A crystallizer liquid level automatic calibration device

Abstract

The application provides a crystallizer liquid level automatic calibration device, and relates to the technical field of continuous casting equipment auxiliary calibration, which comprises a support frame erected above the top end of a crystallizer, a lifting mechanism vertically and slidably penetrating through the support frame, the lower end of the lifting mechanism extending into the crystallizer and being hung with a billet for simulating molten steel, and a driving mechanism in transmission connection with the lifting mechanism and communication connection with an industrial computer, used for driving the lifting mechanism to drive the billet to gradually descend in the process of liquid level calibration of the crystallizer, and sending the height of each descent to the industrial computer for recording. The beneficial effect is that the driving mechanism cooperates with the lifting mechanism to automatically drive the billet to gradually descend, manual driving is not needed, the driving mechanism can accurately control the descending step distance of the billet, height data is automatically collected and uploaded to the industrial computer, manual measurement error is eliminated, and the accuracy and reliability of calibration data and results are ensured; automatic operation does not need manual repeated operation, calibration time is shortened, and manual negligence and delay are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of auxiliary calibration technology for continuous casting equipment, and in particular to an automatic calibration device for crystallizer liquid level. Background Technology

[0002] In the continuous casting process of steel production, molten steel needs to be cooled and formed in a crystallizer. The liquid level of the molten steel in the crystallizer directly affects the forming quality of the billet. Therefore, the liquid level of the molten steel must be strictly controlled within a preset reasonable range. Currently, the industry generally adopts a detection method that combines a radiation source and a detector to monitor the liquid level of the molten steel in the crystallizer in real time, so as to ensure the stability of continuous casting production and the product qualification rate.

[0003] Because the liquid level detection system composed of the radiation source and detector is prone to accuracy deviations during long-term operation, it needs to be calibrated before being put into formal liquid level detection work. The core principle of calibration is as follows: A solid steel billet with the same X-ray shielding characteristics as molten steel is placed in the crystallizer, so that the billet shields the radiation source and detector, simulating the shielding effect of molten steel on X-rays; then, starting from the highest point in the crystallizer, the billet is moved downwards in fixed steps of 10mm each time, and the number of X-ray pulses detected by the detector after each movement is recorded simultaneously. Then, by linearizing the corresponding data of the number of pulses and the height of the billet, a correspondence between the number of pulses and the liquid level of molten steel is established. Subsequently, the actual liquid level of molten steel in the crystallizer can be deduced from the number of pulses detected by the detector.

[0004] However, most calibration processes in the industry currently employ methods such as Figure 1 The manual calibration device shown is used for manual calibration. The specific operation procedure is as follows: The operator puts the steel billet into the crystallizer, supports and fixes it with a support plate, and manually turns the handle to drive the screw to descend, causing the steel billet to descend. At the same time, the distance from the upper surface of the steel billet to the copper tube opening of the crystallizer is measured manually with a ruler. The drive is stopped every 10mm of descent, and this operation is repeated 15 times. After each stop, the number of pulses output by the detector is read and recorded manually. Finally, the 15 sets of height and pulse count data are linearized manually to complete the entire calibration process.

[0005] The aforementioned manual calibration method has several inherent drawbacks: First, the billet is heavy, and manually turning the handle to drive it down requires considerable effort, leading to extreme labor intensity for operators and fatigue over extended periods. Second, maintaining calibration accuracy is difficult. Each 10mm descent during calibration requires manual measurement with a ruler, which is susceptible to factors such as operator technique and visual errors, making accuracy uncertain. Furthermore, manually turning the handle cannot precisely control the descent step, resulting in low accuracy in matching the billet height with the corresponding pulse count, thus affecting the accuracy of the calibration results. Third, manual calibration requires at least two operators, and communication and coordination between on-site and electrical personnel can easily lead to delays or errors, further reducing calibration efficiency and data reliability. Fourth, the entire calibration process requires constant operator monitoring, involving repeated operations such as turning the handle, measuring, communicating, reading, and recording, resulting in low calibration efficiency and susceptibility to human error, failing to meet the high-efficiency and precise calibration requirements of continuous casting production.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve the existing manual calibration device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides an automatic crystallizer level calibration device, comprising: A support frame is installed above the top of the crystallizer; A lifting mechanism is vertically and slidably mounted on the support frame. The lower end of the lifting mechanism extends into the crystallizer and carries a steel billet for simulating molten steel. The drive mechanism is connected to the lifting mechanism and communicates with the industrial control computer. It is used to drive the lifting mechanism to lower the steel billet step by step during the liquid level calibration process of the crystallizer, and send the height of each descent to the industrial control computer for recording.

[0008] Preferably, the lifting mechanism includes: A lifting rod is inserted through the support frame and rotatably connected to the support frame; a sliding component that slides vertically is sleeved on the lifting rod. At least one guide shaft is arranged parallel to the lifting rod. The upper end of the guide shaft is fixed to the sliding member, and the lower end of the guide shaft passes through the support frame and carries the steel billet.

[0009] Preferably, there are two guide shafts, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the lifting rod.

[0010] Preferably, it further includes a fixing plate, which is disposed above the support frame, and the upper end of the lifting rod passes through the fixing plate and is rotatably connected to the fixing plate; A gear pair is mounted on the fixed plate, and the drive mechanism is connected to the lifting rod through the gear pair.

[0011] Preferably, the lifting rod is a trapezoidal lead screw.

[0012] Preferably, it further includes at least one guide rod, which is arranged parallel to the lifting rod, and the two ends of the guide rod are respectively fixed to the fixing plate and the support frame.

[0013] Preferably, the guide shaft supports the steel billet via a flexible structure, and the top of the steel billet is provided with a hanging lug. The flexible structure includes: The first U-shaped component has its two opening ends fixed to the lower end of the guide shaft; The second U-shaped component has its two open ends fixed to the hanging ears; The first U-shaped component and the second U-shaped component are connected by a lifting ring.

[0014] Preferably, the two ends of the opening of the first U-shaped component are detachably fixed to the lower end of the guide shaft by bolts, and / or the two ends of the opening of the second U-shaped component are detachably fixed to the hanging lug by bolts.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes a handwheel, which is installed at the top of the lifting rod.

[0016] Preferably, the driving mechanism is a servo motor.

[0017] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: 1) By cooperating with the lifting mechanism, the steel billet is driven to descend step by step without manual operation, solving the problems of billet weight and laborious manual operation. At the same time, no two people are needed to cooperate across positions; only one person is required to monitor and complete the calibration, which greatly reduces labor intensity and manpower input. The drive mechanism can control the billet descent step distance and collect and upload the height data to the industrial control computer, eliminating manual measurement errors and achieving precise matching of height and pulse number, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of calibration data and results. Automated operation eliminates the need for repeated manual operation, shortens calibration time, reduces human negligence and delays, ensures a smooth calibration process, meets the high-efficiency and accurate calibration requirements of continuous casting production, and provides support for continuous and stable production operation.

[0018] 2) The device only includes a support frame, a lifting mechanism, a drive mechanism, and an industrial control computer for use. The structure is simple and the manufacturing cost is low. The support frame can be stably erected above the top of the crystallizer. The lifting mechanism can slide vertically through the support frame and drive the steel billet into the crystallizer. It is compatible with the structure of various existing continuous casting crystallizers and does not require major modifications to the existing crystallizers and liquid level detection systems. It has strong versatility and is easy to promote and apply in the continuous casting industry. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an existing manual calibration device; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic crystallizer level calibration device is shown in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 for Figure 2 Side view; In the attached image: 1. Support frame; 2. Steel billet; 3. Drive mechanism; 4. Lifting rod; 5. Sliding component; 6. Guide shaft; 7. Fixing plate; 8. Gear pair; 9. Guide rod; 10. Hanging lug; 11. First U-shaped component; 12. Second U-shaped component; 13. Lifting ring; 14. Handwheel. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment; other embodiments that conform to the spirit of the present invention may also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, based on the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, an automatic crystallizer level calibration device is provided to solve the defects of existing manual calibration, such as high labor intensity, low accuracy, low efficiency, and the need for multiple people to cooperate, so as to realize the automated and accurate calibration of the crystallizer level. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the specific structure includes a support frame 1, a lifting mechanism, a drive mechanism 3, as well as auxiliary components such as a fixed plate 7, a gear pair 8, a guide rod 9, a flexible structure, and a handwheel 14. All components work together to ensure stable and efficient operation of the calibration process.

[0022] More specifically, the support frame 1 is mounted above the top of the crystallizer, serving as the mounting base for the entire device. It is used to fix and support components such as the lifting mechanism and the fixing plate 7, ensuring the coaxiality of the device and the crystallizer. This provides an installation foundation for the billet 2 to accurately extend into the crystallizer, preventing the billet 2 from getting stuck due to installation deviations and ensuring smooth calibration.

[0023] The lifting mechanism is vertically and slidably mounted on the support frame 1. Its lower end extends into the crystallizer and carries a steel billet 2 for simulating molten steel. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the steel billet 2 to rise and fall smoothly vertically, simulating the change of molten steel level, and providing a stable simulation medium for calibration.

[0024] The drive mechanism 3 is connected to the lifting mechanism and communicates with the industrial control computer. It is used to drive the lifting mechanism to lower the billet 2 step by step during the liquid level calibration process of the crystallizer, and send the height of each descent to the industrial control computer for recording.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lifting mechanism includes: The lifting rod 4 is threaded through the support frame 1 and rotatably connected to the support frame 1. A sliding member 5 that slides vertically is sleeved on the lifting rod 4. At least one guide shaft 6 is set parallel to the lifting rod 4. The upper end of the guide shaft 6 is fixed to the sliding member 5, and the lower end of the guide shaft 6 is supported by a support frame 1 and has a steel billet 2 hanging on it.

[0026] Specifically, in this embodiment, the lifting rod 4 is preferably a trapezoidal lead screw. The trapezoidal lead screw has natural self-locking property. When the driving mechanism 3 stops driving, it can prevent the sliding part 5 from sliding down due to the weight of the steel billet 2, ensuring that the steel billet 2 stays stably at the preset calibration position and ensuring calibration accuracy.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are two guide shafts 6, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the lifting rod 4. This symmetrical structure can make the sliding member 5 evenly stressed, avoid tilting or jamming when the sliding member 5 slides along the lifting rod 4, and at the same time ensure that the billet 2 always maintains a vertical posture during the lifting process, avoid friction between the billet 2 and the inner wall of the crystallizer, ensure the stability of the calibration process, and further improve the calibration accuracy.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fixing plate 7 is further included, which is disposed above the support frame 1, and the upper end of the lifting rod 4 passes through the fixing plate 7 and is rotatably connected to the fixing plate 7. Gear pair 8 is mounted on fixed plate 7, and drive mechanism 3 is connected to lifting rod 4 through gear pair 8.

[0029] Specifically, in this embodiment, the fixing plate 7 is used to fix the gear pair 8 and the guide rod 9, further improving the stability of the lifting rod 4's rotation. Preferably, the drive mechanism 3 is a servo motor. The servo motor has closed-loop control characteristics, which can achieve accurate control of speed and position. Combined with the speed reduction and torque amplification effect of the gear pair 8, it can amplify the output torque to meet the heavy load requirements of the billet 2, and accurately control the rotation angle of the lifting rod 4, thereby accurately controlling the descent step distance of the billet 2 and solving the problem of inaccurate distance control by manual drive.

[0030] To further improve the smoothness of the sliding member 5, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one guide rod 9 is further included, which is arranged parallel to the lifting rod 4, and the two ends of the guide rod 9 are respectively fixed to the fixing plate 7 and the support frame 1. The sliding member 5 can slide vertically along the guide rod 9, and the guide rod 9 can limit the horizontal offset of the sliding member 5, preventing wobbling during sliding and ensuring smooth lifting of the billet 2, further guaranteeing calibration accuracy.

[0031] Considering the possibility of slight curvature or tolerances within the crystallizer cavity, and to prevent the billet 2 from jamming against the inner wall of the crystallizer during lifting and lowering, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide shaft 6 supports the billet 2 via a flexible structure, and the top of the billet 2 is provided with a hanging lug 10. The flexible structure includes: The first U-shaped part 11 has its opening ends fixed to the lower end of the guide shaft 6; The second U-shaped part 12 has its two ends of the opening fixed to the hanging lug 10; The first U-shaped part 11 and the second U-shaped part 12 are connected by a lifting ring 13.

[0032] Specifically, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned hinged flexible structure allows the billet 2 to generate a small angle compensation during the lifting process, adapting to the curvature of the crystallizer, avoiding jamming and friction problems caused by rigid connection, and ensuring a smooth calibration process.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two ends of the opening of the first U-shaped member 11 are detachably fixed to the lower end of the guide shaft 6 by bolts, and / or the two ends of the opening of the second U-shaped member 12 are detachably fixed to the hanging ear 10 by bolts.

[0034] Specifically, in this embodiment, the detachable connection facilitates the replacement, installation, and maintenance of the steel billet 2, improving the practicality and convenience of the device and reducing subsequent maintenance costs.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a handwheel 14 is also included, which is installed at the top of the lifting rod 4. Its function is to manually adjust when the device is not loaded with steel billet 2 or when the servo motor malfunctions. The lifting rod 4 can be driven to rotate by rotating the handwheel 14 to test the smoothness of the sliding and the stroke of the lifting mechanism. As a redundant backup for the electric drive, the reliability of the device is improved without affecting the normal calibration process.

[0036] The working process of the automatic crystallizer level calibration device of the present invention is as follows: Before calibration, fix the support frame 1 above the top of the crystallizer to ensure that the steel billet 2 hanging at the lower end of the guide shaft 6 can be accurately inserted into the crystallizer and that the steel billet 2 is located between the radiation source and the detector; establish a communication connection between the drive mechanism 3 (servo motor) and the industrial control computer, and preset the descent step distance (e.g., 10mm) and the number of descents (e.g., 15 times) of the steel billet 2.

[0037] After calibration begins, the industrial control computer sends control commands, and the drive mechanism 3 starts. Through the gear pair 8, it drives the lifting rod 4 (trapezoidal lead screw) to rotate. When the lifting rod 4 rotates, the sliding part 5 slides smoothly vertically along the lifting rod 4 and the guide rod 9, driving the guide shaft 6 and the billet 2 to descend synchronously. The drive mechanism 3 collects the rotation angle of the lifting rod 4 in real time, converts it into the descent height of the billet 2, and sends the height information to the industrial control computer for recording. At the same time, the detector matched with the crystallizer collects the number of X-ray pulses and uploads them to the industrial control computer. The industrial control computer associates and stores the height with the corresponding number of pulses, completing a set of calibration data records.

[0038] When the billet 2 descends to the preset step distance, the drive mechanism 3 stops driving. Due to the self-locking property of the trapezoidal screw, the billet 2 remains stable. After the detector completes the pulse count acquisition and upload, the drive mechanism 3 continues to drive the billet 2 to descend, repeating the above process until the preset number of calibrations is completed. Finally, the industrial control computer performs linearization processing on all data to complete the entire calibration process.

[0039] In summary, this invention achieves precise and stable lifting and lowering of the billet 2 through servo motor drive, trapezoidal screw transmission, and dual guide shaft guidance, eliminating errors from manual measurement and driving, and improving calibration accuracy. Automated operation eliminates the need for manual driving, measurement, and recording, and does not require two people to work across different positions; calibration can be completed by a single person monitoring, significantly reducing labor intensity and labor costs. The device has a simple structure, strong adaptability, and detachable flexible connections for easy maintenance. The handwheel 14 enhances the reliability of the device. Overall, it achieves a labor-saving, precise, and efficient calibration process, meeting the high-efficiency calibration requirements of continuous casting production.

[0040] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the implementation and protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should realize that any equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made using the content of this specification and illustrations should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic crystallizer liquid level calibration device, characterized in that, include: A support frame is installed above the top of the crystallizer; A lifting mechanism is vertically and slidably mounted on the support frame. The lower end of the lifting mechanism extends into the crystallizer and carries a steel billet for simulating molten steel. The drive mechanism is connected to the lifting mechanism and communicates with the industrial control computer. It is used to drive the lifting mechanism to lower the steel billet step by step during the liquid level calibration process of the crystallizer, and send the height of each descent to the industrial control computer for recording.

2. The automatic crystallizer level calibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes: A lifting rod is inserted through the support frame and rotatably connected to the support frame; a sliding component that slides vertically is sleeved on the lifting rod. At least one guide shaft is arranged parallel to the lifting rod. The upper end of the guide shaft is fixed to the sliding member, and the lower end of the guide shaft passes through the support frame and carries the steel billet.

3. The automatic crystallizer level calibration device according to claim 2, characterized in that, There are two guide shafts, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the lifting rod.

4. The automatic crystallizer level calibration device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a fixing plate, which is disposed above the support frame, and the upper end of the lifting rod passes through the fixing plate and is rotatably connected to the fixing plate; A gear pair is mounted on the fixed plate, and the drive mechanism is connected to the lifting rod through the gear pair.

5. The automatic crystallizer level calibration device according to claim 1, 2, or 4, characterized in that, The lifting rod is a trapezoidal lead screw.

6. The automatic crystallizer level calibration device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes at least one guide rod, which is arranged parallel to the lifting rod, and the two ends of the guide rod are respectively fixed to the fixing plate and the support frame.

7. The automatic crystallizer level calibration device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide shaft supports the steel billet via a flexible structure, and the top of the steel billet is provided with a hanging lug. The flexible structure includes: The first U-shaped component has its two opening ends fixed to the lower end of the guide shaft; The second U-shaped component has its two open ends fixed to the hanging ears; The first U-shaped component and the second U-shaped component are connected by a lifting ring.

8. The automatic crystallizer level calibration device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The two ends of the opening of the first U-shaped component are detachably fixed to the lower end of the guide shaft by bolts, and / or the two ends of the opening of the second U-shaped component are detachably fixed to the hanging lug by bolts.

9. The automatic crystallizer level calibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a handwheel, which is mounted on the top of the lifting rod.

10. The automatic crystallizer level calibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism is a servo motor.

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