuring rod 15 is accurately transmitted to the pull rope 10 and subsequently captured by the pull rope sensor 4. The robustness of the rivet 14 connection prevents the pull rope 10 from loosening, slipping, or becoming loosely connected during measurement, thereby eliminating measurement errors introduced by unstable connections and ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the displacement data.

[0042] Through the above technical solution, a first fixed pulley 9 and a second fixed pulley 11 are respectively set on the horizontal rod 8 and the second electric push rod 12, and the pull rope 10 is fixed to the measuring rod 15 by rivets 14 after passing through these two fixed pulleys in sequence. This application effectively solves the problems of friction, entanglement or slack that may occur in the pull rope 10 during the movement of the measuring rod 15. This precise method of guiding and fixing the pull rope 10 ensures that the pull rope 10 always maintains a smooth and stable movement trajectory and stable tension, which greatly reduces mechanical loss and error in the displacement transmission process. Therefore, the pull rope sensor 4 can detect the displacement of the measuring rod 15 more accurately and in real time, thereby providing high-precision and high-reliability raw data for subsequent calculation of slag layer thickness, significantly improving the overall accuracy and stability of LF ladle refining furnace slag layer thickness detection.

[0043] In one optional embodiment, the telescopic end of the second electric push rod 12 is provided with a threaded groove 13, and the measuring rod 15 is connected to the threaded groove 13 by a thread.

[0044] Specifically, the threaded groove 13 refers to a helical groove machined inside or outside the telescopic end of the second electric actuator 12, which can be designed as an internal or external thread. If it is an internal thread, it is typically machined on the inner wall of the telescopic end; if it is an external thread, it is machined on the outer surface of the telescopic end. The type and size of the thread should be selected based on the structure of the measuring rod 15 and the required connection strength to ensure reliable connection. Accordingly, the connecting end of the measuring rod 15 is machined with a thread matching the threaded groove 13, tightly engaging the measuring rod 15 with the telescopic end of the second electric actuator 12 by rotation. If the threaded groove 13 is an internal thread, the connecting end of the measuring rod 15 should be machined as an external thread; conversely, if the threaded groove 13 is an external thread, the connecting end of the measuring rod 15 should be machined as an internal thread. This connection method utilizes the self-locking property of the thread, providing a reliable connection while allowing for quick separation by reverse rotation. During connection, it can be tightened manually or with the aid of simple tools to ensure a secure connection.

[0045] Through the above technical solution, the telescopic end of the second electric push rod 12 is connected to the measuring rod 15 by a threaded connection, making the disassembly and installation of the measuring rod 15 extremely convenient. When it is necessary to inspect, clean, calibrate, or replace the measuring rod 15 or the conductivity probe 16 at its lower end, the operator does not need complicated tools or time-consuming operations; the measuring rod 15 can be quickly separated or connected simply by rotation. This significantly improves the maintenance efficiency of the equipment, shortens downtime, and thus ensures the long-term stable operation and high availability of the testing device.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, this application further optimizes the conductivity probe 16. Specifically, the conductivity probe 16 is externally wrapped with a paper tube to provide insulation protection when passing through the slag layer; two symmetrically arranged galvanized iron sheets are fixed to the lower end of the conductivity probe 16 to enhance the stability of conductivity signal acquisition.

[0047] The paper tube is typically made of a special paper material with high temperature resistance and excellent insulation properties, such as ceramic fiber paper or specially treated insulating paper. Its main function is to provide a physical barrier and insulation protection for the conductivity probe 16 as it passes through the high-temperature slag layer. This protection effectively prevents the high-temperature molten material in the slag layer from directly contacting the probe's sensitive components, avoiding probe damage or signal distortion due to high-temperature corrosion or short circuits. Furthermore, the insulating properties of the paper tube also help isolate electrical contact between the probe and the slag layer, ensuring that conductivity measurements are performed only through the probe's preset measurement area, thereby improving measurement accuracy.

[0048] These two galvanized iron sheets, serving as auxiliary electrodes, are typically securely mounted on the lower end of the conductivity probe 16 via welding, riveting, or bolting, and connected to the conductivity measurement circuit inside the probe. The galvanized iron sheets possess good conductivity and a certain degree of corrosion resistance. Their symmetrical arrangement ensures uniform contact with the medium when the probe is inserted, forming a stable electric field and thus guaranteeing the symmetry and stability of the conductivity signal acquisition. By providing a larger effective contact area and a more stable electrode interface, they help reduce measurement noise and improve the strength and reliability of the conductivity signal. This is especially beneficial in media with relatively low conductivity and complex composition, such as slag layers, where changes in conductivity can be more clearly captured, thereby accurately distinguishing the interface between the slag layer and the molten steel.

[0049] By wrapping the conductivity probe 16 with a paper tube, direct contact between the probe and the high-temperature slag layer can be effectively isolated, preventing corrosion or damage to the probe under high-temperature conditions. This also provides necessary insulation protection, ensuring the probe's normal operation within the slag layer. Furthermore, fixing two symmetrically arranged galvanized iron plates to the lower end of the conductivity probe 16 significantly increases the effective contact area between the probe and the medium, forming a stable electrode interface and enhancing the stability of conductivity signal acquisition. This design allows the conductivity probe 16 to detect abrupt changes in medium conductivity more clearly and stably when passing through the slag layer and entering the molten steel, effectively avoiding misjudgments caused by environmental interference or signal instability. This improves the identification accuracy of the slag layer interface and the molten steel interface, ultimately ensuring the accuracy and reliability of slag layer thickness measurement in the LF ladle refining furnace.

[0050] In addition, such as Figure 2As shown, this invention also proposes a method for detecting the thickness of the slag layer in an LF ladle refining furnace, applied to the aforementioned apparatus. This method includes the following steps: First, perform step S1, rotating the upright rod 2 to move the horizontal rod 8 directly above the ladle, completing the alignment. This step ensures that the measuring device is accurately positioned above the ladle, typically at its center. The upright rod 2 is rotatably mounted on the bearing base 1. Its horizontal rotation drives the horizontal rod 8, connected to its upper end, to move horizontally, thereby precisely aligning the entire measuring mechanism with the central area of ​​the target ladle. This alignment is a prerequisite for subsequent accurate measurements, avoiding measurement errors caused by deviation from the center.

[0051] Next, step S2 is executed, controlling the extension and retraction of the first electric push rod 6 to adjust the horizontal rod 8 to a horizontal state perpendicular to the vertical rod 2, ensuring that the measuring rod 15 is vertically downward. After completing the horizontal alignment, this step is used to adjust the vertical attitude of the measuring mechanism. The fixed end of the first electric push rod 6 is hinged to the vertical rod 2, and the telescopic end is hinged to the horizontal rod 8. By precisely controlling the extension and retraction of the first electric push rod 6, the pitch angle of the horizontal rod 8 relative to the vertical rod 2 can be adjusted to achieve a completely horizontal state, i.e., perpendicular to the vertical rod 2. This ensures that the measuring rod 15 remains vertical during the subsequent descent, avoiding inaccurate measurement results or probe damage due to tilted insertion into the ladle.

[0052] Subsequently, step S3 is executed, controlling the extension of the second electric push rod 12 to drive the measuring rod 15, which in turn drives the conductivity probe 16 into the ladle at a constant speed. The probe passes through the air and slag layers before entering the molten steel. The voltage signal output by the conductivity probe 16 is collected in real time, and the times of voltage abrupt changes are recorded, representing the entry points into the slag layer and the molten steel, respectively. This is the core step in the actual slag layer detection. The second electric push rod 12 is fixedly installed at the other end of the horizontal rod 8, with its telescopic end fixedly connected to the measuring rod 15. By controlling the second electric push rod 12 to extend downwards at a constant speed, the measuring rod 15 and its lower end, the conductivity probe 16, descend at a constant speed, passing through the air layer and slag layer above the ladle, and finally entering the molten steel. The conductivity probe 16 outputs different voltage signals when passing through different media due to significant differences in the conductivity of the media. For example, when entering the slag layer from air or from the slag layer into the molten steel, the voltage signal will abruptly change. The system monitors and records the times of these voltage abrupt changes in real time; these times precisely correspond to the moments when the probe contacts the upper interface of the slag layer and the upper interface of the molten steel.

[0053] Finally, step S4 is executed, where the displacement of the measuring rod 15 is collected in real time by the rope sensor 4. Combined with the time points recorded in S3 for entering the slag layer and molten steel, the displacement difference between the upper interface of the slag layer and the interface of the molten steel is calculated, which is the slag layer thickness. As the measuring rod 15 descends, the rope sensor 4, installed on the upright 2, continuously detects the vertical displacement of the measuring rod 15 in real time via the rope 10. One end of the rope 10 is connected to the rope sensor 4, and the other end passes over the first fixed pulley 9 on the horizontal rod 8 and the second fixed pulley 11 on the second electric push rod 12 before being fixed to the measuring rod 15, ensuring the accuracy of displacement transmission. By precisely synchronizing and correlating the real-time displacement data collected by the rope sensor 4 with the voltage change time points recorded in step S3, the specific vertical positions of the conductivity probe 16 when entering the upper interface of the slag layer and the upper interface of the molten steel can be determined. The vertical distance difference between these two positions is the slag layer thickness of the LF ladle refining furnace.

[0054] Through the above technical solution, this application provides a systematic, accurate, and automated method for detecting the slag layer thickness in LF ladle refining. First, by rotating the vertical rod 2 and adjusting the pitch angle of the horizontal rod 8, it is ensured that the measuring rod 15 and its conductivity probe 16 are precisely aligned with the center of the ladle and inserted vertically, avoiding measurement errors caused by tilted insertion. Second, during the uniform descent of the measuring rod 15, the conductivity probe 16 can accurately capture the abrupt changes in conductivity at the air-slag interface and the slag-molten steel interface in real time. Combined with the displacement data collected in real time by the rope sensor 4, accurate calculation of the slag layer thickness is achieved. This method not only improves the automation and efficiency of the detection but also significantly enhances the accuracy and reliability of slag layer thickness measurement, providing crucial data support for the optimization of the LF ladle refining process.

[0055] The following example will provide a more detailed explanation of the above technical solution: In the production site of an LF ladle refining furnace, precise measurement of the slag layer thickness inside the ladle is required to optimize the refining process and ensure production safety. Traditional measurement methods require manual operation by personnel in high-temperature and high-risk environments, posing safety hazards and measurement errors. This detection device provides an automated and high-precision solution.

[0056] First, the bearing base 1 of the testing device is securely mounted on the ground near the furnace top. The bearing base 1 has a double bearing structure inside, providing support for the smooth rotation of the upright rod 2. When measurement is required, the operator starts the device via the control system. The upright rod 2 rotates horizontally on the bearing base 1, moving the entire testing device. Through precise control, the upright rod 2 moves the horizontal bar 8 directly above the ladle, completing the alignment operation. The bearings within the bearing base 1 ensure the smooth rotation of the upright rod 2, helping the measuring rod 15 to accurately align with the center of the ladle.

[0057] After horizontal alignment is achieved, the operator controls the extension and retraction of the first electric push rod 6. The fixed end of the first electric push rod 6 is hinged to the upright 2, and the telescopic end is hinged to the horizontal rod 8. The upright 2 and the first electric push rod 6, the first electric push rod 6 and the horizontal rod 8, and the upright 2 and the horizontal rod 8 are all hinged by pins. This multi-degree-of-freedom hinge method allows the horizontal rod 8 to be precisely adjusted in pitch relative to the upright 2. The first electric push rod 6 drives the horizontal rod 8 to swing until the horizontal rod 8 is adjusted to a horizontal state perpendicular to the upright 2. This step ensures that the subsequent measuring rod 15 can be inserted vertically downward into the ladle, avoiding errors caused by tilted measurements.

[0058] Next, the second electric actuator 12 is activated and begins to extend. The second electric actuator 12 is fixedly mounted on the other end of the horizontal rod 8, and its telescopic end has a threaded groove 13. The measuring rod 15 is connected to the threaded groove 13 via threads, a connection method that facilitates the disassembly, assembly, and maintenance of the measuring rod 15. The extension of the second electric actuator 12 drives the measuring rod 15 to move the conductivity probe 16 vertically downwards at a uniform speed into the ladle. The conductivity probe 16 is mounted on the lower end of the measuring rod 15, and its exterior is wrapped with a paper tube to provide insulation protection when passing through the slag layer. Two symmetrically arranged galvanized iron plates are fixed to the lower end of the conductivity probe 16 to enhance the stability of the conductivity signal acquisition.

[0059] As the conductivity probe 16 passes through the air, slag layer, and finally into the molten steel, its output voltage signal changes in real time. The control system continuously acquires these voltage signals and accurately records the moments when voltage abruptly changes. The first voltage abrupt change marks the time when the conductivity probe 16 enters the slag layer from the air, and the second voltage abrupt change marks the time when it enters the molten steel from the slag layer.

[0060] Meanwhile, a pull-rope sensor 4 is mounted on the upright 2 to detect the displacement of the measuring rod 15 in real time. One end of the pull-rope 10 is connected to the pull-rope sensor 4, while the other end follows a carefully designed path. A first fixed pulley 9 is provided on the horizontal rod 8, and a second fixed pulley 11 is provided on the second electric push rod 12. After the pull-rope 10 passes through the first fixed pulley 9 and the second fixed pulley 11 in sequence, it is fixed to the measuring rod 15 by rivets 14. This fixed pulley arrangement guides the direction of the pull-rope 10, ensuring that the vertical displacement of the measuring rod 15 can be accurately transmitted to the pull-rope sensor 4, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy of displacement measurement.

[0061] The control system correlates the time points recorded by the conductivity probe 16 when the slag layer and molten steel enter the molten steel with the displacement data of the measuring rod 15 collected in real time by the rope sensor 4. By calculating the displacement difference of the measuring rod 15 at these two time points, the thickness of the slag layer in the LF ladle refining furnace can be accurately determined.

[0062] Compared to manual measurement, this device achieves automated, non-contact measurement of slag layer thickness in high-temperature and high-risk environments, significantly improving operational safety. Through precise control of the electric actuator and real-time displacement detection by the rope sensor, measurement accuracy and consistency are improved, avoiding errors that may arise from manual observation and recording. The entire process is highly automated, and measurement efficiency is also enhanced.

[0063] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for detecting the thickness of slag layer in an LF ladle refining furnace, characterized in that, include: The bearing base (1) serves as the rotational support foundation for the entire testing device; The lower end of the upright (2) is rotatably mounted on the bearing base (1) to support the entire detection device and realize horizontal rotation adjustment; A horizontal bar (8) is hinged at one end to the upper end of a vertical bar (2) for extending toward the furnace opening; The first electric push rod (6) has a fixed end hinged to the upright rod (2) and a telescopic end hinged to the horizontal rod (8), which is used to drive the horizontal rod (8) to swing relative to the upright rod (2) to adjust the pitch angle of the horizontal rod (8). The second electric push rod (12) is fixedly installed at the other end of the horizontal rod (8) to provide vertical extension and retraction drive; The measuring rod (15) is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the second electric push rod (12) and is used to move up and down with the extension and retraction of the second electric push rod; A conductivity probe (16) is installed at the lower end of the measuring rod (15) to detect changes in the conductivity of the medium in real time during the insertion of the ladle, so as to distinguish between air, slag layer and molten steel. A rope sensor (4) is installed on the upright (2) to detect the displacement of the measuring rod (15) in real time; The pull rope (10) is connected at one end to the pull rope sensor (4) and at the other end, after passing over the fixed pulleys set on the horizontal rod (8) and the second electric push rod (12), is fixed to the measuring rod (15) to transmit the displacement of the measuring rod (15) to the pull rope sensor.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bearing base (1) is provided with two bearings to support the upright (2) to rotate smoothly, so as to make it easy to align the measuring rod (15) with the center of the ladle.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upright (2) and the first electric push rod (6), the first electric push rod (6) and the horizontal rod (8), and the upright (2) and the horizontal rod (8) are all hinged by pins to achieve multi-degree-of-freedom angle adjustment.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal rod (8) is provided with a first fixed pulley (9), and the second electric push rod (12) is provided with a second fixed pulley (11). The pull rope (10) passes through the first fixed pulley (9) and the second fixed pulley (11) in sequence, and is fixed to the measuring rod (15) by a rivet (14) to guide the direction of the pull rope and ensure the accuracy of displacement measurement.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic end of the second electric push rod (12) is provided with a threaded groove (13), and the measuring rod (15) is connected to the threaded groove (13) by a thread, which facilitates disassembly and maintenance.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductivity probe (16) is wrapped with a paper tube to provide insulation protection when passing through the slag layer; two symmetrically arranged galvanized iron sheets are fixed at the lower end of the conductivity probe (16) to enhance the stability of conductivity signal acquisition.

7. A method for detecting the thickness of the slag layer in an LF ladle refining furnace, characterized in that, Applied to the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the following steps: S1. Rotate the upright (2) to move the horizontal bar (8) directly above the ladle to complete the alignment; S2. Control the extension and retraction of the first electric push rod (6) to adjust the horizontal rod (8) to a horizontal state perpendicular to the vertical rod (2), and ensure that the measuring rod (15) is vertically downward; S3. Control the second electric push rod (12) to extend, drive the measuring rod (15) to drive the conductivity probe (16) to enter the ladle at a constant speed, pass through the air and slag layer in sequence and enter the molten steel, collect the voltage signal output by the conductivity probe (16) in real time, and record the time corresponding to the voltage change, which are the time points of entering the slag layer and entering the molten steel, respectively. S4. The displacement of the measuring rod (15) is collected in real time by the rope sensor (4). Combined with the time points of entering the slag layer and entering the molten steel recorded in S3, the displacement difference between the upper interface of the slag layer and the interface of the molten steel is calculated, which is the thickness of the slag layer.

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