Drying facility
By using a fluid power pad to slide the lubricant on both sides of the rolled strip and suction downstream, the problem of uncontrolled lubricant spraying in the rolled strip is solved, and efficient and contactless drying is achieved to maintain the surface quality of the strip.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421875100.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-06-24
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-08
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-08-05
AI Technical Summary
When rolling strips, existing roll dryers have problems such as uncontrolled lubricant spraying, high noise, fast wear, contaminated the surface of the strip and low drying efficiency, especially when mirror-gloss stainless steel strips are needed.
Two fluid power pads are used to slide on both sides of the strip, block the lubricant through the fluid layer, and suction the residual lubricant downstream, and separate the residual lubricant with the jet fluid to achieve contactless drying.
Effectively reduce lubricant residue, maintain the surface quality of the strip, reduce wear, improve drying efficiency, and avoid lubricant contamination. It is suitable for various surface state requirements of the strip.
Smart Images
Figure CN223070154U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to industrial facilities using lubricants, in particular to rolling mills.
[0002] More precisely, according to the first aspect, the utility model relates to a method for drying a rolled strip, without seeking protection by claims.
[0003] According to the second aspect, the utility model relates to a drying facility that can implement the method according to the first aspect. Background Art
[0004] A rolling mill is an industrial machine that can perform rolling operations. The rolling operation is a method of manufacturing strip materials, especially strip metals, through plastic deformation. The strip usually has a relatively low thickness compared to its length and width and is driven to translate and be compressed between at least two rollers located on both sides of the strip thickness. Through this operation, the thickness of the strip decreases, and the entire length of the strip also becomes more uniform.
[0005] This operation can be achieved at a very high speed, which may involve a very fast linear strip speed. The associated forces and these considerable speeds require the use of a large amount of lubricant. For example, for such applications, the possible lubricant flow rate can reach thousands of liters per minute. Here, the term "lubricant" is mentioned, but it can be understood that this term refers to a liquid that can both lubricate and cool. Usually, it can involve mixtures containing oil.
[0006] Using such a quantity of lubricant requires at least one drying operation, in other words, an operation to remove a sufficient amount of lubricant from the strip so that the strip is ready for the next industrial step, such as cutting or packaging. In other words, it is necessary that there are almost no traces of lubricant on the strip leaving the rolling mill. In addition, it is difficult to manage accidental spraying of a large amount of lubricant.
[0007] For these drying operations, it is particularly known to use so-called "roll dryers". These dryers use one or more rollers that come into contact with the strip on either side of the strip to block the lubricant that subsequently remains on the sides of the strip. In applications on such rolling mills, two types of "roll dryers" can be distinguished:
[0008] - The first type is called a "large roll" dryer (meaning a large diameter), which is very rigid in length. By its nature, it cannot achieve perfect contact across the entire width of the strip, so it allows a non-negligible amount of lubricant to pass through. This defect means using a blower, but the discharged lubricant is ejected in an uncontrolled manner and generates a rather large amount of noise. However, this solution is very robust, easy to implement, and inexpensive.
[0009] - The second type is called a "pinch roll dryer", which is relatively flexible and can produce slight deformation through multiple counter-rotating rolls. Hydraulic cylinders apply force on the counter-rotating rolls to keep the pinch rolls in perfect contact across the entire width of the strip, thus better blocking the lubricant. However, such a solution is obviously more complex; it involves controlling multiple actuators, which is expensive to manage during maintenance because the lubricant causes rapid wear on the counter-rotating rolls when loading small particulate metals. This second type of dryer has the disadvantage of being quickly flooded. In other words, if a roll dryer is not used upstream, the lubricant may reach a level exceeding the height of the pinch rolls because the counter-rotating rolls quickly transfer the lubricant downstream or cause droplets to fall on the strip.
[0010] However, these two so-called "roll" dryers also have disadvantages related to drying efficiency. Although the pinch roll dryer is more efficient, the drying is still not perfect, and droplets of lubricant may especially exist at the edges of the strip leaving the dryer. When the strip is wound into a reel, the excess lubricant at the strip edges contaminates a larger area of the strip.
[0011] Due to the same operating principle of these dryers, it is inevitable to come into contact with one or more rolls, which also leaves unwanted marks on the strip. This phenomenon is particularly harmful when dealing with rolled strips whose surface condition must be impeccable, such as for stainless steel strips where a "mirror" finish is expected on the surface of certain products.
[0012] In addition, such rolls wear relatively quickly due to contact with the strip, requiring inspection and then potentially replacement. Moreover, the wear of the rolls exacerbates the potential drawback of unwanted markings on the strip and also reduces the drying efficiency.
[0013] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to overcome at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. Summary of the Utility Model
[0014] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure (not seeking claim protection), the above object is particularly achieved by a method for drying a rolled strip, the method comprising:
[0015] - / A / Supplying a drying facility including two hydrodynamic pads, the two hydrodynamic pads respectively extending a length across the width of the rolled strip,
[0016] - / B / Advancing the rolled strip between the two hydrodynamic pads along a defined forward direction from upstream to downstream,
[0017] - / C / During the advancement of the rolled strip, following a clamping plane transverse to the strip, pressures of mutually facing hydrodynamic pads are applied on both sides of the rolled strip, the hydrodynamic pads sliding on the rolled strip through a fluid layer, and each hydrodynamic pad performs a first drying operation by blocking at least a portion of the lubricating layer of the strip from flowing upstream to downstream.
[0018] - / D / At least a portion of the residual lubricating layer is sucked in via suction holes located downstream of the hydrodynamic pads, thereby performing a second drying operation on the strip.
[0019] Thus, in a particularly effective manner, the strip is dried without coming into contact with any part of the drying facility. More specifically, the sliding of the hydrodynamic pads on the fluid layer can ensure, through blocking, a first drying operation in which there is no contact between the pads and the strip, thereby maintaining the surface condition of the strip and minimizing the wear of the pads. Then, the fluid layer required for the sliding of the pads is sucked in via the suction holes, and this fluid layer is significantly reduced compared to the fluid layer upstream of the drying facility. Therefore, when the strip exits the dryer, the amount of lubricant on it is low enough to enter the next industrial step.
[0020] According to an optional feature, the present disclosure according to the second aspect may have the features outlined in the following paragraphs, which may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:
[0021] According to one embodiment, the method includes: included in / C / , temporarily or continuously injecting a supply fluid between the rolled strip and the hydrodynamic pads, the injection being carried out through one or more supply holes provided in the hydrodynamic pads or through a supply nozzle upstream of the hydrodynamic pads, the injection of the supply fluid being carried out in such a way as to ensure the presence of the fluid layer, the hydrodynamic pads sliding on the strip through the fluid layer, thereby ensuring a gap on each side of the strip between the rolled strip and the hydrodynamic pads, and the supply fluid includes oil, or an emulsion of air and oil.
[0022] According to one embodiment, the method includes:
[0023] - / E / Blowing a jet fluid, such as air, especially hot air, or steam, towards the strip via blowing holes located downstream of the suction holes, thereby separating at least a portion of the residual lubricant layer from the strip and jetting it towards the suction holes.
[0024] According to one embodiment, the method includes discharging at least a portion of the lubricating layer blocked by the drying stage outside the lateral edges of the rolled strip.
[0025] According to the second aspect, the present utility model relates to a drying facility that can be adapted to implement the method for drying a rolled strip according to the first aspect, and the drying facility includes:
[0026] - Two hydrodynamic pads are arranged facing each other on both sides of the strip. The strip is configured to advance between the two hydrodynamic pads along a defined advancing direction from upstream to downstream. The length of the hydrodynamic pads extends over the width of the strip. The hydrodynamic pads are configured to, during the advancement of the rolled strip, follow the clamping plane transverse to the strip and apply mutually facing pressures on both sides of the rolled strip. The hydrodynamic pads are configured to slide on the rolled strip through a fluid layer. Each hydrodynamic pad is configured to perform a first drying operation by blocking at least a part of the lubricating layer of the strip from flowing downstream from upstream.
[0027] - At least one suction hole is located downstream of the hydrodynamic pad and is configured to suck in at least a part of the residual lubricating layer, thereby performing a second drying operation on the strip.
[0028] According to one embodiment, the facility may include at least one supply hole or at least one supply nozzle, which is configured to inject a supply fluid (such as oil or an emulsion of oil and air) temporarily or continuously between the rolled strip and the hydrodynamic pad. The at least one supply hole is arranged in the hydrodynamic pad, or at least one supply nozzle is located upstream of the hydrodynamic pad. The injection of the supply fluid is carried out in such a way as to ensure the presence of a fluid layer. The hydrodynamic pad slides on the strip through the fluid layer, thereby ensuring a gap on each side of the strip between the rolled strip and the hydrodynamic pad.
[0029] According to one embodiment, the facility may include at least one injection hole located downstream of the suction hole. The injection hole is configured to inject an injection fluid (such as air, especially hot air, or even steam) towards the strip, thereby separating at least a part of the residual lubricant layer from the strip and injecting it towards the suction hole.
[0030] According to one embodiment, the hydrodynamic pad may have an elongated shape and continuously extend over the entire width of the strip and beyond the lateral edges of the strip.
[0031] According to one embodiment, at least one suction hole may include a suction slot arranged along the width direction of the strip, and the suction slot continuously covers at least the entire width of the strip in such a way as to generate a suction knife.
[0032] According to one embodiment, at least one injection hole may include an injection slot arranged along the width direction of the strip, and the injection slot at least continuously covers the entire width of the strip and ejects a knife of projection fluid in such a way.
[0033] According to one embodiment, the facility may include at least a pair of two boxes disposed facing each other on both sides of the strip, each box including one of the hydrodynamic pads, in particular at least one supply hole or at least one supply nozzle, and at least one suction hole, each box being capable of translating relative to each other and relative to the strip in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the strip, so as to apply pressure to the supply fluid injected between each drying stage and the strip, each of the at least one supply hole or at least one supply nozzle and the at least one suction hole being in fluid communication with a supply line and a suction line disposed in each box respectively, the drying facility including at least a pair of crossbeams extending in the width direction of the strip, each box being removably mounted in translation along one of the crossbeams. In particular, each box may include at least one injection hole which is in fluid communication with an injection line disposed in the box. In particular, each box includes a lid which may be a separate part connected to the box, and the injection slot is obtained by forming a gap between the box and the lid.
[0034] According to one embodiment, at least one injection hole is oriented at an angle α with respect to the strip, the value of the angle α being less than 90°, preferably between 90° and 70°, in particular between 90° and 80°, such as 85°. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] Other features, details and advantages will emerge upon reading the following detailed description and analyzing the drawings, in which:
[0036] Figure 1
[0037] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a rolling mill capable of being equipped with a drying facility according to the present disclosure.
[0038] Figure 2
[0039] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a drying facility according to an example of the present disclosure.
[0040] Figure 3
[0041] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a drying facility according to an example of the present disclosure.
[0042] Figure 4
[0043] Figure 4 shows a close-up schematic view of a cross-section of a drying facility according to an example of the present disclosure.
[0044] Figure 5
[0045] Figure 5 shows a partial close-up schematic cross-section of a drying facility according to an example of the present disclosure, where the fluids used are particularly evident.
[0046] Figure 6
[0047] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a cassette according to an example of the present disclosure. Detailed Description
[0048] The accompanying drawings and the following description essentially include elements of a certain nature. Therefore, they can not only be used to better understand the present disclosure, but also contribute to its definition where appropriate.
[0049] In the respective drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. For the sake of brevity, only the elements useful for understanding the described embodiments are shown in the drawings and are described in detail below.
[0050] In the following description, when referring to determiners of absolute position, such as "front", "rear", "high", "low", "left", "right", etc., or determiners of relative position, such as "above", "below", "upper", and "lower", etc., or determiners of direction, such as "horizontal", "vertical", etc., unless otherwise specified, reference should be made to the direction of the drawings or the rolling mill drying facility in its normal use position. In addition, the term "substantially" should be interpreted as indicating that the results obtained are as precise as known measurement methods.
[0051] The drying facility is typically located downstream of the rolling mill 100, for example, a rolling mill with 20 rollers as Figure 1 shown, including:
[0052] - a lower working roller 110 and an upper working roller that work on both sides of the rolled strip,
[0053] - two first lower intermediate rollers 120 that are respectively in contact with the lower working roller and two upper intermediate rollers that are respectively in contact with the upper working roller,
[0054] - three second lower intermediate rollers 130 that are respectively in pairwise contact with the two first lower intermediate rollers, and three second upper intermediate rollers that are respectively in pairwise contact with the two first upper intermediate rollers,
[0055] - four lower pressure roller assemblies 140 that are in pairwise contact with the three second lower intermediate rollers, and four upper pressure roller assemblies that are in pairwise contact with the three second upper intermediate rollers.
[0056] The pressure roller assemblies are typically equipped with an eccentric system, which can ensure the clamping of the strip and even ensure the control of the curvature of the rollers, including the curvature of the working rollers.
[0057] By controlling the curvature, a strip profile can be provided for the rolled strip, which can be straight or even often curved.
[0058] Such a rolling mill typically includes four manifolds 150 for spraying lubricant, usually a mixture of oil and water, at the working rollers. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, two manifolds are provided in the upper part on one side of the rolled strip 2, and two manifolds are provided in the lower part on the other side of the rolled strip 2. Each manifold includes a series of nozzles transverse to the strip along its length, ensuring that the lubricant is sprayed over the width of the strip and / or on the rolls of the rolling mill.
[0059] The embodiment of the drying facility 1 disclosed in this document is not limited to being used only in the presence of a rolling mill with 20 rollers, as Figure 1 shown, Figure 1 shown by way of example only, and can be used in any industrial strip rolling mill facility that uses lubricant.
[0060] Now refer to Figure 2 , which shows a schematic view of the drying facility 1 according to an example of the present disclosure, the drying facility 1 being located downstream of the rolling mill 100, such as a rolling mill of the aforementioned type. After passing through the rolling mill, the rolled strip 2 advances from upstream to downstream in the forward direction V shown by the arrow in the figure and passes through the drying facility 1.
[0061] The rolled strip 2 can typically include steel, such as stainless steel. The rolled strip 2 can also be a magnetic sheet including an iron-silicon alloy. These material examples are given by way of example only and do not constitute a limitation, and the solution according to the present disclosure is applicable to any rolled strip that uses lubricant.
[0062] The width of the rolled strip 2 can be between 750 mm and 1650 mm. The thickness of the rolled strip 2 when it leaves the rolling mill 100 and thus enters the drying facility can be between 0.15 mm and 3.5 mm.
[0063] The rolled strip generally includes two main surfaces, namely the upper surface and the lower surface. The main surfaces are defined as the surfaces connecting the two lateral edges 21, 22 of the strip 2. These main surfaces form a plane, which is hereinafter defined as the plane of the strip 2.
[0064] The drying facility 1 is mounted on a fixed structure 3, such as being integrally formed with the frame of a rolling mill (not shown) located upstream of the drying facility. The fixed structure 3 is fixed relative to the rolled strip 2.
[0065] In this case, the drying facility 1 includes two boxes 4 mounted to be movable relative to a fixed structure 3. Each box advantageously includes elements involved in the drying operation, which will be described below. The fixed structure 3 includes an actuator configured to drive each box 4 to translate relative to the fixed structure 3. The translation of the box 4 is along a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the strip 2. More precisely, each box 4 is detachably mounted on a crossbeam 5, and the crossbeam 5 is connected to the actuator. Thus, the box 4 can be removed from the facility for control or maintenance operations without disassembling too many parts. According to an example, each box 4 may also be directly mounted on the actuator.
[0066] More specifically, the actuator is configured to enable each box 4 to apply pressure on the rolled strip 2 or more precisely on the fluid layer of the rolled strip 2, jointly generating a clamping force. Thus, the boxes 4 are positioned relative to each other such that their respective clamping forces are applied in opposite directions in the same direction. Therefore, their actions "cancel out" without folding or deforming the strip 2. In other words, each box applies pressure within a clamping plane perpendicular to the plane formed by the strip 2. In particular, the clamping plane is transverse to the strip 2. The clamping plane includes the translation direction of the box 4.
[0067] The upper fixed structure 3 includes hydraulic cylinders 31, 32 configured to drive the upper box 4.1 to translate, for example, guided by two guide rods 33, 34 provided in the clamping plane. The actuator is controlled by a controller (not shown). The controller can be configured to control the translation speed of the box 4 and / or control the pressure of the box 4 on the strip 2.
[0068] Similarly, the lower fixed structure includes hydraulic cylinders (not shown) configured to drive the lower box 4.2 to translate, for example, guided by two guides not visible in the figure provided in the clamping plane. The actuator is controlled by a controller (not shown). The controller can be configured to control the translation speed of the box 4 and / or control the pressure of the box 4 on the strip 2. Now refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , which show cross-sectional views of the drying facility 1 according to two separate examples of the present disclosure.
[0069] In Figure 3 and Figure 4 , it is shown that the rolled strip 2 advances in the forward direction V between two boxes 4, one of the two boxes 4 is the so-called upper box 4.1 and the other is the lower box 4.2, and each box is detachably mounted on the upper crossbeam 5.1 and the lower crossbeam 5.2 respectively.
[0070] According to these examples, as shown in these figures, each cartridge 4 includes a hydrodynamic pad 6. The hydrodynamic pad 6 is located directly opposite the strip 2. The hydrodynamic pad 6 has a substantially flat working surface 61 facing the strip. The working surface 61 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the plane formed by the strip 2. The working surface 61 is substantially perpendicular to the clamping plane.
[0071] The hydrodynamic pad 6 has a generally rectangular cross-section with two rounded edges 62, 63 adjacent to the working surface 61. Each hydrodynamic pad 6 also has a front side 64 and a rear side 65. In the example, the front side helps to block a certain amount of lubricant located upstream of the hydrodynamic pad 6. These elements can be particularly visible in Figure 4 the [specific context not provided in the original, so it's left as "the"]
[0072] The length of the hydrodynamic pad 6 extends across the width of the strip 2. As Figure 2 is particularly visible, the hydrodynamic pad 6 extends at least beyond the lateral edges 21, 22 of the strip 2, for example, extending a distance d greater than or equal to 30 mm.
[0073] According to the example, as Figure 3 shown, the drying facility may include at least one supply hole 8. In some examples, each cartridge 4 includes at least one supply hole 8. The at least one supply hole 8 is configured to generate an injection of supply fluid so as to form a fluid layer between each hydrodynamic pad 6 and the strip 2. In some examples, the at least one supply hole 8 is arranged to open onto the hydrodynamic pad 6. In particular, the at least one supply hole may be arranged on the working surface 61 of the hydrodynamic pad 6.
[0074] In some examples, the drying facility 1 includes a plurality of supply holes 8 which are arranged on the working surface of the hydrodynamic pad 6. In some examples, as Figure 6 shown, the supply holes 8 are regularly or otherwise distributed along the length of each hydrodynamic pad 6. Here, the supply holes 8 are regularly distributed. The supply holes 8 are preferably arranged in such a way as to cover the entire length of the hydrodynamic pad 6, which itself has a sufficient length to at least cover the entire width of the strip 2. The supply holes 8 may not be provided at the two longitudinal ends of the hydrodynamic pad 6 which extend beyond the strip 2. For example, within a distance of at least greater than the distance d, these ends may not have any supply holes 8.
[0075] According to the example, a plurality of supply holes are provided along the midline of the hydrodynamic pad. In other words, each supply hole is provided at an equal distance from the front side 64 and the rear side 65 of the hydrodynamic pad.
[0076] In other examples, the injection of the supply fluid is generated by at least one supply nozzle, which is separated from the hydrodynamic pad 6 and is positioned in such a way as to inject the supply fluid between the hydrodynamic pad and the strip 2, for example upstream of the hydrodynamic pad 6. For example, the nozzle can be integrated with each cassette 4.
[0077] In some examples, in particular as Figure 3 shown, at least one supply hole 8 is fluidly connected to a supply line 81 through one or more intermediate supply lines 82. In this example, the supply line 81 is a separate part attached to the cassette 4. The intermediate supply line 82 can include a recess provided in the cassette 4. The intermediate supply line 82 includes a recess configured to fluidly connect the supply hole 8 to the supply line 81. According to some examples, the intermediate supply line 82 passes through the hydrodynamic pad 6. According to some examples, the intermediate supply line 82 passes through a part of the cassette 4. In some examples, the intermediate supply line 82 includes a portion, one end of which forms the supply hole, and the portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the strip 2.
[0078] At least one supply hole 8 can be configured to perform temporary or continuous fluid injection. The supply hole 8 can be fluidly connected to a pressure source. The fluid injection can be controlled by a controller, such as configured to control a fluid source or control a flow rate control element, such as a valve. The controller can operate in communication with a sensor system capable of detecting whether there is, for example, a sufficient amount of fluid between the hydrodynamic pad 6 and the strip 2, such that the controller can adjust the fluid flow rate through the supply hole 8. The purpose of this supply fluid injection is to ensure that there is a fluid layer between the hydrodynamic pad 6 and the strip 2 at any time during the passage of the strip through the drying facility 1. The presence of such a fluid layer avoids contact between the hydrodynamic pad 6 and the strip 2, in other words, ensures that there is no contact between them.
[0079] The supply fluid can generally include oil. The supply fluid is, for example, an emulsion comprising oil and water. These compositions are given by way of non-limiting examples; any fluid that can help block the flow of lubricant from upstream of the dryer to downstream of the pad can be used.
[0080] In some examples, in addition to using a hydrodynamic pad, an aerodynamic pad (not shown) can also be used. In these examples, the supply fluid injected between the pad and the strip is air. The air is pressurized between the pad and the strip to block the flow of lubricant from upstream to downstream of the dryer. Then, the absence of contact between the aerodynamic pad and the strip 2 is ensured through the air pad between the two elements.
[0081] As Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the drying facility 1 includes at least one suction hole 9. The at least one suction hole 9 is provided downstream of the hydrodynamic pad 6. For example, when measured parallel to the plane of the strip, the suction hole 9 may be located at a position 10 mm away from the rear side 65 of the hydrodynamic pad 1. The at least one suction hole 9 is configured to suck in a so-called fluid residual layer Cr located downstream of the hydrodynamic pad 6.
[0082] More specifically, the hydrodynamic pad 6 performs a first drying operation by blocking a so-called "blocked" lubricant layer Cb, and then the lubricant layer Cb remains blocked on the upstream side of the hydrodynamic pad 6. And according to this example, the lubricant layer Cb can leave via the lateral sides 21, 22 of the strip 2. However, since the hydrodynamic pad 6 does not contact the strip 2, a thinner so-called "residual" lubricant layer passes under the hydrodynamic pad 6 and reaches the downstream of the hydrodynamic pad 6. In this way, contact between the hydrodynamic pad 6 and the strip 2 is avoided. In the case where a supply fluid is injected between the hydrodynamic pad 6 and the strip 2, the "residual" layer Cr of the lubricant may consist of a mixture of the supply fluid and the lubricant, and this mixture is not blocked upstream of the hydrodynamic pad 6. The blocking may also be "perfect", and only the supply fluid reaches the downstream of the hydrodynamic pad 6; in this case, the residual layer Cr consists only of the supply fluid. More details will be provided in the discussion below Figure 5 below.
[0083] The at least one suction hole 9 is in fluid connection with a suction pipeline 91. According to some examples, the suction pipeline is arranged in the cassette 4 and includes a recess through which the sucked-in fluid can circulate. More specifically, the fluid is transported, for example, in the form of droplets suspended in the air and is sucked in by creating a vacuum in the suction pipeline 91. The suction pipeline 91 is generally connected to a vacuum source (not shown) and is configured to transport the sucked-in fluid out of the drying facility, for example, to a tank. According to these examples, the sucked-in fluid can be reinjected as a lubricant at the mill, upstream of the dryer, or as a supply fluid at the hydrodynamic pad 6, for example, after treatment operations such as a filtering operation of the fluid.
[0084] The suction operation can be controlled by a controller. The vacuum source or the device for regulating the air flow can be controlled by the controller. In particular, the suction force can be controlled according to the amount of lubricant injected at the mill and / or according to the amount of supply fluid injected at the hydrodynamic pad 6, and / or according to the speed at which the strip 2 advances.
[0085] In some examples, the drying facility 1 includes a single suction hole 9 on each side of the strip 2. In some examples, the suction hole 9 includes a suction slot 92. In some examples, each suction slot 92 is provided in each cassette 4, on either side of the strip 2. The suction slot 92 may be arranged in the width direction of the strip 2, for example along the length of the corresponding cassette 4, and continuously cover at least the entire width of the strip 2. The suction slot 92 is configured to create a suction blade at the strip 2.
[0086] In some examples, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the suction slot 92 is formed by two front and rear surfaces 93, 94. The front surface 93 and the rear surface 94 are separated from each other by at least 5 mm. The front surface 93 and the rear surface 94 are arranged such that the closer they are to the mouth forming the suction hole 9, the closer the surfaces are to each other, until at the orifice, the distance between the front surface 93 and the rear surface 94 is at most equal to 3 mm. In some examples, when measured perpendicularly from the plane of the strip 2, the height H3 of the suction hole 9 from the strip 2 is at most equal to 5 mm.
[0087] In some examples, particularly as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, at least a portion of the front surface 93 of the suction slot 92 is formed by the rear side 65 of the hydrodynamic pad 6.
[0088] The drying facility 1 may include at least one injection hole 10, preferably provided on each cassette 4. At least one injection hole 10 is located downstream of at least one suction hole 9. On each side of the strip 2, for example on each cassette 4, at least one suction hole 9 is located between the hydrodynamic pad 6 and at least one injection hole 10.
[0089] At least one injection hole 10 is in fluid connection with an injection pipeline 12. The injection pipeline 12 is generally connected to a pressure source configured to pressurize the injection fluid. The pressure source may be controlled by a controller. The controller may be configured to control the injection flow rate of the injection fluid according to the advancement parameters of the strip 2 (such as its advancement speed) and / or according to the suction rate of at least one suction hole and / or, where appropriate, according to the flow rate of at least one supply hole and / or the flow rate of the lubricant injected in the rolling mill 100. Thus, the controller may directly control the injection flow rate by controlling the pressure source or by controlling a flow rate regulating device.
[0090] The injection fluid is injected towards the strip in such a way that a certain amount of fluid is separated from the fluid residue layer Cr located upstream of the hydrodynamic pad 6. Thus, the separated amount of fluid is injected towards at least one suction hole 9 by the injection force of the injection fluid. Thus, the separated amount of fluid is sucked in via the suction hole 9, thereby performing a second drying operation.
[0091] In some examples, the drying facility 1 includes a single injection orifice 10 on each side of the strip 2. In some examples, the injection orifice 10 includes an injection slot 12. In some examples, each injection slot 12 is provided on each cassette 4. The injection slot 12 may be provided in the width direction of the strip 2, for example in the length direction of the cassette 4, and continuously covers at least the entire width of the strip 2. The injection slot 12 is configured to generate an injection blade 15 at the strip 2.
[0092] The injection slot 12 may be arranged such that the injection blade 15 forms an angle α with the strip 2. The angle α is precisely defined as the angle between the advancing vector V of the strip and the straight line formed by the injection blade, the orientation and direction of the advancing vector V being defined by the advancement of the strip from upstream to downstream, and the angle being measured in the region above the strip 2 (see Figure 5 ). In some examples, the injection blade 15 reaches the strip 2 in a perpendicular manner, in other words, the angle α is equal to 90°. In other examples, the injection blade forms an acute angle with the strip, preferably the angle α is less than 90°, for example between 90° and 70°, especially between 88° and 80°, for example 85°. Thus, when the value of the angle α is less than 90°, the injection blade reaches the strip 2 against the advancing direction, in other words, countercurrent to the strip 2, thereby increasing the efficiency of the action of separating a certain amount of fluid from the residual layer Cr. The injection efficiency of the separated amount is also increased. In addition, the fact that the injection blade reaches the strip 2 countercurrent enables the separated fluid to be naturally ejected downstream, in other words, towards at least one suction orifice 9, to facilitate the second drying operation.
[0093] The injection fluid may generally be air. According to some examples, the injection fluid may include a mixture of hot air or hot water or steam. This fluid composition is given by way of non-limiting example. Any fluid capable of separating a certain amount of fluid from the residual layer Cr may be used.
[0094] Each cassette 4 can be translated towards each other on either side of the strip 2, and each supply, suction and / or injection line provided or attached to each cassette 4 can be connected via flexible fluid connectors to a tank or a treatment area and / or a suction area, which areas can be fixed relative to the cassette 4. For example, the flexible fluid connectors can be fluidly connected to these lines and integrated with the fixed structure 3 of the drying facility 1. The flexible fluid connectors are configured to accompany the potential movement of the cassette 4 and maintain their fluid connection.
[0095] In Figure 3 example, the cassette 4 is detachably assembled on the crossbeam 5 using a sliding connector 7, the sliding connector 7 being configured to enable the cassette 4 to be translated in a direction parallel to the length of the hydrodynamic pad 6.
[0096] The sliding connection 7 can be obtained by shape complementarity between a contour shape arranged on the cassette 4 and a contrary shape arranged on the drying facility 1, or in the example of Figure 3 by a contrary shape arranged on the crossbeam 5. The shape and the contrary shape are configured to interact and be able to translate, for example, in the extension direction of the cassette 4. For example, the complementarity of the shapes can be a dovetail shape or a T - shape, or obtained via an intermediate part on one of the cassette 4 or the drying facility 1.
[0097] The sliding connection 7 can also be obtained by rolling, which is performed by any rolling means arranged on one or the other of the cassette 4 or the drying facility 1, and the other can, for example, have a rolling surface on which the rolling means can translate.
[0098] In some examples, in particular as Figure 3 shown, the cassette 4 includes, for example, a roll support 71 fixed to the cassette 4 by a plurality of screws. The roll support 71 includes a plurality of rolling rolls 72. The drying facility includes a crossbeam 5 fixedly mounted on the facility, on which a T - shaped groove 73 is provided, which has at least one roll surface 74, and the rolling rolls 72 are arranged on the roll surface 74 for placement and rolling.
[0099] According to one embodiment, at least one of the crossbeam 5 or the cassette 4 includes at least one locking device (not shown), for example, a detachable abutment surface, for temporarily blocking the translational movement of the cassette 4 along the T - shaped groove 73, for example, such that the cassette does not slide during the operation of the drying facility. For example, such a locking device can include an element that extends at least partially transversely to the direction of the sliding connection 70, so as to be able to temporarily provide an obstacle to the movement of the cassette 4 along the sliding connection 70.
[0100] Now referring to Figure 5 , which shows a detailed view of the rolled strip 2 and the hydrodynamic pad 6 according to an example of the present disclosure. In particular, in this figure, the distance between the hydrodynamic pad 6 or the suction holes 9 or the injection holes 10 and the strip 2 is deliberately enlarged, which makes it possible to see the behavior of various fluids. For clarity, only the upper cassette 4.1 is shown and will be described. However, unless otherwise stated, it is implied that similar elements also exist on the lower cassette 4.2, which is not shown, and these elements are positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to the plane formed by the strip 2. The example shown does not include the supply holes 8, but the operation is compatible with the presence of such supply holes 8.
[0101] The strip 2 leaving the rolling mill 100 upstream of the drying facility 1 includes a lubricating layer on its main surface, which is generally capable of extending over the entire width of the strip 2. In particular, in the regions above and below the strip 2, the lubricating layer can also be present by adhesion on the opposite lower main surface of the strip 2.
[0102] During the advancement of the strip 2, this lubricating layer upstream of the drying facility 1 is at least partially blocked by the hydrodynamic pad 6 and the pressurized fluid between the hydrodynamic pad and the strip 2. More precisely, it is at least partially blocked by its front side 64. Thus, the amount of lubricant blocked upstream of the hydrodynamic pad 6 constitutes a blocking layer Cb of the lubricant. This blocking layer Cb accumulates upstream of the hydrodynamic pad 6 and can be discharged, in particular via the lateral sides 21, 22 of the strip 2. The distance between the hydrodynamic pad 6, more specifically its working surface 61, and the strip 2 is small, but allows a reduced amount of lubricant to pass through. Nevertheless, the amount of lubricant flowing downstream of the hydrodynamic pad constitutes a residual layer Cr of the fluid. In the case where the volume separating the hydrodynamic pad from the strip is supplied with supply fluid by at least one supply hole, this residual layer includes a certain amount of lubricant and a certain amount of supply fluid upstream of the drying facility. In some examples, the residual layer Cr may consist only of the supply fluid, and all the lubricant is blocked upstream of the hydrodynamic pad.
[0103] Then, by the advancement of the strip, the residual layer Cr of the fluid is conveyed to at least one suction hole 9. Then, a first amount of fluid is sucked from the residual layer Cr and discharged outside the drying facility. The suction force is strong enough to separate and convey a large amount of fluid through the suction pipeline 92. Then, by the advancement of the strip 2, a second amount of fluid from the residual layer Cr that has not been sucked by at least one suction hole 9 is conveyed to at least one injection hole 10. Then, the second amount of fluid is separated by the ejected fluid and brought to at least one suction hole 9 downstream in order to be sucked and discharged. In this way, a second drying operation is carried out, and a sufficient amount of lubricant and / or fluid is removed from the strip 2.
[0104] When measured perpendicular to the plane formed by the strip, the distance H1 separating the hydrodynamic pad from the strip 2 is, for example, about 0.3 mm (+ / - 30%).
[0105] When measured perpendicular to the plane formed by the strip, the distance H2 separating the injection holes of the strip 2 is, for example, about 0.2 mm (+ / - 20%).
[0106] In some examples, in particular as Figure 3 、 4 and 6 show, the injection slot 12 is formed by the gap generated by the assembly of the cassette 4 and the injection cover 13. The injection cover 13 is a separate part of the cassette 4.
[0107] Now refer to Figure 6 . This shows a view of the lower cassette 4.2. Thus, the hydrodynamic pad 6 and the injection cover 13 are particularly visible. In this example, the injection cover 13 is attached to the cassette by a plurality of screws 131.
[0108] The figure shows an example in which the drying facility includes a plurality of supply holes 8 provided on the working surface 61 of the hydrodynamic pad 6, and the supply holes are regularly distributed over the entire length of the hydrodynamic pad 6.
Claims
1. A drying facility, which is suitable for implementing a method for drying a rolled strip, characterized in that, The drying facility includes: - Two hydrodynamic pads, arranged facing each other on both sides of the strip, the strip being configured to advance between the two hydrodynamic pads along a defined advancing direction from upstream to downstream, the length of the hydrodynamic pads extending over the width of the strip, the hydrodynamic pads being configured to, during the advancement of the rolled strip, follow a clamping plane transverse to the strip and apply mutually facing pressures on both sides of the rolled strip, the hydrodynamic pads being configured to slide on the rolled strip through a fluid layer, each hydrodynamic pad being configured to perform a first drying operation by blocking at least a portion of the lubricant layer of the strip from flowing downstream from upstream. - At least one suction hole, located downstream of the hydrodynamic pad, which is configured to suck in at least a portion of the residual lubricant layer, thereby performing a second drying operation on the strip.
2. The drying facility according to claim 1, wherein, The drying facility includes at least one supply hole or at least one supply nozzle, configured to inject a supply fluid temporarily or continuously between the rolled strip and the hydrodynamic pad, the at least one supply hole being arranged in the hydrodynamic pad, or the at least one supply nozzle being located upstream of the hydrodynamic pad, the injection of the supply fluid being carried out in such a way as to ensure the presence of the fluid layer through which the hydrodynamic pad slides on the strip, thereby ensuring a gap on each side of the strip between the rolled strip and the hydrodynamic pad.
3. The drying facility according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The drying facility includes at least one ejection hole located downstream of the suction hole, the ejection hole being configured to eject an ejection fluid towards the strip, thereby separating at least a portion of the residual lubricant layer from the strip and ejecting it towards the suction hole.
4. The drying facility according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The hydrodynamic pad has an elongated shape and continuously extends over the entire width of the strip and beyond the lateral edges of the strip.
5. The drying facility according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one suction hole includes a suction slot arranged along the width direction of the strip, the suction slot continuously covering at least the entire width of the strip in such a way as to create a suction knife.
6. The drying facility according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The drying facility includes at least one ejection hole located downstream of the suction hole, the ejection hole being configured to eject an ejection fluid towards the strip, thereby separating at least a portion of the residual lubricant layer from the strip and ejecting it towards the suction hole, wherein at least one ejection hole includes an ejection slot arranged along the width direction of the strip, the ejection slot continuously covering at least the entire width of the strip, ejecting an ejection fluid knife in such a way.
7. The drying facility according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drying facility includes at least a pair of two boxes arranged facing each other on both sides of the strip. Each box includes one of the hydrodynamic pads, at least one supply hole or at least one supply nozzle, and at least one suction hole. Each box is capable of translating relative to each other and relative to the strip in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the strip, so as to apply pressure to the supply fluid injected between each drying stage and the strip. Each of the at least one supply hole or at least one supply nozzle and the at least one suction hole is in fluid communication with a supply pipeline and a suction pipeline provided in each box respectively. The drying facility includes at least a pair of crossbeams extending in the width direction of the strip, and each box is detachably mounted in translation along one of the crossbeams.
8. The drying facility according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drying facility includes at least one injection hole located downstream of the suction hole. The injection hole is configured to inject injection fluid towards the strip, so as to separate at least a part of the residual lubricant layer from the strip and inject it towards the suction hole. Each box includes at least one injection hole, and the at least one injection hole is in fluid communication with an injection pipeline provided in the box.
9. The drying facility according to claim 8, characterized in that, The at least one injection hole includes an injection slot arranged along the width direction of the strip. The injection slot continuously covers at least the entire width of the strip, and injects an injection fluid knife in such a way. And each box includes a lid, the lid is a separate part attached to the box, and the injection slot is obtained by forming a gap between the box and the lid.
10. The drying facility according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The drying facility includes at least one injection hole located downstream of the suction hole. The injection hole is configured to inject injection fluid towards the strip so as to separate at least a part of the residual lubricant layer from the strip and inject it towards the suction hole. Wherein, the at least one injection hole is oriented at an angle α with respect to the strip, and the value of the angle α is less than 90° and between 90° and 70°.