Heat treatment equipment, methods and uses

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat treatment device for heating and treating metal products, the heat treatment device having a nominal power density of 5.10 5 W / m 2 Above, especially 1·10 6 W / m 2 More than 5.10, preferably 6 W / m 2 More preferably, 2·10 7 W / m 2 The present invention relates to a heat treatment apparatus comprising the above heating device, particularly a first heating device; a homogenization device configured to reduce the temperature difference between the surface temperature of the metal product and the core temperature of the metal product to 50°C or less, preferably 20°C or less, particularly preferably 10°C or less; a treatment device for treating the metal product; and a conveying device for conveying the metal product from the heating device in the direction of the treatment device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal processing apparatus, method and use. [Background technology]

[0002] In the prior art, slabs are heated using a furnace prior to hot deformation processing, in particular hot rolling, where the slabs can first be heated to a temperature above the carbonitride precipitation temperature and / or the melting temperature of nitrite precipitates of the steel composition of the slab, in particular to an average temperature of the slab between 950°C and 1280°C depending on the alloy composition. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The problem on which the present invention is based is to provide an improvement or alternative to the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above problem is solved by: -Nominal power density to metal products is 5·10 5 W / m 2 Above, especially 1·10 6 W / m 2 More than 5.10, preferably 6 W / m 2 More preferably, 2·10 7 W / m 2 The above heating device, particularly the first heating device, a homogenizing device, in particular a first homogenizing device, which is adapted to reduce the temperature difference between the surface temperature of the metal product and the core temperature of the metal product to less than 50°C, preferably less than 20°C, particularly preferably less than 10°C; a processing device for processing metal products; a conveying device for conveying the metal products from the heating device in the direction of the processing device; The problem is solved by a heat treatment device for heating and treating a metal product, comprising:

[0005] In this regard, the following terms are explained. It is expressly mentioned at the outset that within the scope of this patent application, indefinite articles and numerical indications such as "one", "two", etc. are generally to be understood as "minimum" indications, i.e. as "at least one", "at least two", etc., unless it is clear from the respective context or obvious to a person skilled in the art or technically necessary that they can only mean "exactly one", "exactly two", etc.

[0006] Within the scope of this patent application, the expression "in particular" should always be understood to introduce optional and preferred features, and should not be understood in the sense of "and" and "i.e."

[0007] By "metal product" is meant a semi-finished product which consists of at least one metal or which has a metal content of 90% by weight or more, preferably a metal content of 95% by weight or more, particularly preferably a metal content of 98% by weight or more.

[0008] A metal product has a thickness, a width, and a length, and alternatively, the metal product may have an infinite length. The metal product further has a surface region and a core region, and the temperature, particularly the average temperature, of the metal product at the surface may differ from the temperature in the core region. Thus, the surface temperature of the metal product may differ from the core temperature of the metal product, particularly due to heat flow from the surrounding environment of the metal product to the metal product and / or heat flow from the metal product to the surrounding environment of the metal product.

[0009] The metal product can be a billet, and the billet has a thickness substantially corresponding to its width. In other words, the billet has a substantially square cross-sectional area. In particular, the billet thickness is at least 0.9 times the width of the billet and not more than 1.1 times the width of the billet, preferably at least 0.95 times the width of the billet and not more than 1.05 times the width of the billet, and particularly preferably at least 0.975 times the width of the billet and not more than 1.025 times the width of the billet.

[0010] The metal product can be an ingot. In particular, the width of the ingot is 1.4 times or less, preferably 1.3 times or less, and particularly preferably 1.2 times or less, the thickness of the ingot. Furthermore, the width of the ingot is 1.1 times or more, preferably 1.15 times or more, and particularly preferably 1.2 times or more, the thickness of the ingot.

[0011] The metal product can be a slab. In particular, the width of the slab is 35 times or less, preferably 30 times or less, and particularly preferably 20 times or less, the width of the slab is 1.5 times or more, preferably 1.6 times or more, and particularly preferably 2 times or more, the thickness of the slab.

[0012] The slab is also called a thick slab when it has a thickness of 150 mm or more, preferably a thickness of 180 mm or more, particularly preferably a thickness of 220 mm or more.

[0013] Slabs are also called thin slabs if they have a thickness of 150 mm or less, preferably 135 mm or less, particularly preferably 120 mm or less.

[0014] In particular, the length of the slab is 1.2 m or more, preferably 1.5 m or more, more preferably 1.8 m or more, and particularly preferably 2 m or more. Furthermore, the length of the slab is in particular 4 m or more, preferably 5 m or more, more preferably 10 m or more, and particularly preferably 12 m or more.

[0015] The metal product can be a metal plate. In particular, the metal plate has a thickness of 100 mm or less, preferably 80 mm or less, and particularly preferably 50 mm or less. Furthermore, the width of the metal plate is particularly 30 times or more the thickness of the metal plate, preferably 50 times or more the thickness of the metal plate, and particularly preferably 100 times or more the thickness of the metal plate.

[0016] By "heating device", in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device, is understood a device configured to raise the average temperature in the metal product, in particular from an average starting temperature to an average final temperature. The heating device may be primarily operatively connected to one or more surfaces of the metal product. Preferably, the heating device primarily acts on the upper and lower surfaces of the metal product.

[0017] "Power density" is expressed in units of W / m 2 The term "nominal power density" is understood to mean the surface power density of the heating device, where the power density indicates the distribution of power on the surface of the metal product, in particular on the upper surface of the metal product and on the lower surface of the metal product. The term "nominal power density" is understood to mean the maximum power density that the heating device can achieve in its specified operation. Therefore, a nominal power density of 5·10 5 W / m 2 The above heating device can heat 5-10 times per square meter of the surface of the metal product. 5 In some cases where the edges of the metal article are heated separately, the surface of the metal article relevant to determining the power density may extend beyond the top and bottom of the metal article to the sides of the metal article that are heated by the edge heater.

[0018] In particular, the nominal power density of the heating device is 9·10 5 W / m 2 More preferably, 1·10 6 W / m 2 More than 2·10 6 W / m 2 More preferably, 3.5 × 10 6 W / m 2 Furthermore, the nominal power density of the heating device is, in particular, 7.10 6 W / m2 Above 8.5-10, preferably 6 W / m 2 More preferably, 1·10 7 W / m 2 That's all.

[0019] In particular, by controlling and / or regulating the heating device, it is possible to limit the power density actually introduced by the heating device into the metal product, even when the surface temperature is likely to exceed 1300°C, and even when the surface temperature is likely to exceed 1380°C depending on the alloy composition, thereby preventing melting of the surface of the metal product.

[0020] By "inductor" is meant a device designed to increase the temperature of a metal product using a magnetic field. The inductor has at least one inductor coil operatively connected to at least one capacitor to form an oscillator circuit. This oscillator circuit can be supplied with electrical energy by means of an energy supply. The energy supply can in particular have an inverter that is connected or can be connected to a DC intermediate circuit.

[0021] The nominal power density of the inductor is 1·10 6 W / m 2 Above 8.5-10, preferably 6 W / m 2 More preferably, 1·10 7 W / m 2 It can be more than that.

[0022] The use of an inductor as a heating device has the advantage that the nominal power density is independent of the ambient temperature of the metal product, which is particularly advantageous when the average final temperature for heating the metal product is high.

[0023] In particular, the inductor has two inductor coils that can be configured to generate a transverse field and / or a longitudinal field relative to the metal product.

[0024] In specified operation, the inductor has a heating layer that extends substantially to a penetration depth within the metal product to be heated, starting from the surface of the metal product facing the inductor coil, where the penetration depth of the heating layer also depends on the frequency of the oscillator circuit that excites the inductor coil, but also on the temperature of the metal product in the region of the heating layer.

[0025] If the temperature of the heated product in the region of the heating layer is below the Curie temperature of the material of the metal product, the penetration depth of the heating layer may be 4 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, particularly preferably 2 mm or less.

[0026] When the temperature of the heated product in the region of the heating layer is above the Curie temperature, the penetration depth of the heating layer may be 25 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or less, and particularly preferably 15 mm or less. Furthermore, when the temperature of the heated product in the region of the heating layer is above the Curie temperature, the penetration depth of the heating layer may be 5 mm or more, preferably 7 mm or more, and particularly preferably 10 mm or more.

[0027] The heating device may have multiple inductors, in particular two, three, four, five, or more than five inductors, which may be arranged in a common inductor housing. Alternatively, the multiple inductors may have separate inductor housings which can be arranged successively in a designated conveying direction of the metal products.

[0028] "DFI module" is understood to be a heating device configured to apply direct flame impingement (DFI) to heat metal products. DFI is also known as oxy-fuel. In DFI, at least one acetylene or oxygen flame acts directly on the metal product, thereby directly heating it. The nominal power density achievable with DFI can be up to 10 times that of conventional fuel-fired furnaces. The nominal power density of a DFI module is 1·10 6 W / m2 can be reached.

[0029] The heating device may have a plurality of DFI modules, in particular two DFI modules, three DFI modules, four DFI modules, five DFI modules or more than five DFI modules.

[0030] The DFI modules may be arranged in a common housing, or alternatively, the DFI modules may have separate housings arranged successively in a designated conveying direction of the metal products.

[0031] By "homogenizer", in particular the first homogenizer and / or the second homogenizer, is understood an apparatus configured to homogenize the temperature profile in the metal product, in other words, the homogenizer is configured to reduce the temperature difference in the metal product.

[0032] Heating or cooling a metal product can result in significant temperature differences within the metal product. When cooling a metal product, the core of the metal product cools more slowly than its surface. When heating a metal product, the surface of the metal product can heat more quickly than its core. Additionally, temperature differences can occur due to the processing and / or casting process of the metal product.

[0033] When casting slabs using a continuous casting machine, the casting speed at which the cast strand leaves the machine can be 0.14 m / s or less, particularly 0.1 m / s or less. Thus, casting a 12-meter-long slab typically takes 2 minutes. During this time, the leading edge of the slab, which leaves the machine first, cools faster than the trailing edge. Therefore, the temperature difference in a metal product should not be understood as a temperature distribution that varies only across the cross section of the metal product; rather, the temperature distribution may vary over the longitudinal extent of the metal product.

[0034] Temperature homogenization of a metal product can be understood as the reduction of the absolute temperature difference of the metal product from when it enters the homogenizer until it leaves the homogenizer.

[0035] In particular, if the slab is reheated using inductors immediately after leaving the continuous casting facility, the absolute temperature difference between the slab core and the slab surface can be more than 100°C. In some cases, the temperature difference can be more than 300°C, and even more than 650°C in the case of very concentrated heating using inductors.

[0036] If the slab is heated intensively from room temperature using an inductor, the temperature difference can be more than 1,000°C, and in special cases even more than 1,300°C.

[0037] The homogenizer may be configured to reduce the temperature difference of the metal product from the homogenizer to the outlet to 100°C or less, preferably 60°C or less, more preferably 30°C or less, and most preferably 15°C or less.

[0038] The homogenizer may further be configured so that the metal product can exit the homogenizer at an average temperature of 950°C or more, preferably at an average temperature of 1000°C or more, particularly preferably at an average temperature of 1050°C or more.

[0039] Expediently, the homogenizing device can have active means for heating the metal products, in particular at least one gas burner, in particular in combination with at least one corresponding radiant tube. In particular, the homogenizing device can be designed as a walking beam furnace. The homogenizing device can be designed as a roller furnace. The homogenizing device can be designed as a pusher furnace. The nominal power density of the gas burner is 110 5 W / m 2 can be reached.

[0040] Alternatively, the homogenizing device may have at least one heat radiator as an active means for heating the metal products, in particular at least one heat radiator powered by electrical energy, the heat radiator being configured to emit thermal radiation onto the metal products. The electrically powered heat radiator may have a temperature of 4.10 4 W / m 2 A nominal power density of 1000 W can be achieved.

[0041] According to an expedient embodiment, the homogenizing furnace can comprise a heat retention device configured to insulate the metal product from its surrounding environment as a passive means for homogenizing the temperature distribution of the metal product.

[0042] From an energy standpoint, it is particularly advantageous for the homogenizing device to have only passive means for homogenizing the temperature distribution of the metal products, in particular thermal insulation devices, preferably heat hoods, so that the thermal energy of the metal products as they enter the homogenizing device can be utilized to homogenize the temperature distribution in the metal products.

[0043] By "processing equipment" is understood an equipment capable of processing metal products.

[0044] According to another variant, the processing device can be designed as a compressive deformation device, in which the metal product is deformed by compressive force. The compressive deformation device can be a rolling device. Advantageously, metal products with a starting thickness of 5 mm or more, preferably 10 mm or more, particularly preferably 30 mm or more, are compressed, in particular rolled.

[0045] A stretching device can also be considered as another variant of the processing device, which is designed to deform the metal product by tensile force. The stretching device can be a drawing device, in particular a drawing device for improving the flatness of the metal product. Advantageously, metal products with an initial thickness of 12 mm or less, preferably 10 mm or less, particularly preferably 5 mm or less, are compressively deformed, in particular drawn.

[0046] By "conveying device" is understood any system set up to transport metal products, in particular to transport slabs. Preferably, the conveying device has a roller table, in particular a motorized roller table.

[0047] The conveying device may have several different segments, in particular a first segment between the heating device and the homogenizing device, and a second segment between the homogenizing device and the processing device or the final heating device. Needless to say, the conveying device may have additional segments between the equipment components of the heat treatment device. However, this does not explicitly exclude the possibility that the heat treatment device may have several conveying devices, in particular a first conveying device between the heating device and the homogenizing device, and a second conveying device between the homogenizing device and the processing device or the final heating device.

[0048] Furthermore, the conveying device can be configured to convey the metal product from the homogenizing device to the heating device, in particular from the homogenizing device, which may be configured to accommodate at least a partially cast strand operatively connected to the continuous casting machine, to the heating device, in particular to the first heating device.

[0049] By "heat treatment device" is understood a device and / or installation which is configured to heat the metal products starting from the average initial temperature of the metal products when they arrive at the heating device to the average final temperature of the metal products when they leave the heating device and / or homogenization device, and to treat, in particular roll, the metal products in the treatment device, the heat treatment device having at least one conveying device which is configured to convey the metal products towards the treatment device.

[0050] The heat treatment device can be configured so that the metal product reaches the treatment device at an average temperature of at least 1050° C., preferably at least 1100° C., and particularly preferably at least 1200° C. Advantageously, the heat treatment device can be configured so that the metal product reaches the treatment device at an average temperature of at least 950° C., preferably at least 1050° C., and particularly preferably at least 1250° C.

[0051] The heat treatment device can be designed so that the metal product reaches the heating device, in particular the first heating device, at an average temperature of 250° C. or less, preferably 200° C. or less, particularly preferably 150° C. or less. Furthermore, the heat treatment device can be advantageously designed so that the metal material reaches the heating device, in particular the first heating device, at an average temperature of 100° C. or less, preferably 50° C. or less, particularly preferably 35° C. or less. In this case, the metal material can be said to be cold-inserted into the heat treatment device.

[0052] The heat treatment device can be purposefully designed so that when the metal product reaches the heating device, in particular the first heating device, it has an average temperature of 650°C or less, preferably 550°C or less, and particularly preferably 450°C or less. In this case, it can also be said that the metal product is hot charged into the heat treatment device. Furthermore, the heat treatment device can be designed so that when the metal product reaches the heating device, in particular the first heating device, it has an average temperature of 200°C or more, preferably 250°C or more, and particularly preferably 300°C or more.

[0053] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the heat treatment device can be configured so that when the metal products reach the heating device, in particular the first heating device, they have an average temperature of at least 600° C., preferably at least 700° C., particularly preferably at least 800° C. If the starting temperature of the metal products is within one of the above orders of magnitude, it can also be said that the metal products are directly charged.

[0054] Particularly preferably, the heat treatment device can be configured to combine the above-mentioned charging scenarios, i.e., "cold charging" and / or "hot charging" and / or "direct charging", with one another. In this case, it is conceivable, inter alia, that the heat treatment device is arranged in correspondence with one or more casting machines and / or hot and / or cold storages of metal products. The heat treatment device can be used alternately or in any sequence with metal products at different temperatures. Thus, the heat treatment device can be configured to operate with metal products at different temperatures in any sequence.

[0055] The average temperature of the metal product can be understood as the volume-average temperature of the metal product.

[0056] In particular, improving the energy processing efficiency of heat treatment equipment and / or reducing the carbon dioxide emissions emitted by heat treatment equipment through the use of low-carbon energy sources is essential for achieving a nominal power density of 5·10 5 W / m 2 Above, especially 1·10 6 W / m 2 This can be advantageously achieved by the above heating device.

[0057] A heating device with such a high nominal power density can transmit the power required to heat the metal product in a relatively compact structure, and therefore can be advantageously implemented for energy efficiency due to its compact length and the resulting short throughput time. This can have a favorable effect on energy process efficiency, particularly by reducing heat losses. Furthermore, the heat treatment device proposed here can be designed to be compact overall.

[0058] Heating devices with correspondingly high nominal power densities, particularly inductors and / or DFI modules, physically limit the depth of direct heat penetration across the surface of a metal product. Thus, temperatures can already exceed the product's melting point at the surface of the metal product, while the core temperature of the metal product can still be room temperature. Over time, the temperature difference can equalize, but heat is released into the metal product's surrounding environment.

[0059] Here, a combination of a high nominal power density heating device and a homogenizing device is proposed, where the homogenizing device is configured to reduce the temperature difference of the metal product caused by heating by the high nominal power density heating device.

[0060] The combination of the heating device and the homogenizing device may advantageously allow for energy-efficient and / or carbon dioxide-free heating of the metal product to a high average temperature with small local temperature differences, so that the temperature-conditioned metal product can be advantageously processed, in particular rolled, by subsequent processing equipment.

[0061] Furthermore, the nominal power density is 1·10 5 W / m 2 In the process of modernizing existing heat treatment equipment with the following heating devices, the existing heating devices shall continue to be used as homogenizers in terms of their functionality and the nominal power density shall be 5.10 5 W / m 2 Above, especially 1·10 6 W / m 2 These modern heating devices can be advantageously installed in advance, thereby improving energy efficiency and / or reducing carbon dioxide emissions with moderate intervention in existing heat treatment equipment.

[0062] According to an optional embodiment, the metal product has a thickness of at least 50 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, particularly preferably at least 200 mm.

[0063] In particular, the combination of the heating device and the homogenizing device can be particularly advantageously used for treating metal products having a thickness of 20 mm or more, preferably 35 mm or more, more preferably 50 mm or more, and particularly preferably 75 mm or more.More advantageously, the combination of the heating device and the homogenizing device proposed here can be particularly advantageously used for treating metal products having a thickness of 100 mm or more, preferably 135 mm or more, more preferably 180 mm or more, and particularly preferably 250 mm or more.

[0064] Of course, the above values ​​for the thickness of the metal product may interact with the penetration depth of a heating device with a high nominal power density and the associated need to homogenize the temperature difference across the metal product.

[0065] Optionally, the metal product has a ratio of width of the metal product to thickness of the metal product of 1.1 or greater, preferably 1.5 or greater, more preferably 5 or greater, and especially preferably 10 or greater.

[0066] Furthermore, the metal material has a ratio of width to thickness of 1.25 or more, preferably 2.5 or more, more preferably 8 or more, and particularly preferably 16 or more.

[0067] For heating devices with relatively high nominal power densities, it is advantageous to have a high ratio of the width of the metal product to the thickness of the metal product. In particular, a larger width-to-thickness ratio allows a larger proportion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the metal product to the direct penetration depth of heat from the high nominal power density heating device, thereby reducing the effort required to homogenize the temperature difference across the metal product.

[0068] In contrast, in heating devices with low nominal power densities, especially in classical furnaces with gas burners, it is advantageous to have a relatively large ratio between the surface area of ​​the metal product and the volume of the metal product, which can be achieved by having a particularly small ratio between the width and thickness of the metal product.

[0069] According to an expedient embodiment, the metal product has a ratio of the circumference of the metal product to the cross-sectional area of ​​the metal product of 3.25 l / mm or less, preferably 2.5 l / mm or less, more preferably 2.3 l / mm or less, and particularly preferably 2.1 l / mm or less.

[0070] According to a further expedient embodiment, the metal product has a ratio of the circumference of the metal product to the cross-sectional area of ​​the metal product of 31 / mm or less, preferably 2.751 / mm or less, more preferably 2.41 / mm or less, and particularly preferably 2.21 / mm or less.

[0071] The small circumference-to-cross-sectional area ratio means that the nominal power density is 5·10 5 W / m 2 Above, especially 1·10 6 W / m 2 It has been found to be advantageous to use the above heating devices to temperature condition metal products, thereby allowing energy-efficient and / or low carbon dioxide footprint heat treatment of metal products to be achieved using the heat treatment device proposed herein.

[0072] Optionally, the conveying device is designed to convey the metal products from the heating device in the direction of the homogenizing device.

[0073] The conveying device is conveniently designed to convey the metal material from the homogenizing device towards the processing device.

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, the heat treatment device has at least two heating devices and at least two homogenization devices, in particular a first heating device, a first homogenization device, a second heating device, and a second homogenization device, and the conveying device is configured to convey the metal product from the first heating device in the direction of the first homogenization device, from the first homogenization device in the direction of the second heating device, from the second heating device in the direction of the second homogenization device, and from the second homogenization device in the direction of the treatment device.

[0075] More preferably, the heat treatment apparatus has at least three heating devices and at least three homogenizing devices, in particular a first heating device, a first homogenizing device, a second heating device, a second homogenizing device, a third heating device, and a third homogenizing device, and the conveying device is configured to convey the metal product from the first heating device to the first homogenizing device, from the first homogenizing device to the second heating device, from the second heating device to the second homogenizing device, from the second homogenizing device to the third heating device, from the third heating device to the third homogenizing device, and from the third homogenizing device to the treatment apparatus.

[0076] Optionally, three heating devices and three homogenizing devices can be arranged one after the other in a block and connected to one another by a conveying device.

[0077] Needless to say, the nominal power density is 5.10 5 W / m 2 Above, especially 1·10 6 W / m 2 These heating devices can only deliver enough power to the metal product to barely melt the edge and / or surface of the metal product. Therefore, the first heating device may not be able to achieve the necessary heating for the processing equipment without homogenizing the temperature difference in between, especially when the absolute thickness of the product being heated is relatively large and / or the final temperature is high and / or the temperature at which the metal product is charged into the first heating device is low.

[0078] The proposed cascade of heating and homogenizing devices advantageously achieves the necessary heating of the metal products for the processing equipment.

[0079] Furthermore, the heat treatment device is preferably adapted to provide a nominal power density of 5.10 to 1000 W, particularly to metal products. 5 W / m 2 Above, especially 1·10 6 W / m 2 More than 5.10, preferably 6 W / m 2 More preferably, 2·10 7 W / m2 The apparatus includes the above-described final stage heating device, and the conveying device is configured to convey the metal product from the homogenizing device toward the final stage heating device and from the final stage heating device toward the processing device.

[0080] In this regard, the following terms are explained. "Final stage heating unit" means a heating unit located immediately before the processing unit, with a nominal power density of 5.10 5 W / m 2 Above, especially 1·10 6 W / m 2 The above heating device is understood to be the heating device.

[0081] Some materials for metal products are processed, especially when rolled, at higher average temperatures, so in order to increase flexibility for different materials, it is proposed that the heat treatment device may have a final heating device that reheats only materials with a specially increased optimum processing temperature, without affecting other materials, but which can do so if advantageous.

[0082] Therefore, to increase energy efficiency and / or reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the nominal power density of the metal product should be 5·10 5 W / m 2 Above, especially 1·10 6 W / m 2 It is proposed to design these final stage heating devices in particular as DFI modules and / or as inductors, since this type of construction allows them to be used as required without any preheating time.

[0083] In particular, the nominal power density of the final stage heating device is 9·10 5 W / m 2 More than 2·10 6 W / m 2 More preferably, 3.5-10 6 W / m 2 More preferably, the nominal power density of the final stage heating device is 7·10 6 W / m 2 Above 8.5-10, preferably 6 W / m 2More preferably, 1·10 7 W / m 2 That's all.

[0084] The final stage heating device may have a plurality of inductors, in particular two inductors, three inductors, four inductors, five inductors, or more than five inductors. The final stage heating device may have a plurality of DFI modules, in particular two DFI modules, three DFI modules, four DFI modules, five DFI modules, or more than five DFI modules.

[0085] Furthermore, it is proposed that a final heating device be arranged after the treatment device, in order to raise the temperature of the metal product again after treatment, in particular in the case of a descaling device.

[0086] Expediently, the final stage heating device is designed to heat the metal product to an average temperature of at least 1125°C, preferably at least 1175°C, particularly preferably at least 1225°C.

[0087] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the heating device, in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final heating device, consists of an inductor and / or comprises at least one inductor.

[0088] Preferably, the heating device, in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final stage heating device, consists of a DFI module and / or comprises at least one DFI module.

[0089] According to an expedient embodiment, the heating device, in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final stage heating device, has a longitudinal extension of not more than 1 time the length of the metal product, preferably not more than 0.7 times the length of the metal product, particularly preferably not more than 0.5 times the length of the metal product.

[0090] Furthermore, the heating device preferably has a longitudinal extension of not more than 0.85 times the length of the metal product, preferably not more than 0.6 times the length of the metal product, particularly preferably not more than 0.4 times the length of the metal product.

[0091] Particularly preferably, the heating device, in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final stage heating device, has a longitudinal extension of at least 0.2 times the length of the metal product, preferably at least 0.3 times the length of the metal product, particularly preferably at least 0.4 times the length of the metal product.

[0092] Experiments have shown that with the above values ​​for the longitudinal extension of the heating device, particularly economical heating of metal products can be achieved.

[0093] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the homogenizing device, in particular the first homogenizing device and / or the second homogenizing device, has a longitudinal extension in the conveying direction of not more than 2.7 times the length of the metal products, preferably not more than 2.6 times the length of the metal products, particularly preferably not more than 2.5 times the length of the metal products.

[0094] Tests have shown that particularly economical homogenization of metallic materials can be achieved using the above values ​​for the longitudinal extension of the homogenizing device.

[0095] Expediently, the homogenizer, in particular the first homogenizer and / or the second homogenizer, consists of an insulating warming device and / or has at least one insulating warming device.

[0096] Optionally, the homogenizer, in particular the first homogenizer and / or the second homogenizer, comprises at least one gas burner, in particular at least one gas burner in a radiant tube.

[0097] Further optionally, the homogenizers, in particular the first homogenizer and / or the second homogenizer, comprise at least one electric heat radiator.

[0098] According to an optional embodiment, the processing device comprises a compressive deformation device for compressively deforming metal products, in particular a rolling device for rolling metal products.

[0099] According to another optional embodiment, the processing device comprises a stretching device for stretching and deforming the metal product, in particular a drawing device for straightening the metal product by drawing.

[0100] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above problem is solved by a method for heating and treating a metal product using a heat treatment device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the heat treatment device is supplied with a metal product having an average temperature of not more than 700°C, preferably not more than 800°C, particularly preferably not more than 950°C.

[0101] In particular, a mixed charge of the heat treatment device can be advantageously established, and cold charging and / or hot charging and / or direct charging in the heat treatment device can be advantageously combined with one another.

[0102] Expediently, the heat treatment device is supplied with metal products having an average temperature of not more than 400°C, preferably not more than 500°C, particularly preferably not more than 600°C.

[0103] Advantageously, the above temperature values ​​allow the hot charging method to be used, which reduces energy consumption and emissions.

[0104] Optionally, the heat treatment device is supplied with metal products having an average temperature of 100°C or less, preferably an average temperature of 200°C or less, particularly preferably an average temperature of 300°C or less.

[0105] In this way, the heat treatment device can also be used advantageously for cold charging.

[0106] Particularly expediently, the metal material is fed to the heat treatment device at an average temperature of at least 600°C, preferably at an average temperature of at least 700°C, particularly preferably at an average temperature of at least 800°C.

[0107] This advantageously allows a particularly energy-efficient direct charging process to be carried out, in particular directly from the continuous casting plant, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0108] It is expressly mentioned that the subject matter of the second aspect may be advantageously combined with the subject matter of the above aspects of the invention, either individually or cumulatively in any combination.

[0109] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the above problem is solved by the use of a heat treatment device according to the first aspect of the present invention and / or a method according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0110] Needless to say, the advantages of the heat treatment device according to the first aspect of the invention and / or the method according to the second aspect of the invention extend directly to the use of the heat treatment device according to the first aspect of the invention and / or the method according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0111] It is expressly mentioned that the subject matter of the third aspect may be advantageously combined with the subject matter of the above aspects of the invention, either individually or cumulatively in any combination.

[0112] Further advantages, details and features of the invention will become apparent from the examples described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0113] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metal product having a non-uniform temperature distribution across the cross-section. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a heat treatment device and an associated temperature profile of the average temperature of a metal product within the heat treatment device; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a heat treatment device and the associated temperature profile of the average temperature of the metal product within the heat treatment device. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a heat treatment device and the associated temperature profile of the average temperature of the metal product within the heat treatment device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0114] In the following description, the same reference numerals indicate the same components or features, so that the description of components given in one figure is valid for the other figures to avoid repetition. Furthermore, individual features described in connection with one embodiment can also be used separately in other embodiments.

[0115] 1 shows a schematic cross-section of a metal product 10 having a non-uniform temperature profile along the cross-section of the metal product 10. In this case, the core temperature T K is the surface temperature of the metal product, T O The temperature profile of the core temperature can be determined by multiple temperatures T i The surface temperature T O It may progress up to

[0116] 2 essentially consists of a heating device 30, a homogenizing device 40, a conveying device 60 and a processing device 50. The conveying device 60 is capable of conveying the metal product 10 from the heating device 30 in the direction of the processing device 50. In the first embodiment described here, the metal product 10 is delivered directly from the heating device 30 to the homogenizing device 40. Optionally, the first embodiment described here can also be modified in such a way that the metal product 10 is transferred from the heating device 30 to the homogenizing device 40 by a separate conveying device (not shown).

[0117] The average temperature of the metal product 10 in the heat treatment device 20 is equal to the average starting temperature T St to a first average temperature T1 of the metal product 10 and is homogenized in the area of ​​the homogenization device 40. The metal product 10 is transported by the transport device 60 to the processing device 50, in particular at the first average temperature T1.

[0118] 3 essentially consists of a first heating device 31, a first homogenizing device 41, a second heating device 32, a second homogenizing device 42, a final stage heating device 70, a conveying device 60, and a processing device 50. The heat processing device can have any number of further n-th heating devices 33 and n-th homogenizing devices 43 after the second homogenizing device 42 and before the final stage heating device 70, with the n-th heating device 33 always being followed by the n-th homogenizing device 43. The conveying device 60 can convey the metal product 10 from the first heating device 31 in the direction of the processing device 50.

[0119] In the second embodiment described herein, the metal products 10 are delivered directly from the first heating device 31 to the first homogenizing device 41. Furthermore, the metal products 10 are delivered directly from the first homogenizing device 41 to the second heating device 32, and from there directly to the second homogenizing device 42. At least indirectly, the metal products are delivered from the second homogenizing device 42 to the nth heating device 33, and from there directly to the nth homogenizing device 43 and subsequently to the final heating device 70. Of course, the second embodiment described herein can also be modified so that transport devices (not shown) are arranged between the heating devices (30, 31, 32, 33, 70) and the homogenizing devices (40, 41, 42, 43) configured to transport the metal products 10 to the respective subsequent devices (41, 32, 42, 33, 43, 70). The residence time of the metal products 10 on the conveying device may cause heat flow to be released from the metal products to the rollers of the conveying device and / or to the surrounding environment of the metal products 10. However, this does not lead to complete homogenization, but rather to cooling of the metal products in the edge regions. Therefore, homogenization of the average temperature is performed in the respective downstream homogenizing devices (40, 41, 42, 43).

[0120] The average temperature of the metal product 10 in the heat treatment device 20 is equal to or greater than the average starting temperature T StThe average temperature of the metal product 10 is increased from the first average temperature T1 of the metal product 10 to a second average temperature T2 of the metal product 10 in the region of the second heating device 32, and is homogenized by the second homogenizing device 42. The average temperature of the metal product 10 is increased from the second average temperature T2 to an average final temperature T End The metal product 10 is heated by the conveying device 60 to, in particular, an average final temperature T End The material is then transported to the processing device 50.

[0121] Alternatively, the average temperature of the metal product 10 may be increased from the second average temperature T2 to the nth average temperature T n and homogenizing the metal product 10 in the region of the nth homogenizing device 43. The average temperature of the metal product 10 is raised to the nth average temperature T n to the average final temperature T End The metal product 10 can be heated by the conveying device 60 to, in particular, an average final temperature T End The material is then transported to the processing device 50.

[0122] The third embodiment of the heat treatment device 20 according to Fig. 4 essentially comprises a first heating device 31, a second heating device 32, a first conveying device 61, a first homogenizing device 41, a third heating device 33, a first heat treatment device 50, another conveying device 60, a final stage heating device 70, a second treatment device 51, and a conveying device 60. The heat treatment devices 50, 51 may have any number of further n-th heating devices (not shown) and n-th homogenizing devices (not shown), and upstream of the first heat treatment device 50 there are always at least one heating device 31, 32, 33, at least one homogenizing device 41, and the first conveying device 61. The first conveying device 61 can transport the metal product 10 from the first heating device 31 in the direction of the treatment device 50, which can be divided into a plurality of individual length segments arranged between the devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 10 Metal products 20 Heat treatment equipment 30 Heating device 31 First heating device 32 Second heating device 33 nth heating device, third heating device 40 Homogenizer 41 First homogenizer 42 Second homogenizer 43 nth homogenizer 50 Processing equipment 51 Processing equipment 60 Conveyor 61 First conveying device 65 conveying length 70 Final stage heating device T K Core temperature of metal products T O Surface temperature of metal materials T i Internal temperature at point i of metal product T St Average starting temperature of metal products T1 First average temperature of the metal product T2 Second average temperature of the metal product T3 Third average temperature of metal products T n nth average temperature of metal products T end Average final temperature of metal products

Claims

1. A heat treatment apparatus (20) for heating and treating a metal product (10), comprising: - Nominal power density to metal product (10) is 5.10 ５ W / m ２ The above, especially 1.10 ６ W / m ２ Above, preferably 5.10 ６ W / m ２ Above, especially preferably 2.10 ７ W / m ２ The above heating device (30), particularly the first heating device (31), a homogenization device (40) for controlling the surface temperature (T Ｏ ) and the core temperature (T Ｋ a homogenizer (40), in particular a first homogenizer (41), configured to reduce the temperature difference between the first homogenizer (40) and the second homogenizer (41) to 50°C or less, preferably 20°C or less, particularly preferably 10°C or less; - treatment equipment (50, 51) for treating said metal products (10); - conveying devices (60, 61) for conveying said metal products (10) from said heating device (30) in the direction of said treatment devices (50, 51); A heat treatment device (20) comprising:

2. 2. The heat treatment device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the metal product (10) has a thickness of at least 50 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, particularly preferably at least 200 mm.

3. 3. The heat treatment device (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the metal product (10) has a ratio of the width of the metal product (10) to the thickness of the metal product (10) of 1.1 or more, preferably 1.5 or more, more preferably 5 or more, and particularly preferably 10 or more.

4. 4. The heat treatment device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the metal product (10) has a ratio of the circumference of the metal product (10) to the cross-sectional area of ​​the metal product (10) of 3.25 1 / mm or less, preferably 2.5 1 / mm or less, more preferably 2.3 1 / mm or less, and particularly preferably 2.1 1 / mm or less.

5. 5. The heat treatment device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the conveying devices (60, 61) are designed to convey the metal products (10) from the heating device (30) in the direction of the homogenization device.

6. 6. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the conveying device (60, 61) is designed to convey the metal material (10) from the homogenizing device in the direction of the treatment device (50, 51).

7. said heat treatment device (20) comprises at least two heating devices (30) and at least two homogenizing devices, in particular a first heating device (31), a first homogenizing device (41), a second heating device (32) and a second homogenizing device (42); A heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the conveying devices (60, 61) are configured to convey the metal products (10) from the first heating device (31) in the direction of the first homogenizing device (41), from the first homogenizing device (41) in the direction of the second heating device (32), from the second heating device (32) in the direction of the second homogenizing device (42), and from the second homogenizing device (42) in the direction of the treatment device (50, 51).

8. The heat treatment device (20) is a final stage heating device (70), in particular a device with a nominal power density of 5.10 to the metal product (10). ５ W / m ２ The above, especially 1.10 ６ W / m ２ Above, preferably 5.10 ６ W / m ２ Above, especially preferably 2.10 ７ W / m ２ The above-mentioned final stage heating device (70) is provided, The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the conveying devices (60, 61) are configured to convey the metal products (10) from the homogenizing device in the direction of the final stage heating device (70) and from the final stage heating device (70) in the direction of the treatment device (50, 51).

9. 9. The heat treatment device (20) according to claim 8, characterized in that the final stage heating device (70) is configured to heat the metal product (10) to an average temperature of 1125°C or more, preferably 1175°C or more, particularly preferably 1225°C or more.

10. 10. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the heating device (30), in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final stage heating device (70), consists of an inductor and / or has at least one inductor.

11. 11. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the heating device (30), in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final stage heating device (70), consists of a DFI module and / or has at least one DFI module.

12. 12. The heat treatment device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal extension of the heating device (30), in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final stage heating device (70), is not more than 1 time the length of the metal product (10), preferably not more than 0.7 times the length of the metal product (10), particularly preferably not more than 0.5 times the length of the metal product (10).

13. 13. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the longitudinal extension of the heating device (30), in particular the first heating device and / or the second heating device and / or the final stage heating device (70), is at least 0.2 times the length of the metal product (10), preferably at least 0.3 times the length of the metal product (10), particularly preferably at least 0.4 times the length of the metal product (10).

14. 14. Heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the longitudinal extension in the conveying direction of a homogenization device, in particular the first homogenization device and / or the second homogenization device, is not more than 2.7 times the length of the metal product (10), preferably not more than 2.6 times the length of the metal product (10), particularly preferably not more than 2.5 times the length of the metal product (10).

15. 15. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the homogenization device, in particular the first homogenization device and / or the second homogenization device, consists of and / or has at least one insulating heat retention device.

16. 16. Heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the homogenization device, in particular the first homogenization device and / or the second homogenization device, has at least one gas burner, in particular at least one gas burner in a radiant tube.

17. 17. Heat treatment device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the homogenization device, in particular the first homogenization device and / or the second homogenization device, comprises at least one electric heat radiator.

18. 18. The heat treatment device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the treatment device (50, 51) comprises a compression deformation device for compressing and deforming the metal product (10), in particular a rolling device for rolling the metal product (10).

19. The heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the treatment device (50, 51) has a stretching device for stretching and deforming the metal product (10), in particular a stretching device for stretching and straightening the metal product (10).

20. 20. A method for heating and treating a metal product (10) using a heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the heat treatment device (20) is supplied with a metal product (10) having an average temperature of 700°C or less, preferably an average temperature of 800°C or less, particularly preferably an average temperature of 950°C or less.

21. 21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the heat treatment device (20) is supplied with a metal product (10) having an average temperature of 400°C or less, preferably an average temperature of 500°C or less, particularly preferably an average temperature of 600°C or less.

22. 22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the heat treatment device (20) is supplied with a metal product (10) having an average temperature of not more than 100°C, preferably not more than 200°C, particularly preferably not more than 300°C.

23. 23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the heat treatment device (20) is supplied with a metal product (10) having an average temperature of not more than 600°C, preferably not more than 700°C, particularly preferably not more than 800°C.

24. Use of a heat treatment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 19 and / or a method according to any one of claims 20 to 23.

Images