A labyrinth seal structure for steel refining shaft in a steel plant

Abstract

This utility model relates to the technical field of shaft sealing structures, and more particularly to a labyrinth seal structure for a steel refining shaft in a steelmaking plant. It includes a structural support plate for steel refining, a shaft rotatably mounted on the support plate, and a first sealing component and a second sealing component mounted on the shaft. The second sealing component includes an outer ring with a lubricating oil bottle fixedly mounted on it. An annular groove is formed on the inner side of the outer ring, and a rubber sealing ring is engaged within the groove. Capillary through-holes are evenly distributed on the sidewall of the rubber sealing ring, and an annular cavity is formed inside the outer ring. This utility model, through the arrangement of the first and second sealing components, employs a dual-sealing structure, combining traditional labyrinth seals with contact seals, greatly improving the sealing effect. Simultaneously, a lubrication system is introduced into the contact seal structure, reducing the severe wear drawbacks of traditional contact seals and enhancing practicality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of shaft sealing structure, and in particular to a labyrinth seal structure for a steel refining shaft in a steel plant. Background Technology

[0002] During the steel refining process in steel mills, molten steel is at a high temperature, and the refining environment often contains impurities such as dust and metal oxides. This places stringent requirements on the operational stability and service life of related equipment. Among these, the shaft bearings used to drive the steel refining unit, as core transmission components, directly affect the normal operation of the equipment due to their sealing performance.

[0003] To withstand the high-temperature environment of steel refining and effectively prevent external impurities from entering the bearing and to prevent lubricant leakage, labyrinth seal structures are widely used in the industry. This structure forms multiple tortuous sealing channels (i.e., labyrinthine channels) between the shaft and the bearing housing by setting a series of interlocking concave and convex rings. When gas or liquid flows through these channels, the tortuous nature of the channels generates significant flow resistance, thus achieving a non-contact seal. Compared to traditional contact seals, labyrinth seal structures, due to the absence of direct mechanical contact, maintain better stability and service life under high-temperature conditions, making them the mainstream choice for shaft seals in steel refining.

[0004] However, in actual operation, the steel refining equipment vibrates during operation, and the rotating shaft may undergo slight thermal deformation under high temperatures. Combined with wear and tear on components after long-term operation, this can easily lead to minute structural misalignments in the mating concave and convex rings of the labyrinth seal structure. These minute misalignments can create gaps or alter the shape of the originally tortuous sealing channel, disrupting the flow resistance balance formed by the labyrinthine obstruction, thus causing seal failure and leakage. Leakage not only causes lubricant loss and exacerbates bearing wear, but also allows external impurities to enter, causing bearing jamming, abnormal noise, or even damage. In severe cases, it can lead to shutdown of the steel refining equipment, affecting production efficiency and even posing safety hazards.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, we propose a labyrinth seal structure for the steel refining shaft in a steelmaking plant. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a labyrinth-type sealing structure for the steel refining shaft in a steelmaking plant.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A labyrinth-type sealing structure for a steel refining shaft in a steelmaking plant includes a structural support plate for steel refining, a rotating shaft rotatably mounted on the structural support plate, and a first sealing assembly and a second sealing assembly mounted on the rotating shaft. The second sealing assembly includes an outer ring, on which a lubricating oil bottle is fixedly mounted. An annular groove is formed on the inner side of the outer ring, and a rubber sealing ring is engaged inside the annular groove. Capillary through holes are evenly distributed on the sidewall of the rubber sealing ring. An annular cavity is formed inside the outer ring, and a plurality of capillary connecting holes are formed between the annular cavity and the annular groove. The lubricating oil bottle is connected to the annular cavity.

[0009] Furthermore, the first sealing assembly includes a collar, the outer side of which is evenly provided with a plurality of annular tooth grooves, and two symmetrically arranged outer half-rings are sleeved on the outer side of the collar, the inner side of which is evenly provided with a plurality of annular protrusions.

[0010] Furthermore, the annular protrusion engages with the annular groove, but the annular protrusion and the annular groove do not contact each other.

[0011] Furthermore, a side seat is fixedly connected to the side of the collar, the side seat is screwed to the rotating shaft, the two outer half rings are screwed together, a support plate is fixedly connected to the side of the outer half ring, and the support plate is screwed to the structural support plate.

[0012] Furthermore, a sealing ring is provided on the side of the outer half-ring, and the sealing ring is made of high-temperature resistant ceramic material.

[0013] Furthermore, a sealing cap is fastened to the upper side of the lubricating oil bottle, and an ear plate is connected to the side of the outer ring. The ear plate is screwed to the outer wall of the structural support plate.

[0014] Furthermore, a rotating hole is provided on the inner side of the structural support plate, through which the rotating shaft rotates, and a bearing is fixedly installed between the outer side of the rotating shaft and the inner wall of the rotating hole.

[0015] Compared with related technologies, the labyrinth seal structure for steel refining shafts in steel plants proposed in this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] This utility model describes a labyrinth seal structure for a steel refining shaft in a steelmaking plant. It comprises a first sealing component and a second sealing component. The first sealing component is a traditional labyrinth seal structure, while the second sealing component, located on the outside of the shaft, is a traditional contact seal structure, offering superior airtightness. Furthermore, in the second sealing component, lubricating oil is injected into the annular cavity using a lubricating oil bottle. The lubricating oil precipitates into the annular groove through capillary connecting holes and subsequently flows from the capillary holes of the rubber sealing ring to the interface between the rubber sealing ring and the shaft. This enhances the sealing effect while reducing wear between the rubber sealing ring and the shaft. This dual-sealing structure combines traditional labyrinth seals with contact seals, significantly improving the sealing performance. Additionally, a lubrication system is introduced into the contact seal structure, reducing the severe wear drawbacks of traditional contact seals and enhancing practicality. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a labyrinth seal structure for a steel refining shaft in a steel plant, as proposed in this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional schematic diagram of a labyrinth seal structure for a steel refining shaft in a steel plant, as proposed in this utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional disassembled structure of the first sealing component Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional disassembled structure of the first sealing component Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the three-dimensional structure of the second sealing component.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Structural support plate; 2. Rotating shaft; 3. Rotating hole; 4. Bearing; 5. First sealing assembly; 51. Collar ring; 52. Ring tooth groove; 53. Side seat; 54. Outer half ring; 55. Ring protrusion; 56. Support plate; 57. Sealing ring; 6. Second sealing assembly; 61. Outer ring; 62. Ear plate; 63. Lubricating oil bottle; 64. Sealing cap; 65. Ring groove; 66. Rubber sealing ring; 67. Capillary through hole; 68. Ring cavity; 69. Capillary connecting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0024] Reference Figures 1-5A labyrinth-type sealing structure for a steel refining shaft in a steelmaking plant includes a structural support plate 1 for steel refining, a rotating shaft 2 rotatably mounted on the structural support plate 1, and a first sealing component 5 and a second sealing component 6 mounted on the rotating shaft 2. The second sealing component 6 includes an outer ring 61, a lubricating oil bottle 63 fixedly mounted on the outer ring 61, an annular groove 65 formed on the inner side of the outer ring 61, a rubber sealing ring 66 snapped into the inner side of the annular groove 65, capillary through holes 67 evenly distributed on the side wall of the rubber sealing ring 66, an annular cavity 68 formed inside the outer ring 61, and a plurality of capillary connecting holes 69 formed between the annular cavity 68 and the annular groove 65, and the lubricating oil bottle 63 is connected to the annular cavity 68.

[0025] In this method, the first sealing assembly 5 includes a collar 51, with a plurality of annular tooth grooves 52 evenly distributed on the outer side of the collar 51, and two symmetrically arranged outer half-rings 54 sleeved on the outer side of the collar 51. A plurality of annular protrusions 55 are evenly distributed on the inner side of the outer half-rings 54, and the annular protrusions 55 are engaged with the annular tooth grooves 52 but do not contact the annular tooth grooves 52.

[0026] Through the above-described configuration, the interlocking rings of the annular protrusions 55 and the annular grooves 52 form multiple tortuous sealing channels (i.e., labyrinthine channels). When gas or liquid flows in these channels, the tortuous nature of the channels generates significant flow resistance, thereby achieving non-contact sealing. Compared to traditional contact seals, the labyrinthine sealing structure, due to the absence of direct mechanical contact, can maintain better stability and service life under high-temperature conditions. The first sealing component 5 is located on the inner side of the rotating shaft to withstand high-temperature environments.

[0027] In this method, a side seat 53 is fixedly connected to the side of the collar 51, and the side seat 53 is screwed to the rotating shaft 2. The two outer half rings 54 are screwed together. A support plate 56 is fixedly connected to the side of the outer half ring 54, and the support plate 56 is screwed to the structural support plate 1. A sealing ring 57 is provided on the side of the outer half ring 54. The sealing ring 57 is made of high-temperature resistant ceramic material.

[0028] With the above-mentioned configuration, all five components of the first sealing assembly can be disassembled, facilitating subsequent installation, disassembly, and maintenance. In addition, the sealing ring 57 ensures that when the two outer half-rings 54 are screwed onto the side wall of the structural support plate 1, a sealing effect can be formed between them and the side wall.

[0029] In this method, a sealing cap 64 is fastened to the upper side of the lubricating oil bottle 63, and an ear plate 62 is connected to the side of the outer ring 61. The ear plate 62 is screwed to the outer wall of the structural support plate 1. A rotating hole 3 is opened on the inner side of the structural support plate 1. The rotating shaft 2 rotates through the rotating hole 3. A bearing 4 is fixedly installed between the outer side of the rotating shaft 2 and the inner wall of the rotating hole 3.

[0030] By setting the bearing 4 in the above manner, the friction loss during the rotation of the shaft 2 is reduced, and the rotation efficiency of the shaft 2 is improved.

[0031] The working principle of the labyrinth seal structure for steel refining shaft in a steel plant provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0032] In use, the structure is first assembled. The bearing 4 is fixedly installed in the rotating hole 3 of the structural support plate 1, and the rotating shaft 2 passes through the bearing 4 to achieve rotational support. The first sealing component 5 is assembled on the rotating shaft 2. The collar 51 is screwed and fixed to the rotating shaft 2 through the side seat 53, so that the collar 51 rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft 2. The two outer half rings 54 are screwed together, and the inner ring protrusions 55 and the ring tooth grooves 52 of the collar 51 form a non-contact snap-fit. Then, the outer half rings 54 are fixed to the structural support plate 1 through the support plate 56. The sealing ring 57 (high temperature resistant ceramic material) on the side of the outer half ring enhances the fit and sealing with the structural support plate. At this time, the tortuous channel formed by the ring protrusions and the ring tooth grooves forms the first labyrinth seal.

[0033] Next, the second sealing assembly 6 is assembled. The outer ring 61 is screwed and fixed to the outer wall of the structural support plate 1 via the ear plate 62. The rubber sealing ring 66 in the inner annular groove 65 of the outer ring fits against the outer wall of the rotating shaft 2, forming a contact seal. After adding lubricant to the lubricating oil bottle 63, the sealing cap 64 is tightened. The lubricant flows into the annular cavity 68 inside the outer ring through the connecting channel, then penetrates into the annular groove 65 through the capillary connecting hole 69, and finally wets the contact surface between the sealing ring and the rotating shaft through the capillary through hole 67 on the rubber sealing ring 66.

[0034] During operation, the high-speed rotation of the shaft 2 drives the collar 51 to rotate synchronously, while the outer half-ring 54 remains fixed. The labyrinth channel between the ring protrusion 55 and the ring groove 52 uses a tortuous structure to obstruct airflow and impurities, preventing external dust and metal oxides from entering the bearing 4. At the same time, the rubber sealing ring 66 fits tightly against the surface of the shaft 2, using its own elasticity to compensate for the small displacement of the shaft caused by vibration or thermal deformation. The lubricant impregnated on its surface enhances the sealing performance and reduces friction and wear.

[0035] When the equipment vibrates or the shaft 2 undergoes thermal deformation, the non-contact labyrinth structure of the first sealing component 5 can tolerate minor misalignment, and the annular protrusion 55 and the annular groove 52 can still maintain the basic sealing channel shape; the rubber sealing ring 66 of the second sealing component 6 eliminates gaps through elastic deformation, and with the continuous replenishment of lubricant, it provides double protection to prevent bearing lubricant leakage, while isolating external impurities. Even if parts wear out during long-term operation, the lubricant continuously provided by the lubricating oil bottle 63 can delay the aging of the rubber sealing ring and extend the service life of the sealing structure.

[0036] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of this utility model specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A structure for a labyrinth seal of a refining shaft of a steel plant, characterized by, It includes a structural support plate (1) for steel refining, on which a rotating shaft (2) is rotatably mounted, and on which a first sealing component (5) and a second sealing component (6) are mounted. The second sealing assembly (6) includes an outer ring (61), on which a lubricating oil bottle (63) is fixedly installed. An annular groove (65) is provided on the inner side of the outer ring (61), and a rubber sealing ring (66) is snapped into the inner side of the annular groove (65). Capillary through holes (67) are evenly distributed on the side wall of the rubber sealing ring (66). An annular cavity (68) is provided inside the outer ring (61), and a plurality of capillary connecting holes (69) are provided between the annular cavity (68) and the annular groove (65). The lubricating oil bottle (63) is connected to the annular cavity (68).

2. A ladle to ladle transfer shaft labyrinth seal for a steel mill as defined in claim 1 wherein, The first sealing assembly (5) includes a collar (51), on the outer side of the collar (51) are evenly provided with a plurality of annular tooth grooves (52), and two symmetrically arranged outer half rings (54) are sleeved on the outer side of the collar (51), and a plurality of annular protrusions (55) are evenly provided on the inner side of the outer half rings (54).

3. A molten steel refining shaft labyrinth seal structure for a steel mill according to claim 2, characterized in that, The annular protrusion (55) engages with the annular groove (52) but the annular protrusion (55) and the annular groove (52) do not contact each other.

4. A molten steel refining shaft labyrinth seal structure for a steel mill according to claim 2, wherein The collar (51) is fixedly connected to a side seat (53), the side seat (53) is screwed to the rotating shaft (2), the two outer half rings (54) are screwed together, the outer half rings (54) are fixedly connected to a support plate (56), and the support plate (56) is screwed to the structural support plate (1).

5. A molten steel refining shaft labyrinth seal structure for a steel mill according to claim 2, wherein The outer half ring (54) is provided with a sealing ring (57) on its side, and the sealing ring (57) is made of high temperature resistant ceramic material.

6. A molten steel refining shaft labyrinth seal structure for a steel mill according to claim 1, wherein The lubricating oil bottle (63) is fastened with a sealing cap (64) on the upper side, and the outer ring (61) is connected to an ear plate (62) on the side. The ear plate (62) is screwed to the outer wall of the structural support plate (1).

7. A molten steel refining shaft labyrinth seal structure for a steel mill according to claim 1, characterized by, The structural support plate (1) has a rotating hole (3) on its inner side. The rotating shaft (2) rotates through the rotating hole (3). A bearing (4) is fixedly installed between the outer side of the rotating shaft (2) and the inner wall of the rotating hole (3).

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