Converter lifting equipment

Abstract

The invention is a converter lifting equipment (1) for use in the iron and steel industry in the steel mill for maintenance of converter bearings, characterised in that it comprises a load cell / hydraulic jack (6), a saddle chassis (5.2) connected to the pedestal (4) and a saddle (5).

Description

[0001] CONVERTER LIFTING EQUIPMENT

[0002] Technical Area

[0003] The present invention relates to a converter lifting equipment for iron and steel industry for the maintenance of converter bearings.

[0004] In particular, the invention allows the converter bearing to be lifted with a saddle for maintanence work in a shorter time and with the converter at maximum load, as opposed to the current way of working.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] In the iron and steel industry, basic oxygen furnaces (BOF) used in the conversion of liquid raw iron into steel are known as converters. The bearings, which allow the converter to rotate 360° around its journal axis, are rotated for replacement during maintenance or for displacement of the working surfaces. In order to perform all these operations, the converter must be removed from its position or lifted by at least 20-30 mm.

[0007] In the current technique, in order to perform bearing maintenance in the converter, the converter is taken to the campaign stop and preliminary preparations are made, the converter is turned with the mouth down and the lifting process is carried out by using a hydraulic jacking trolley under the converter.

[0008] After the converter is taken to the campaign stop for preliminary preparation for this process, brick removal and evacuation is carried out. After the evacuation process is completed, the converter weight is reduced to 450 tonnes.

[0009] The converter mouth flange is checked. If there is deformation in the mouth flange, the converter mouth flange is repaired. Rails and concrete under the converter are checked and if there are problems in the rails and concrete, concrete and rail repairs are made.

[0010] Since the converter lifting operation will be performed from the mouth flange, the converter mouth is adjusted downwards and the power is cut off. A wedge is driven between the converter ring and the boiler from four sides and welded with spot welding to prevent it from falling. Before starting work, the jack is serviced and cleaned. Temporary base flange apparatus is placed on the jack table (the long side of the apparatus must be parallel to the rail axis). The temporary base flange is placed on the base flange bracket in a balanced manner. 4 pieces of 2600 mm box profiles are placed between the jacking trolley chassis and temporary base apparatus. In order to prevent the box profiles from tipping over, they are fixed on the car chassis with method welding. The temporary base flange should fit on the box profiles, if there is a gap between them, shims should be nailed between them in a balanced way. The jacking trolley is placed under the converter and adjusted so that the temporary base flange and the converter mouth flange are centered. In order to prevent the movement of the jacking trolley on the rail, the trolley is fixed by making a buffer in front of the wheels. The distances between the temporary base flange and the mouth flange are measured from four sides and adjusted so that the gap on four sides is 270 mm.

[0011] The empty converter will be lifted on 6 cylinders and the pressure force on the bearing will be reset and the maintenance of the bearings will be possible. For this purpose, 4 hydraulic jack / load cells are mounted on the temporary base flange of the jack carriage. In order to distribute the load homogeneously, in order to put two cylinders under the reducer rotating the converter, +8000 level reducer bottom is strengthened and 2 hydraulic jacks / load cells are mounted on the right and left sides of the reducer group. Stroke (distance) sensors required for synchronised movement of a total of 6 hydraulic jacks / load cells independent of the load are also installed. Hydraulic jack / load cell and stroke (distance) sensors are connected to the PLC supported hydraulic power unit.

[0012] During the lifting of the converter, there should be a controller with radio on both bearing sides and next to the drive unit operator. The drive system of the cylinders is operated and the clearance between the individual cylinders and the pressure surfaces is controlled with a 0.1 mm centile and the clearance is taken. The converter is lifted with these controllers, leaving a gap of 2-3 mm so that both side bearings do not touch the bearing. After the converter bearing maintenance works are completed, the converter is lowered onto the bearing by means of hydraulic jack / load cell in a balanced and slow manner. All parts and attachments that will prevent the converter from rotating are removed. The converter is ready for commissioning.

[0013] During the literature search, a patent application with the publication number US3640503A titled "Steel-Converter Lifting Device" was found. Steel converter lifting device is used to transport converters from a blowing stand to a lining stand when the converter needs to be relined in steel production.

[0014] The lifting device of the present invention (Figures 1 to 7) has a frame (1) comprising two longitudinal carriers (2) and two cross beams (3). The bogies (4) are located on the longitudinal carriages (2) together with their drives (5). The number 6 refers to the rails.

[0015] On two cross beams (3), a slide (7) is positioned, which can be displaced horizontally and diagonally to the direction of travel (Figure 3). Sliding plates (8, 9) are placed between the slide (7) and the beams (3). From this part, the slide part moves up and down with the drive from the piston.

[0016] When the conveying operation is to be carried out, the steel converter lifting device comes under the converter and the foot (43) sits on the ground and reaches the position shown in figure 5. Meanwhile, the converter sits on the part (44) and moves to the transport position. Then the wheels sit on the rail and the converter lifting device is ready to be transported. With the same logic, when the lining process is completed, the transport device is placed on the rails and the converter is transported to the stand. When the converter stand is reached, the converter transport vehicle is fixed and the converter is assembled.

[0017] Another application encountered in the patent search for the prior art is the patent with the publication number GB1325258A titled "Converter Lifting Device".

[0018] The invention is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, where the numbers 1 , 2, 3, 4 refer to bogie trucks, each containing two bogies (5) with wheels (6). The wheels (6) are driven by means of oil-hydraulic motors (7) (Fig. 3) A driver's cab (8) contains a diesel engine (not shown) together with hydraulic and control devices necessary for lifting and lowering movement and for changing the position of the converter transport vehicle.

[0019] Levers 9, 10, 11 and 12 are connected to each of the bogie trucks 1 , 2, 3, 4 respectively. These arms are articulated in pairs 9, 10 and 11 , 12 by pins 13, 14 respectively, thus forming two X-shaped scissor pairs.

[0020] During the removal of the converter, the legs 32, 33, 34, 35 touch the ground and are fixed. The converter is then placed on part 31. Afterwards, the When the converter is fixed on the base 31 , the transport state is started. In the meantime, the wheels 6 touches the ground and the legs 32, 33, 34 and 35 are lifted up. Then, the diesel engine is driven by the driver from the driver's cabin (8) and the transport is carried to the desired location.

[0021] Technical Problems Aimed to be Solved by the Invention

[0022] The present invention relates to a converter lifting equipment for use in the maintenance of converter bearings in a steel mill in the iron and steel industry.

[0023] The problem that the invention aims to solve is to perform the converter bearing maintenance process, which takes a very long time due to operational reasons, in a short time.

[0024] Another problem that the invention aims to solve is to solve the problem of axial shifts during converter lifting and the problem of encountering impacts that cause bearing damage during lowering.

[0025] Another problem that the invention aims to solve is that in every process of lifting the converter, it was necessary to weld support parts to the pedestal's forehead and vertical construction by welding. With this invention, this process has been eliminated and the process has been accelerated.

[0026] Another problem that the invention aims to solve is the lifting and welding process that takes hours for each bearing maintenance and each lifting process. As it is known from the state of the art, after the second or third welding to a material, serious strength losses occur in the internal structure of the metal due to thermal fatigue. This eliminates the reliability of the system in terms of strength and leads to process accidents. Since welding processes will be eliminated by the inventive converter lifting equipment, both a faster and safer lifting process has been carried out.

[0027] Another problem that the invention aims to solve is that, by the inventive converter lifting equipment, the possibility of axial movement is reduced to zero, especially during the lifting of the driven side with two saddles. This has ensured a safer lifting process.

[0028] Another problem that the invention aims to solve is to prevent the problem that the need for bearing maintenance, which will arise when the refractory is newly laid, will cause additional cost and time requirements due to additional refractory disassembly I assembly.

[0029] Explanation of Figures

[0030] Figure 1 : Front View of Converter Lifting Equipment

[0031] Figure 2: Side View of Converter Lifting Equipment

[0032] Figure 3: Detail View of the Converter Lifting Equipment on the Converter

[0033] Figure 4: Perspective View of the Converter Lifting Equipment on the Converter

[0034] Explanation of References in Figures

[0035] 1 - Converter Lifting Equipment

[0036] 2 - Converter

[0037] 3 - Bearing and Housing

[0038] 4 - Pedestal

[0039] 5 - Saddle

[0040] 5.1 - Bearing Housing Indentation

[0041] 5.2 - Saddle Chassis

[0042] 6 - Hydraulic Jack

[0043] 7 - Distance Measurement Sensor

[0044] 8 - Hydraulic Power Unit

[0045] Description of the invention

[0046] In the present disclosure, the converter lifting equipment (1) is described solely for the purpose of a better understanding of the subject matter and without any limiting effect. The invention relates to a converter lifting equipment (1) for use in a steel mill in the iron and steel industry for the maintenance of converter bearings.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a front view of the converter lifting equipment (1) and Figure 2 shows a side view of the converter lifting equipment (1). In general terms, the converter lifting equipment (1) is designed with preferably 2-3 hydraulic jacks (6), the number of which can vary, on the lower side. On the upper side of this part, a saddle (5) is positioned. In the upper part of the saddle (5), a bearing housing indentation (5.1) is located in accordance with the form of the bearing and housing (3). Figure 3 shows the detail view of the converter lifting equipment (1) on converter (2) and Figure 4 shows the perspective view of the converter lifting equipment (1) on converter (2). In the converter (2) section of the steel mill, the rotational movement of the BOF converter (2) is provided by the motor-reducer group by rotating two bearings and housings (3) located on the journals on both sides of the converter (2). Periodic / planned maintenance of bearings and housings (3) is carried out at certain intervals. In case of any malfunction in the bearings and housings (3) during the production, the need for urgent maintenance arises. While maintenance is carried out by dismantling the inner refractory of the converter (2) during periodic / scheduled maintenance, bearing maintenance works can be carried out without the need for refractory dismantling of the converter (2) during maintenance requiring emergency stop.

[0048] Converter lifting equipment (1) will be used when periodic / planned or emergency maintenance is required on the converter (2) bearings and housings (3). In order to be able to use the converter lifting equipment (1), preliminary preparation is required at the converter (2). Firstly, a scaffold is erected under the bearing on the side on which maintenance is to be performed. Afterwards, the area between the converter (2) and the bearing and housing (3) is widened by cutting the mirror sheet. The saddle chassis (5.2) is assembled by welding. The assembly of the saddle (5), whose engineering calculations and design are manufactured according to the bearing journal, is completed. Hydraulic jack / load cell (6) and distance measurement sensors (7) are placed between the saddle chassis (5.2) and the saddle (5). Hydraulic jack / load cell (6) and distance measurement sensors (7) are connected to PLC controlled hydraulic power unit (8). Afterwards, the saddle is levelled and fully supported from the bottom with the hydraulic jack / load cell (6) and the distance measurement sensors (7) are reset. According to the data from the load and distance measurement sensors (7), the load lifting process is performed in a balanced manner by taking support from the pedestal (4). After the load is removed from the bearing and its housing (3), bearing maintenance work is carried out. After the bearing maintenance is completed, the load is lowered onto the bearing in a balanced manner according to the data from the load and distance measurement sensors (7). The assembled saddle chassis (5.2), saddle (5), hydraulic jack / load cell (6) and distance measurement sensors (7) are disassembled. The mirror sheet is welded back into place and the scaffolding is dismantled and the converter (2) is made ready for commissioning. The invention is a method of lifting the converter for use in the maintenance of the converter bearing in the steel mill in the iron and steel industry;

[0049] - Scaffolding under the bearing to be maintained,

[0050] - Enlargement of the space between the converter (2) and the bearing and housing (3) by cutting the mirror sheet,

[0051] - Assembling the saddle chas (5.2) by welding,

[0052] - Completing assembly of the saddle (5),

[0053] - Placing a hydraulic jack / load cell (6) and distance measuring sensors (7) between the saddle chassis (5.2) and the saddle (5)

[0054] - Connecting the hydraulic jack / load cell (6) and distance measurement sensors (7) to the PLC controlled hydraulic power unit (8)

[0055] Supporting from the bottom with hydraulic jack / load cell (6) and zeroing the distance measurement sensors (7)

[0056] - Balanced load lifting operation by taking support from the pedestal (4) according to the data from the load and distance measurement sensors (7),

[0057] - After the load is removed from the bearing and the housing (3), the bearing maintenance work is carried out and the reverse process is carried out after the maintenance and the converter is replaced.

[0058] Application of the invention to industry

[0059] In the iron and steel industry, basic oxygen furnaces (BOF) used for the conversion of liquid raw iron into steel are known as converters (2). The bearings, which allow the converter (2) to rotate 360° around its journal axis, are rotated for replacement during maintenance or for displacement of the working surfaces. In order to perform all these operations, the converter (2) must be removed from its position or lifted by at least 20-30 mm. The inventive converter lifting equipment (1) will be used in steel mills, especially in the iron and steel industry, for the realisation of this process.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A converter lifting equipment (1) for steel mill in the iron and steel industry, comprising that, said converter lifting equipment (1) comprises a load cell / hydraulic jack (6), a saddle chassis (5.2) in connection with a pedestal (4) and a saddle (5).

2. A converter lifting equipment (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the said converter lifting equipment (1) comprises a distance measuring sensor (7).

3. A converter lifting equipment (1) according to claim 1 — 2, wherein the said converter lifting equipment (1) comprises a hydraulic power unit (8).

4. A converter lifting equipment (1) according to claim 1 - 3, wherein the said saddle (5) comprises a bearing housing indentation (5.1).

5. A method of using converter lifting equipment (1), comprising the steps of;- Scaffolding under the bearing to be maintained,- Enlargement of the space between the converter (2) and the bearing and housing (3) by cutting the mirror sheet,- Assembling the saddle chassis (5.2) by welding,- Completing assembly of the saddle (5),- Placing a hydraulic jack / load cell (6) and distance measuring sensors (7) between the saddle chassis (5.2) and the saddle (5)- Connecting the hydraulic jack / load cell (6) and distance measurement sensors (7) to the PLC controlled hydraulic power unit (8)Supporting from the bottom with hydraulic jack / load cell (6) and zeroing the distance measurement sensors (7)- Balanced load lifting operation by taking support from the pedestal (4) according to the data from the load and distance measurement sensors (7),- After the load is removed from the bearing and the housing (3), the bearing maintenance work is carried out and the reverse process is carried out after the maintenance and the converter is replaced.

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