Alloy charging device for converter and working method
By designing an alloy feeding device for converters and utilizing the synergistic effect of dust removal and feeding components, the safety hazards of high-temperature flame backflow erosion of the hopper and carbon monoxide gas accumulation have been solved, achieving a long service life for the equipment and ensuring the safety of operators.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BERIS ENG & RES CORP
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, high-temperature flames can easily backflow and erode the hopper, and the accumulation of carbon monoxide gas threatens personnel safety. Traditional feeding methods cannot effectively capture the high-speed jet of high-temperature flames and dense smoke, and cannot monitor carbon monoxide concentration, posing safety hazards.
Design an alloy charging device for converter, including a dust removal component, a charging component, and a ladle. The dust removal component is equipped with a dust removal hood and a vertically upward-extending dust removal pipe. A gas detection unit is located on the upper part of the dust removal pipe. The gas detection unit is communicatively connected to an alarm unit and an external exhaust device. The alloy charging pipe is inclined and extends into the dust removal pipe to form an air curtain barrier, which works in conjunction with the variable diameter dust removal pipe to achieve efficient collection and suction.
It effectively blocks the high-temperature flame from flowing back into the hopper, preventing equipment burn-out, and enables real-time monitoring and automatic alarm of carbon monoxide gas, ensuring operator safety and purifying the workshop environment.
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Figure CN122256604A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of converter metallurgy technology, specifically to an alloy charging device and its working method for converters. Background Technology
[0002] During the steel tapping process in a converter, alloys such as ferrosilicon and ferromanganese are often added to the ladle to adjust the composition of the molten steel. The existing feeding method is mostly to pour the alloy into the hopper through hoisting equipment, and then let it fall into the ladle through the feeding pipe at the bottom of the hopper. Since the alloy will oxidize violently after falling into the high-temperature molten steel, this method will not only generate a large amount of high-temperature flames that burn and erode the hopper along the feeding pipe and damage the hoisting equipment, but it will also produce carbon monoxide gas that rises and accumulates at the operating platform at the top of the hopper. The traditional method is to install horizontal dust removal pipes on the side of the ladle for ventilation and dust removal, but the direction of the suction is not consistent with the natural upward direction of the flames and flue gas, making it difficult to effectively capture the high-speed jet of high-temperature flames and dense smoke, and it is impossible to monitor and alarm the carbon monoxide concentration, which seriously threatens the safety of the operators. Summary of the Invention
[0003] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides an alloy feeding device and working method for converters, which solves the problems of easy backflow and erosion of the hopper by high-temperature flames and the threat to the safety of operators caused by the accumulation of carbon monoxide gas in the prior art.
[0004] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: In a first aspect of the invention, an alloy charging device for a converter is provided, comprising a dust removal assembly, a charging assembly, and a ladle; The dust removal assembly is equipped with a dust removal hood, which is positioned above the ladle. A dust removal pipe is positioned above the dust removal hood and extends vertically upward. A gas detection unit is positioned on the upper outer side of the dust removal pipe. The feeding assembly is equipped with a feeding pipe, which is inclined downward at a set angle to the side of the dust removal pipe. The lower end of the feeding pipe extends into the dust removal pipe by a set distance and is located on the upper part of the dust removal hood. The upper end of the feeding pipe is equipped with a hopper.
[0005] In some embodiments of the present invention, the feeding tube is inclined downward at an angle of 30° to 60° with respect to the horizontal plane.
[0006] In some embodiments of the present invention, the lower end of the feeding tube extends into the dust removal tube by a length of 100 mm to 300 mm.
[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the dust collector hood is configured as a funnel shape, with the flared end of the dust collector hood facing the ladle, the horizontal cross-sectional area of the flared end being larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the ladle, and the constricted end of the dust collector hood being detachably connected to the dust collector pipe.
[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the dust removal pipe is configured as a variable diameter structure, wherein the diameter of the end of the dust removal pipe near the dust removal hood is larger than the diameter of the end of the dust removal pipe away from the dust removal hood.
[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the gas detection unit is communicatively connected to an alarm unit, the gas detection unit is configured as a carbon monoxide concentration sensor, the dust removal pipe is connected to an external ventilation device, and the carbon monoxide concentration sensor is communicatively connected to the ventilation device.
[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the hopper is configured as a funnel-shaped structure, and the inlet of the hopper is provided with an opening and closing component.
[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, an operating platform, a track, and a feeding trolley are also included; The operating platform is located on the upper part of the furnace rear platform above the ladle. The hopper is fixedly installed on one side of the operating platform. The track is laid on the operating platform. The feeding trolley is set on the track and can travel along the track. The unloading position of the feeding trolley is set higher than the feeding port of the hopper.
[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, a ladle car is also included, on which the ladle is placed, and the ladle car is provided with a self-locking mechanism.
[0013] In a second aspect of the invention, a method for operating an alloy feeding device for a converter is provided, comprising: Add the alloy material to the hopper; The pre-weighed alloy material is added to the hopper in batches by a feeding trolley along the track. When a small amount of alloy needs to be added or the feeding trolley malfunctions, the operator can directly add the alloy material to the hopper from the operating platform using tools. Turn the exhaust unit to the highest power to create negative pressure inside the dust removal pipe and dust removal hood; Open the opening and closing component at the feed port, and control the opening degree of the opening and closing component according to the required feeding amount, so that the alloy material enters the feeding pipe through the hopper and falls into the ladle at an angle along the feeding pipe; The gas concentration around the upper part of the dust collector pipe is monitored by the gas detection unit. When the gas concentration exceeds the set threshold, a signal is transmitted to the alarm unit and the exhaust unit. The alarm unit issues an alarm signal, and the exhaust unit is adjusted to the second power, which is greater than the first power. When the gas concentration is lower than the set threshold for a set time, the alarm unit stops issuing alarm signals, and the exhaust unit power is adjusted to the first power.
[0014] One or more technical solutions of the present invention have the following beneficial effects: By extending the dust removal pipe vertically upwards, the suction direction is completely aligned with the natural upward direction of the flame and flue gas. Combined with the structure where the feeding pipe is tilted downwards at the same horizontal angle and extends a certain distance into the dust removal pipe at its lower end, the alloy material forms a continuous flow during its descent. This flow works in conjunction with the negative pressure airflow inside the dust removal pipe to form an air curtain barrier, thereby preventing the high-temperature flame from flowing back into the hopper along the feeding pipe. This avoids the hopper and feeding pipe from being burned, significantly extending the service life of the equipment.
[0015] A gas detection unit is installed on the upper outer side of the dust collection pipe. This unit is communicatively connected to the alarm unit and the external ventilation equipment. Since carbon monoxide is less dense than air, it tends to accumulate at higher levels of the operating platform. The sensor installed here can sensitively detect leaked gas. When the concentration exceeds the set threshold, it automatically triggers an audible and visual alarm and increases the ventilation power to quickly reduce the concentration of toxic gas. Once the concentration returns to normal, it automatically resets, thereby eliminating the risk of poisoning to the operators.
[0016] The flared end of the dust hood has a larger horizontal cross-sectional area than the ladle, ensuring complete coverage of the feeding area. The vertically extending dust collection pipe makes the negative pressure suction coincide with the rising path of the smoke and dust. Combined with the funnel-shaped dust hood and the variable diameter dust collection pipe, it can efficiently capture the flames, dust and toxic fumes that surge at high speed during feeding, prevent smoke and dust from overflowing and purify the workshop environment. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an alloy feeding device for a converter provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0018] In the diagram: 1. Hopper; 2. Feeding pipe; 3. Feeding trolley; 4. Dust hood; 5. Ladle; 6. Dust removal pipe; 7. Ladle car; 8. Operating platform. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0020] Example 1 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, an alloy charging device for a converter is provided, comprising a dust removal component, a charging component, and a ladle 5; The dust removal assembly is equipped with a dust removal hood 4, which is located above the ladle 5. A dust removal pipe 6 is located above the dust removal hood 4 and extends vertically upward. A gas detection unit is located on the upper outer side of the dust removal pipe 6. The feeding assembly is equipped with a feeding pipe 2. The feeding pipe 2 is inclined downward at a set angle to the side of the dust removal pipe 6. The lower end of the feeding pipe 2 extends into the dust removal pipe 6 by a set distance and is located on the upper part of the dust removal hood 4. The upper end of the feeding pipe 2 is equipped with a hopper 1.
[0021] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the dust removal assembly includes a dust hood 4. The dust hood 4 is positioned above the ladle 5 to cover the opening area of the ladle 5. The dust hood 4 is preferably configured as a funnel shape, with its flared end facing the ladle 5, and the horizontal cross-sectional area of the flared end is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the ladle 5, ensuring complete coverage of the ladle 5's opening and preventing the overflow of high-temperature flames and smoke. A dust removal pipe 6 is detachably connected to the constricted end of the dust hood 4. The dust removal pipe 6 extends vertically upwards, meaning its axis is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. This vertical arrangement ensures that the suction direction of the dust removal pipe 6 is completely consistent with the natural upward direction of the high-temperature flame, carbon monoxide gas, and dust, efficiently capturing the high-speed surge of flames and dense smoke during feeding and effectively preventing backflow of flames along the feeding path. A gas detection unit is located on the upper outer side of the dust removal pipe 6. Preferably, the dust removal pipe 6 is configured with a variable diameter structure, with the diameter of the end near the dust removal hood 4 being larger than the diameter of the end away from the dust removal hood 4, forming a similar air intake port to enhance the negative pressure suction capability.
[0022] The feeding assembly includes a feeding pipe 2, which is inclined downwards at a predetermined angle to the side of the dust removal pipe 6. The lower end of the feeding pipe 2 extends a predetermined distance into the dust removal pipe 6 and is positioned above the dust removal hood 4. A hopper 1 is located at the upper end of the feeding pipe 2, which receives the alloy material. The alloy material slides down the feeding pipe 2 into the ladle 5 under gravity. The inclined feeding pipe 2 and its lower end extending into the dust removal pipe 6 create a continuous flow of alloy material as it falls. The interaction between the inclined feeding pipe 2 and the upward negative pressure airflow inside the dust removal pipe 6 effectively prevents the high-temperature flame from entering the feeding pipe 2 and the hopper 1 in the reverse direction, thus avoiding the burning of the hopper 1 and the feeding pipe 2.
[0023] In this embodiment, the angle of inclination of the feeding pipe 2 downwards from the horizontal plane is 30° to 60°. Through simulation optimization, when the inclination angle is less than 30°, the alloy material falls too slowly, allowing sufficient time for the high-temperature flame to rise and burn along the pipe wall; when the inclination angle is greater than 60°, the impact force of the alloy material is too great, easily leading to increased splashing of molten steel. Therefore, 30° to 60° is the optimal range, ensuring smooth alloy material descent while preventing the high-temperature flame from rising and burning the feeding pipe 2 and hopper 1. In this embodiment, 45° is preferred.
[0024] The lower end of the feeding pipe 2 extends into the dust removal pipe 6 by a length of 100mm to 300mm. When the extension length is less than 100mm, the negative pressure inside the dust removal pipe 6 is insufficient to suppress the flame, and the flame may still backfire along the outer wall of the feeding pipe 2; when it is greater than 300mm, the end of the feeding pipe 2 is too close to the molten steel surface of the ladle 5, and is easily burned by the thermal radiation of the molten steel. In this embodiment, the preferred extension length is 200mm, which can ensure that the alloy material flows smoothly into the ladle 5 while working with the dust removal pipe to suppress the flame, and prevent the molten steel from splashing and burning the feeding pipe 2.
[0025] The dust collector hood 4 is funnel-shaped, with its flared end facing the ladle 5. The horizontal cross-sectional area of the flared end is larger than that of the ladle 5, ensuring that all flames and smoke generated during feeding are completely covered. The constricted end of the dust collector hood 4 is detachably connected to the dust collector pipe 6 for easy maintenance and replacement. The detachable connection can be made using a flange connection or a clamp connection.
[0026] The dust collector pipe 6 is designed with a variable diameter structure, where the diameter at the end near the dust collector hood 4 is larger than the diameter at the end away from the dust collector hood 4. This structure creates a larger suction cross-section near the ladle 5, which can quickly capture a large amount of flue gas, and then gradually narrow and accelerate the airflow to improve the smoke exhaust efficiency.
[0027] The gas detection unit is connected to an alarm unit via communication. The gas detection unit is configured as a carbon monoxide concentration sensor. The dust collection pipe 6 is connected to an external ventilation system, and the carbon monoxide concentration sensor is also connected to the ventilation system. When the detected carbon monoxide concentration exceeds a set safety threshold, the carbon monoxide concentration sensor sends a signal to the ventilation system and the alarm unit. The ventilation system automatically increases its airflow, and the alarm unit simultaneously issues an audible and visual alarm to remind operators to evacuate or take protective measures. In this embodiment, the sensor is installed on the upper outer side of the dust collection pipe 6, near the operating platform 8. Because carbon monoxide is less dense than air, it tends to accumulate at higher positions; this location allows for the most sensitive detection of leaked carbon monoxide.
[0028] The hopper 1 is configured as a funnel-shaped structure, and its inlet is equipped with an opening and closing component, which can be a manual door or an electric gate valve. In this embodiment, a manual door is preferred, which allows the operator to control the feeding speed in real time according to the churning of molten steel. The manual door is opened when feeding and closed after feeding is completed to prevent flames and fumes from overflowing from the inlet.
[0029] This embodiment also includes an operating platform 8, a track, and a feeding trolley 3. The operating platform 8 is located above the ladle 5 on the upper part of the furnace rear platform. The furnace rear platform refers to a fixed platform behind the converter used for operations such as feeding and temperature measurement, and has sufficient height and space. The hopper 1 is fixedly installed on one side of the operating platform 8, preferably welded to the beam of the operating platform 8 to ensure stability. The track is laid on the operating platform 8, and the feeding trolley 3 is positioned on the track and can travel along it. The unloading position of the feeding trolley 3 is higher than the inlet of the hopper 1 to ensure that the alloy material can be smoothly poured into the hopper 1. The feeding trolley 3 is used for batch transportation of pre-weighed alloy material, reducing the labor intensity of workers.
[0030] This embodiment also includes a ladle cart 7. The ladle 5 is placed on the ladle cart 7, which is equipped with a self-locking mechanism. When the ladle cart 7 moves to directly below the dust collector hood 4, the self-locking mechanism locks the ladle cart 7 to prevent the ladle 5 from shifting during the feeding process, ensuring that the outlet of the feeding pipe 2 is always aligned with the center of the ladle 5.
[0031] The present invention also provides a method for operating the above-mentioned device, specifically including the following steps: Alloy material is added to hopper 1. During normal production, pre-weighed alloy material is added to hopper 1 in batches along the track by the feeding trolley 3. When a small amount of alloy needs to be added or when the feeding trolley 3 malfunctions or is under maintenance, the operator can directly add the alloy material to hopper 1 from the operating platform 8 using tools such as shovels. This dual-mode feeding method ensures production efficiency and provides the possibility of flexible replenishment and emergency handling.
[0032] Turn on the external exhaust equipment to the first power to create a negative pressure inside the dust removal pipe 6 and the dust removal hood 4. The negative pressure environment can actively draw in the flames, dust and carbon monoxide gas generated during feeding.
[0033] Open the opening and closing component at the feed inlet of hopper 1, and control the opening degree of the opening and closing component according to the required feeding amount, so that the alloy material enters the feeding pipe 2 through hopper 1 and falls into the ladle 5 at an angle along the feeding pipe 2. The operator can visually observe the churning of the molten steel and adjust the feeding speed in real time by manually pulling the door opening to avoid excessive feeding and splashing.
[0034] The gas detection unit monitors the carbon monoxide concentration around the upper part of the dust removal pipe 6. When the carbon monoxide concentration exceeds the set safety threshold, the gas detection unit transmits a signal to the alarm unit and the exhaust equipment. The alarm unit emits an audible and visual alarm signal to remind the operator to pay attention to safety. The exhaust equipment automatically adjusts to the second power, which is greater than the first power, that is, increases the exhaust volume and quickly reduces the carbon monoxide concentration. When the carbon monoxide concentration is lower than the set threshold and remains below it for a set time, such as 30 seconds, the alarm unit automatically stops alarming, and the exhaust equipment power returns to the first power, achieving energy-saving operation.
[0035] The technical effects of this invention are mainly reflected in the following aspects: With the vertically extending dust collection pipe 6 and the funnel-shaped dust collection hood 4, the suction direction is completely consistent with the natural upward direction of the flame and smoke, which can efficiently capture high-temperature flames and dense smoke, effectively solve the problem of flame backflow eroding the hopper 1 and the feeding pipe 2, and extend the service life of the equipment.
[0036] A carbon monoxide concentration sensor is installed on the upper outer side of the dust removal pipe 6, and is linked to the alarm and ventilation equipment to realize real-time monitoring and automatic treatment of carbon monoxide gas, prevent the accumulation of toxic gas, and ensure the safety of operators.
[0037] The feeding pipe 2 is inclined at a 30° to 60° angle and its lower end extends into the dust removal pipe 6 by 100mm to 300mm. It utilizes the synergistic effect of the falling alloy material flow and the negative pressure airflow to form an air curtain barrier, further blocking the flame backflow and preventing molten steel splashing and pipe burn-out.
[0038] It provides two modes: batch feeding via a feeding trolley and manual shovel feeding. This satisfies both the high efficiency of normal production and the flexible replenishment of small batches of multi-variety alloys, as well as the emergency needs in case of equipment failure.
[0039] The flared end of the dust hood 4 has a larger cross-sectional area than the ladle 5, ensuring that the flames and smoke are completely covered and there is no overflow; the variable diameter structure of the dust removal pipe 6 optimizes the ventilation efficiency; the self-locking mechanism of the ladle car 7 ensures the accuracy of the feeding centering.
[0040] While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. An alloy charging device for a converter, characterized in that, Includes dust removal components, feeding components, and steel ladles; The dust removal assembly is equipped with a dust removal hood, which is positioned above the ladle. A dust removal pipe is positioned above the dust removal hood and extends vertically upward. A gas detection unit is positioned on the upper outer side of the dust removal pipe. The feeding assembly is equipped with a feeding pipe, which is inclined downward at a set angle to the side of the dust removal pipe. The lower end of the feeding pipe extends into the dust removal pipe by a set distance and is located on the upper part of the dust removal hood. The upper end of the feeding pipe is equipped with a hopper.
2. The alloy feeding device for a converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The feed tube is inclined downward at an angle of 30° to 60° with respect to the horizontal plane.
3. The alloy feeding device for a converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the feeding pipe extends into the dust removal pipe by 100mm to 300mm.
4. The alloy feeding device for a converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The dust collector hood is configured in a funnel shape, with its flared end facing the ladle. The horizontal cross-sectional area of the flared end is larger than that of the ladle. The constricted end of the dust collector hood is detachably connected to the dust collector pipe.
5. The alloy feeding device for a converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The dust removal pipe is configured with a variable diameter structure, wherein the diameter of the end of the dust removal pipe near the dust removal hood is larger than the diameter of the end of the dust removal pipe away from the dust removal hood.
6. The alloy feeding device for a converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The gas detection unit is communicatively connected to an alarm unit. The gas detection unit is configured as a carbon monoxide concentration sensor. The dust removal pipe is connected to an external ventilation device, and the carbon monoxide concentration sensor is communicatively connected to the ventilation device.
7. The alloy feeding device for a converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hopper is configured as a funnel-shaped structure, and an opening and closing component is provided at the feed inlet of the hopper.
8. The alloy feeding device for a converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the operating platform, tracks, and feeding trolley; The operating platform is located on the upper part of the furnace rear platform above the ladle. The hopper is fixedly installed on one side of the operating platform. The track is laid on the operating platform. The feeding trolley is set on the track and can travel along the track. The unloading position of the feeding trolley is set higher than the feeding port of the hopper.
9. The alloy feeding device for a converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a ladle car, on which the ladle is placed, and the ladle car is equipped with a self-locking mechanism.
10. The operating method of the alloy charging device for a converter as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, include: Add the alloy material to the hopper; The pre-weighed alloy material is added to the hopper in batches by a feeding trolley along the track. When a small amount of alloy needs to be added or the feeding trolley malfunctions, the operator can directly add the alloy material to the hopper from the operating platform using tools. Turn the exhaust unit to the highest power to create negative pressure inside the dust removal pipe and dust removal hood; Open the opening and closing component at the feed port, and control the opening degree of the opening and closing component according to the required feeding amount, so that the alloy material enters the feeding pipe through the hopper and falls into the ladle at an angle along the feeding pipe; The gas concentration around the upper part of the dust collector pipe is monitored by the gas detection unit. When the gas concentration exceeds the set threshold, a signal is transmitted to the alarm unit and the exhaust unit. The alarm unit issues an alarm signal, and the exhaust unit is adjusted to the second power, which is greater than the first power. When the gas concentration is lower than the set threshold for a set time, the alarm unit stops issuing alarm signals, and the exhaust unit power is adjusted to the first power.