U-shaped frame water cooling element for cooling a cluster gun

Abstract

The application discloses a U-shaped frame water cooling element for cooling a cluster gun, and belongs to the technical field of water cooling elements of steelmaking equipment, which comprises a U-shaped frame body, a plurality of independent pipeline flow channels are arranged in the U-shaped frame body, two of the plurality of independent pipeline flow channels form a group, the two independent pipeline flow channels in each group are oppositely arranged, and the two independent pipeline flow channels in each group are embedded with each other in the horizontal direction; the two ends of each independent pipeline flow channel respectively extend out of the U-shaped frame body, thereby forming corresponding water return ports and water inlet ports, a water return flowmeter is arranged on each water return port, and a water inlet valve is arranged on each water inlet port; the water return ports of the plurality of independent pipeline flow channels are respectively connected to an independent water return pipe in a communication mode, and the water inlet ports of the plurality of independent pipeline flow channels are respectively connected to an independent water inlet pipe in a communication mode; the water cooling element utilizes multiple flow directions and multiple tube walls to solve the single damage condition and the water cooling failure condition caused by the single damage condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a water-cooling element, specifically a U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling a cluster gun, belonging to the technical field of water-cooling elements for steelmaking equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Water-cooled components are cooling parts that exchange heat through circulating coolant. They are widely used in temperature control of high-temperature industrial equipment in metallurgy, power, and chemical industries. Common water-cooled components include water-cooled plates, water-cooled jackets, water-cooled boxes, and water-cooling guns. Their basic principle is to form closed flow channels inside a metal substrate and coat them with a heat-conducting medium to achieve heat transfer. When the coolant flows through the flow channels, it carries away the heat from the equipment through convection heat transfer, thereby maintaining the equipment's stable operation within a safe temperature range.

[0003] Water cooling systems can be divided into two categories: active and passive. Active water cooling systems are equipped with water-cooled radiator components and cooling fans, and are suitable for high-heat-generating scenarios. Passive water cooling, on the other hand, does not rely on fans and dissipates heat through the water-cooled radiator itself, and is suitable for general operating conditions. In terms of installation, water cooling systems are divided into built-in and external types. The former is integrated inside the equipment but occupies more space, while the latter is independently placed outside the equipment to save space.

[0004] In electric arc furnace smelting, the oxygen blowing process currently employs clustered lance top blowing, bottom blowing, or a combination of top and bottom blowing. This method inevitably involves the integration of the lance holder with the furnace body. Furthermore, heat transfer during high-temperature smelting necessitates the use of water-cooled components to ensure the oxygen lance's lifespan and safe production. Currently, oxygen lance water-cooled components generally employ an internal single-flow channel design, meaning the coolant enters from the inlet and flows along a single path through the entire water-cooled component before exiting from the outlet. In actual production, due to the harsh furnace conditions, the water-cooled components are subjected to alternating thermal stress and high-temperature corrosion over extended periods, posing a risk of localized damage. In the event of damage, to prevent leakage of cooling water into the furnace due to high temperature and pressure, which could lead to an explosion, immediate shutdown of water cooling and furnace repair is often necessary, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and impacts work efficiency.

[0005] Currently, patent CN212688118U discloses a split-type water-cooling device for an electric furnace oxygen lance, which replaces the traditional integrated water-cooling base with multiple water-cooling blocks connected in sequence. Each water-cooling block has an independent U-shaped pipe. Although this technology achieves a modular split structure for the water-cooling components, the U-shaped pipes of each water-cooling block are connected in series, and the coolant still flows through each water-cooling block in a single direction. When a water-cooling block is damaged, due to the interconnected flow channels, the coolant leaks to the damaged area, disrupting the pressure balance of the entire water-cooling system. The coolant circulation of all water-cooling blocks is affected, making it impossible to maintain some functions after the damage. Patent CN101776396A discloses a multi-functional oxygen lance with a water-cooled copper base. The shell and copper body form a labyrinthine flow channel to enhance heat exchange. However, this flow channel is still a single-path design and does not provide a flow channel redundancy mechanism. It also faces the risk of cooling interruption when damage occurs.

[0006] Therefore, developing a U-shaped frame water-cooling component for cooling cluster guns that can overcome the above defects has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling a cluster gun. This water-cooling element utilizes multiple flow directions and multiple pipe walls to solve the failure of the water-cooling component caused by a single damage.

[0008] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling a cluster gun, including a U-shaped frame, with multiple independent pipe channels arranged inside the U-shaped frame. Each independent pipe channel is not connected to each other. The multiple independent pipe channels are arranged in pairs, with two independent pipe channels in each group facing each other, and the two independent pipe channels in each group are interlocked in the horizontal direction. Each independent pipe has a U-shaped frame extending from both ends to form a corresponding return water inlet and an inlet water inlet. The return water inlet is equipped with a return water flow meter, and the inlet water inlet is equipped with an inlet water valve. The return water inlets of multiple independent pipes are connected to an independent return water pipe, and the inlet water inlets of multiple independent pipes are connected to an independent inlet water pipe. When any one of the pipeline channels is damaged, the remaining pipeline channels continue to operate independently and normally.

[0009] The technical solution further defined in this invention is: Furthermore, in the aforementioned U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling cluster guns, each pipe channel includes a U-shaped pipe body. One end of the U-shaped pipe body is connected to an inlet pipe via a bend, and the other end is connected to a return pipe via a bend. The inlet pipe, the U-shaped pipe body, and the return pipe are arranged in a continuous U-shaped zigzag pattern.

[0010] Technical effect: The pipeline flow channel of the present invention is arranged in a continuous U-shaped zigzag pattern to extend the flow path of the cooling medium in a limited space and improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0011] Furthermore, in the aforementioned U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling the cluster gun, flow valves are respectively installed at the outlet of the return water pipe and the inlet of the inlet water pipe.

[0012] The technical effect is that the total inlet water flow passes through one valve and the total outlet water flow passes through another valve. On the one hand, the total flow rate is used to determine whether there is a leak. On the other hand, if a rupture occurs inside a single pipe channel, the flow rate of the remaining water will be increased while keeping the total flow rate constant, thus ensuring the overall water cooling effect of the water-cooled components and preventing further damage to the ruptured area due to high temperature.

[0013] Furthermore, the aforementioned U-shaped frame water-cooling component for cooling the cluster gun also includes a temperature detection device, an alarm device, and an interlocking control system. Temperature detection devices are installed on the pipeline channels to detect the inlet and outlet water temperatures of each pipeline channel. The interlocking control system is connected to the temperature detection device, return water flow meter, inlet valve, alarm device, furnace tilting device, and oxygen on / off device.

[0014] Furthermore, in the aforementioned U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling the cluster gun, the temperature detection device includes an inlet water temperature sensor installed at the inlet of each independent pipeline flow channel and a return water temperature sensor installed at the return water inlet.

[0015] Furthermore, in the aforementioned U-shaped frame water-cooling element used for cooling cluster guns, the inlet valve has a built-in flow detection function, and the inlet valve and return flow meter detect the inlet and outlet flow rates of each pipeline channel.

[0016] Furthermore, in the aforementioned U-shaped frame water-cooling element used for cooling cluster guns, the alarm device determines whether a leak has occurred in the corresponding pipeline based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water temperatures and the flow difference between the inlet and outlet water flow rates of each independent pipeline.

[0017] Furthermore, in the aforementioned U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling the cluster gun, the U-shaped frame is adapted to the gun holder of the electric furnace cooling cluster gun.

[0018] Technically, referencing the shape of the gun mount, the U-shaped frame water-cooling component was designed, and its size was determined to ensure a better fit and use. The U-shaped frame fits the gun mount perfectly, resulting in a stronger water-cooling effect for the same water flow rate.

[0019] Furthermore, in the aforementioned U-shaped frame water-cooling element used for cooling the cluster gun, the inlet temperature of the independent pipeline flow channel is 30°C (normal temperature), and the outlet temperature is less than 55°C.

[0020] Furthermore, in the aforementioned U-shaped frame water-cooling element used to cool the cluster gun, the water flow rate of each independent pipe channel is 33 m³ / h.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are: (1) This invention constructs a cooling function redundancy mechanism by setting multiple independent pipe wall channels that are not interconnected inside the U-shaped frame. When any pipe wall channel is damaged and leaks due to high temperature thermal stress or corrosion, the remaining pipe wall channels are not affected at all and can still work normally independently. Even if the pipe is closed, the remaining pipes can still complete the water cooling work normally, and the water cooling effect meets the safety requirements. This effectively avoids the disadvantage of traditional single-flow water cooling elements that require overall water shutdown when any part is damaged, greatly reduces the number of unplanned furnace shutdowns, and improves the electric furnace operation rate.

[0022] (2) This invention achieves precise isolation of damaged flow channels by independently setting inlet and outlet ports for each pipe wall flow channel and configuring independent inlet and outlet pipes and control valves. When a leak is detected in a certain flow channel, only the control valve of the corresponding pipe needs to be closed, and the coolant circulation of the remaining flow channels is not disturbed. This ensures that the oxygen lance still has the necessary cooling capacity in the damaged state, without having to stop smelting production immediately, reducing time cost losses and providing structural protection for safe production.

[0023] (3) The maintenance of the U-shaped frame water-cooled component of the present invention is divided into multiple independent pipes. During the inspection, the leak point can be quickly found, reducing maintenance time and cost. The multiple flow pipes in the U-shaped frame water-cooled component can cool each other, ensuring the water-cooling effect and avoiding excessively fast temperature rise in special circumstances.

[0024] (4) This invention employs a dual detection and judgment mechanism based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water and the flow rate difference between the inlet and outlet water. Compared with the existing technology that relies solely on the flow rate difference to determine leakage, this invention can more comprehensively and accurately assess the water cooling effect and leakage status of each pipe wall channel. The temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water directly reflects the actual heat exchange of the pipe wall channel. When the temperature difference decreases abnormally, even if the flow rate difference does not reach the alarm threshold, it can provide an early warning of heat exchange efficiency decay, thus realizing online monitoring and early warning of the water cooling effect.

[0025] (5) The present invention interlocks the detection alarm device with the furnace tilting device and the oxygen opening and closing device through the interlocking control system. When a leak is detected in any pipe wall flow channel, the system automatically performs the tilting action and cuts off the oxygen supply. This fundamentally eliminates the risk of continuous leakage of cooling water into the molten pool and causing an explosion from the process operation level, and significantly improves the intrinsic safety level of the electric furnace oxygen lance cooling system.

[0026] (5) The present invention adapts the U-shaped frame to the gun holder structure by reasonably designing the U-shaped frame and accurately calculating and determining the cooling parameters of single pipe water flow rate of 33m³ / h, inlet temperature of 30℃ and outlet temperature of less than 55℃, so as to ensure that the water cooling element can meet the cooling requirement of the temperature gradient from the furnace wall to the gun holder to the gun holder temperature of less than 55℃ under rated working conditions, and the cooling effect is guaranteed.

[0027] (6) The present invention has a clear structure and well-defined control logic, and does not require large-scale modification of existing electric furnace oxygen lance equipment. It has good industrial applicability and promotion value. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the U-shaped frame water-cooling element used for cooling the cluster gun in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a single independent pipeline flow channel; In the diagram: 1-U-shaped frame, 2-pipeline flow channel, 21-U-shaped pipe body, 22-inlet pipe, 23-return pipe, 3-return port, 4-inlet, 5-return flow meter, 6-inlet valve. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. These embodiments are implemented based on the technical solutions of the present invention, providing detailed implementation methods and specific operating procedures. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the given embodiments without innovative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is how to avoid damage caused by a single flow direction. In order to avoid the high temperature and pressure inside the furnace, the leakage of cooling water into the furnace and the resulting explosion, it is often necessary to immediately stop water cooling and shut down the furnace for maintenance. This invention improves the water cooling element and provides a U-shaped frame water cooling element for cooling a cluster gun. This water cooling element uses multiple flow directions and multiple pipe walls to solve the failure of water cooling components caused by a single damage direction. Example 1

[0031] This embodiment provides a U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling a cluster lance, which is installed in the high-temperature area between the oxygen lance holder and the furnace wall of an electric furnace.

[0032] See Figure 1As shown, the U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling the cluster gun includes a U-shaped frame 1. The U-shaped frame 1 is made of seamless carbon steel or copper tubing, and its shape is designed with reference to the shape of the oxygen lance holder in an electric furnace. The size of the U-shaped frame 1 is adapted to the holder. Inside the U-shaped frame 1, there are four independent pipe channels 2 arranged from bottom to top. Each independent pipe channel 2 is not connected to each other and is independent of each other. Multiple independent pipe channels 2 are grouped in pairs. The two independent pipe channels 2 in each group are arranged facing each other, and the two independent pipe channels 2 in each group are interlocked in the horizontal direction. When any pipe channel 2 is damaged, the remaining pipe channels 2 continue to operate independently.

[0033] For details, please refer to Figure 2 As shown, each pipe channel 2 includes a U-shaped pipe body 21. One end of the U-shaped pipe body 21 is connected to the inlet pipe 22 via an elbow, and the other end is connected to the return pipe 23 via an elbow. The inlet pipe 22, the U-shaped pipe body 21, and the return pipe 23 are arranged in a continuous U-shaped zigzag pattern to extend the flow path of the cooling medium in the limited space and improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0034] See Figure 1 As shown, each independent pipe channel 2 has a U-shaped frame 1 extending from both ends to form a corresponding return water inlet 3 and inlet 4. A return water flow meter 5 is installed on the return water inlet, and an inlet valve 6 is installed on the inlet. When any independent pipe channel is damaged and leaks, only the valves on the corresponding inlet and return water pipes are closed, while the valves on the other independent pipe channels remain open. The return water inlets 3 of multiple independent pipe channels 2 are connected to an independent return water pipe, and the inlet water inlets 4 of multiple independent pipe channels 2 are connected to an independent inlet water pipe. The inlet water pipe is connected to the coolant. The outlet of the return water pipe and the inlet of the inlet water pipe are each equipped with a flow control valve. The total inlet flow rate passes through one valve, and the total outlet flow rate passes through another valve. On the one hand, the total flow rate is used to determine whether there is a leak. On the other hand, if a single pipe channel is ruptured and cut off, the flow rate of the remaining water will be increased while keeping the total flow rate unchanged, ensuring the overall water cooling effect of the water-cooled components and preventing further damage to the ruptured area due to high temperature.

[0035] It should be noted that this water-cooling component also includes a temperature detection device, an alarm device, and an interlocking control system. The temperature detection device is installed on the pipeline flow channel to detect the inlet and outlet water temperatures of each pipeline flow channel. The interlocking control system is connected to the temperature detection device, return water flow meter, inlet valve, alarm device, furnace tilting device, and oxygen on / off device, respectively. The temperature detection device includes an inlet water temperature sensor installed at the inlet of each independent pipeline and a return water temperature sensor installed at the return water inlet; the return water flow meter and the inlet valve with built-in flow detection function constitute the flow detection device, which is installed at the inlet of each independent pipeline and at the return water inlet to detect the inlet water temperature and the return water temperature. The alarm device determines whether a leak has occurred in the corresponding pipeline based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water temperatures and the flow difference between the inlet and outlet water flow rates of each independent pipeline. When the temperature difference and / or flow difference of any independent pipeline exceeds a preset threshold, the alarm device issues an alarm signal. The interlocking control system uses existing PLC controllers, which are connected to the temperature detection device, return water flow meter, inlet valve, alarm device, furnace tilting device, and oxygen on / off device.

[0036] The specific operation of the interlocking control system is as follows: When the alarm device sends an alarm signal, the PLC controller controls the furnace tilting device to tilt the furnace and controls the oxygen switching device to cut off the oxygen supply.

[0037] In this embodiment, the inlet temperature of each pipeline is 30°C (normal temperature), and the outlet temperature is 39°C; the water flow rate of each pipeline is 33 m³ / h, and the inlet and outlet flow rate difference is 0.9 m² / h (<3 m² / h). This parameter ensures that under rated operating conditions, the temperature gradient from the furnace wall to the gun holder decreases to less than 55°C.

[0038] The specific implementation includes the following steps: (1) Coolant is supplied to multiple independent pipe channels inside the U-shaped frame through the water inlet pipe, so that the coolant in each pipe channel flows independently. (2) Detect the inlet water temperature, return water temperature, inlet water flow rate and return water flow rate of each pipeline channel respectively; (3) Based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water temperatures and the flow difference between the inlet and outlet water flow rates of each pipeline, determine whether a leak has occurred in the corresponding pipeline. When any pipeline or flow channel leaks, an alarm signal is issued, and only the coolant supply and return channel of the leaking pipeline or flow channel are shut off. At the same time, the interlock control of the furnace tilting device and the oxygen opening and closing device performs safety protection actions; the remaining pipelines and flow channels that have not leaked continue to operate independently and normally. Once the ruptured pipe is identified, the water flow to that pipe is stopped. The condition of the remaining pipes and the water cooling effect are monitored. This process causes almost no time loss. When maintaining water-cooled components: clearly identify the leak point of the water-cooled component and perform spot checks on the rest. This takes about 20 minutes.

[0039] Comparative Example Traditional oxygen lances use unidirectional water-cooled components. The water-cooled component has a single series flow channel inside. The coolant enters from the inlet and flows sequentially through each cooling zone, finally exiting from the outlet. If any part of the flow channel is damaged and leaks, because the flow channels are connected in series, the coolant leaks to the damaged point, disrupting the pressure balance of the entire system and interrupting the coolant circulation of the entire water-cooled component. The only response is to immediately stop the water supply and shut down the furnace for maintenance.

[0040] Water flow rate: 35 square meters / hour; outlet water temperature: 43 degrees Celsius (<55 degrees Celsius); inlet and outlet water flow difference: 1.3 square meters / hour (<3 square meters / hour); when water-cooled components leak: immediately shut down the furnace, power, and oxygen supply, locate the leak, and replace the components, which will take approximately 90 minutes, equivalent to a production output of 187 tons and a loss of 37,000 yuan; when maintaining water-cooled components: perform overall maintenance, first locate the leak, which will take approximately 40 minutes.

[0041] Using the U-shaped frame water-cooling element of this invention, the multi-flow direction and multi-pipe wall design solve the problem of water-cooling component failure caused by single-damage situations. While ensuring the cooling effect, it can still work for a short time when some pipes rupture. Economic benefits are predicted as follows: reducing the downtime of gun holder leakage reduces the time saved by 60 minutes over the entire furnace service life, equivalent to an output of 125 tons, generating a benefit of approximately 25,000 yuan; the failure time of the gun holder water-cooling element can be dealt with during maintenance, reducing the time saved by 120 minutes over the entire furnace service life, equivalent to an output of 250 tons, generating a benefit of approximately 50,000 yuan.

[0042] By setting multiple independent, non-interconnected pipe channels inside the U-shaped frame, redundant cooling function is achieved; precise judgment is achieved through dual detection of inlet and outlet water temperature difference and flow rate difference; and automated safety protection is achieved through interlocking with furnace tilting and oxygen opening and closing. This invention requires no large-scale modification of existing electric furnace oxygen lance equipment, has good industrial applicability and promising prospects, and can be widely applied to the technical transformation and new construction of electric furnace oxygen lance cooling systems. It has significant economic and social benefits in improving electric furnace operating rates, reducing downtime losses, and ensuring safe production.

[0043] In addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention may have other implementations. All technical solutions formed by equivalent substitution or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling a cluster gun, characterized in that: Includes a U-shaped frame (1), inside which are arranged multiple independent pipe channels (2), the multiple independent pipe channels (2) are arranged in pairs, the two independent pipe channels (2) in each group are arranged facing each other, and the two independent pipe channels (2) in each group are interlocked in the horizontal direction. Each independent pipe channel (2) extends out of the U-shaped frame (1) at both ends to form a corresponding return water inlet (3) and inlet (4). The return water inlet is equipped with a return water flow meter (5), and the inlet is equipped with an inlet valve (6). The return water inlets (3) of multiple independent pipe channels (2) are respectively connected to a return water pipe, and the inlet (4) of multiple independent pipe channels (2) are respectively connected to an inlet pipe. When any of the pipeline channels (2) is damaged, the remaining pipeline channels (2) continue to operate independently.

2. The U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling a cluster gun according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the pipe channels (2) includes a U-shaped pipe body (21), one end of which is connected to an inlet pipe (22) via a bend, and the other end is connected to a return pipe (23) via a bend. The inlet pipe (22), the U-shaped pipe body (21), and the return pipe (23) are arranged in a continuous U-shaped zigzag pattern.

3. The U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling a cluster gun according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet of the return water pipe and the inlet of the inlet water pipe are respectively equipped with flow valves.

4. The U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling a cluster gun according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes temperature detection devices, alarm devices, and interlocking control systems; The temperature detection device is installed on the pipeline channel to detect the inlet and outlet water temperatures of each pipeline channel. The interlocking control system is connected to the temperature detection device, return water flow meter, inlet valve, alarm device, furnace tilting device, and oxygen on / off device, respectively.

5. The U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling a cluster gun according to claim 4, characterized in that: The temperature detection device includes an inlet water temperature sensor installed at the inlet of each independent pipeline channel and a return water temperature sensor installed at the return water outlet.

6. The U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling a cluster gun according to claim 4, characterized in that: The inlet valve has a built-in flow detection function, and the inlet valve and the return flow meter detect the inlet flow and outlet flow of each pipeline.

7. The U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling a cluster gun according to claim 4, characterized in that: The alarm device determines whether a leak has occurred in the corresponding pipeline based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water temperatures and the flow difference between the inlet and outlet water flow rates of each independent pipeline.

8. The U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling a cluster gun according to claim 1, characterized in that: The U-shaped frame (1) is adapted to the electric furnace cooling cluster gun holder.

9. The U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling a cluster gun according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inlet temperature of the independent pipeline is 30°C (normal temperature), and the outlet temperature is less than 55°C.

10. The U-shaped frame water-cooling element for cooling a cluster gun according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water flow rate of each of the aforementioned independent pipe channels is 33 m³ / h.

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