Dredging device for upper water tank of circular cooler
By using a three-stage sedimentation tank assembly and optimized hydraulic design, the problem of clogging in the annular cooler's water tank was solved, achieving efficient and energy-saving dredging and ensuring the stable operation of the annular cooler.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHANGSHU LONGTENG SPECIAL STEEL CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the water tank of the ring cooler is easily clogged by dust, which leads to water seal failure and affects the normal operation of the cooling system.
The system employs a three-stage series sedimentation tank assembly with decreasing height, combined with a diversion pipe, water supply pipe, control valve, and water pump to achieve automatic transport of sludge water and recycling of clean water. The overflow pipe is equipped with a buffer baffle and diffuser to reduce water flow impact, and inclined plate packing and sludge scraping assembly are used to improve sedimentation efficiency.
It effectively improves sludge separation efficiency, reduces suspended solids content, enables the recycling of clean water, reduces energy consumption, avoids pipeline siltation, and ensures the efficient and stable operation of the equipment.
Smart Images

Figure CN224189006U_ABST
Abstract
Description
A device for cleaning sludge from the water tank of an annular cooler. Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sludge removal technology for water tanks of annular coolers, and in particular to a sludge removal device for water tanks of annular coolers. Background Technology
[0002] Sinter production is an important process before ironmaking. Sintering is the precise blending of various iron-containing materials, fluxes, and fuels according to the parameters required by the blast furnace. After the mixture is mixed, moistened, and pelletized, it is evenly distributed on the sintering machine. After surface ignition, under the negative pressure of the exhaust fan, it forms a liquid phase from top to bottom and condenses into lumps.
[0003] After the sintering process, the temperature of the sintered cake can reach over 650℃, requiring a cooling system to lower it to below 120℃. The most commonly used technology currently is the water-sealed annular cooler, where the water seal effectively prevents cooling air from escaping outside the fume hood. However, under the action of the blower, some dust particles enter the water tank, and failure to clean them promptly can lead to water seal failure. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for cleaning the water tank of an annular cooler, which solves the problem that the water tank of an annular cooler is easily clogged by dust in the prior art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0006] This utility model provides a device for cleaning the sludge in the upper water tank of an annular cooler, comprising:
[0007] A sedimentation tank assembly, comprising at least three sedimentation tanks connected in series in descending order of height;
[0008] A diversion pipe, one end of which is located in the water tank of the annular cooler, and the other end of which is connected to the first sedimentation tank, is used to transport the sludge-water mixture in the water tank to the sedimentation tank assembly;
[0009] A water supply pipe is provided, with one end connected to the last stage sedimentation tank and the other end located in the water tank of the annular cooler. A water pump is installed on the water supply pipe to return the settled clear water to the water tank.
[0010] Furthermore, the inlet of the drainage pipe is positioned higher than the inlet of the first sedimentation tank.
[0011] Furthermore, a control valve is provided on the drainage pipe to control the opening and closing of the drainage pipe; the control valve is a three-way valve, which includes an inlet, an outlet and a drain outlet. The inlet is connected to the water tank on the ring cooler, the outlet is connected to the first sedimentation tank, and the drain outlet is connected to an external sewage pipe.
[0012] Furthermore, a water inlet valve is provided downstream of the water pump, which is used to control the flow of water in the water inlet pipe.
[0013] Furthermore, the sedimentation tanks at each stage of the sedimentation tank assembly are connected by overflow pipes; the inlet end of the overflow pipe is equipped with a buffer baffle, and the outlet end of the overflow pipe is equipped with a diffuser to reduce the water flow velocity and improve the sedimentation effect.
[0014] Furthermore, each sedimentation tank in the sedimentation tank assembly is equipped with a sludge collection hopper at the bottom, and a sludge discharge valve is connected to the bottom of the sludge collection hopper.
[0015] Furthermore, each stage of the sedimentation tank assembly is equipped with inclined plate packing, which is used to improve sedimentation efficiency.
[0016] Furthermore, each sedimentation tank of the sedimentation tank assembly is also equipped with a sludge scraping assembly, which includes a push rod and a scraper, for periodically cleaning the sludge deposited on the surface of the inclined plate packing.
[0017] Due to the application of the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:
[0018] This utility model discloses a sludge removal device for the upper water tank of an annular cooler, which adopts at least three series sedimentation tanks with decreasing heights, and achieves step-by-step sedimentation through gravity flow, effectively improving the sludge separation efficiency and reducing the suspended solids content in the clear water.
[0019] Furthermore, the drainage pipe and water supply pipe, in conjunction with the water pump, control valve, and water supply valve, enable the automatic transport of the sludge-water mixture and the recycling of clean water, reducing manual intervention and energy consumption. The three-way design of the control valve allows switching between sewage discharge and sedimentation modes, preventing pipe clogging.
[0020] Furthermore, the overflow pipe is equipped with buffer baffles and diffusers to reduce water flow impact, avoid disturbing the settled sludge, and improve the sedimentation effect. The inclined plate packing increases the sedimentation area, accelerates solid-liquid separation, and improves treatment efficiency. The sludge scraper assembly regularly cleans the inclined plate packing to prevent sludge accumulation from affecting sedimentation performance. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the present invention in a detailed manner by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or components. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:
[0022] Figure 1 is a plan view of a sludge removal device for an upper water tank of an annular cooler provided by this utility model;
[0023] Figure 2 is a plan view of the sedimentation tank assembly provided by this utility model;
[0024] Figure 3 is a plan view of the inclined plate packing provided by this utility model;
[0025] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:
[0026] 1. Sedimentation tank components;
[0027] 2. Drainage tube; 201. Control valve;
[0028] 3. Water supply pipe; 301. Water pump; 302. Water supply valve;
[0029] 4. Overflow pipe; 5. Buffer baffle; 6. Diffuser;
[0030] 7. Sludge collection hopper; 701. Sludge discharge valve;
[0031] 8. Inclined plate packing;
[0032] 9. Sludge scraper assembly; 901. Push rod; 902. Scraper blade;
[0033] 10. Water tank for the annular cooler. Detailed Implementation
[0034] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0035] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, this utility model discloses a sludge removal device for the upper water tank of an annular cooler. The device includes a sedimentation tank assembly 1, a diversion pipe 2, and an upper water pipe 3.
[0036] Specifically, sedimentation tank assembly 1 includes at least three sedimentation tanks connected in series with decreasing heights, thus creating a significant hydraulic elevation difference. Through this layout design, wastewater can be transported by gravity without the need for additional lifting equipment, reducing energy consumption and simplifying the device structure.
[0037] The sedimentation tanks at each stage are hydraulically connected via overflow pipe 4 to ensure that the clarified water from the upper layer flows smoothly and evenly into the next sedimentation tank, while effectively preventing back-mixing of the sedimented sludge at the bottom. This stepped sedimentation treatment method, compared to traditional single-stage sedimentation tanks, significantly improves sedimentation efficiency through a process of gradual separation and purification.
[0038] In this example, a buffer baffle 5 is installed at the inlet end of the overflow pipe 4. The buffer baffle 5 effectively reduces the water flow velocity, preventing the settled sludge in the sedimentation tank from being stirred up again, while also reducing water flow noise and improving the stability of the device operation. Simultaneously, a diffuser 6 is installed at the outlet end of the overflow pipe 4. The diffuser 6 effectively reduces the flow velocity at the outlet end, allowing the water to flow smoothly into the next stage sedimentation tank, avoiding impact on the settled sludge at the bottom of the tank, and promoting uniform water flow distribution to improve the sedimentation effect.
[0039] In addition, each sedimentation tank in the sedimentation tank assembly 1 in this example is equipped with a sludge collection hopper 7 at the bottom. The bottom of the sludge collection hopper 7 is connected to a sludge discharge valve 701 to facilitate the centralized discharge of sludge from the sedimentation tank and reduce the frequency of manual cleaning.
[0040] Furthermore, inclined plate packing 8 is installed in each sedimentation tank, fixed to the inner wall of the sedimentation tank by a detachable bracket. The inclined plate packing 8 consists of several parallel inclined plates, forming sedimentation channels between adjacent plates. It is made of polyethylene or polypropylene and has an anti-stick coating on the surface. The design of the inclined plate packing 8 significantly improves solid-liquid separation efficiency by increasing the sedimentation area and optimizing the sedimentation path; the anti-stick coating prevents sludge adhesion and maintains long-term stable sedimentation performance; its detachable design facilitates regular cleaning and maintenance. In practical applications, the inclination angle and spacing of the inclined plates can be adjusted according to the treated water volume and water quality.
[0041] Each sedimentation tank in sedimentation tank assembly 1 is also equipped with a sludge scraping assembly 9. The sludge scraping assembly 9 includes a push rod 901 and a scraper 902, used to periodically clean the sludge deposited on the surface of the inclined plate packing. The end of the push rod 901 is connected to the scraper 902 via a universal joint; the scraper 902 is made of polyurethane elastic material, and its working surface shape matches the inclined profile of the inclined plate packing. During operation, the push rod 901 drives the scraper 902 to reciprocate along the surface of the inclined plate packing, scraping the deposited sludge into the sludge collection hopper 7, effectively preventing clogging of the inclined plate and maintaining the efficient operation of the sedimentation system. The push rod 901 can be electrically driven, using a waterproof servo motor, and can be automatically operated at timed intervals through a PLC control system. The required cleaning frequency can be set according to the actual sludge deposition.
[0042] The aforementioned diversion pipe 2 has one end installed inside the water tank 10 of the annular cooler, and the other end connected to the first sedimentation tank in the sedimentation tank assembly 1. It is used to transport the sludge-water mixture from the water tank to the sedimentation tank assembly 1. The inlet of the diversion pipe 2 is positioned higher than the inlet of the first sedimentation tank, thus following the design principle of "high inlet, low outlet," ensuring that the sludge-water mixture in the water tank can achieve stable gravity-fed transport without the need for additional power equipment.
[0043] A control valve 201 is installed on the diversion pipe 2 to control the flow of fluid through the pipe. This control valve 201 is a three-way valve, including an inlet, an outlet, and a drain outlet. The inlet is connected to the water tank 10 of the aforementioned annular cooler, the outlet is connected to the first sedimentation tank, and the drain outlet is connected to an external sewage pipe. During normal operation, the inlet and outlet are kept open to ensure continuous transport of the sludge-water mixture to the sedimentation tank. When system maintenance or emergency evacuation is required, the system can be switched to the drain outlet mode to quickly discharge the accumulated sewage and sediment in the pipe through the drain outlet.
[0044] The water supply pipe 3 has one end connected to the last stage sedimentation tank in the sedimentation tank assembly 1, and the other end connected to the water tank 10 of the annular cooler. A water pump 301 is installed on the water supply pipe 3 to return the clean water after multi-stage sedimentation treatment to the water tank. A water supply valve 302 is installed downstream of the water pump 301 to control the flow of water in the water supply pipe 3.
[0045] In summary, the sludge removal device for the upper water tank of the annular cooler disclosed in this utility model features a multi-stage sedimentation tank with a stepped layout and optimized hydraulic design, forming a highly efficient sedimentation system. Combined with the overflow design in the device (including buffer baffles and diffusers), the water flow velocity is always controlled within the optimal range, ensuring the sedimentation effect while avoiding sludge disturbance, thus achieving efficient, energy-saving, and stable sludge removal operations.
[0046] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. They should not be used to limit the protection scope of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A device for cleaning sludge from the water tank of an annular cooler, characterized in that, include: A sedimentation tank assembly (1) includes at least three sedimentation tanks connected in series with decreasing heights; a diversion pipe (2), one end of which is located in the upper water tank of the annular cooler, and the other end of which is connected to the first sedimentation tank, for transporting the sludge-water mixture in the water tank to the sedimentation tank assembly (1); a water supply pipe (3), one end of which is connected to the last sedimentation tank, and the other end of which is located in the upper water tank of the annular cooler; a water pump (301) is installed on the water supply pipe (3) for returning the settled clear water to the water tank.
2. The sludge removal device for the water tank of an annular cooler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet of the diversion pipe (2) is set higher than the inlet of the first sedimentation tank.
3. The sludge removal device for the water tank of an annular cooler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drain pipe (2) is equipped with a control valve (201) for controlling the opening and closing of the drain pipe (2); the control valve (201) is a three-way valve, the control valve (201) includes an inlet, an outlet and a drain outlet, the inlet is connected to the water tank of the ring cooler, the outlet is connected to the first sedimentation tank, and the drain outlet is connected to the external sewage pipe.
4. The sludge removal device for the water tank of an annular cooler according to claim 1, characterized in that, A water inlet valve (302) is provided downstream of the water pump (301), and the water inlet valve (302) is used to control the flow of water in the water inlet pipe (3).
5. The sludge removal device for the water tank of an annular cooler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sedimentation tanks of each stage of the sedimentation tank assembly (1) are connected by an overflow pipe (4); a buffer baffle (5) is provided at the inlet end of the overflow pipe (4), and a diffuser (6) is provided at the outlet end of the overflow pipe (4) to reduce the water flow velocity and improve the sedimentation effect.
6. The sludge removal device for the water tank of an annular cooler according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each sedimentation tank in the sedimentation tank assembly (1) is equipped with a sludge collection hopper (7) at the bottom, and a sludge discharge valve (701) is connected to the bottom of the sludge collection hopper (7).
7. The sludge removal device for the water tank of an annular cooler according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each sedimentation tank in the sedimentation tank assembly (1) is equipped with inclined plate packing (8), which is used to improve sedimentation efficiency.
8. The sludge removal device for the water tank of an annular cooler according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sedimentation tank assembly (1) is further equipped with a sludge scraping assembly (9) in each sedimentation tank. The sludge scraping assembly (9) includes a push rod (901) and a scraper (902) for periodically cleaning the sludge deposited on the surface of the inclined plate packing.