Rare earth smelting truss automatic control system and method
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610918877.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-06-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing rare earth electrolytic smelting processes have low automation, high labor costs, and safety hazards. The conditions inside the furnace are difficult to adjust, and the high temperature poses a significant risk.
An automated control system for rare earth smelting trusses was designed, including a boss, truss, electrolytic furnace, molybdenum pot lifting module, electrolyte stirring module, tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism, and electrolyte knockout device. The system realizes automated operation and uses temperature and pressure sensors for real-time monitoring and adjustment.
It has achieved automated control of the rare earth smelting process, reduced manual operation, improved safety, ensured the stability of temperature and material storage conditions, avoided high temperature hazards, and improved production efficiency and safety.
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Figure CN123027628A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of rare earth electrolysis, and in particular to an automated control system and method for a rare earth smelting truss. Background Technology
[0002] Rare earth electrolysis is the core method for industrial preparation of rare earth metals, mainly achieved through molten salt electrolysis. Rare earth compounds (such as chlorides or oxides) are melted at high temperatures, and when direct current is applied, rare earth ions gain electrons at the cathode and are reduced to elemental metals. However, most existing rare earth electrolytic smelting processes are carried out manually, resulting in low automation, high labor costs, and significant risks due to the high temperatures inside the electrolytic furnace and the difficulty in monitoring and adjusting the furnace conditions. Summary of the Invention
[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems of high risks associated with manual operations and difficulty in adjusting furnace conditions, this invention provides an automated control system and method for rare earth smelting trusses.
[0004] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: An automated control system for rare earth smelting trusses includes a boss and a truss. An electrolytic furnace is located inside the boss, and a truss is located outside the boss. The truss is a double-column gantry truss, with a horizontal beam at the top. A molybdenum pot lifting module and an electrolyte stirring module are mounted on the horizontal beam. A tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism is mounted on the left column, and an electrolyte knockout device is mounted on the right column. A feeding meter is located above the boss opening. The feeding meter, molybdenum pot lifting module, electrolyte stirring module, tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism, and electrolyte knockout device are connected to the control system. A temperature sensor is located inside the electrolytic furnace, and a pressure sensor is located on the molybdenum pot lifting module. The control system includes a controller, a laser size measurement module, a pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor.
[0005] The molybdenum pot lifting module includes a rack a, a rack a located in the middle of the right side of the transverse beam, a rotating tooth a on the rack a, a guide rail a on the outer side of the rack a, a slider a on the guide rail a, the slider a located at the bottom of the mounting plate a, a motor a on the mounting plate a, the motor a passing through the mounting plate a and connected to the rotating tooth a, a reducer a on the motor a, a vertical plate a in the middle of the mounting plate a, a horizontally oriented motor b on the vertical plate a, a reducer b on the motor b, a mounting plate b on the front side of the vertical plate a, a slider b on the mounting plate b, a guide rail b on the slider b, the guide rail b located at the bottom of the mounting base a, and the mounting base a. The inner wall is provided with a rack b, and the motor b is connected to the rack b through the rotating gear b. The rack a and rack b are at a perpendicular angle. The front end of the mounting base a is provided with a mounting plate c, and the mounting plate c is provided with a vertical arm beam a. The arm beam a has a square cross-section. The rack c is provided in the middle of the front side of the arm beam a. The front part and side wall of the arm beam a are provided with guide rails c. The guide rails c are provided with sliders c. The sliders c are located on the mounting plate d. The upper part of the mounting plate d is provided with a motor c. The motor c passes through the mounting plate d and is connected to the rotating gear c. The rotating gear c contacts the tooth body c. The lower part of the mounting plate d is provided with a mounting plate e. The mounting plate e is provided with a gripper cylinder. The bottom of the gripper cylinder is provided with a gripper.
[0006] The electrolyte stirring module includes a rack d, a rack d located in the middle of the left side of the transverse beam, a rotating tooth d on the rack d, a guide rail d on the outer side of the rack, a slider d on the guide rail d, the slider d located at the bottom of the mounting plate f, a motor d on the mounting plate f, the motor d passing through the mounting plate f and connected to the rotating tooth d, a reducer d on the rotating tooth d, a vertical plate b in the middle of the mounting plate f, a horizontally oriented motor e on the vertical plate b, a reducer e on the motor e, a mounting plate g on the front side of the vertical plate b, a slider e on the mounting plate g, a guide rail e on the slider e, the guide rail e located at the bottom of the mounting base c, a rack e on the inner wall of the mounting base c, and the motor e passing through the rotating tooth e. Connected to rack e, rack d and rack e are perpendicular. Mounting plate h is provided at the front end of mounting base c. Vertical arm beam b is provided on mounting plate h. Arm beam b has a square cross-section. Rack f is provided in the middle of the front side of arm beam b. Guide rail f is provided on the front and side wall of mounting base d. Slider f is provided on guide rail f. Slider f is provided on mounting plate i. Motor f is provided on the upper part of mounting plate i. Motor f passes through mounting plate i and is connected to rotating gear f. Rotating gear f is in contact with rack f. Mounting plate j is provided at the lower part of mounting plate i. Rotary cylinder is provided on mounting plate j. Turntable is provided at the bottom of rotary cylinder. Rotating disk is provided at the bottom of turntable. Vertical stirring rod is provided at the bottom of rotating disk. There are two stirring rods.
[0007] The boss is located in the middle of the cube boss, and a circular protrusion is provided in the middle of the boss.
[0008] The tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism includes a support frame located at the lower part of the left column. A mounting plate k is provided on the surface of the support frame, and an arm beam c is provided on the surface of the mounting plate k. Two rows of guide rails g are provided on the surface of the arm beam c, and a slider g is provided on the guide rails g. A mounting plate m is provided at the top of the slider g, and a vertical arm beam d is provided on the mounting plate m. A rack g is provided in the middle of the arm beam d, and a rotating tooth g is provided on the rack g. A guide rail i is provided on the outer side of the rack g, and a slider i is provided on the guide rail i. The slider i is located at the bottom of the mounting plate n, and a motor g is provided on the mounting plate n. The motor g passes through the mounting plate n and connects to the rotating tooth g. A reducer g is provided on the motor g. A horizontal plate is provided at the lower part of the mounting plate i, and a vertical tungsten rod is provided on the horizontal plate.
[0009] The transverse beam is equipped with anti-collision rubber heads at both ends.
[0010] The electrolyte knockout device is mounted on a crossbeam. There are two placement positions at the front of the crossbeam and a tilting rack at the rear, which is connected to the tilting box.
[0011] An automated control process for a rare earth smelting truss includes an automated control system for the rare earth smelting truss, the specific operation steps of which are as follows: Start-up: Parameter settings complete. Determine the current rotation position and torque, current lifting position and torque, current lateral movement position and torque, and current clamping position and torque. Start-up. Molybdenum pot placement: The molybdenum pot is in its initial position. The molybdenum pot lifting module works, and the grippers move to the initial position of the molybdenum pot to pick it up and place it into the electrolysis furnace. The grippers are servo grippers, and the clamping force can be set through the input interface. In actual production, the optimal clamping force value can be easily found through fine-tuning tests of the clamping force. Molybdenum pot feedback: The current furnace condition of the electrolytic furnace is determined by the torque of clamping the molybdenum pot and the furnace temperature detection. If the lifting shaft torque is too high and the temperature is too low, it is determined that the furnace bottom temperature is low, causing viscosity. Through signal feedback, the electrolytic furnace increases the voltage to maintain the furnace temperature 10-20 degrees higher. The lifting shaft torque is continuously monitored until it is normal, and then all settings are restored. If it is still ineffective after N cycles, an alarm is triggered and manual intervention is required. If the lifting shaft torque is too high, and the temperature is normal or too high, it is determined that there is too much material at the bottom of the furnace. Through signal feedback, the electrolytic furnace reduces the material feeding by 80-100%. The controller feeds back to the electrolyte stirring module. If there is too much material, the stirring rod will stir. The electrolyte stirring module uses a servo motor to move, and the stirring rod is rotated by a rotary cylinder until the temperature and torque are normal. Then all settings are restored. If it is still ineffective after N cycles, an alarm is triggered and manual intervention is required.
[0012] The molybdenum pot lifting module operates by moving the grippers directly above the molybdenum pot, opening them, and lowering them into the furnace. Upon contact with the pot, the grippers retract and place the pot onto the tilting frame. The tilting frame has an arc-shaped inner wall that mates with the molybdenum pot. The tilting frame then rotates, allowing a dedicated tilting mechanism to pour molten metal into the mold. An empty molybdenum pot is prepared before removal. After the molybdenum pot lifting module removes the pot, it can be quickly placed into the electrolysis furnace to reduce the time the tungsten rod remains outside the furnace. The tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism inserts the tungsten rod into the electrolysis furnace according to instructions. After the molybdenum pot is tilted, the molybdenum pot lifting module operates, gripping and placing the rod in front of the tilting frame, and then covering it with a crucible cover.
[0013] Using the technical solution of this invention, the structure is novel, the design is ingenious and simple, and the truss structure is relatively sturdy. Because there are devices on the crossbeams that need to bear the weight, there are molybdenum pot lifting modules and electrolyte stirring modules on the crossbeams to complete the pot taking, pot placing and stirring processes. There is a tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism on the left column to complete the timely placement of the tungsten rod into the furnace. The right column is equipped with an electrolyte knocking device to tilt the molybdenum pot containing the electrolyte and to allow the spare pot, i.e., the empty molybdenum pot, to enter the electrolysis furnace. The feeding meter is controlled by the feeding signal. The whole set is truly automated, avoiding manual operation of the electrolysis furnace and increasing safety hazards. More importantly, by adjusting the temperature during the material storage, the feeding amount is reduced, and stirring is used to achieve uniform material turning. At low temperatures, the material storage is processed by pressurization. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 , 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 3 , 4 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the molybdenum pot lifting module and the electrolyte stirring module of the present invention; Figure 6 , 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the molybdenum pot lifting module of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the molybdenum pot tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the crossbeam of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure controlled by the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0015] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. like Figure 1 , 2An automated control system for a rare earth smelting truss, shown in figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, includes a boss 23 and a truss. An electrolytic furnace is housed within the boss 23, and the truss, a double-column gantry truss, is located outside the boss 23. A horizontal beam 1 is mounted on the upper part of the truss, and a molybdenum pot lifting module and an electrolyte stirring module are mounted on the horizontal beam 1. A tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism is mounted on the left column, and an electrolyte knockout device is mounted on the right column. A feeding meter is located above the opening of the boss 23. The feeding meter, molybdenum pot lifting module, electrolyte stirring module, tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism, and electrolyte knockout device are connected to the control system. A temperature sensor is located inside the electrolytic furnace, and a pressure sensor is located on the molybdenum pot lifting module. The control system includes a controller, a laser dimension measurement module, a pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor. The laser dimension measurement module enables position positioning, ensuring accurate positioning. The molybdenum pot lifting module includes a rack a2. A rack a2 is located in the middle of the right side of the transverse beam 1. A rotating tooth a is mounted on the rack a2. A guide rail a4 is located on the outer side of the rack a2. A slider a5 is mounted on the guide rail a4. The slider a5 is located at the bottom of the mounting plate a6. A motor a3 is mounted on the mounting plate a6. The motor a3 passes through the mounting plate a6 and connects to the rotating tooth a. A reducer a7 is mounted on the motor a3. A vertical plate a8 is located in the middle of the mounting plate a6. A horizontally oriented motor b is mounted on the vertical plate a8. A reducer b is mounted on the motor b. A mounting plate b9 is located in front of the vertical plate a8. A slider b is mounted on the mounting plate b9. A guide rail b is mounted on the slider b. The guide rail b is located at the bottom of the mounting base a10. The inner wall of the mounting base a10... A rack b is provided, and a motor b is connected to the rack b through a rotating tooth b. The rack a2 and the rack b are at a perpendicular angle. A mounting plate c is provided at the front end of the mounting base a10. A vertical arm beam a12 is provided on the mounting plate c. The arm beam a12 has a square cross-section. A rack c is provided in the middle of the front side of the arm beam a12. A guide rail c is provided on the front part and side wall of the arm beam a12. A slider c is provided on the guide rail c. The slider c is located on the mounting plate d13. A motor c is provided on the upper part of the mounting plate d13. The motor c passes through the mounting plate d13 and is connected to the rotating tooth c. The rotating tooth c is in contact with the tooth body c. A mounting plate e14 is provided at the lower part of the mounting plate d13. A gripper cylinder 15 is provided on the mounting plate e14. A gripper 16 is provided at the bottom of the gripper cylinder 15. Example like Figure 1 , 2An automated control system for a rare earth smelting truss, shown in figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, includes a boss 23 and a truss. An electrolytic furnace is housed within the boss 23, and the truss, a double-column gantry truss, is located on the outer side of the boss 23. A horizontal beam 1 is mounted on the upper part of the truss, and a molybdenum pot lifting module and an electrolyte stirring module are mounted on the horizontal beam 1. A tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism is mounted on the left column, and an electrolyte knockout device is mounted on the right column. A feeding meter is located above the opening of the boss 23. The feeding meter, molybdenum pot lifting module, electrolyte stirring module, tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism, and electrolyte knockout device are connected to the control system. A temperature sensor is located inside the electrolytic furnace, and a pressure sensor is located on the molybdenum pot lifting module. The control system includes a controller, a laser dimension measurement module, a pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor. The laser dimension measurement module enables position positioning, ensuring accurate positioning. The molybdenum pot lifting module includes a rack a2. A rack a2 is located in the middle of the right side of the transverse beam 1. A rotating tooth a is mounted on the rack a2. A guide rail a4 is located on the outer side of the rack a2. A slider a5 is mounted on the guide rail a4. The slider a5 is located at the bottom of the mounting plate a6. A motor a3 is mounted on the mounting plate a6. The motor a3 passes through the mounting plate a6 and connects to the rotating tooth a. A reducer a7 is mounted on the motor a3. A vertical plate a8 is located in the middle of the mounting plate a6. A horizontally oriented motor b is mounted on the vertical plate a8. A reducer b is mounted on the motor b. A mounting plate b9 is located in front of the vertical plate a8. A slider b is mounted on the mounting plate b9. A guide rail b is mounted on the slider b. The guide rail b is located at the bottom of the mounting base a10. The inner wall of the mounting base a10... A rack b is provided, and a motor b is connected to the rack b through a rotating tooth b. The rack a2 and the rack b are at a perpendicular angle. A mounting plate c is provided at the front end of the mounting base a10. A vertical arm beam a12 is provided on the mounting plate c. The arm beam a12 has a square cross-section. A rack c is provided in the middle of the front side of the arm beam a12. A guide rail c is provided on the front part and side wall of the arm beam a12. A slider c is provided on the guide rail c. The slider c is located on the mounting plate d13. A motor c is provided on the upper part of the mounting plate d13. The motor c passes through the mounting plate d13 and is connected to the rotating tooth c. The rotating tooth c is in contact with the tooth body c. A mounting plate e14 is provided at the lower part of the mounting plate d13. A gripper cylinder 15 is provided on the mounting plate e14. A gripper 16 is provided at the bottom of the gripper cylinder 15.
[0016] The electrolyte stirring module includes a rack d17. A rack d17 is located in the middle of the left side of the transverse beam 1. A rotating tooth d is mounted on the rack d17. A guide rail d18 is located on the outer side of the rack 17. A slider d19 is mounted on the guide rail d18. d19 is located at the bottom of the mounting plate f20. A motor d is mounted on the mounting plate f20. The motor d passes through the mounting plate f20 and connects to the rotating tooth d. A reducer d is mounted on the rotating tooth d. A vertical plate b is located in the middle of the mounting plate f20. A horizontally oriented motor e is mounted on the vertical plate b. A reducer e is mounted on the motor e. A mounting plate g is located in front of the vertical plate b. A slider e is mounted on the mounting plate g. A guide rail e is mounted on the slider e. The guide rail e is located at the bottom of the mounting base c. A rack e is located on the inner wall of the mounting base c. Machine e is connected to rack e via rotating gear e. Rack d17 and rack e are perpendicular to each other. Mounting base c has mounting plate h at the front end. Mounting plate h has a vertical arm beam b with a square cross-section. Rack f is located in the middle of the front side of arm beam b. Mounting base d has guide rails f on the front and side walls. Slider f is located on guide rails f. Slider f is located on mounting plate i. Mounting plate i has a motor f on the upper part. Motor f passes through mounting plate i and is connected to rotating gear f. Rotating gear f is in contact with rack f. Mounting plate i has mounting plate j on the lower part. Mounting plate j has a rotary cylinder 21. Rotary cylinder 21 has a turntable at the bottom. Rotary disk 22 has a rotating disk at the bottom. There are two vertical stirring rods at the bottom of rotating disk 22.
[0017] The boss 23 is located in the middle of the cube boss, and a circular protrusion is provided in the middle of the boss 23.
[0018] The tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism includes a bracket 24, which is located at the lower part of the left column. A mounting plate k is provided on the surface of the bracket 24, and an arm beam c25 is provided on the surface of the mounting plate k. Two rows of guide rails g are provided on the surface of the arm beam c25, and a slider g is provided on the guide rail g. A mounting plate m is provided at the top of the slider g, and a vertical arm beam d26 is provided on the mounting plate m. A rack g is provided in the middle of the arm beam d26, and a rotating tooth g is provided on the rack g. A guide rail i is provided on the outer side of the rack g, and a slider i is provided on the guide rail i. The slider i is located at the bottom of the mounting plate n, and a motor g is provided on the mounting plate n. The motor g passes through the mounting plate n and is connected to the rotating tooth g. A reducer g is provided on the motor g. A horizontal plate is provided at the lower part of the mounting plate i, and a vertical tungsten rod 26 is provided on the horizontal plate.
[0019] The transverse beam 1 is equipped with anti-collision rubber heads at both ends.
[0020] The electrolyte knockout device is mounted on a crossbeam. There are two placement positions at the front of the crossbeam and a tilting rack at the rear, which is connected to the tilting box.
[0021] An automated control process for a rare earth smelting truss includes an automated control system for the rare earth smelting truss, the specific operation steps of which are as follows: Start-up: Parameter settings complete. Determine the current rotation position and torque, current lifting position and torque, current lateral movement position and torque, and current clamping position and torque. Start-up. Molybdenum pot placement: Molybdenum pot initial position, molybdenum pot lifting module works, gripper 16 moves to the initial position of molybdenum pot to clamp it and place it into the electrolysis furnace. Gripper 16 is a servo gripper, and the clamping force can be set through the input interface. In actual production, the optimal clamping force value can be easily found through fine-tuning experiments of the clamping force. Molybdenum pot feedback: The current furnace condition of the electrolytic furnace is determined by the torque of clamping the molybdenum pot and the furnace temperature detection. If the lifting shaft torque is too high and the temperature is too low, it is determined that the furnace bottom temperature is low, causing viscosity. Through signal feedback, the electrolytic furnace increases the voltage to maintain the furnace temperature 10-20 degrees higher. The lifting shaft torque is continuously monitored until it is normal, and then all settings are restored. If it is still ineffective after N cycles, an alarm is triggered and manual intervention is required. If the lifting shaft torque is too high, and the temperature is normal or too high, it is determined that there is too much material at the bottom of the furnace. Through signal feedback, the electrolytic furnace reduces the material feeding by 80-100%. The controller feeds back to the electrolyte stirring module. If there is too much material, the stirring rod will stir. The electrolyte stirring module will move via a servo motor. The rotation of the stirring rod will be completed by a rotary cylinder 21 until the temperature and torque are normal. All settings will be restored. If it is still ineffective after N cycles, an alarm will be triggered and manual intervention will be required. If the difference between the high and low values is large, the material feeding will be reduced to 0. After a certain period of time, it will return to normal.
[0022] When the molybdenum pot lifting module operates, the gripper 16 moves to directly above the molybdenum pot, opens, and extends into the furnace. Upon contact with the molybdenum pot, the gripper 16 retracts, grabs the pot, and places it onto the tilting frame. The tilting frame has an arc-shaped inner wall that fits and contacts the molybdenum pot. The tilting frame rotates, and a dedicated tilting mechanism pours molten metal into the mold. An empty molybdenum pot is prepared before removal. After the molybdenum pot lifting module removes the pot, the empty pot can be quickly placed into the electrolysis furnace to reduce the time the tungsten rod remains outside the furnace. The tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism inserts the tungsten rod into the electrolysis furnace according to instructions. After the molybdenum pot is tilted, the molybdenum pot lifting module operates, grabs and places the rod in front of the tilting frame, and covers it with a crucible cover.
[0023] The torque value changes with the furnace condition. The furnace condition is judged by collecting the torque value of the servo motor. The equipment uses a servo motor, which can act as a "sensor" by utilizing the feedback signal of the servo motor. When the equipment moves in a straight line, the load remains constant. When the equipment is fault-free, the output torque of the servo motor is predictable. When moving upward at a constant speed, the motor load stability deviation is about 5%. With the acceleration and deceleration time unchanged, the peak torque of acceleration and deceleration is stable with a deviation of less than 10%. The tungsten rod 26 is set with working position and pot exit position, and its speed can be controlled to avoid the danger of manual use of the tungsten rod to put it into the furnace. The stirring rod is set with working position and pot exit position, and its rotation speed can be controlled to avoid manual stirring. The main movements of the servo axis are rotation, lifting, and lateral movement. The PLC control is set with coordinates and controlled to perform specific actions at fixed positions. The pot clamping control controls the clamping speed and releasing speed. The worker can view the working situation on the control screen and handle alarms in real time. Automated control makes dangerous processes safer and enables safer production in a more intelligent way. The molybdenum pot lifting module is... Motor A drives gear A to rotate, pushing rack A to move back and forth. Rack A moves left and right, rack B moves forward and backward, and rack C moves up and down. Finally, gripper cylinder 15 grips and releases the molybdenum pot from both sides. The torque reflects the pressure sensor's pressure status, which, along with the temperature sensor, feeds back to the controller. The controller adjusts the torque by controlling the voltage and feeding signal. Moderate torque extends the service life, while increased torque, lower temperature, and increased load can lead to issues such as adhesion inside the furnace. When the bottom of the electrolytic cell becomes viscous and produces slag, the metal collector... The small molybdenum pot will adhere to the bottom of the electrolytic cell, and the situation will continue to worsen. The metal collector (small molybdenum pot) will stick to the bottom of the electrolytic cell (worst case). The mechanical finger tip and the metal collector (small molybdenum pot) have a step (the step is at a certain angle), and the two fit together perfectly. Since the mechanical finger works at a high temperature (1050°) and the finger length is close to 800mm, when the metal collector (small molybdenum pot) sticks to the bottom, the mechanical strength of the mechanical finger and the force generated by the step are insufficient to overcome the adhesion force during clamping, and the clamping fails. At this point, the upward resistance accounts for approximately 40% of the servo motor's rated torque. Before the worst-case scenario occurs, the bottom of the electrolytic cell is viscous, and the metal collector (small molybdenum pot) is adsorbed by the bottom of the cell. When the robotic arm picks it up, it can remove the metal collector, but during this process, the torque output of the mechanical upward motor will exceed the normal value by about 30%. After the collector detaches from the bottom of the electrolytic cell, the torque returns to normal. The system can determine the bottom viscosity based on the above torque changes and promptly provide feedback signals to increase the pressure until the torque is normal. If the temperature is too high, indicating excessive material that cannot be processed in time, a signal is sent to reduce the material feed until it returns to normal. Rare earth electrolysis requires specific conditions: voltage, temperature, and power supply output voltage are controllable. However, various contact resistances and consumable abnormalities in the circuit are uncontrollable. Therefore, in actual production, the cell voltage often fluctuates, and the current will also change accordingly.The temperature will also change accordingly. When the temperature change exceeds the ideal value, the current efficiency will drop significantly. At this time, the oxides (raw materials) added according to the normal process will be difficult to consume. The saturation of oxides (raw materials) in the electrolyte of this system is low. Once saturated, the oxides will settle to the bottom. In top-mounted electrolytic cells, the working efficiency at the bottom is much lower than that at the top. When the oxides settle to the bottom, efficient electrolysis cannot be achieved, causing irreversible side reactions between the residual oxides and impurities in the electrolyte, eventually turning into slag settling to the bottom. If this situation is not dealt with in time, it will eventually lead to the metal collector (small molybdenum pot) being adsorbed to the bottom of the electrolytic cell. During normal operation, there is a stable ratio (yield) between the weight of the added oxides and the final weight of the metal. When the yield is low, the oxygen in the cell will be high. Excessive oxide concentration may not immediately reflect the yield; it often requires several cycles to become apparent. Therefore, in the control logic, the yield can only serve as a post-event review factor, not the primary determining factor. If the oxide concentration is slightly high, the feed rate remains constant, and the operating voltage is stable, the furnace temperature will continue to rise. Once it exceeds a certain range, the electrolysis efficiency decreases, causing the oxide concentration to continue to increase. In the control logic related to the robotic arm, high torque and high temperature necessitate feed reduction. To address the bottom viscosity issue due to high oxide concentration, employees will reduce the raw material input and stir the bottom material to the top. At this point, because the efficiency of the upper layer of the electrolytic cell is not at its maximum, temperature changes are often observed. The situation is as follows: if the temperature remains constant, it indicates that the oxide concentration in the furnace has normalized, maintaining... The above operations are sufficient; if the temperature rises, it indicates that the oxide concentration inside the furnace remains high, so continue to reduce the amount of feed; if the temperature drops and the bottom remains viscous, it indicates that the furnace stirring is insufficient, but in order to maintain the normal operation of the furnace, additional voltage is needed to maintain the temperature. Here, the control logic related to the robotic arm is involved. High torque and a drop in temperature require pressurization. The electrolyte stirring module can perform left-right, forward-backward, and up-down movements. The rotating cylinder 21 rotates, causing the stirring rod to rotate, completing the stirring process. The tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism, according to the working scenario of the electrolytic furnace, guides the tungsten rod into the electrolytic furnace within a set scenario. After the pot is removed, an empty molybdenum pot is placed in the waiting position. The empty molybdenum pot is covered with a heat-insulating cover to maintain a certain temperature before being placed back into the electrolytic furnace, ensuring high-temperature, long-term operation while preventing [problems] at low cost. To prevent deformation and maintain mechanical strength, high-temperature resistant materials are expensive. To use cheaper materials, the following methods can be employed to prevent deformation and maintain mechanical strength: Stress relief before use; minimizing the operating time in high-temperature zones (fast equipment operation, smooth control, and simple operation); ensuring that the temperature of mechanical parts does not reach the deformation temperature during the high-temperature period; the equipment has a calibration position that periodically runs automatically to the calibration position, triggering certain mechanisms (such as switches, positioners, etc.; triggering indicates no deformation, no triggering indicates deformation) to determine if deformation has occurred. If deformation has occurred, the equipment finds its position at the calibration center of gravity (through multi-axis movement until the trigger mechanism is activated); if there is a lubrication failure, structural component deformation, or aging, the motor torque will change during operation, providing early warning; and a braking system can be installed when a drive problem occurs.The brakes are activated to prevent the cathode from falling and splashing hot liquid, which could cause injury.
Claims
1. An automated control system for a rare earth smelting truss, comprising a boss (23) and a truss, wherein an electrolytic furnace is provided within the boss (23), characterized in that: A truss is provided on the outside of the boss (23). The truss is a double-column gantry truss. The upper part of the truss is a horizontal beam (1). A molybdenum pot lifting module and an electrolyte stirring module are provided on the horizontal beam (1). A tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism is provided on the left column. An electrolyte knocking device is installed on the right column. A feeding meter is provided above the opening of the boss (23). The feeding meter, molybdenum pot lifting module, electrolyte stirring module, tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism and electrolyte knocking device are connected to the control system. A temperature sensor is provided in the electrolytic furnace. A pressure sensor is provided on the molybdenum pot lifting module. The control system includes a controller, a laser size measurement module, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.
2. The automated control system for a rare earth smelting truss according to claim 1, characterized in that: The molybdenum pot lifting module includes a rack a (2), a rack a (2) is provided in the middle of the right side of the cross beam (1), a rotating tooth a is provided on the rack a (2), a guide rail a (4) is provided on the outside of the rack a (2), a slider a (5) is provided on the guide rail a (4), the slider a (5) is provided at the bottom of the mounting plate a (6), a motor a (3) is provided on the mounting plate a (6), the motor a (3) passes through the mounting plate a (6) and is connected to the rotating tooth a, a reducer a (7) is provided on the motor a (3), a vertical plate a (8) is provided in the middle of the mounting plate a (6), a horizontally oriented motor b is provided on the vertical plate a (8), a reducer b is provided on the motor b, a mounting plate b (9) is provided on the front side of the vertical plate a (8), a slider b is provided on the mounting plate b (9), a guide rail b is provided on the slider b, the guide rail b is provided at the bottom of the mounting seat a (10), and the mounting plate b (9) is provided at the bottom of the mounting seat a (10). The inner wall of mounting base a (10) is provided with rack b. Motor b is connected to rack b through rotating tooth b. Rack a (2) and rack b are perpendicular. Mounting base a (10) is provided with mounting plate c at the front end. Mounting plate c is provided with vertical arm beam a (12). Arm beam a (12) has a square cross-section. Rack c is provided in the middle of the front side of arm beam a (12). Guide rail c is provided on the front and side wall of arm beam a (12). Slider c is provided on guide rail c. Slider c is provided on mounting plate d (13). Motor c is provided on the upper part of mounting plate d (13). Motor c passes through mounting plate d (13) and is connected to rotating tooth c. Rotating tooth c contacts tooth body c. Mounting plate e (14) is provided on the lower part of mounting plate d (13). Gripper cylinder (15) is provided on mounting plate e (14). Gripper (16) is provided at the bottom of gripper cylinder (15).
3. The automated control system for a rare earth smelting truss according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolyte stirring module includes a rack d (17), a rack d (17) is provided in the middle of the left side (1) of the crossbeam, a rotating tooth d is provided on the rack d (17), a guide rail d (18) is provided on the outside of the rack (17), a slider d (19) is provided on the guide rail d (18), the slider d (19) is provided at the bottom of the mounting plate f (20), a motor d is provided on the mounting plate f (20), the motor d passes through the mounting plate f (20) and is connected to the rotating tooth d, a reducer d is provided on the rotating tooth d, a vertical plate b is provided in the middle of the mounting plate f (20), a horizontally oriented motor e is provided on the vertical plate b, a reducer e is provided on the motor e, a mounting plate g is provided on the front side of the vertical plate b, a slider e is provided on the mounting plate g, a guide rail e is provided on the slider e, the guide rail e is provided at the bottom of the mounting seat c, and the mounting seat c The inner wall is provided with a rack e, and the motor e is connected to the rack e through the rotating tooth e. The rack d (17) and the rack e are perpendicular to each other. The front end of the mounting seat c is provided with a mounting plate h, and the mounting plate h is provided with a vertical arm beam b. The cross-section of the arm beam b is square. The front middle of the arm beam b is provided with a rack f. The front and side walls of the mounting seat d are provided with guide rails f. The guide rails f are provided with sliders f. The sliders f are located on the mounting plate i. The upper part of the mounting plate i is provided with a motor f. The motor f passes through the mounting plate i and is connected to the rotating tooth f. The rotating tooth f contacts the rack f. The lower part of the mounting plate i is provided with a mounting plate j. The mounting plate j is provided with a rotary cylinder (21). The bottom of the rotary cylinder (21) is provided with a turntable. The bottom of the turntable is provided with a rotating disk (22). The bottom end of the rotating disk (22) is provided with a vertical stirring rod. The number of stirring rods is two.
4. The automated control system for a rare earth smelting truss according to claim 1, characterized in that: The boss (23) is located in the middle of the cube boss, and a circular convex ring is provided in the middle of the boss (23).
5. The automated control system for a rare earth smelting truss according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism includes a bracket (24), which is located at the lower part of the left column. The bracket (24) has a mounting plate k on its surface, an arm beam c (25) on its surface, two rows of guide rails g on its surface, a slider g on the guide rail g, a mounting plate m at the top of the slider g, a vertical arm beam d (26) on the mounting plate m, a rack g in the middle of the arm beam d (26), a rotating tooth g on the rack g, a guide rail i on the outside of the rack g, a slider i on the guide rail i, the slider i at the bottom of the mounting plate n, a motor g on the mounting plate n, the motor g passing through the mounting plate n and connected to the rotating tooth g, a reducer g on the motor g, a horizontal plate at the bottom of the mounting plate i, and a vertical tungsten rod (26) on the horizontal plate.
6. The automated control system for a rare earth smelting truss according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transverse beam (1) is equipped with anti-collision rubber heads at both ends.
7. The automated control system for a rare earth smelting truss according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolyte knockout device is mounted on a crossbeam, with two placement positions at the front and a tilting rack at the rear, which is connected to the tilting box.
8. An automated control process for a rare earth smelting truss, comprising the automated control system for a rare earth smelting truss as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The specific operating steps are as follows: Start-up: Parameter settings complete. Determine the current rotation position and torque, current lifting position and torque, current lateral movement position and torque, and current clamping position and torque. Start-up. Molybdenum pot placement: Molybdenum pot initial position, molybdenum pot lifting module works, clamp (16) moves to the initial position of molybdenum pot to clamp and place it into the electrolytic furnace. The clamp (16) adopts servo clamp, and the clamping force can be set through the input interface. In actual production, the optimal clamping force value can be easily found through fine-tuning test of clamping force. Molybdenum pot feedback: The current furnace condition of the electrolytic furnace is determined by the torque of clamping the molybdenum pot and the furnace temperature detection. If the lifting shaft torque is too high and the temperature is too low, it is determined that the furnace bottom temperature is low, causing viscosity. Through signal feedback, the electrolytic furnace increases the voltage to maintain the furnace temperature 10-20 degrees higher. The lifting shaft torque is continuously monitored until it is normal, and then all settings are restored. If it is still ineffective after N cycles, an alarm is triggered and manual intervention is required. If the lifting shaft torque is too high and the temperature is normal or too high, it is determined that there is too much material at the bottom of the furnace. Through signal feedback, the electrolytic furnace will reduce the amount of material feeding by 80-100%. The controller will feed back to the electrolyte stirring module. If there is too much material, the stirring rod will stir. The electrolyte stirring module will move through the servo motor. The stirring rod will rotate using a rotary cylinder (21) until the temperature and torque are normal. All settings will be restored. If it is still ineffective after N cycles, an alarm will be triggered and manual intervention will be required.
9. The automated control process method for a rare earth smelting truss according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the molybdenum pot lifting module is in operation, the gripper (16) moves to directly above the position of the molybdenum pot, opens, and probes into the furnace. When the gripper (16) touches the molybdenum pot, it retracts and is placed on the tilting frame. The tilting frame has an arc-shaped inner wall on its inner side, which is adapted to contact the molybdenum pot. The tilting frame completes rotation, and the molten metal is poured into the mold by a special tilting mechanism. When the pot is removed, an empty molybdenum pot is prepared first. After the molybdenum pot lifting module removes the pot, the empty molybdenum pot can be quickly placed into the electrolytic furnace to reduce the time that the tungsten rod stays outside the furnace. The tungsten rod lifting and moving mechanism inserts the tungsten rod into the electrolytic furnace according to the instruction. After the molybdenum pot is tilted, the molybdenum pot lifting module works, grips and places the tungsten rod in front of the tilting frame, and covers it with a crucible cover.
