Spinning process for laminated strip and spinning installation

Abstract

TITLE: Spinning Method for Laminated Strip and Spinning Installation The invention relates to a spinning method for a laminated strip (2) comprising: Advancing said strip (2) between at least one pair (3) of two spin rollers (31, 32), performing a first spin operation, allowing a residual layer of lubricant (Cr) to pass through and a blocked layer (Cb) to accumulate; Projecting a fluid (4) from at least one blowing point (41) onto the strip (2) so as to project a part of said residual layer of lubricant (Cr) into a guide channel (66) between the spin roller (31, 32) and the blowing chamber (64) and another part against at least one of the spin rollers (31, 32) so that it adheres to a surface (S) of said spin roller (31, 32) ;Return of the lubricant through the guide channel (66) and by rotation of said wringer roller (31, 32), the lubricant then falling back onto the blocked layer (Cb).The invention also relates to a spin-drying installation implementing such a process. Figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Spinning method for laminated strip and spinning installation technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to industrial installations, in particular of the rolling mill type, using lubricant. Previous technique

[0002] Rolling mills are industrial machines that perform a rolling operation, which is a manufacturing process involving the plastic deformation of a strip of material, particularly metal. The strip, generally thin compared to its length and width, is moved in translation and compressed between at least two rollers located on either side of the strip's thickness. This operation reduces the strip's thickness and also makes it uniform along its entire length.

[0003] Such an operation can be carried out at very high speeds, potentially involving very high linear web speeds. The forces involved, as well as these considerable speeds, necessitate the use of very large quantities of lubricant. For example, a possible lubricant flow rate for such applications can be on the order of 1000 l / min. Reference is made to "lubricant," but it is understood that this term designates a liquid capable of performing both lubrication and cooling functions.

[0004] Two different types of wringers can be distinguished for applications on such rolling mills: - A first type, known as a "large roller" type (meaning large diameter), is extremely rigid along its length. By its very nature, this type does not allow for perfect contact across the entire width of the belt, thus allowing a significant amount of lubricant to pass through. This imperfection necessitates the use of blowers, but the expelled lubricant sprays uncontrollably, generating considerable noise. However, this solution is very robust, simple to implement, and inexpensive. - A second type, known as "small roller" rollers, is relatively flexible and can be slightly deformed by a number of counter-rollers. Force is applied to these counter-rollers by hydraulic cylinders, ensuring that the small roller maintains perfect contact across the entire width of the belt, thus better locking in the lubricant. However, this solution is clearly more complex: it involves controlling multiple actuators, which is costly to manage. Maintenance is required because the lubricant, then laden with small metal particles, causes rapid wear of the counter-rollers. This second type of centrifuge has the disadvantage of quickly becoming saturated; that is, the lubricant can reach a level exceeding the height of the small roller if used without a large-roller centrifuge upstream, because the counter-rollers quickly transfer the lubricant downstream or cause the formation of drops that fall onto the belt.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to improve these two types of centrifuges, by providing a solution to resolve all or part of their drawbacks. Summary

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a method for spinning a laminated strip comprising at least one layer of lubricant is proposed, the method comprising: - Advance of said rolled strip between at least one pair of two wringer rollers, from an upstream side to a downstream side, the upstream and downstream sides being delimited by the point of contact of each pair of wringer rollers on the rolled strip, each wringer roller being mobile in rotation in the direction of advance of the rolled strip and performing a first wringing operation by contact, allowing a residual layer of lubricant to pass on the downstream side and allowing a layer blocked by said pair of wringer rollers to accumulate upstream; - Projection of a fluid from at least one blowing point onto the rolled strip so as to detach all or part of said residual layer of lubricant located downstream of at least one pair of spin rollers thus forming a flow of pressurized fluid circulating in a guide channel formed between a guide surface extending from downstream from the blowing point upstream around said spin roller, bypassing said spin roller, and a cylindrical surface of at least one of the spin rollers, at least part of said detached residual layer remaining in suspension in said fluid flow and at least part of said detached residual layer adhering to said cylindrical surface of at least one of the spin rollers; - Return of the residual lubricant layer from downstream to upstream, part of said lubricant layer being returned by the fluid flow circulating in said guide channel, another part adhering to said cylindrical surface being returned by the rotation of at least one of the spin rollers, the residual layer being returned to the blocked layer upstream of at least one of the spin rollers.

[0007] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0008] The method may include evacuating all or part of the blocked lubricant layer beyond the lateral edges of the laminated strip.

[0009] The length of the spin roller may be greater than the width of the strip, the fluid being projected from at least one blowing point in the form of at least one continuous fluid blade over at least the entire length of the spin roller, blowing through a space between the rollers, beyond the width of the strip, the fluid blade being configured to prevent the passage of the blocked layer of lubricant located upstream of the spin rollers downstream by passing through the space between the spin rollers which protrude beyond the width of the rolled strip.

[0010] At least one continuous fluid blade can be obtained by projecting a fluid through at least one slot, said slot being formed by a gap between two parts of an assembly forming a box, said slot obtained being continuous over at least the entire length of the wringer roller, and the two parts, once assembled, forming a settling chamber supplied by a pressure source and opening onto said slot.

[0011] Preferably, the blowing point from which the fluid is projected is positioned in an area, the area extending downstream of the spin roller over at least the entire width of the rolled strip, the blowing point located at a distance from the point of contact between the roller and the strip of between 20mm and 70mm depending on the direction of the strip.

[0012] In other words, the blowing point can be positioned in an area extending downstream of the spin roller over at least the entire width of the rolled strip, and over a length along the direction of the strip of 70mm, the blowing point being positioned at least 20mm from the point of contact between the roller and the strip along the direction of the strip.

[0013] According to one possibility, the spin roller being a cylinder of radius in particular of diameter greater than 100mm such as 150mm, the blowing point from which the fluid is projected being positioned in a concave zone located between the spin roller and the rolled strip, the zone extending downstream of the spin roller over at least the entire width of the rolled strip, and over a length equal to the radius from the point of contact between the spin roller and the rolled strip.

[0014] According to a second possibility and in particular for rollers of smaller diameter, for example between 52mm and 63mm, i.e. respectively of radii 26mm and 31.5mm, the distance between the blowing point and the contact point can then be greater than the radius, for example equal to 32mm.

[0015] Generally, the distance between the blowing point and the contact point, measured in the direction of the tape's movement, can therefore be between 20mm and 70mm, such as 47mm.

[0016] At least one blowing fluid blade can be oriented at an angle between 30° and 60° relative to the plane of the moving strip, the blade directed against the current of the moving strip, and so as to push the oil from downstream to upstream, towards the wringer roller.

[0017] The guiding surface can be obtained by an external shape of one of the two parts of said box.

[0018] The fluid projection can take place downstream of the two spin rollers of at least one pair of spin rollers, on one side and on the other side of the rolled strip.

[0019] The blowing point can be positioned at a distance from the strip, along the direction normal to the strip, of between 1mm and 10mm such that 4mm.

[0020] A second aspect of this disclosure further proposes a rolling mill installation comprising at least one layer of lubricant, the rolling mill installation comprising: - At least one pair of two spin rollers configured to allow the advance, between the two spin rollers of each pair, of said rolled strip from an upstream side to a downstream side, each spin roller being movable in rotation in the direction of advance of the rolled strip and being configured to perform a first spin operation by contact, the upstream and downstream sides being separated by the point of contact of at least one pair of spin rollers on the rolled strip, each pair of spin rollers being configured to allow a residual layer of lubricant to pass on the downstream side and to allow a layer blocked by said pair of spin rollers to accumulate upstream; - At least one blowing point from which is projected a fluid configured to detach all or part of said residual lubricant layer located downstream of at least one pair of spin rollers, the spin installation comprising a guide surface extending from downstream from the blowing point upstream around said spin roller, bypassing said spin roller, each roller comprising a cylindrical surface, a guide channel being formed between said guide surface and said cylindrical surface, the projected fluid circulating in a fluid flow in the guide channel, at least part of said detached residual lubricant layer remaining in suspension in said fluid flow and at least part of said detached residual lubricant layer adhering to said cylindrical surface (S) of at least one of the spin rollers; - part of said lubricant layer being returned to the upstream side by the fluid flow circulating in said guide channel, another part adhering to said cylindrical surface being returned by the rotation of at least one of the spin rollers, all or part of said residual detached lubricant layer then accumulating on the upstream side on the blocked layer.

[0021] In general, the installation can be configured to implement the process according to this disclosure.

[0022] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0023] At least one of the wringer rollers can extend over at least the entire width of said laminated strip, said wringer roller being configured to remove at least part of the layer blocked by the lateral edges of the laminated strip.

[0024] The length of the spin roller may be greater than the width of the rolled strip and the fluid being projected in the form of a continuous fluid sheet over at least the entire length of the spin roller, so as to prevent the passage of the blocked layer of lubricant located upstream of the spin rollers downstream by passing through the space between the two spin rollers of a pair which protrude from the width of the rolled strip.

[0025] The continuous fluid blade can be obtained by projecting a fluid through a slot, said slot being formed by a gap between two parts of an assembly forming a box, said slot obtained being continuous over at least the entire length of said wringer roller, and the two parts, once assembled, forming a settling chamber supplied by a pressure source and opening onto said slot.

[0026] Said spin roller being a cylinder of radius, the blowing point from which the fluid is projected being positioned in a concave zone located between said spin roller and the rolled strip, the zone extending downstream of the spin roller over at least the entire width of the strip, with a length equal to the radius from the point of contact between the spin roller and the rolled strip.

[0027] The guiding surface can be obtained by an external shape of one of the two parts of said box.

[0028] The fluid is projected downstream of the two spin rollers of at least one pair of spin rollers, on one side and the other of the rolled strip.

[0029] The installation may include a cross beam and a cassette, removable from the cross beam, in translation along a sliding connection between the cassette and the cross beam in a direction parallel to the length of the spin rollers, said cassette including one of the spin rollers and said blowing point.

[0030] Said cassette comprising said box, said box can be formed by the assembly of the two parts, the stilling chamber as well as a fluidic connection to a fluid circuit.

[0031] Said fluidic connection being a quick coupling comprising a sealing joint allowing said cassette to be uncoupled from said fluid circuit by a translation along the direction of said sliding connection.

[0032] Said sliding connection being obtained by cooperation between a roller carrier fixed to the cassette comprising a plurality of rolling rollers, and a T-shaped groove arranged in the fixed transverse beam having at least one rolling surface configured to guide in translation the plurality of rolling rollers. Brief description of the drawings

[0033] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0034] [Fig. 1] shows a general view of a rolling mill equipped with a wringer according to one embodiment, Fig. 2

[0035] [Fig.2] shows a detailed view of a wringer according to an embodiment illustrating in particular the two large diameter spin rollers (greater than 100mm), such as 150mm, articulated at their end. Fig. 3

[0036] [Fig.3] shows a detailed view of a wringing process according to a method of lisation. Fig. 4 and 5

[0037] [Fig.4] and [Fig.5] show a cassette according to one embodiment, Fig. 6

[0038] [Fig.6] shows a detailed view of a spin dryer box according to a method of lisation. Fig. 7 and 8

[0039] [Fig.7] and [Fig.8] show in detail the two parts of a wringer box according to a method of implementation. Fig. 9

[0040] [Fig.9] shows a detailed view of a wringer housing according to an embodiment illustrating in particular the distance between the blowing point and the point of contact with the belt along the direction of belt movement, which is typically less than the diameter of the spin roller for a roller of large diameter. Fig. 10

[0041] [Fig. 10] shows in detail the two parts of a wringer box according to one embodiment, as well as the sliding connection allowing the extraction or insertion of the cassette to the cross beam, said sliding connection comprising a T-groove, and a set of rollers rolling in a raceway of the groove. Fig. 11

[0042] [Fig. 11] is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment in which the wringer rollers are of smaller diameter, typically with a radius less than 50mm such as between 26mm and 31.5mm, the blowing point being located at a distance from the point of contact between the wringer roller and the belt, greater than the radius of the roller, a plurality of rollers being distributed against the wringer roller, on the side opposite the point of contact with the belt. Fig. 12

[0043] [Fig. 12] a graph representing on the ordinate the thickness of the oil layer, and on the abscissa the distance in the downstream zone from the point of contact, illustrating: - along a first curve (at the top, identified by crosses), the quantity of residual oil in the downstream zone of the belt, from the point of contact with the wringer roller of a wringer installation according to the prior art, without blowing, - following a second curve (at the bottom identified by circles), the quantity of residual oil in the downstream area of ​​the belt, from the point of contact with the spin roller of a spin installation according to this disclosure, provided with the blow and guide surface ensuring a return according to this disclosure. Description of the implementation methods

[0044] Reference is now made to [Fig. 1]. On the left side of the figure is shown a 10-roll rolling mill. The two smaller rolls are the so-called "work" rolls, which serve to transmit a compressive force to the strip in order to reduce and standardize its thickness. The other rolls, called "intermediate" rolls, have the function of preventing deformation of the work rolls and transmitting the compressive force to them.

[0045] The present disclosure is suitable for the spinning of a strip rolled by a rolling mill, which may be, for example, a rolling mill with 2, 4, 6, up to 20 rolls as illustrated in [Fig. 1], comprising: - a lower working cylinder and an upper working cylinder on either side of the rolled strip, - two first intermediate, lower cylinders, respectively in contact with the lower working cylinder and two intermediate, upper cylinders, respectively actively in contact with the upper working cylinder - three lower intermediate second cylinders, in contact two by two respectively with the two lower intermediate first cylinders, and three upper intermediate second cylinders, in contact two by two respectively with the two upper intermediate first cylinders, - four sets of lower support rollers, in contact two by two, with the three lower intermediate second cylinders, and four sets of upper support rollers, in contact two by two, with the three upper intermediate second cylinders.

[0046] The support roller assemblies are typically mounted with eccentric systems, which allow for band clamping, and even for control of cylinder camber, including camber of working cylinders.

[0047] By controlling the camber, it is possible to give a strip profile to the rolled strip, which can be straight, or often curved.

[0048] Such a rolling mill generally comprises four lubricant spraying ramps, typically for a mixture of oil and water, at the working rollers. In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], two ramps are arranged in the upper part, on one side of the rolled strip 2, and two ramps are arranged in the lower part on the other side of the rolled strip 2. Each ramp has, along its length, transversely to the strip, a series of nozzles, ensuring a spray of lubricant across the width of the strip, and / or onto the rollers of the rolling mill.

[0049] The embodiments of the spinning installation 1 disclosed in this document are not limited to being used only in the presence of a 20-roller rolling mill as represented [Fig.1], which is shown only by way of example, but to any industrial installation of the type of belt rolling mills using lubricant.

[0050] The embodiments of the spin installation 1 disclosed in this document are not limited to being used only in the presence of a "large roller" spin dryer as represented [Fig.1], which is shown only by way of example, but to any spin dryer installation using rollers.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the strip 2 first passes through the rolling mill 10 and then passes through the spinning installation 1, which defines a direction of advance V of the rolled strip 2, from an upstream side (from the rolling mill) to a downstream side (after each pair of rollers 3 of a spinning installation).

[0052] In one embodiment shown [Fig.1] by way of non-limiting example, the spin-drying installation shown comprises two pairs of rollers 3 arranged one after the other, per stage, to increase spin-drying efficiency.

[0053] The wringer rollers may be cylindrical. The rollers may also have a non-cylindrical profile, in particular convex and / or concave, for both Spinning rollers. A spinning roller profile is chosen that conforms, as closely as possible, to the profile of the strip rolled by the rolling mill. Such a profile adaptation increases the spin-drying efficiency of the rollers by limiting gaps, thus facilitating the passage of a residual lubricant layer.

[0054] Generally, the pair(s) of wringer rollers are positioned after the lubricant has been applied, according to the direction of the belt's travel. A wringer pair comprises one roller on one side of the rolled belt 2, and a second roller on the other side of the rolled belt 2. The rollers are generally arranged opposite each other so that the force required to bring each wringer roller of a pair into contact is aligned. Indeed, excessive misalignment of the forces transmitted by each roller could cause undesirable bending of the belt 2.

[0055] The rollers 31, 32 can be mounted to rotate, each having salient axes, salient from both longitudinal ends of the roller, and rotating in bearings, in particular with regard to the embodiment of figures 1 to 10. The diameter of the roller is typically greater than 100mm such as 150mm, and in particular in order to limit the deflection of the roller between the two bearings.

[0056] The rollers may have a smaller diameter, for example less than 70 mm, particularly with a radius between 26 mm and 31.5 mm. In such a case, the guide for the wringer roller may include a set of counter-support rollers Ga, arranged along two axes parallel to the direction of the roller, and contacting the roller along its length on the side opposite the point of contact between the belt and the wringer roller, according to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1 1]. The counter-support rollers Ga form supports along two lines of contact with the wringer roller, thus holding the wringer roller along its length.

[0057] In one embodiment, it is possible to provide a single pair 3 of rollers 31, 32, or more pairs 3 of rollers, for example three, four pairs of rollers or more, the rollers being arranged one after the other, each additional pair of rollers being able to improve the overall efficiency of the spin-drying installation 1.

[0058] In one embodiment, a preliminary barrier device, for example a rubber flap positioned perpendicular to and close to the belt, can be provided upstream of the pair of rollers 31, 32. Such a preliminary device can, in particular, help to uniform the height of the lubricant layer reaching the upstream level of the pair of wringer rollers.

[0059] It is possible according to one embodiment that the rollers are driven in rotation by simple contact with the laminated strip 2, on which the two rollers 31, 32 "roll".

[0060] Generally, the rollers can thus be mounted to pivot freely around their axis. During the spinning operations, friction between the rolled strip and the rollers of the pair causes them to rotate, typically by rolling, in two opposite directions of rotation.

[0061] According to another embodiment, at least one of the two rollers can be driven in rotation by any actuator, such as a motor. In all cases, the rollers each rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation of the other, to accompany the movement of the strip 2, namely preferably as much as possible by avoiding or limiting slippage between the rolled strip to be spun and the spun rollers.

[0062] According to this disclosure, in addition to the pair of rollers 31, 32 which perform a first contact spinning operation, the spinning unit 1 is provided with at least one blow-off point 41, from which a pressurized fluid 4 is projected. The fluid in question may be, for example, cold or hot, dry air or water vapor. The spinning unit 1 also includes a guide surface 64 extending from downstream of the blow-off point 41 upstream, following the curvature of the spinning roller 31, 32. The guide surface 64 thus forms around the roller a guide channel opening upstream, through which the fluid 4 flows as a pressurized fluid stream.

[0063] According to this disclosure, the pair of rollers 3 performs a first spinning operation, which may be imperfect, during which a residual layer of lubricant Cr may pass to the downstream side of the roller pair, while a blocked layer Cb of lubricant remains on the upstream side, stopped by the pair of rollers 3. Contact between the rollers and the belt 2 enables this first spinning operation. Since the contact between the rollers and the belt may be imperfect over part of the belt's width, it is possible that a residual layer may pass through this first spinning operation. Such a residual layer can appear when the roller profiles do not perfectly match the profile of the rolled belt to be spun on both sides of the belt, typically leaving gaps between the belt and the rollers in certain places, resulting in lubricant leakage from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0064] According to one embodiment, at least one or each roller allows a residual layer of lubricant Cr to pass from a blocked layer Cb of lubricant on each side of the laminated strip 2, for example above and below the strip 2.

[0065] According to this disclosure, the pressurized fluid 4 is then sprayed so as to detach at least part of the residual layer of lubricant Cr, projecting some of it onto the cylindrical surface S of the roller 31, 32 and some of it suspended in the guide channel 66. According to this disclosure, the surface S on which is projected part of the residual lubricant layer is then the same surface which performs the first wringing operation by contact with the belt 2. According to one embodiment, when the roller is not motorized, the surface S is then the surface on which the roller "rolls" on the belt.

[0066] According to this disclosure, at least a portion of the residual lubricant layer Cr adheres to the surface S of the roller. Such adhesion can, for example, be achieved by capillary action, or by exploiting the surface tension, which is a natural property of the lubricant, or by any process utilizing any natural or artificial molecular interactions. Adhesion can be achieved or increased, for example, by surface treatment of the cylinder's surface S, or by using a coating or an additive in the roller material and / or in the lubricant.

[0067] According to the present disclosure, at least a portion of the residual layer of Cr lubricant remains suspended in the pressurized fluid flow through the guide channel 66.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the spin-drying installation 1 includes a continuous blowing point 41 along the entire length of the rollers 31, 32.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the spinning installation 1 comprises a plurality of blowing points 41, each of the blowing points 41 projecting lubricant into the guide channel between the roller 31, 32 and the guide surface 64 and onto a surface S of each roller 31, 32 of at least one pair 3 of rollers, and this on each side of the rolled strip, for example, above the strip and below the rolled strip, so as to also carry out a spinning operation on the other side of the strip which may also include a layer of lubricant.

[0070] Generally, each roller 31, 32 which receives a spray of lubricant through the blow point 41 then brings the residual layer of lubricant back to the upstream side of the pair of rollers by two simultaneous phenomena: - The blowing point creates a fluid flow around the roller in a guide channel 66 between its cylindrical surface S and the guide surface 64, this fluid flow bringing back part of the residual lubricant layer Cr to the upstream side in the form of droplets suspended in said fluid flow, - and by rotation of the surface S of the roller on which adheres a part of the residual layer of lubricant Cr, from the downstream side to the upstream side of the pair of rollers, to deposit at least a part on the blocked layer Cb.

[0071] In synergy with the blowing of a pressurized fluid, the rotation of the roller therefore performs both a first wringing operation by contact with the belt 2, and an operation of displacing a residual quantity of lubricant Cr, which has passed the roller, back to the upstream side of the wringing roller.

[0072] The blocked layer Cb therefore increases in volume as the belt 2 advances and the rollers 31, 32 bring the residual layer Cr of lubricant back to the upstream side. This accumulation of lubricant on the upstream side of the roller, i.e. the blocked layer Cb, must therefore be evacuated laterally.

[0073] In general, such a wringing process, using in synergy: - on the one hand, the blowing of a fluid to detach the residual layer of lubricant from the rolled strip and create a fluid flow around the roller in a guide channel 66 formed between its surface S and the guide surface 64, and thus project the residual layer into the guide channel 66, part of the residual layer then adhering to the cylindrical surface S of the wringer roller, another part of the residual layer remaining suspended in the fluid flow running through the guide channel 66, - and on the other hand, the rotation of the roller to bring the projected lubricant layer adhering to the roller on the upstream side, and the circulation of the fluid flow around roller 31, 32 in the guide channel 66 to bring the portion of the residual layer suspended in the fluid flow to the upstream side of the roller pair. Such synergy makes it possible to obtain efficient wringing of the rolled strip, while limiting the energy requirements (in terms of fluid pressure and flow rate) for blowing.

[0074] It is estimated that the use of such a spinning process can improve the amount of lubricant spun by approximately 50%, as shown in the graph in [Fig. 12], where the upper curve represents the thickness of the residual oil layer from the point of contact for a spinning roller without blowing, and the lower curve represents the thickness of the layer with blowing and oil return from downstream to upstream. Furthermore, this process makes it possible to bring the blowing point much closer to the rolled strip, so that the distance between the strip and the blowing point, measured perpendicular to the strip, is on the order of a millimeter, for example, between 1 and 10 mm.

[0075] The distance between the contact point and the blowing point, depending on the direction of the belt's travel, can be between 20 mm and 70 mm, and for example, 32 mm for small-diameter wringer rollers such as 63 mm ([Fig. 1 1]), or 47 mm for large-diameter wringer rollers such as 150 mm. This significantly reduces the energy required for blowing as well as the noise level generated. The fluid can be projected onto the belt at speeds between 100 and 300 m / s measured at the blowing point, in particular from the outlet of a slot 5 defined below.

[0076] The blowing fluid can typically be compressed air.

[0077] The blowing is typically in the form of at least one blade of blowing fluid, in particular defined below, which is oriented at an angle between 30° and 60° by relative to the plane of the moving belt, the blade is directed against the current of the moving belt, and so as to push the oil from downstream to upstream, towards the wringer roller.

[0078] Due to the short distance of the blowing from the belt, it is easy to understand that the energy expenditure related to blowing, as well as the noise related to blowing, is advantageously limited compared to the known solutions of the prior art presented in the introduction based on the evacuation of the residual layer by blowing essentially, or even solely, and which, being located further from the belt, require a significant energy expenditure and are the source of noise.

[0079] Due to the lower blowing implemented compared to the aforementioned prior art and the presence of the continuous blowing box along the length of the roller and as close as possible to the belt and the roller, lubricant projections are greatly limited at the level of said spinning installation, which is particularly advantageous with regard to maintaining the cleanliness of the spinning installation, but also with regard to the quality of the ambient air for nearby operators.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the blocked layer of lubricant is evacuated by gravity by falling beyond the lateral edges 21, 22 of the strip 2. Indeed, the blocked layer spreads naturally along the roller towards its lateral sides by gravity, and ends up falling from the lateral edges of the strip 2.

[0081] In one embodiment, the rollers 31, 32 of at least one pair of spin rollers cover at least the entire width of the belt 2, so as to force the evacuation of the blocked layer Cd through the lateral edges of the belt 2. According to one embodiment, the spin rollers 31, 32 protrude from the lateral edges 21, 22 of the laminated belt.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the fluid 4 is projected in the form of a fluid blade 42, for example an air blade, or air knife. Such a fluid blade can then be continuous over at least the entire length of the strip 2.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the fluid blade extends over the entire length of the spin roller(s) onto which the residual layer Cr of lubricant is sprayed. In an embodiment where the spin rollers 31, 32 extend beyond the belt 2, the fluid blade 42 may also extend beyond the belt 2 to prevent lubricant from passing into the space 33 left free between the two rollers 31, 32 of the spin pair, beyond the lateral edges 21, 22 of the belt 2.

[0084] The fluid blade can be obtained by making a slot 5 in a hollow box 6 through which the fluid 4 is conveyed under pressure. The blowing point 41 is then the distal end of the slot 5, or the last point at which the fluid 4 is in contact with the box 6 before leaving it.

[0085] According to an embodiment shown in [Fig. 6], the fluid blade 42 is obtained by The creation of a gap between two parts 61 and 62, which are assembled to form the box 6. This gap defines a slot 5 and is obtained by dimensioning the parts so that the gap is naturally formed during their assembly. The slot 5 is therefore preferably not created by material removal and does not involve any specific manufacturing operation.

[0086] According to one embodiment, such a box 6 is mounted movably on the spin installation 1 so as to be movable, for example to position the blowing point 41 optimally near the belt 2 and the spin roller 31, 32.

[0087] The two parts 61, 62 can be assembled together by screws, as is the case in the embodiment of [Fig.6]. They can also be assembled by any other means known to those skilled in the art, for example by welding, gluing, or by a mechanical locking means.

[0088] When it is advantageous to obtain a continuous fluid blade 42 over at least the entire length of the belt 2, or even at least the entire length of the wringer roller 31, 32, the slot 5 can be made over the required length. Thus, in one embodiment, the box 6 extends at least over the length of the rollers 31, 32, and the slot is obtained over almost the entire length of the box 6, the lateral edges of the box remaining solid to close the box 6.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the box 6 is made by assembling at least two parts 61, 62 and forms a volume, opening through the slot 5, supplied with fluid 4 and pressurized by a pressure source.

[0090] Such a volume can in particular be a settling chamber 63, in which the pressure can become homogenized to facilitate the projection of the fluid 4 through the slot 5, with a uniform pressure over the length of the roller.

[0091] The pressure source may, for example, be a compressor to pressurize the fluid 4. The pressure source may be any other means known to those skilled in the art for pressurizing a fluid. The pressure source is connected by a fluid circuit 8 to the volume formed by the chamber 6. The pressure source may be permanently mounted on the dewatering unit 1.

[0092] In an embodiment shown in [Fig. 7] and 8, the tranquilizing chamber 63 is formed by two parts 61 and 62, each of which has a hollow portion. Once assembled, the two parts 61 and 62 form both the slot 5 and the tranquilizing chamber 63. The tranquilizing chamber 63 extends along almost the entire length of the box 6, with the lateral ends of the box 6 remaining solid to close off the tranquilizing chamber 63.

[0093] The blowing point 41 from which the fluid 4 is projected must be located near the cylinder on which it is configured to project the residual layer of Cr lubricant. Such a configuration makes it possible to reduce the pressure required to detach the lubricant layer and therefore, in particular, to reduce the noise generated by the blowing of the fluid 4.

[0094] In general, the blowing point 41 must be sufficiently close to the band 2, and sufficiently close to the cylinder 31, 32 for an optimal result.

[0095] According to an embodiment shown [Fig. 9], the spin roller 31, 32 is a cylinder of radius R typically greater than 100 mm such as 150, and the blow point 41 is positioned in a downstream area located between the spin roller 31, 32 and the laminated strip 2. Such an area extends downstream of the spin roller 31, 32 over at least the entire width of the laminated strip 2 with a length equal to the radius R from the point of contact P between the spin roller 31, 32 and the laminated strip 2. This area is to be redefined in the same way near each cylinder on which a blow point 41 is configured to project the residual layer of lubricant Cr.

[0096] Such an area forms a concavity delimited by the surface S of the wringer roller and the belt. The blowing point 41 is therefore chosen in the immediate vicinity not only of the belt area on which the residual layer is detached by projection of the fluid, but also of the surface S of the roller to which the detached residual layer of lubricant adheres, namely typically at a dimension smaller than the radius R.

[0097] Positioning the blowing point 41 in the immediate vicinity of the lubricant detachment zone on the laminated strip and of the surface S to which the lubricant projected by the fluid adheres further advantageously limits, as much as possible, the blowing power required to spin the strip, and also contributes to noise reduction. Generally, the blowing point 41 can be at a distance of between 1 mm and 10 mm in a direction perpendicular to the strip, and at a distance from the contact point P between the strip and the spin roller of between 20 mm and 70 mm in the direction of strip travel.

[0098] For smaller diameter spin rollers, less than 50mm, the distance between the contact point and the blowing point 71 can however be greater than the radius, and as illustrated in [Fig.1 1].

[0099] In one embodiment, a second blowing point 41 is arranged by a pair of spin rollers on the second roller 32 in a symmetrical manner to that of the first roller 31, with respect to the plane defined by the band 2.

[0100] In one embodiment, the guiding surface 64 around the wringer roller, located at a distance from it, is intended to contain the lubricant brought upstream by the roller and to prevent, in particular, splashing. by centrifugation when the rollers rotate at high speed.

[0101] According to an embodiment shown [Fig.6], the guiding surface 64 is obtained by an external shape of the box 6.

[0102] According to a particular embodiment, the guiding surface 64 is obtained by an external shape of one of the two parts 61, 62 of the box 6.

[0103] The blowing point 41 can be mounted removably on the spin-drying unit 1. This can in particular facilitate maintenance operations on the spin-drying unit 1. The blowing point can for example be mounted on the spin-drying unit by means of removable fixings known to those skilled in the art.

[0104] In an embodiment shown in [Fig. 10], the installation may include a cassette 60 that moves along a sliding joint 70 in a direction parallel to the length of the spin rollers 31, 32. The blowing point is located on the cassette 60, which can then be easily removed from the installation. The cassette typically incorporates one of the spin rollers, which is articulated on bearings mounted on the cassette.

[0105] The sliding connection 70 can be obtained by complementary shapes, between a profiled shape arranged on the cassette 60 and a counter-shape arranged on the spin-drying unit 1, the shape and the counter-shape being configured to cooperate and allow translation, for example along the elongation direction of the cassette 60. For example, the complementary shape can be in a dovetail, or in a T, or obtained by an intermediate piece on one of the cassette 60 or of the spin-drying unit 1.

[0106] The sliding connection 70 can also be obtained by rolling, carried out by any rolling means fitted on either of the cassette 60 or the spin-drying installation 1, the other being able for example to have a rolling surface on which the rolling means can be mobile in translation.

[0107] In an embodiment shown in [Fig. 10], the cassette 60 includes a roller carrier 71, fixed to the cassette 60, for example by a plurality of screws, the roller carrier 71 having a plurality of rolling rollers 72. The spin-drying installation includes a transverse beam 74 fixedly mounted on the installation, on which is provided a T-groove 73 having at least one rolling surface 75 on which the rolling rollers 72 are configured to rest and roll.

[0108] According to one embodiment, at least one of the crossbeam 74 or of the cassette 60 has at least one locking means, for example a removable stop surface, to temporarily block the translational movement of the cassette 60 along the T-groove 73, for example so that the cassette does not slide during the operation of the spin-drying installation.

[0109] When the blowing point is formed by a slot provided in a box 6, the box being for example hollow and connected to a pressurized fluid circuit, the cassette 60 can include the box 6 and a removable fixing means for fixing the box 6 to the spin-drying installation 1.

[0110] In an embodiment in which the blowing point 41 is connected by a pressurized fluid circuit 8 to a pressure source, the fluid circuit 8 may include a flexible part configured to accommodate a possible movement of the blowing point 41. For example, a translation of the box 6 containing the blowing point 41 when the latter is mounted movably on the spin-drying installation 1.

[0111] In a particular embodiment in which the box 6 is formed by the assembly of two pieces, the removable fixing means, for example a sliding connection 70, can be arranged on one of the two pieces 61, 62.

[0112] In a particular embodiment in which the guide surface 64 is obtained by an external shape of one of the two parts 61, 62 of the casing, the guide surface 64 can extend from the blowing point 41 to a fixing area of ​​the roller holder 71 of the sliding connection 70, on the side facing the spin roller 31, 32.

[0113] In one embodiment, the cassette 60 comprises the housing 6 formed by the assembly of the two parts 61, 62, the settling chamber 63 and a fluid connection 65 to a fluid circuit 8. According to a particular embodiment, such a fluid connection 65 may be a quick coupling comprising a sealing joint configured to allow the cassette 60 to be uncoupled from the fluid circuit 8, for example by a translational movement in a direction parallel to that of the sliding link which connects the cassette 60 to the spin-drying unit 1. In this way, the cassette 60 is simultaneously uncoupled from the fluid circuit 8 and removed from the spin-drying unit 1 in a single translational movement.

[0114] A sealing gasket used for quick coupling can, for example, be a lip seal, or an O-ring, or any other sealing means configured to work in translation. Industrial application

[0115] The present technical solutions can be applied to industrial installations, particularly rolling mills, using lubricant. In general, the process according to this disclosure and the installation make it possible to significantly increase the wringing of the rolled strip, and at a lower energy cost compared to known prior art solutions using a high-powered air jet.

[0116] For this purpose, the blowing point can typically be located a short distance from the The belt is positioned along the normal direction to the belt, specifically between 1 mm and 10 mm, such as 4 mm, and at a short distance from the spin roller, for example, between 20 mm and 70 mm from the contact point P between the belt and the spin roller, following the direction of the belt. The velocity of the blowing fluid can be between 100 m / s and 300 m / s (measured at the blowing point). List of reference signs

[0117] - 1: Spin dryer installation - 2: Laminated strip - 3: Pair of spin rollers - 4: Fluid - 5: Slot - 6: Subwoofer - 8: Fluid circuit - 10: Rolling Mill - 21, 22: Side edges of the band - 31, 32: Spin rollers - 41: Blowing point - 42: Fluid blade - 33: Space between two wringer rollers - 60: Cassette - 61, 62: Two pieces of the box - 63: Tranquilization room - 64: Guiding surface - 65: Fluidic connection - 66: Guide channel - 70: Sliding joint - 71: Roller holder - 72: Rolling rollers - 73: T-slot - 74: Transverse beam - 75: Rolling surface - S: Surface - Cb: Blocked layer of lubricant - Cr: Residual lubricant layer - V: Direction of advance of the strip - P: Point of contact between the wringer roller and the laminated belt - Zs: Zone - Ga: Counter-support rollers.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of dewatering a laminated strip (2) comprising at least one layer of lubricant, the method comprising: - Advancing said rolled strip (2) between at least one pair (3) of two squeezing rollers (31, 32), from an upstream side to a downstream side, the upstream and downstream sides being delimited by the point of contact of each pair (3) of squeezing rollers (31, 32) on the rolled strip (2), each squeezing roller (31, 32) being rotatable in the direction of advance (V) of the rolled strip (2) and performing a first squeezing operation by contact, allowing a residual layer of lubricant (Cr) to pass on the downstream side and allowing a blocked layer (Cb) to accumulate upstream by said pair (3) of squeezing rollers (31, 32); - Projecting a fluid (4) from at least one blowing point (41) onto the rolled strip (2) so as to detach all or part of said residual layer of lubricant (Cr) located downstream of the at least one pair (3) of squeezing rollers (31, 32) thus forming a flow of pressurized fluid circulating in a guide channel (66) formed between a guide surface (64) extending downstream from the blowing point (41) towards upstream around said squeezing roller (31, 32), bypassing said squeezing roller, and a cylindrical surface (S) of at least one of the squeezing rollers (31, 32), at least a part of said detached residual layer (Cr) remaining in suspension in said flow of fluid and at least a part of said detached residual layer (Cr) adhering to said cylindrical surface (S) of at least one of the wringing rollers (31, 32); - Return of the residual layer of lubricant (Cr) from downstream to upstream, a part of said layer of lubricant being returned by the flow of fluid circulating in said guide channel (66), another part adhering to said cylindrical surface (S) being returned by the rotation of at least one of the squeezing rollers (31, 32), the residual layer being returned to the blocked layer (Cb) upstream of at least one of the squeezing rollers (31, 32).

2. A method of dewatering a rolled strip according to the preceding claim, comprising discharging all or part of the blocked lubricant layer (Cb) beyond the lateral edges (21, 22) of the rolled strip (2) and wherein the length of the dewatering roller (31, 32) is greater than the width of the strip (2), the fluid (4) being projected from the at least one blowing point (41) in the form of at least one continuous fluid blade (42) over at least the entire length of the dewatering roller (31, 32), blowing through a space between the rollers, beyond the width of the strip, the fluid blade being configured to prevent the passage of the blocked lubricant layer (Cb) located upstream of the dewatering rollers (31, 32) towards the downstream by passing through the space (33) between the dewatering rollers (31, 32) which protrude beyond the width of the rolled strip (2).

3. A wringing method according to the preceding claim, in which the at least one continuous fluid blade is obtained by projecting a fluid (4) through at least one slot (5), said slot being formed by a clearance between two parts (61, 62) of an assembly forming a box (6), said slot (5) obtained being continuous over at least the entire length of the wringing roller (31, 32), and the two parts (61, 62), once assembled, forming a plenum chamber (63) supplied by a pressure source and opening onto said slot (5).

4. A dewatering method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blowing point (41) from which the fluid (4) is projected is positioned in a zone (Zs), the zone (Zs) extending downstream of the dewatering roller over at least the entire width of the rolled strip (2), the blowing point (41) being located at a distance from the contact point of between 20mm and 70mm along the direction of the strip.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, wherein the at least one blowing fluid blade, which is oriented at an angle of between 30° and 60° relative to the plane of the moving strip, the blade being directed countercurrent to the moving strip, so as to push the oil from downstream to upstream, towards the squeezing roller.

6. A method of dewatering according to any preceding claim in combination with claim 3, wherein the surface guide (64) is obtained by an external shape of one of the two parts (61, 62) of said box.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the blowing point is positioned at a distance from the strip, in the direction normal to the strip, of between 1mm and 10mm.

8. A wringing method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the projection of the fluid (4) takes place downstream of the two wringing rollers (31, 32) of the at least one pair (3) of wringing rollers (31, 32), on one side and the other of the laminated strip (2).

9. A wringing installation (1) for a rolled strip (2) comprising at least one layer of lubricant, the wringing installation (1) comprising: - At least one pair (3) of two wringing rollers (31, 32) configured to allow the advance, between the two wringing rollers (31, 32) of each pair (3), of said rolled strip (2) from an upstream side to a downstream side, each wringing roller (31, 32) being rotatable in the direction of advance (V) of the rolled strip and being configured to perform a first wringing operation by contact, the upstream and downstream sides being separated by the point of contact of the at least one pair (3) of wringing rollers (31, 32) on the rolled strip (2), each pair (3) of wringing rollers (31, 32) being configured to allow a layer of lubricant to pass through on the downstream side residual lubricant (Cr) and allowing a blocked layer (Cb) to accumulate upstream by said pair of squeezing rollers (31, 32);- At least one blowing point (41) from which a fluid (4) is projected, configured to detach all or part of said residual layer of lubricant (Cr) located downstream of the at least one pair of squeezing rollers (31, 32), the squeezing installation (1) comprising a guide surface (64) extending from downstream from the blowing point (41) towards upstream around said squeezing roller (31, 32), bypassing said squeezing roller, each roller comprising a cylindrical surface (S), a guide channel (66) being formed between said guide surface (64) and said cylindrical surface (S), the projected fluid (4) circulating in a; fluid flow in the guide channel (66), at least a portion of said detached residual layer (Cr) of lubricant remaining suspended in said fluid flow and at least a portion of said detached residual layer of lubricant (Cr) adhering to said cylindrical surface (S) of at least one of the squeezing rollers (31, 32); - a portion of said lubricant layer being returned to the upstream side by the fluid flow circulating in said guide channel (66), another portion adhering to said cylindrical surface (S) being returned by the rotation of at least one of the squeezing rollers (31, 32), all or part of said detached residual layer of lubricant (Cr) then accumulating on the upstream side on the blocked layer (Cb).

10. A wringing installation according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the wringing rollers (31, 32) extends over at least the entire width of said rolled strip (2), said wringing rollers (31, 32) being configured to at least partially evacuate the blocked layer (Cb) via the lateral edges (21, 22) of the rolled strip (2) and wherein the length of the wringing roller is greater than the width of the rolled strip (2) and the fluid (4) is projected in the form of a continuous fluid blade over at least the entire length of the wringing roller (31, 32), so as to prevent the passage of the blocked layer of lubricant (Cb) located upstream of the wringing rollers towards the downstream side by passing through the space (33) between the two wringing rollers (31, 32) of a pair (3) which protrude of the width of the rolled strip (2).

11. A wringing installation according to the preceding claim, in which the continuous fluid blade is obtained by projecting a fluid (4) through a slot, said slot being formed by a clearance between two parts (61, 62) of an assembly forming a box (6), said slot obtained being continuous over at least the entire length of said wringing roller, and the two parts (61, 62), once assembled, forming a plenum chamber (63) supplied by a pressure source and opening onto said slot.

12. A wringing installation according to one of claims 9 to 11, the blowing point (41) from which the fluid (4) is projected being positioned in a zone (Zs), the zone (Zs) extending downstream of the roller wringing over at least the entire width of the rolled strip (2), the blowing point (41) being located at a distance from the contact point (P) of between 20mm and 70mm depending on the direction of the strip.

13. Spin-drying installation according to one of claims 9 to 12 in combination with claim 11, in which the guide surface (64) is obtained by an external shape of one of the two parts (61, 62) of said box (6).

14. A wringing installation according to any one of claims 9 to 13, in which the projection of the fluid (4) takes place downstream of the two wringing rollers (31, 32) of the at least one pair (3) of wringing rollers (31, 32), on one side and the other of the laminated strip (2).

15. A wringing installation according to any one of claims 9 to 14, the installation comprising a transverse beam and a cassette (60), removable from the transverse beam, in translation along a sliding connection (70) between the cassette and the transverse beam in a direction parallel to the length of the wringing rollers (31, 32), said cassette (60) comprising one of the wringing rollers and said blowing point (41).

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