Material transfer container and method of transferring material from the container to a receiving device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a material transfer container and a method of transferring material from the container to a receiving device. A hot material transfer container (10) includes a body (12) having a top (14), a bottom (16) and a sidewall (18) extending between the top and the bottom and defining a chamber (20) for holding a hot material (22) to be transferred. The container includes a selectively openable and closable inlet (24) for material into the chamber and an openable and closable outlet (26) for material out of the chamber. The container further includes at least one pressure equalization conduit (28) extending between a first end (30) thereof located in a region (32) in gas flow communication with the outlet (26) and a second end (34) thereof in communication with a region (36) of the chamber facing the top of the body. A valve assembly (46) includes an outlet valve (50) for opening and closing the outlet and a conduit valve (56) for opening and closing the conduit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to containers, and more particularly, to transport containers for transporting materials from a source to a destination, such as, but not limited to, containers for transporting hot direct reduced iron from a source, such as a direct reduction facility, to subsequent processing equipment, such as an electric melting furnace. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, primary steel production is achieved through two main methods. The first is the so-called blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) method. In this method, iron ore is reduced in a blast furnace (BF) using reducing agents such as coke and coal. The resulting molten iron is then transferred to a basic oxygen furnace (BOF), where oxygen is blown through to remove excess carbon, thereby producing steel. The steel is further refined in a ladle furnace (LF) before being cast into the desired form.

[0003] The second method is the so-called Direct Reduced Iron-Electric Arc Furnace (DRI-EAF) process. In this method, direct reduced iron (DRI) is produced in a direct reduction facility (DRP), also known as a reduction furnace (RF). Some producers may use a kiln to pre-reduce iron ore or pellets. The DRI is then transferred to an electric arc furnace (EAF), which operates in an oxidizing environment to melt and decarburize the charge, thus producing steel. Hot or cold DRI can be introduced into the EAF, and additional ferrous materials, such as molten pig iron or recycled scrap, can also be added. The subsequent refining and casting processes in the LF are similar to those in the BF-BOF process. While the BF-BOF process remains the dominant steelmaking method, the DRI-EAF process has gained industry attention due to factors such as the scarcity and price volatility of scrap steel and the low impurity content of DRI, which improves steel quality.

[0004] Recently, a third method, the Direct Reduced Iron-Electric Smelting Furnace-Balanced Oxygen Furnace (DRI-ESF-BOF) method, has been industrialized. In this method, thermal direct reduced iron (HDRI) is produced in the DRI. The HDRI is then transferred to an electric smelting furnace (ESF), which is designed to melt the HDRI under controlled conditions. Unlike EAF, the ESF melts the charge under reducing conditions, making it suitable for subsequent processing. The molten iron from the ESF is then transferred to the BOF, where oxygen is blown through the molten material to remove excess carbon and produce steel. The subsequent refining and casting processes in the LF are similar to those in the BF-BOF method. This hybrid approach combines the advantages of DRI production with the higher yield efficiency of ESF and the high productivity of BOF, thus providing a flexible and sustainable alternative to traditional steelmaking methods.

[0005] However, transferring HDRI pellets from DRP to downstream processing equipment, such as ESF, at elevated temperatures requires an inert atmosphere. An inert atmosphere is crucial because HDRI pellets are highly auto-igniting and can spontaneously ignite upon exposure to oxygen, posing a significant fire hazard and potentially causing equipment blockage due to clinker formation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a transfer container and method that the applicant believes can avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages or dangers, or that the transfer container and method can provide a useful alternative to known transfer mechanisms.

[0007] According to the present invention, a transfer container is provided, the transfer container comprising:

[0008] - A body having a top, a bottom and sidewalls extending between the top and the bottom and defining a chamber for retaining material;

[0009] - A selectively openable and closable entrance for material entry into the chamber;

[0010] - An openable and closable exit for materials to leave the chamber;

[0011] - At least one pressure balancing conduit, the pressure balancing conduit extending between a first end and a second end of the pressure balancing conduit, the first end being located in a region in communication with the outlet gas flow, and the second end being in communication with a region of the chamber facing the top of the body.

[0012] - A first structure that extends from a region toward the bottom of the body and, together with the body, defines a region in communication with the outlet gas flow;

[0013] - A sealing structure located on the first structure and configured to sealably engage the receiving device to form an airtight connection between the container and the receiving device.

[0014] - A valve assembly comprising an outlet valve configured to open and close an outlet and a corresponding conduit valve configured to open and close at least one pressure balancing conduit, the valve assembly being movable between a first position relative to the body in which the outlet valve is in a closed position and the corresponding conduit valve is in a closed position and a second position relative to the body in which the outlet valve is in an open position and the corresponding conduit valve is in an open position, such that during material discharge, when the container is sealed with the receiving device, the pressure in the area in communication with the outlet gas flow and the pressure in the top space of the chamber are balanced via the pressure balancing conduit.

[0015] The material can be a thermal material, such as thermal direct reduced iron (HDRI).

[0016] At least a portion of the sidewalls may be made of refractory materials.

[0017] At least a portion of the pressure balancing conduit can be integrally formed with the sidewall.

[0018] At least a portion of the catheter may be in the form of a hole defined in the sidewall.

[0019] In other embodiments, at least a portion of the conduit may include a tube embedded or cast into the sidewall.

[0020] The entrance can be confined to the top of the body, and the exit can be confined to the bottom of the body, such that the main axis of the body extends between the entrance and the exit.

[0021] The first structure may include a hanging skirt-like part.

[0022] The area in communication with the outlet gas flow may include a cavity defined between the body and the skirt.

[0023] The sealing structure can be located on the skirt-shaped part, on the side opposite to the inlet, in a position separated from the outlet.

[0024] The body can be elongated, and the main axis can be a longitudinal axis.

[0025] The cavity can surround the outlet.

[0026] The cavity can be annular, and the sealing structure can also be annular.

[0027] The corresponding conduit valve may be located at the first end of at least one pressure-balanced conduit.

[0028] The valve assembly may include a lifting structure for the container, the lifting structure surrounding the body and at least one lever connecting the lifting structure to an outlet valve and a corresponding conduit valve. The valve assembly is movable between a first axial position relative to the body and a second axial position relative to the body, in the first axial position the outlet valve is in a closed position abutting against a valve seat at the outlet, and in the second axial position the outlet valve is in an open position axially spaced from the valve seat and the corresponding conduit valve is in an open position.

[0029] The scope of this invention also includes a method for transferring material from a container as defined above to a receiving device, the method comprising:

[0030] - With the inlet closed, the valve assembly in the first position, and the outlet valve and the corresponding conduit valve in their closed positions, the sealing structure of the container is sealed to the cooperating sealing structure on the receiving device to form an airtight fit between the container and the receiving device, and to make the area in communication with the outlet gas flow communicate with the receiving device.

[0031] - Purge the area with inert gas;

[0032] - Move the valve assembly from the first position to the second position, move the corresponding conduit valve to the open position, and move the outlet valve to the open position;

[0033] - Discharging materials into the receiving device; and

[0034] - Use at least one pressure balancing conduit to balance the pressure in the area and the pressure in the headspace of the chamber. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The invention will now be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a partially cut schematic side view of an example embodiment of a container for transferring thermal material from a source to a destination, illustrating that the inlet to the body of the container is closed and a valve assembly forming part of the container is in a first axial position relative to the body, wherein the outlet valve located at the outlet of the body is also in a closed position.

[0037] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a portion of the container suspended above the hopper at the destination by a cable.

[0038] Figure 3 It is a schematic side view of a portion of the container that is airtightly connected to the hopper;

[0039] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the sealed area between the container and the hopper, showing the cavity defined by the container and in communication with the fluid flow in the hopper;

[0040] Figure 5 It is similar to Figure 4 The view shows the chamber and hopper being purged with inert gas;

[0041] Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 3 The view shows the container being released by a cable, and the valve assembly moving downward toward a second axial position relative to the body to open the conduit valve at the inlet to the pressure balancing conduit that forms part of the container.

[0042] Figure 7This is an enlarged view of the conduit valve and the area leading to the conduit inlet;

[0043] Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 3 The view shows the valve assembly in a second axial position relative to the body, and the outlet valve at the outlet is in the open position; and

[0044] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of the outlet valve area. Detailed Implementation

[0045] exist Figures 1 to 9 In the figure, the container used to transfer thermal material from a source (not shown) to a destination is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0046] In the example application of container 10, the source can be a direct reduction facility (DRP), the thermal material can be thermal direct reduced iron (HDRI), and the destination can include the input material feed hopper 100. Figures 2 to 9 The electric melting furnace (ESF) shown in the figure.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 The hot material transfer container 10 includes a body 12 having a top 14, a bottom 16, and sidewalls 18 extending between the top and bottom, and defining a chamber 20 for holding hot material 22 to be transferred. The container includes an inlet 24 that can be selectively opened and closed for material entering the chamber, and an outlet 26 that can be opened and closed for material leaving the chamber. The container also includes at least one pressure balancing conduit 28 extending between a first end 30 and a second end 34 of the pressure balancing conduit 28, the first end 30 being located in a region 32 in gas flow communication with the outlet 26, and the second end 34 communicating with a region 36 of the chamber facing the top of the body.

[0048] In the example embodiment, the body 12 is made of a refractory material. The body is elongated, preferably generally cylindrical, and the inlet 24 and outlet 26 are defined on the main axis and longitudinal axis 38.

[0049] At least one pressure-balancing conduit 28 may be in the form of a hole defined in the sidewall 18. However, in the currently preferred embodiment, the conduit comprises a tube embedded or cast into the sidewall 18.

[0050] Inlet 24 can be opened and closed by a valve, such as gate valve 40.

[0051] For example, a first structure in the form of a hanging skirt 42 extends downward from the region toward the bottom of the body 18 beyond the outlet 26 to define a region 32 in the form of a continuous and annular cavity 44 between the body 18 and the skirt 42. The outlet 26 is located in the cavity, and the outlet 26 and the first end 30 of the pressure balancing conduit 28 are in gas flow communication with each other via the cavity. An annular sealing structure 45 is provided on the skirt, which will be further mentioned below.

[0052] The container also includes a valve assembly 46. The valve assembly includes a container lifting structure in the form of a lifting ring 48 mounted coaxially with the body, and an outlet valve 50 for an outlet 26. The lifting ring 48 is rigidly connected to the outlet valve 50 via at least one pull rod 52 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and a connecting web 54 extending radially inward between the respective pull rod and the valve. Assembly 46 is capable of operating in a first axial position relative to the body ( Figures 1 to 7 (as shown) and the second axial position relative to the body ( Figure 8 and Figure 9 The outlet valve 50 moves between the outlet 26 and the valve seat 53 in the first axial position, and in the second axial position, the outlet valve is in the open position axially separated from the valve seat 53.

[0053] Valve assembly 46 also includes a conduit valve 56 cooperating with the first end 30 of conduit 28. Conduit valve 56 is connected via an arm 58 to a lever in lever 52. When valve assembly 46 is in the first position, conduit valve 56 is in a closed position relative to the first end 30 of conduit 28, and as the assembly moves toward the second position, the conduit valve opens the first end of the conduit. Thus, when valve assembly 46 is in the first position, both outlet valve 50 and conduit valve 56 are in their closed positions, and when the assembly is in its second position, both outlet valve 50 and conduit valve 56 are in their open positions. However, as the assembly moves from the first position to the second position, a mechanical or other delay can be provided between first opening conduit valve 56 and then opening outlet valve 50. Typically, one or both of conduit valve 56 and outlet valve 50 may be in the form of a plug, such as a tapered plug or a truncated tapered plug.

[0054] In use, and at the source, with inlet 24 open and valve assembly 46 in the first position, hot material 22 is loaded into chamber 20. (Refer to...) Figure 2 With cable 60 suspended by a crane (not shown) connected to lifting ring 48, container 10 moves from source to destination. While suspended and under the influence of the mass of body 12 and hot material 22, valve assembly 46 remains in a first position, i.e., both outlet valve 50 and conduit valve 56 are in their closed position. At destination, the suspended container moves to a position above hopper 100.Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, container 10 descends onto hopper 100, wherein the aforementioned sealing structure 45 on the skirt portion is aligned with the cooperating sealing structure 102 on the hopper. Once an airtight seal has been formed, cable 60 is released to allow the container to sit on the hopper under the influence of the container and material's mass.

[0055] In the next step and as Figure 5 As shown, chamber 44 is purged with an inert gas 62, such as nitrogen. The gas occupies at least the top portion of the chamber and the hopper.

[0056] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when the valve assembly 46 moves automatically toward the second axial position of the valve assembly 46 under the influence of gravity, the conduit valve 56 opens the conduit 28, and the gas 62 moves through the pressure balancing conduit 28 to the region 36 toward the top of the body.

[0057] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, as valve assembly 46 moves further toward its second position, valve 50 moves away from its seat 53, and material 22 moves into hopper 100 through outlet 26. Pressure balancing conduit 28 ensures pressure balance between cavity 44 and the ultimately increased top space in region 36 toward the top of the body, thereby providing an inert atmosphere near the material during ESF filling and preventing unwanted oxygen from entering from the outside.

Claims

1. A material transfer container, comprising: - A body having a top, a bottom and sidewalls extending between the top and the bottom and defining a chamber for retaining material; - An inlet that can be selectively opened and closed, the inlet being used for the material to enter the chamber; - An openable and closable outlet for the material to exit the chamber; - At least one pressure balancing conduit, the pressure balancing conduit extending between a first end and a second end, the first end being located in a region in communication with the outlet gas flow, and the second end being in communication with a region of the chamber facing the top of the body; - A first structure, the first structure extending from a region toward the bottom of the body and together with the body defining the region in flow communication with the outlet gas; - A sealing structure located on the first structure and configured to sealably engage the receiving device to form an airtight connection between the container and the receiving device; - A valve assembly comprising an outlet valve configured to open and close the outlet and a corresponding conduit valve configured to open and close at least one of the pressure balancing conduits, the valve assembly being movable between a first position relative to the body where the outlet valve is in the closed position and the corresponding conduit valve is in the closed position and a second position relative to the body where the outlet valve is in the open position and the corresponding conduit valve is in the open position, such that during the discharge of the material, when the container is sealed with the receiving device, the pressure in the region in communication with the outlet gas flow and the pressure in the top space of the chamber are balanced via the pressure balancing conduit.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the sidewall is made of refractory material.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein, At least a portion of the pressure balancing conduit is integrally formed with the sidewall.

4. The container according to claim 3, wherein, At least a portion of the conduit is in the form of a hole defined in the sidewall.

5. The container according to claim 3, wherein, The at least portion of the conduit includes a tube embedded or cast into the sidewall.

6. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The inlet is defined in the top of the body, and the outlet is defined in the bottom of the body, wherein a main axis extends between the inlet and the outlet.

7. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The first structure includes a draped skirt-like portion, and wherein the region in flow communication with the outlet gas includes a cavity defined between the body and the skirt-like portion.

8. The container according to claim 7, wherein, The sealing structure is located on the skirt portion, on the side opposite to the inlet, in a position separated from the outlet.

9. The container according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The body is elongated, and the main axis is a longitudinal axis.

10. The container according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The cavity surrounds the outlet.

11. The container according to claim 10, wherein, The cavity is annular, and the sealing structure is annular.

12. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The corresponding conduit valve is located at the first end of at least one of the pressure balancing conduits.

13. The container according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The valve assembly includes a lifting structure for the container, the lifting structure surrounding the body and at least one lever connecting the lifting structure to the outlet valve and the corresponding conduit valve. The valve assembly is movable between a first axial position relative to the body and a second axial position relative to the body, in the first axial position the outlet valve is in a closed position abutting against a valve seat at the outlet, and in the second axial position the outlet valve is in an open position axially spaced from the valve seat and the corresponding conduit valve is in the open position.

14. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The valve assembly includes a delay device configured to cause a delay between first opening the corresponding conduit valve and then opening the outlet valve as the valve assembly moves from the first position toward the second position.

15. A method for transferring material from a container according to any one of claims 1 to 14 to a receiving device, the method comprising: - With the inlet closed, the valve assembly in the first position, and the outlet valve and the corresponding conduit valve in their closed positions, the sealing structure of the container is sealed to the cooperating sealing structure on the receiving device to form an airtight fit between the container and the receiving device, and the area in communication with the outlet gas flow is connected to the receiving device. - Purge the area with inert gas; - Move the valve assembly from the first position to the second position, move the corresponding conduit valve to the open position, and move the outlet valve to the open position; - Discharge the material into the receiving device; as well as - Use at least one of the pressure balancing conduits to balance the pressure in the area and the pressure in the overhead space of the chamber.

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