An apparatus for steam curing of tube segments

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of tunnel segment manufacturing, specifically to a device for steam curing tunnel segments, comprising a steam curing chamber, a heater, a platform, and a vertical duct. The top of the steam curing chamber is provided with an air supply outlet and an air return outlet; the air supply outlet is connected to the outlet end of the heater, and the air return outlet is connected to the inlet end of the heater; the platform is located at the bottom of the steam curing chamber, and a ventilation duct is provided inside the platform, with an air inlet and an air outlet at each end; the air outlet of the ventilation duct is located on the top surface of the platform; both ends of the vertical duct are connected to the air supply outlet and the air inlet of the ventilation duct, respectively. This application allows hot air to flow upwards from the bottom of the steam curing chamber, ensuring uniform heating of the entire steam curing chamber space, resulting in more even heating of the upper and lower parts of the tunnel segments, thereby improving the steam curing effect and efficiency of the tunnel segments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tunnel segment manufacturing, and in particular to a device for tunnel segment steam curing. Background Technology

[0002] TBM segments are precast concrete components used to line tunnels during TBM construction. They are typically made of reinforced concrete and connected in rings using connectors or bolts to form the permanent support structure of the tunnel. During the prefabrication stage of TBM segments, steam curing is generally required. Steam curing accelerates the hydration reaction of the concrete, increases early strength, shortens mold turnaround time, and thus speeds up segment production. Simultaneously, steam curing reduces internal structural defects in the concrete, improving the overall quality and durability of the segments.

[0003] However, existing steam curing chambers operate by having hot air enter from one end and exit from the other. But because hot air naturally rises, most of the hot air accumulates in the upper part of the steam curing chamber during the curing process. This results in the upper and lower parts of the tube segments not being heated sufficiently and evenly, leading to low heating efficiency during tube segment curing and affecting the curing quality and production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problem in existing steam curing chambers where the upper and lower parts of the tube segments cannot be heated sufficiently and evenly during the steam curing process. Therefore, this invention provides a device for steam curing tube segments.

[0005] This utility model provides an apparatus for steam curing of tube segments, comprising: A steam curing chamber, the top of which is equipped with an air supply vent and an air return vent; The heater has an air supply outlet connected to the outlet end of the heater and a return air outlet connected to the inlet end of the heater. The platform is located at the bottom of the steam curing chamber. The platform has a ventilation duct inside, with an air inlet and an air outlet at each end. The air outlet of the ventilation duct is located on the top surface of the platform. A vertical duct, the two ends of which are connected to the air outlet and the air inlet of the ventilation duct, respectively.

[0006] This invention provides an apparatus for the steam curing of tube segments. The steam curing chamber is used to construct a sealed steam curing space, providing the necessary environment for the steam curing of the tube segments. The air supply vent delivers air heated by the heater into the steam curing chamber; the return air vent returns the air from the steam curing chamber to the heater for reheating, achieving air recycling. The heater heats the air, providing a heat source for the steam curing process. The platform is the area where the tube segments to be steam cured are placed. The vertical pipe connects the air supply vent and the air inlet of the ventilation duct, which guides the hot air to the top surface of the platform.

[0007] The heated air enters the vertical duct from the air inlet, flows into the ventilation duct, and then exits the ventilation duct to the top surface of the platform. Because hot air rises freely, and the tubes to be cured are placed above the platform, the rising hot air passes over the tubes, thus heating and curing them. After exchanging heat with the tubes, the air temperature decreases, and it returns to the heater through the return air inlet to be reheated, thus completing the cycle.

[0008] This invention utilizes the vertical pipe and ventilation channels in the platform to guide hot air from the air inlet to the top surface of the platform, specifically below the tube segments to be steam-cured. By leveraging the natural upward flow of hot air, it effectively solves the problem in traditional solutions where hot air tends to accumulate in the upper part of the steam-curing chamber, resulting in insufficient heating of the lower part of the tube segments. This design allows hot air to flow upward from the bottom of the steam-curing chamber, ensuring uniform heating throughout the entire chamber and resulting in more even heating of the tube segments, thus improving the steam-curing effect and efficiency.

[0009] Preferably, multiple ventilation ducts are arranged along the length of the platform. In this design, arranging multiple ventilation ducts along the length of the platform can effectively promote a more uniform distribution of hot air within the horizontal space of the curing chamber, further improving the curing effect of the tube segments.

[0010] Preferably, the return air vent is equipped with a filter screen. In this design, the main function of the filter screen is to intercept and block impurities, preventing these impurities from entering the heater through the return air vent, thereby avoiding damage to the structure and performance of the heater and ensuring that the heater can operate stably and normally.

[0011] Preferably, the inner wall of the ventilation duct is provided with an insulation board, and aluminum foil is disposed between the insulation board and the inner wall of the ventilation duct. In this design, the insulation board serves as a heat insulation layer, effectively reducing the heat conducted from the hot air flowing through the ventilation duct to the platform; while the aluminum foil has a heat reflection function, reflecting the heat energy originally radiated towards the platform back into the ventilation duct, thereby further reducing heat loss of the hot air during its transmission through the ventilation duct.

[0012] Preferably, the air supply outlet and the air return outlet are located at opposite ends of the length of the steam curing chamber; a blower is provided between the outlet of the heater and the air supply outlet; the air return outlet is connected to the inlet of the heater via a first pipe, a second pipe is provided between the outlet of the heater and the blower, the air supply outlet is connected to a third pipe, and the third pipe is connected to the blower via a fourth pipe. In this design, the air supply outlet and the air return outlet are located at opposite ends of the length of the steam curing chamber, which increases the flow path of hot air inside the steam curing chamber, making the hot air more evenly distributed inside the steam curing chamber. The first pipe is used to connect the air return outlet and the heater; the third pipe is used to connect the air supply outlet; and the fourth pipe is used to connect the third pipe and the blower. The blower can provide sufficient power for the flow of hot air in the pipes, promoting efficient circulation of hot air between the steam curing chamber and the heater.

[0013] The air outlet can be located in the middle of the top surface of the steam curing chamber, or it can be located near the wall of the steam curing chamber.

[0014] Preferably, the air outlet is located on the top surface of the curing chamber near the wall of the curing chamber, and the vertical duct is arranged along the inner wall of the curing chamber. In this design, since both the air outlet and the vertical duct are located against the wall, they do not occupy the critical space in the middle of the curing chamber used for placing the tube segments, thus minimizing interference with the tube segment placement plan inside the curing chamber. Furthermore, it reduces the impact on tube segment placement and movement operations.

[0015] Preferably, a trench is provided along the length of the platform, and a track is provided at the bottom of the trench. The air outlet of the ventilation duct is located on the side wall of the trench. The track is arranged along the length of the trench and is used to arrange a trolley. In this design, hot air in the ventilation duct enters the trench from the ventilation duct and then continues to rise. The trench is used to arrange the track and the trolley. The trolley has the ability to move freely along the length of the track, and the segment mold is placed on the trolley to facilitate the movement of the segment mold. In this way, when the trolley moves, it will move the segment mold along the track, greatly improving the flexibility of the segment mold movement. When it is necessary to transfer the segments cast in the segment mold to the curing chamber for curing, and after curing, to remove the segments and the segment mold together from the curing chamber, the trolley's ability to move along the track makes the entire operation more convenient and efficient, effectively improving the turnover efficiency of segment curing.

[0016] The heater and the blower can be installed on the top surface of the steam curing chamber or on the ground next to the steam curing chamber.

[0017] Preferably, both the heater and the blower are mounted on the top surface of the steam curing chamber via strip foundations. From a space utilization perspective, this design effectively reduces the floor space required, freeing up more usable space around the steam curing chamber for other related operations or equipment placement. From a piping cost perspective, mounting the heater and blower on the top surface shortens the length of the pipes connecting to the steam curing chamber, reducing the amount of piping material used and thus lowering piping installation and maintenance costs. The strip foundations also better transfer the loads of the heater and blower to the partition walls or columns of the steam curing chamber, preventing damage to the top of the chamber due to excessive load.

[0018] Preferably, the inner wall of the steam curing chamber is equipped with a spraying device. In this design, the function of the spraying device is to evenly spray water mist into the steam curing chamber, thereby increasing the humidity level inside the steam curing chamber and improving the curing effect of the pipe segments.

[0019] The heater can be a resistance wire heater or an air source heat pump. The resistance wire heater generates heat by passing an electric current through a resistance wire. The air source heat pump uses heat pump technology to absorb low-grade heat energy from the air and convert it into high-grade heat energy for heating.

[0020] Preferably, the heater is an air source heat pump. In this design, the air source heat pump only needs to consume a small amount of electricity to drive the heat pump during operation, and can obtain several times the amount of heat consumed. Its energy utilization efficiency is much higher than that of a resistance wire heater, which can significantly reduce energy consumption.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This invention provides a device for steam curing tube segments. Through the vertical pipe and the ventilation duct in the platform, hot air from the air inlet is guided to the top surface of the platform, i.e., below the tube segments to be steam cured. Utilizing the natural upward flow of hot air to heat the tube segments, this effectively solves the problem in traditional solutions where hot air tends to accumulate in the upper part of the steam curing chamber, resulting in insufficient heating of the lower part of the tube segments. This solution allows hot air to flow upward from the bottom of the steam curing chamber, ensuring uniform heating throughout the entire chamber. This results in more even heating of the upper and lower parts of the tube segments, thereby improving the steam curing effect and efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a plan view of a device used for steam curing of tube segments.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a side elevation diagram of an apparatus for steam curing tube segments.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the air inlet location of an apparatus used for tube segment steam curing.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the return air inlet location of an apparatus used for tube segment steam curing.

[0026] Marked in the image: 1-Steam curing room, 2-Air outlet, 3-Return air vent, 301 filter screen 4-Heater, 5- Blower, 6-First Pipeline, 7-Second pipe, 8-Fourth pipe, 9-Vertical pipes, 10-Platform, 101 - Ground trench, 102 - Ventilation duct, 11-Small car, 12-Segment mold, 13-orbit, 14-Third Pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention to the following embodiments; all technologies implemented based on the content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0028] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "center," "inner," and "outer" used in the description of specific embodiments of this utility model to indicate orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product / equipment / device is usually placed during use. These terms are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the utility model solution or simplifying the description in specific embodiments, and for enabling those skilled in the art to quickly understand the solution, and do not indicate or imply that a specific device / component / element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific positional relationship. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0029] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," "parallel," and "coaxial" does not imply that the corresponding device / component / element must be absolutely horizontal, vertical, suspended, parallel, or coaxial. Slight tilt or deviation is permissible, as long as it does not affect the normal function of the relevant component. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," not that the structure must be perfectly horizontal; a slight tilt is acceptable. "Coaxial" means that two components are arranged as coaxially as possible, allowing them to move coaxially or approximately coaxially when their relative positions change. Alternatively, it can be simplified to mean that the corresponding device / component / element, when arranged in "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," "parallel," or "coaxial" directions, can have an error / deviation of ±10% relative to the corresponding direction, more preferably within ±8%, more preferably within ±6%, more preferably within ±5%, and more preferably within ±4%. For example, the deviation in the "coaxial" direction is controlled within 0.2-1mm, preferably within 0.2-0.5mm. As long as the corresponding device / component / element is within the error / deviation range, it can still achieve its function in the present invention.

[0030] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in terminology is merely for distinguishing descriptions of identical or similar components and should not be interpreted as emphasizing or implying the relative importance of a particular component.

[0031] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "several", "multiple", and "several" represent at least two. The number can be any number, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine, and can even exceed nine.

[0032] Furthermore, in the description of the technical solution of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified / limited / restricted, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "provided with," "laid out," and "arranged" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to common connection methods in the art, such as welding, riveting, bolting, and threaded connections. Such connections can be mechanical, electrical, or communication connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components.

[0033] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, an apparatus for steam curing of tube segments includes a steam curing chamber 1, a heater 4, a platform 10, and a vertical pipe 9.

[0034] The top of the steam curing chamber 1 is equipped with an air supply vent 2 and an air return vent 3. Specifically, the steam curing chamber 1 can have one or more air supply vents 2 and air return vents 3. The size of the air supply vent 2 can be 1400mm × 240mm, and the size of the air return vent 3 can be 600mm × 600mm.

[0035] The width of each steam curing chamber 1 can be 6m, and the depth of each steam curing chamber 1 can be 18m. Each steam curing chamber 1 has end walls and doors that can be opened or closed at both ends in the depth direction.

[0036] Air outlet 2 is connected to the outlet end of heater 4, and return air outlet 3 is connected to the inlet end of heater 4.

[0037] The platform 10 is located at the bottom of the steam curing chamber 1. A ventilation duct 102 is provided inside the platform 10, with an air inlet and an air outlet at each end. The air outlet of the ventilation duct 102 is located on the top surface of the platform 10. Specifically, the platform 10 is a reinforced concrete structure. The length of the trench 101 is consistent with the depth of the steam curing chamber 1, and the cross-sectional dimensions of the ventilation duct 102 can be 1400mm × 240mm.

[0038] The two ends of the vertical duct 9 are connected to the air supply outlet 2 and the air inlet of the ventilation duct 102, respectively. Specifically, the cross-sectional dimensions of the vertical duct 9 can be 1400mm × 240mm. The vertical duct 9 can be made of stainless steel plate or galvanized iron sheet.

[0039] In an optional embodiment, multiple ventilation ducts 102 can be provided along the length of the platform 10. Specifically, the multiple ventilation ducts 102 are evenly spaced along the length of the platform 10, with a spacing of 3m-4m. The bottom of the vertical pipe 9 is connected to the air inlet of the multiple ventilation ducts 102 via a horizontal pipe. The horizontal pipe is located at the base of the walls on both sides of the width of the steam curing chamber 1, and the length of the horizontal pipe is consistent with the depth of the steam curing chamber 1.

[0040] In an optional embodiment, the return air vent 3 may be equipped with a filter screen 301. Specifically, the filter screen 301 may adopt a double-layer structure design, and the pore size of the filter screen 301 is between 5mm and 10mm. The filter screen 301 is detachably connected to the top plate of the steam curing chamber 1 surrounding the return air vent 3, and the specific connection method may include clamp connection and bolt connection. The advantage of the detachable connection scheme is that it greatly facilitates the replacement of the filter screen 301, or allows it to be removed for thorough cleaning when necessary.

[0041] In an optional embodiment, the inner wall of the ventilation duct 102 may be provided with an insulation board, and aluminum foil may be provided between the insulation board and the inner wall of the ventilation duct 102. Specifically, the thickness of the insulation board can be 40mm-80mm. The material of the insulation board can be rock wool or glass wool. Rock wool is a man-made inorganic fiber made from natural basalt as the main raw material, melted at high temperature and then processed using high-speed centrifugal equipment. It has excellent thermal insulation, fire resistance, sound absorption and noise reduction properties, and can effectively meet the thermal insulation requirements of the ventilation duct 102. Glass wool has a large number of micropores inside, which can effectively prevent air convection and reduce heat conduction efficiency, thereby playing a good role in thermal insulation.

[0042] In an optional embodiment, the air supply outlet 2 and the return air outlet 3 can be located at opposite ends of the length of the steam curing chamber 1. A blower 5 can be installed between the outlet end of the heater 4 and the air supply outlet 2. The return air outlet 3 is connected to the inlet end of the heater 4 via a first pipe 6, and a second pipe 7 is installed between the outlet end of the heater 4 and the blower 5. The air supply outlet 2 is connected to a third pipe 14, and the third pipe 14 is connected to the blower 5 via a fourth pipe 8. Specifically, the first pipe 6, the second pipe 7, and the third pipe 14 can be galvanized iron sheet ducts. The third pipe 14 is arranged along the width of the steam curing chamber 1, and the air supply outlets 2 of multiple steam curing chambers 1 are all connected to the third pipe 14. The top of the steam curing chamber 1 can be provided with two air supply outlets 2 and two return air outlets 3 respectively.

[0043] In an optional embodiment, the air outlet 2 can be installed on the top surface of the steam curing chamber 1 near the wall of the steam curing chamber 1, and the vertical duct 9 can be arranged along the inner wall of the steam curing chamber 1. Specifically, the air outlet 2 is installed on the top plate of the steam curing chamber 1 near the outer wall or partition wall. The vertical duct 9 is divided into an inclined section and a vertical section. The top end of the inclined section is connected to the air outlet 2, and the bottom end of the inclined section is close to the inner wall of the steam curing chamber 1. The top end of the vertical section is connected to the bottom end of the inclined section, and the bottom end of the vertical section is connected to the ventilation duct 102. The vertical ducts 9 on both sides of the partition wall are staggered in the width direction of the steam curing chamber 1.

[0044] In an optional embodiment, a trench 101 may be provided along the length of the platform 10, and the air outlet of the ventilation duct 102 may be located on the side wall of the trench 101. A track 13 is provided at the bottom of the trench 101, and the track 13 is arranged along the length of the trench 101. The track 13 is used to arrange the trolley 11. Specifically, two trenches 101 may be provided on the platform 10 side by side. Trolleys 11 are installed on the tracks 13 of both trenches 101, and the trolleys 11 in the two trenches 101 jointly carry a segment mold 12. The bottom of the trolley 11 is provided with rollers, which are installed on the track 13 and can roll along the track 13, thereby driving the segment mold 12 carried on the trolley 11 to move together.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, both the heater 4 and the blower 5 can be mounted on the top surface of the steam curing chamber 1 via a strip foundation. Specifically, the strip foundation can be an upward-turning beam with a height of 250mm-350mm. The length direction of the upward-turning beam is consistent with the width direction of the steam curing chamber 1.

[0046] In an optional embodiment, a spraying device may be installed on the inner wall of the steam curing chamber 1.

[0047] In an optional implementation, the heater 4 can be an air-source heat pump. The number of heaters 4 can be set according to actual needs.

[0048] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A device for pipe slice steam curing, characterized by, include: Steam curing chamber (1), the top of which is provided with air supply vent (2) and air return vent (3); Heater (4), the air outlet (2) is connected to the outlet end of the heater (4), and the return air outlet (3) is connected to the inlet end of the heater (4); Platform (10), the platform (10) is located at the bottom of the steam curing chamber (1), the platform (10) is provided with a ventilation duct (102), the two ends of the ventilation duct (102) are respectively provided with an air inlet and an air outlet; the air outlet of the ventilation duct (102) is located on the top surface of the platform (10); A vertical pipe (9) is connected at both ends to the air outlet (2) and the air inlet of the ventilation duct (102), respectively.

2. A device for steam curing of segments according to claim 1, characterized in that The ventilation ducts (102) are provided in multiple ways along the length of the platform (10).

3. The apparatus for steam curing tube segments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The return air vent (3) is equipped with a filter screen (301).

4. A device for steam curing of segments according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner wall of the ventilation duct (102) is provided with a heat-insulating cotton board, and aluminum foil is provided between the heat-insulating cotton board and the inner wall of the ventilation duct (102).

5. A device for pipe segment steam curing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The air supply port (2) and the air return port (3) are located at opposite ends of the length of the steam chamber (1); a blower (5) is provided between the outlet end of the heater (4) and the air supply port (2); the air return port (3) is connected to the inlet end of the heater (4) through a first pipe (6); a second pipe (7) is provided between the outlet end of the heater (4) and the blower (5); the air supply port (2) is connected to a third pipe (14); and the third pipe (14) is connected to the blower (5) through a fourth pipe (8).

6. A device for steam curing of segments according to claim 5, characterised in that The air outlet (2) is located on the top surface of the steam curing chamber (1) near the wall of the steam curing chamber (1), and the vertical pipe (9) is arranged along the inner wall of the steam curing chamber (1).

7. A device for steam curing of segments according to claim 5, characterized in that A ground trench (101) is provided along the length of the platform (10), and the air outlet of the ventilation duct (102) is located on the side wall of the ground trench (101); a track (13) is provided at the bottom of the ground trench (101), the track (13) is arranged along the length of the ground trench (101), and the track (13) is used to arrange the trolley (11).

8. The apparatus for steam curing tube segments according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heater (4) and the blower (5) are both mounted on the top surface of the steam curing chamber (1) via strip foundations.

9. A device for steam curing of segments according to claim 5, characterized in that The inner wall of the steam curing chamber (1) is equipped with a spraying device.

10. A device for steam curing of segments as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The heater (4) is an air-powered device.

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