A ring cooling machine unloading chute material level detection early warning device
By combining multiple detection methods such as weight sensors, microwave devices, and radar level gauges, the problems of error and dust pollution in the unloading trough of the annular cooler have been solved, achieving more accurate level monitoring and an environmentally friendly production environment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUNAN VALIN XIANGTAN IRON & STEEL CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
The existing method of detecting the material level in the unloading trough of the annular cooler mainly relies on weighing, which is prone to errors and misjudgments. This can lead to excessively high material levels in the unloading trough, affecting the operation of the annular cooler and causing dust pollution.
The early warning device combines multiple detection methods, including a weight detection module, a material level detection module, a tank top sealing module, and a material layer height detection module. These modules continuously detect material levels using weight sensors, microwave devices, and radar level gauges, respectively, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of the detection.
It improves the accuracy of material level detection, avoids errors and misjudgments, prevents the ring cooler from operating under overload, reduces dust pollution, and ensures production safety and environmental protection requirements.
Smart Images

Figure CN224398368U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of annular cooler technology, specifically a material level detection and early warning device for annular cooler unloading trough. Background Technology
[0002] During the sintering process, the annular cooler is responsible for uniformly cooling the sintered ore from 600-700 degrees Celsius to below 120 degrees Celsius. After the annular cooler completes its cooling operation, the annular cooler trolley moves with the annular frame of the annular cooler into the unloading area for unloading. The cooled sintered ore is discharged into the annular cooler unloading trough for short-term storage, and then the sintered ore is uniformly discharged into the plate feeder through the discharge port at the bottom of the unloading trough to realize the external transportation of the sintered ore.
[0003] In related technologies, existing annular cooler unloading troughs generally use weighing to detect the material level. Two sets of weight sensors are arranged on both sides of the unloading trough to continuously detect the weight of the sintered ore inside. When the weight of the sintered ore stored in the unloading trough exceeds the set weight value, the system issues an alarm, and the operator adjusts the operation of the annular cooler and sintering machine based on the alarm. However, after the annular cooler unloading trough stores sintered ore, its overall height decreases under the load. The discharge port at the bottom of the unloading trough comes into contact with the plate feeder installed below, causing the weight sensors to detect a lower weight of sintered ore than the actual stored amount. This results in the unloading trough exceeding the set weight, causing the material level to be too high, severely affecting the unloading of the annular cooler and causing it to overload and shut down. Furthermore, after the unloading trough sinks under the load, sintered ore dust is emitted from the top of the unloading trough, polluting the site environment and failing to meet the requirements for fugitive emissions.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a material level detection and early warning device for the unloading trough of an annular cooler to avoid the errors and misjudgments that may occur with a single detection method, greatly enhance the accuracy of detection, and solve the problem of excessively high material level in the unloading trough. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a material level detection and early warning device for the unloading trough of an annular cooler, so as to solve at least one aspect of the problems and defects mentioned in the background art.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0007] A material level detection and early warning device for the unloading trough of an annular cooler includes:
[0008] The system includes an annular cooler, an unloading trough, and a control system, wherein the unloading trough is provided with a discharge port at the bottom.
[0009] Several support bases are provided on both sides of the unloading trough;
[0010] A weight detection module is provided at the bottom of several of the support bases on both sides;
[0011] Material level detection modules are respectively installed at both ends of the unloading trough;
[0012] The top of the unloading trough is equipped with a trough top sealing module, and the trough top sealing module is equipped with a material layer height detection module;
[0013] The weight detection module, material level detection module, and material layer height detection module are respectively connected to the control system signals.
[0014] The material level detection and early warning device for the unloading trough of the annular cooler according to the present invention has at least the following technical effects:
[0015] This annular cooler unloading trough material level detection and early warning device, through a weight detection module, a material level detection module, a trough top sealing module, and a material layer height detection module, can continuously detect the weight of sinter in the unloading trough, the high and low material levels in the unloading trough, the soft seal at the top of the unloading trough, and the continuous detection of the material layer height inside the unloading trough. Compared with existing annular cooler unloading trough material level detection and early warning devices, this device utilizes multiple detection methods to complement each other, enabling a more comprehensive and accurate reflection of the actual situation of sinter in the unloading trough. It avoids errors and misjudgments that may occur with a single detection method, greatly enhancing the accuracy of detection. It can promptly detect potential problems in the unloading trough and quickly take corresponding measures to prevent the annular cooler from failing to unload due to excessively high material levels in the unloading trough. Furthermore, after the unloading trough sinks under load, it reduces dust overflow, reduces fugitive emissions, improves the working environment, and ensures that the production process meets environmental protection requirements.
[0016] As a further improvement of this utility model, the weight detection module includes several weight sensors.
[0017] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the annular cooler is provided with support beams on both sides near the unloading trough, the bottom of the weight sensor is connected to the top of the support beam, and the top of the weight sensor abuts against the bottom of the support base.
[0018] The weight detection module includes several weight sensors, specifically four sets of column-type weight sensors, forming a weight weighing bridge. Support beams are installed on both sides of the annular cooler near the unloading trough. The bottom of the weight sensors connects to the top of the support beams, and the top of the weight sensors abuts against the bottom of the support base, used to bear and detect the weight of the unloading trough and sinter in real time. When sinter is loaded into the unloading trough, the weight of the material in the trough increases. After the weight weighing bridge detects the weight change, it converts it into an electrical signal and outputs it to the control system, displaying the weight of the sinter in the unloading trough after removing its own weight. This effectively ensures that the weight of the unloading trough and the sinter within it is stably and accurately transmitted to the weight sensors, enabling the weight sensors to accurately detect the actual weight of the unloading trough and the sinter in real time, providing accurate data for subsequent production control and decision-making.
[0019] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the material level detection module includes a plurality of microwave transmitting devices disposed on the inner steel plate of the unloading trough, and a plurality of microwave receiving devices disposed on the outer steel plate of the unloading trough corresponding to the plurality of microwave transmitting devices.
[0020] The material level detection module includes several microwave transmitters mounted on the inner steel plate of the unloading trough and several microwave receivers mounted on the outer steel plate of the unloading trough, corresponding to the microwave transmitters. Specifically, there are two sets: one set consists of low-level microwave transmitters and receivers, and the other set consists of high-level microwave transmitters and receivers. When the sinter in the unloading trough gradually increases and accumulates, blocking the low-level signal reception, an alarm signal is triggered. If the sinter continues to increase and blocks the high-level signal reception, a shutdown signal is triggered. The material level detection module can reflect the sinter level in the unloading trough in real time and intuitively, promptly reminding operators to pay attention to the material level height in the unloading trough, facilitating appropriate measures to prevent further increases in the material level and ensuring equipment and production safety.
[0021] As a further embodiment of this utility model: a compressed air nozzle is provided at one end of each of the microwave transmitting devices and the microwave receiving devices.
[0022] As a further improvement of this utility model, an electric ball valve is provided on the compressed air nozzle.
[0023] By installing compressed air nozzles at one end of several microwave transmitters and several microwave receivers, and controlling the automatic opening or closing of electric ball valves on the compressed air nozzles through a control system, dust and other impurities adhering to the microwave transmitters and receivers can be periodically blown away. This prevents dust accumulation at the transmitter or receiver from causing system interference and false alarms, ensuring the normal transmission of microwave signals. As a result, the material level detection results can more accurately reflect the actual material level of sinter in the unloading trough, improving the accuracy and reliability of material level detection.
[0024] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the top sealing module includes a first flange disposed on the top of the unloading trough and a second flange disposed on the top of the annular cooler.
[0025] As a further improvement of this utility model, an expansion joint is provided between the first flange and the second flange.
[0026] The top sealing module includes a first flange on the top of the unloading trough and a second flange on the top of the annular cooler, with an expansion joint between them. Specifically, a non-metallic expansion joint is used, which enables a flexible seal between the unloading trough and the fixed bucket of the annular cooler, ensuring that the unloading trough can float vertically after being loaded, thus avoiding interference with the operation of the weight detection module. Furthermore, it effectively seals the trough body, preventing dust from overflowing during the unloading stage of the annular cooler trolley, reducing fugitive emissions, improving the production environment, and meeting environmental protection standards.
[0027] As a further embodiment of this invention, the material layer height detection module includes several radar level gauges.
[0028] As a further embodiment of this invention, several of the radar level gauges are disposed on the top of the second flange.
[0029] The material level detection module includes several radar level gauges, which are installed on the top of the second flange. Specifically, two radar level gauges are used, avoiding the unloading area of the annular cooler. The radar level gauges transmit microwave signals to the surface of the material in the unloading trough through their transmitting antennas. When the microwave signals encounter the material surface, some of the energy is reflected. The reflected signals are then captured by the receiving antenna of the radar level gauges, and the time difference between transmission and reception is recorded. Using the speed of microwave propagation in the air, the distance from the antenna to the material surface is calculated using a formula, thereby accurately measuring the height of the material layer in the unloading trough and ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the measurement. Attached Figure Description
[0030] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0031] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a material level detection and early warning device for an annular cooler unloading trough;
[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side view structural diagram.
[0033] Figure label:
[0034] 1. Unloading trough; 2. Feeding port; 3. Support base; 4. Weight sensor; 5. Support beam; 6. Microwave transmitter; 7. Microwave receiver; 8. Compressed air nozzle; 9. Electric ball valve; 10. First flange; 11. Second flange; 12. Expansion joint; 13. Radar level gauge. Detailed Implementation
[0035] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0036] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0037] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.
[0038] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.
[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model; that is, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0040] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiment of this utility model shows a material level detection and early warning device for an annular cooler unloading trough, comprising: an annular cooler, an unloading trough 1, and a control system. The unloading trough 1 has a discharge port 2 at its bottom; several support seats 3 are respectively provided on both sides of the unloading trough 1; a weight detection module is respectively provided at the bottom of the several support seats 3 on both sides; a material level detection module is respectively provided at both ends of the unloading trough 1; a trough top sealing module is provided at the top of the unloading trough 1, and a material layer height detection module is provided on the trough top sealing module; the weight detection module, the material level detection module, and the material layer height detection module are respectively connected to the control system via signals.
[0042] Specifically, this annular cooler unloading trough material level detection and early warning device, through a weight detection module, a material level detection module, a trough top sealing module, and a material layer height detection module, can continuously detect the weight of sinter in the unloading trough, the high and low material levels in the unloading trough, the soft seal at the top of the unloading trough, and the continuous detection of the material layer height inside the unloading trough. Compared with existing annular cooler unloading trough material level detection and early warning devices, this device utilizes multiple detection methods to complement each other, enabling a more comprehensive and accurate reflection of the actual situation of sinter in the unloading trough. It avoids errors and misjudgments that may occur with a single detection method, greatly enhancing the accuracy of detection. It can promptly detect potential problems in the unloading trough and quickly take corresponding measures to prevent the annular cooler from failing to unload due to excessively high material levels in the unloading trough. Furthermore, after the unloading trough sinks under load, it reduces dust overflow, reduces fugitive emissions, improves the working environment, and ensures that the production process meets environmental protection requirements.
[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the weight detection module includes several weight sensors 4; support beams 5 are provided on both sides of the annular cooler near the unloading trough 1, the bottom of the weight sensor 4 is connected to the top of the support beam 5, and the top of the weight sensor 4 abuts against the bottom of the support base 3.
[0044] Specifically, the weight detection module includes several weight sensors 4, specifically four sets of column-type weight sensors, forming a weight weighing bridge. Support beams 5 are installed on both sides of the annular cooler near the unloading trough 1. The bottom of the weight sensor 4 is connected to the top of the support beam 5, and the top of the weight sensor 4 abuts against the bottom of the support base 3, used to bear and detect the weight of the unloading trough 1 and the sinter in real time. When the sinter is loaded into the unloading trough 1, the weight of the material in the unloading trough 1 increases. After the weight weighing bridge detects the weight change, it converts it into an electrical signal and outputs it to the control system, displaying the weight of the sinter in the unloading trough 1 after removing its own weight. This effectively ensures that the weight of the unloading trough 1 and the sinter within it is stably and accurately transmitted to the weight sensor 4, enabling the weight sensor 4 to accurately detect the actual weight of the unloading trough 1 and the sinter in real time, providing accurate data for subsequent production control and decision-making.
[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the material level detection module includes several microwave transmitting devices 6 installed on the inner steel plate of the unloading trough 1, and several microwave receiving devices 7 installed on the outer steel plate of the unloading trough 1, corresponding to the several microwave transmitting devices 6.
[0046] Specifically, the material level detection module includes several microwave transmitting devices 6 installed on the inner steel plate of the unloading trough 1, and several microwave receiving devices 7 installed on the outer steel plate of the unloading trough 1, corresponding to the microwave transmitting devices 6; specifically, there are two sets, one set consisting of a low-level microwave transmitting device and a low-level microwave receiving device, and the other set consisting of a high-level microwave transmitting device and a high-level microwave receiving device; when the sinter in the unloading trough 1 gradually increases and accumulates, blocking the reception of the low-level signal, an alarm signal is triggered; when the sinter continues to increase and blocks the reception of the high-level signal, a shutdown signal is triggered; the material level detection module can reflect the material level of the sinter in the unloading trough 1 in real time and intuitively, promptly reminding operators to pay attention to the material level height in the unloading trough 1, so as to take corresponding measures according to the situation, prevent the material level from rising further, and ensure the safety of equipment and production.
[0047] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, one end of each of the microwave transmitting devices 6 and the microwave receiving devices 7 is provided with a compressed air nozzle 8, and an electric ball valve 9 is provided on the compressed air nozzle 8.
[0048] Specifically, by installing compressed air nozzles 8 at one end of several microwave transmitting devices 6 and several microwave receiving devices 7, and by controlling the automatic opening or closing of electric ball valves 9 on the compressed air nozzles 8 through the control system, dust and other impurities adhering to the microwave transmitting devices 7 and microwave receiving devices 8 can be periodically blown away. This avoids dust accumulation on the transmitting or receiving ends causing system interference and false alarms, ensures the normal transmission of microwave signals, and makes the material level detection results more accurately reflect the actual material level of sinter in the unloading trough 1, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of material level detection.
[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the top sealing module includes a first flange 10 disposed on the top of the unloading trough 1 and a second flange 11 disposed on the top of the annular cooler, with an expansion joint 12 disposed between the first flange 10 and the second flange 11.
[0050] Specifically, the top sealing module includes a first flange 10 located at the top of the unloading trough 1 and a second flange 11 located at the top of the annular cooler. An expansion joint 12 is provided between the first flange 10 and the second flange 11. Specifically, a non-metallic expansion joint is used, which can achieve a flexible seal between the unloading trough 1 and the fixed bucket of the annular cooler, ensuring that the unloading trough 1 can float vertically after being loaded, avoiding interference with the operation of the weight detection module. It can also effectively seal the trough body of the unloading trough 1, preventing dust from overflowing during the unloading stage of the annular cooler trolley, reducing fugitive emissions, improving the production environment, and meeting environmental protection standards.
[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the material level detection module includes several radar level gauges 13, which are installed on the top of the second flange 11.
[0052] Specifically, the material level detection module includes several radar level gauges 13, which are installed on top of the second flange 11. Two radar level gauges 13 are specifically configured and are positioned away from the unloading area of the annular cooler. The radar level gauges 13 transmit microwave signals to the surface of the material in the unloading trough 1 through their transmitting antennas. When the microwave signals encounter the material surface, some of the energy is reflected. The reflected signals are then captured by the receiving antenna of the radar level gauges 13, and the time difference between transmission and reception is recorded. The distance from the antenna to the material surface is calculated using a formula based on the speed of microwave propagation in the air, thereby accurately measuring the height of the material layer in the unloading trough 1 and ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the measurement.
[0053] The above description is merely an example and illustration of the structure of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or additions to the specific embodiments described or use similar methods to replace them, as long as they do not deviate from the structure of the utility model or exceed the scope defined in the claims, they should all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A material level detection and early warning device for the unloading trough of an annular cooler, characterized in that, include: The ring cooler, the unloading trough (1) and the control system are provided, and the bottom of the unloading trough (1) is provided with a discharge port (2); Several support seats (3) are provided on both sides of the unloading trough (1); A weight detection module is provided at the bottom of several of the support seats (3) on both sides; Material level detection modules are respectively installed at both ends of the unloading trough (1); The top of the unloading trough (1) is provided with a trough top sealing module, and the trough top sealing module is provided with a material layer height detection module; The weight detection module, material level detection module, and material layer height detection module are respectively connected to the control system signals.
2. The annular cooler unloading trough material level detection and early warning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weight detection module includes several weight sensors (4).
3. The annular cooler unloading trough material level detection and early warning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The annular cooler is provided with support beams (5) on both sides near the unloading trough (1). The bottom of the weight sensor (4) is connected to the top of the support beam (5), and the top of the weight sensor (4) abuts against the bottom of the support base (3).
4. The annular cooler unloading trough material level detection and early warning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material level detection module includes several microwave transmitting devices (6) installed on the inner steel plate of the unloading trough (1), and several microwave receiving devices (7) installed on the outer steel plate of the unloading trough (1) corresponding to the several microwave transmitting devices (6).
5. The annular cooler unloading trough material level detection and early warning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, One end of each of the microwave transmitting devices (6) and the microwave receiving devices (7) is provided with a compressed air nozzle (8).
6. The annular cooler unloading trough material level detection and early warning device according to claim 5, characterized in that, An electric ball valve (9) is provided on the compressed air nozzle (8).
7. The material level detection and early warning device for the unloading trough of the annular cooler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top sealing module includes a first flange (10) disposed on the top of the unloading trough (1) and a second flange (11) disposed on the top of the annular cooler.
8. The material level detection and early warning device for the unloading trough of the annular cooler according to claim 7, characterized in that, An expansion joint (12) is provided between the first flange (10) and the second flange (11).
9. The material level detection and early warning device for the unloading trough of the annular cooler according to claim 8, characterized in that, The material layer height detection module includes several radar level gauges (13).
10. The annular cooler unloading trough material level detection and early warning device according to claim 9, characterized in that, Several of the radar level gauges (13) are disposed on top of the second flange (11).