Method and apparatus for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloys

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy. Specifically, the present invention can suppress the generation of holes, cracks, etc. in an ingot through a sufficient and uniform deoxidation reaction, and can produce high-quality oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy with good surface quality during rolling. At the same time, it can produce oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy at low cost through fuel cost savings, and relates to a method and an apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy that can reduce the damage of the lining material of a melting furnace and the fire risk.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0004] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy. Specifically, the present invention can suppress the generation of holes, cracks, etc. in an ingot through a sufficient and uniform deoxidation reaction, and can manufacture high-quality oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy with good surface quality during rolling. At the same time, the oxygen-free copper or the oxygen-free copper alloy can be manufactured at low cost through fuel cost reduction, and the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing an oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy that can reduce the damage of the inner lining material of a melting furnace and the fire risk.

Background Art

[0002] When there is oxygen in copper (Cu), hydrogen embrittlement occurs by generating H2O through the reaction of Cu2O and hydrogen, and the corrosion resistance also decreases. Therefore, copper (Cu) removed with a deoxidizing agent to reduce oxygen to about 10 ppm or less is called oxygen-free copper (OFC).

[0003] In recent years, oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire materials have been used to improve performance and reliability in windings for electric vehicle motors, wires for solar cell modules, windings for transformers, submarine cables, etc. In particular, with the growth of the electric vehicle and solar power markets, an increase in the demand for oxygen-free copper (OFC) is expected, and due to the miniaturization of electronic devices, the thinning of oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire materials is required, and thus, improvements in the softness and workability of oxygen-free copper (OFC) have attracted attention.

[0004] As methods for manufacturing oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire materials, there are a dip forming method in which oxygen-free copper is solidified on the outer periphery of a core rod and continuously rolled, an up-cast method in which an oxygen-free copper mold is arranged vertically and an ingot solidified through cooling in the mold is continuously pulled up, a horizontal continuous casting method in which a mold is horizontally installed on the side wall of a casting furnace and an ingot solidified through cooling of oxygen-free copper in the mold is continuously drawn out, and the like.

[0005] However, since these conventional oxygen-free copper manufacturing methods have a low production rate of 10 tons / hr or less, when manufacturing tough pitch copper wire containing 100 ppm or more of oxygen, the belt and wheel continuous casting and rolling method, also known as the SCR (Southwire Continuous Rod) method, which has a production rate of 30 tons / hr or more, is used.

[0006] The belt and wheel continuous casting and rolling method involves pouring molten copper, extracted from a vertical continuous melting furnace (shaft furnace), into a rotating mold formed between a wheel and a belt. The ingot is then solidified through cooling, and this ingot is continuously drawn out and rolled into wire.

[0007] In particular, Japanese Patent Publication No. 4593397 discloses a continuous casting and rolling method using a rotary moving mold in which deoxidation treatment with reducing gas and hydrogen concentration adjustment with inert gas are performed in a melting furnace until casting, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 3552043 discloses a belt and wheel type continuous casting and rolling method in which a solid reducing agent is placed in a cylinder for transferring molten copper dispensed from a melting furnace and in a tundish into which the molten copper is injected into a rotary moving mold.

[0008] However, in the case of deoxidation using a reducing gas, incomplete combustion must be induced in order to increase the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) as the reducing gas in the melting furnace. This incomplete combustion increases fuel costs, which increases the manufacturing cost of the oxygen-free copper wire produced. At the same time, the inventors have confirmed through literature that when the deoxidation reaction with a reducing gas is carried out for a long period of time in the melting furnace, carbon monoxide (CO) as the reducing gas can damage the interior material of the inner wall of the melting furnace, and have confirmed that the wear of the interior material progresses rapidly when the operation is carried out over a long period of time.

[0009] Furthermore, when a solid reducing agent is placed in the cylinder that transfers the molten copper dispensed from the melting furnace and in the tundish into which it is injected into the rotating mold, the short contact time between the molten copper and the solid deoxidizer makes it difficult to ensure deoxidation performance, resulting in a large oxygen deviation. In addition, there is a high possibility that foreign substances such as solid deoxidizer will flow into the oxygen-free copper wire rod produced, which can result in holes, cracks, etc. occurring in the ingot, potentially leading to poor surface quality of the wire rod during rolling.

[0010] Therefore, there is a pressing need for a method and apparatus for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloys that can suppress the formation of holes, cracks, and other defects in ingots through a sufficient and uniform deoxidation reaction, thereby producing high-quality oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloys with good surface quality during rolling, while simultaneously enabling the production of oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloys at low cost through fuel cost savings, and reducing damage to the interior materials of the melting furnace and the risk of fire. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a method and apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloys that can suppress the formation of holes, cracks, etc., in ingots through a sufficient and uniform deoxidation reaction, and produce high-quality oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloys with good surface quality during rolling.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloys that can be produced at low cost through fuel cost reduction, and that can reduce damage to the interior materials of the melting furnace and the risk of fire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides A method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy is provided, comprising the steps of: introducing copper or copper alloy material and a solid deoxidizing agent into a melting furnace and melting and deoxidizing the copper or copper alloy material; transferring the deoxidized copper or copper alloy molten metal through a transfer pipe; discharging the transferred copper or copper alloy molten metal through a pour pot to a casting machine; and producing an ingot from the copper or copper alloy molten metal in the casting machine.

[0014] The present invention provides a method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the solid deoxidizing agent comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of graphite, charcoal, activated carbon, and coke.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the amount of solid deoxidizing agent added is 1 kg / ton or more and 6 kg / ton or less, based on the amount of copper or copper alloy material added.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the size of the solid deoxidizer is 0.5 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that a dust collector is further provided on the upper part of the melting furnace.

[0018] On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) inside the melting furnace is adjusted to 3.5% by volume or less.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the solid deoxidizing agent remains inside the melting furnace for 5 minutes to 2 hours.

[0020] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the outlet of the pour pot is equipped with a spout torch for applying a flame to seal the molten copper or copper alloy discharged into the casting machine from the outside, and a spout burner for applying a flame to remelt and remove the molten copper or copper alloy that has adhered to the outer surface of the discharge section.

[0021] The present invention provides a method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the transfer pipe includes an upper slag vessel for removing impurities or slag of the solid deoxidizer generated during the melting of the copper or copper alloy material, a holding furnace that functions as a buffer to compensate for the difference between the ingot production rate and the melting rate while maintaining the temperature of the molten copper or copper alloy, and a lower slag vessel for removing impurities suspended on the surface of the molten copper or copper alloy.

[0022] Herein, the upper slag vessel is characterized in that the width of the discharge port connected to the heating furnace is longer than the height, or a partition wall is provided above the discharge port, providing a method for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy.

[0023] The present invention also provides a method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the concentration of carbon monoxide is adjusted to more than 2.5 volume% and 4.0 volume% or less at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of the heating furnace, the lower slag vessel, and the pour pot.

[0024] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the lower slag vessel is equipped with a bubbler for injecting an inert gas into the molten copper or copper alloy.

[0025] Herein, we provide a method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the inert gas includes argon gas or nitrogen gas.

[0026] Furthermore, the casting machine includes a moving mold casting machine including a rotating casting wheel and a belt provided at a certain distance from the surface of the casting wheel, and further includes a step of continuously rolling an ingot produced by the casting machine through a rolling mill. A method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy is provided, characterized in that.

[0027] On the other hand, an oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy produced by the method for producing an oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy is provided.

[0028] Here, an oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy is provided, characterized in that the alloy is in the form of a rod, a slab, or an ingot.

[0029] On the other hand, as a manufacturing apparatus for oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy, a melting furnace for melting a copper or copper alloy material; a transfer pipe for transferring the molten copper or copper alloy melted in the melting furnace; a pouring pot for discharging the molten copper or copper alloy transferred through the transfer pipe; and a casting machine for producing an ingot while cooling the molten copper or copper alloy discharged from the pouring pot; are included. A manufacturing apparatus for oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy is provided, characterized in that a solid deoxidizer is charged into the melting furnace together with the copper or copper alloy material.

[0030] Here, a manufacturing apparatus for oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy is provided, characterized in that the solid deoxidizer contains one or more selected from the group consisting of graphite, charcoal, activated carbon, and coke.

[0031] Also, a manufacturing apparatus for oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy is provided, characterized in that the charging amount of the solid deoxidizer is 1 kg / ton or more and 6 kg / ton or less based on the charging amount of the copper or copper alloy material.

[0032] Furthermore, a manufacturing apparatus for oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy is provided, characterized in that the size of the solid deoxidizer is 1 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0033] The present invention provides a manufacturing apparatus for oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that a dust collector is further provided on the upper part of the melting furnace.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention provides a manufacturing apparatus for oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloys, characterized in that the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) inside the melting furnace is adjusted to 3.5% by volume or less.

[0035] The present invention provides a manufacturing apparatus for oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the solid deoxidizing agent remains inside the melting furnace for 5 minutes to 2 hours.

[0036] On the other hand, the present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the outlet of the pour pot is equipped with a spout torch for applying a flame to seal the molten copper or copper alloy discharged to the casting machine from the outside, and a spout burner for applying a flame to remelt and remove the molten copper or copper alloy that has adhered to the outer surface of the discharge section.

[0037] The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the transfer pipe includes an upper slag vessel for removing impurities or slag of the solid deoxidizer generated during the melting of the copper or copper alloy material, a heat-retaining furnace that functions as a buffer to compensate for the difference between the ingot production rate and the melting rate while maintaining the temperature of the molten copper or copper alloy, and a lower slag vessel for removing impurities suspended on the molten copper or copper alloy.

[0038] Herein, the upper slag vessel is characterized in that the width of the discharge port connected to the heating furnace is longer than the height, or a partition wall is provided above the discharge port, providing an apparatus for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy.

[0039] The present invention also provides a manufacturing apparatus for oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the concentration of carbon monoxide is adjusted to more than 2.5 volume% and 4.0 volume% or less at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of the heating furnace, the lower slag vessel, and the pour pot.

[0040] The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloys, characterized in that the lower slag vessel is equipped with a bubbler for injecting an inert gas into the molten copper or copper alloy.

[0041] Furthermore, the present invention provides a manufacturing apparatus for oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloys, characterized in that the inert gas includes argon gas or nitrogen gas.

[0042] On the other hand, the present invention provides an apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the casting machine includes a mobile mold casting machine which includes a rotating casting wheel and a belt provided at a certain distance from the surface of the casting wheel, and further includes a rolling mill which continuously rolls the ingot produced by the casting machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0043] The method and apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to the present invention exhibits excellent effects, such as suppressing the formation of holes, cracks, etc. in the ingot through a sufficient and uniform deoxidation reaction by applying a solid deoxidizer inside a melting furnace that is not a cylinder or tundish, and producing high-quality oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy with good surface quality during rolling.

[0044] Furthermore, the method and apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to the present invention does not involve a large amount of deoxidation reaction by reducing gas in the melting furnace. This prevents an increase in fuel costs and manufacturing costs due to incomplete combustion for reducing gas generation, while simultaneously suppressing damage to the interior materials of the melting furnace caused by reducing gas. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] This figure schematically shows the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus for oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows a magnified view of the shape of the melting furnace in Figure 1. [Figure 3]This figure shows a magnified view of the shape of the upper slag vessel in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows a magnified view of the shape of the lower slag vessel in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a magnified view of the shape of the poor pot shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be embodied in other forms. Rather, the embodiments presented herein are provided to make the disclosed content thorough and complete and to fully convey the idea of ​​the invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals throughout the specification refer to the same components.

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0048] The method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy according to the present invention, using the apparatus shown in Figure 1, may include the steps of: introducing copper or copper alloy material and a solid deoxidizer into a melting furnace 100 to melt and deoxidize the copper or copper alloy material; transferring the deoxidized copper or copper alloy molten metal through a transfer pipe 200; discharging the transferred copper or copper alloy molten metal through a pour pot 300 to a casting machine 400; and producing an ingot from the copper or copper alloy molten metal in the casting machine 400. Furthermore, the method may include the step of continuously rolling the ingot through a rolling mill 500.

[0049] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the melting furnace 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0050] Specifically, in the step of melting and deoxidizing the copper or copper alloy material, the copper or copper alloy material, preferably electrolytic copper plates and a solid deoxidizing agent, is introduced through an inlet 120 at the top of the vertical continuous melting furnace (shaft furnace) 110 shown in Figure 2. The electrolytic copper plates and solid deoxidizing agent are then alternately stacked, and the copper or copper alloy material can be melted and deoxidized using the heat of combustion of the combustion gas through one or more burners 130 provided as layers at the bottom, while maintaining the temperature at approximately 1090°C to 1150°C.

[0051] Furthermore, the upper part of the melting furnace 110 may be further equipped with a dust collector 140 for sucking up dust and other particles generated by melting inside the melting furnace 110, and a scattering prevention device for preventing the scattering of relatively small solid deoxidizing agents.

[0052] Conventionally, when a solid deoxidizer is introduced into a vertical continuous melting furnace, the difference in specific gravity causes the solid deoxidizer to float to the top of the molten copper. Furthermore, unmelted or partially melted copper or copper alloy material is introduced and layered on top of the molten copper, making it difficult for sufficient deoxidation reaction to occur through adequate contact between the molten copper and the solid deoxidizer. As a result, the solid deoxidizer was applied to the transfer pipes through which the molten copper or copper alloy discharged from the melting furnace is transported, or to the poor pots discharged into the casting machine. However, the inventors completed the present invention by experimentally confirming that applying the solid deoxidizer to the melting furnace can induce a sufficient and uniform deoxidation reaction.

[0053] The solid deoxidizer may be introduced into the melting furnace 100 together with the copper or copper alloy material, or introduced alternately and repeatedly. The amount of solid deoxidizer introduced may be adjusted to between 1 kg / ton and 6 kg / ton based on the amount of copper or copper alloy material introduced. The introduced solid deoxidizer will remain in the melting furnace 100 for approximately 5 minutes to 2 hours.

[0054] In this case, if the amount of solid deoxidizer added is less than 1 kg / ton, the deoxidation reaction by the solid deoxidizer will be insufficient, resulting in an excessive oxygen content in the manufactured ingot. This can induce holes, cracks, and other defects, and may also lead to a decrease in surface quality during rolling.

[0055] On the other hand, if the amount of solid deoxidizer added exceeds 6 kg / ton, the excess solid deoxidizer, which is not destroyed in the melting furnace 100 but is transferred to the transfer pipe 200 along with the molten copper, may induce backflow (overflow) of the molten copper in the transfer pipe 200. Furthermore, the burning and destruction of the excess solid deoxidizer in the melting furnace 100 may generate excessive smoke, and the resulting fine sparks may be drawn into a dust collector that may be further provided above the melting furnace 100, potentially inducing a fire.

[0056] The solid deoxidizer may have a size of 30 mm or less, for example, 0.5 mm to 30 mm, preferably 1 mm to 30 mm. Preferably, the solid deoxidizer may contain one or more selected from the group consisting of graphite, charcoal, activated carbon, and coke, more preferably graphite. For reference, the size of the solid deoxidizer refers to the diameter of a sphere converted to have the same volume.

[0057] Here, if the size of the solid deoxidizer is less than 1 mm, the gas pressure rising to the top of the melting furnace 100 may cause the solid deoxidizer to be sucked into a dust collector located at the top of the melting furnace 100, potentially inducing a fire or a malfunction of the dust collector. On the other hand, if the size of the solid deoxidizer is greater than 30 mm, it may not be burned in the melting furnace 100 but instead be transported together with the molten copper, partially blocking the transport passage, potentially inducing a backflow of the molten copper.

[0058] In the melting furnace 100, combustion gas is generated during fuel combustion through burners provided as one or more layers at the bottom. By adjusting the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) generated by incomplete combustion to 1.5 volume% or less based on the total volume of the combustion gas, damage to the interior materials of the inner wall of the melting furnace 100 due to carbon monoxide (CO) can be prevented or minimized.

[0059] On the other hand, in the step of transferring the deoxidized copper or copper alloy molten metal via the transfer pipe 200, the temperature is maintained at 1100°C to 1200°C using the combustion heat generated by burning fuel in the transfer pipe 200, and the copper or copper alloy molten metal discharged from the melting furnace 100 is transferred to the pour pot 300 while maintaining it in a molten state.

[0060] For example, the transfer pipe 200 may include an upper slag vessel 210 for removing impurities or slag of the solid deoxidizer generated during the melting of the copper or copper alloy material, a heat-retaining furnace 220 that functions as a buffer to compensate for the difference between the ingot production rate and the melting rate while maintaining the temperature of the molten copper or copper alloy, and a lower slag vessel 230 for removing impurities suspended on the molten copper or copper alloy.

[0061] Figure 3 is a magnified view of the shape of the upper slag vessel.

[0062] In particular, the upper slag vessel 210 is provided with a discharge port 211 that is open at the portion connected to the heating furnace 220, allowing the molten copper or copper alloy to be transferred to the heating furnace 220. To prevent the solid deoxidizer floating above the molten copper or copper alloy from transferring to the heating furnace 220, a partition wall 212 may be provided above the discharge port 211 to block the solid deoxidizer from transferring to the heating furnace 220. Alternatively, instead of providing the partition wall 212, the width of the discharge port 211 may be made longer than its height. It is important to prevent the solid deoxidizer from transferring to the heating furnace 220, because if the solid deoxidizer is transferred beyond the heating furnace 220, it may induce backflow in the transfer path of the molten copper or copper alloy. Here, the upper surface of the discharge port 211 may be on the same line as, or lower than, the lower surface of the opening 213, which will be described later.

[0063] The reason for providing the above-described opening 213 in front of the upper slag vessel 210 is that gas generated during the production of molten copper or copper alloy can be discharged through the opening 213, and a portion of the solid deoxidizer can be discharged, thereby suppressing backflow of molten copper or copper alloy in the upper slag vessel 210.

[0064] In particular, a solid deoxidizing agent floating above the molten copper or copper alloy is layered in the open portion 213, and works together with the positive pressure created by the internal gas of the upper slag vessel 210 to prevent air from penetrating into the upper slag vessel 210 from the outside.

[0065] Furthermore, by adjusting the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) to more than 1.5 volume% and less than 4.0 volume% through incomplete combustion of fuel at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of the upper slag vessel 210, the heat-retaining furnace 220, and the lower slag vessel 230, an additional deoxidation reaction by the reducing gas carbon monoxide (CO) can be induced, further limiting the oxygen concentration of the ingot.

[0066] Furthermore, one or more components selected from the group consisting of the upper slag vessel 210, the heating furnace 220, and the lower slag vessel 230, preferably the lower slag vessel 230, may be further equipped with a bubbler 231 for injecting an inert gas into the molten copper or copper alloy, as shown in Figure 4. The bubbler 231 can also be provided on the upper surface of the lower slag vessel 230 perpendicular to the ground, thereby improving the structural stability and workability of the lower slag vessel 230.

[0067] By injecting an inert gas such as argon (Ar) or nitrogen (N2) into the molten copper or copper alloy via the bubbler 231, residual hydrogen (H2) in the molten copper or copper alloy can be removed. If the concentration of residual hydrogen (H2) is high, there is a problem that holes, cracks, etc. may occur in the ingot, or surface defects may be induced during rolling. Therefore, since the concentration of oxygen (O2) and the concentration of hydrogen (H2) in the molten copper or copper alloy are inversely proportional, it is preferable to inject an inert gas in the lower slag vessel 230, where the oxygen (O2) concentration is maintained at its minimum and the hydrogen (H2) concentration is maintained at its maximum through a deoxidation reaction, in order to reduce the concentration of residual hydrogen (H2).

[0068] On the other hand, in the step of discharging the molten copper or copper alloy transferred via the pour pot 300 to the casting machine 400, the molten copper or copper alloy transferred via the transfer pipe 200 is injected into the casting machine 400, and the pour pot 300, similar to the transfer pipe 200, uses the combustion heat generated by burning fuel to maintain the molten copper or copper alloy in a molten state while injecting it into the casting machine 400.

[0069] Here, since the molten copper or copper alloy, after being discharged from the outlet of the pour pot 300 and before being injected into the casting machine 400, may be contaminated with oxygen or other impurities by being exposed to the outside air, the outlet of the pour pot 300 may be further equipped with a spout torch 320, as shown in Figure 5, which applies a flame to the molten copper or copper alloy to seal the molten copper or copper alloy from the outside air before it is injected into the casting machine 400.

[0070] Furthermore, since the discharged copper or copper alloy molten metal can splash and adhere to and solidify on the external surface of the pour pot 300, a spout burner 330 may be provided to apply a flame to the surface of the discharge port in order to remelt and remove the solidified copper or copper alloy molten metal. In addition, the direction of the flame applied from the spout burner 330 may be perpendicular to the direction of the flame applied from the spout torch 320, but the flames may be arranged so as not to directly interfere with each other.

[0071] In the step of manufacturing an ingot from molten copper or copper alloy in the casting machine 400, the casting machine 400 may include a mobile mold casting machine that includes a rotating casting wheel 410 and a belt 420 provided at a certain distance from the surface of the casting wheel. The molten copper or copper alloy discharged from the pour pot 300 is cooled and solidified while being injected into a space provided between the casting wheel 410 and the belt 420 to form an ingot. The formed ingot is then transferred to a rolling mill 500 while being maintained at a temperature of 900°C or higher, and can be manufactured in the form of wire by continuous rolling.

[0072] On the other hand, while one embodiment of the present invention refers to a casting method using a belt and wheel type mobile mold casting machine composed of a belt 420 and a wheel 410 as shown in Figure 1, the present invention is not limited to such a casting method. Various other casting methods can be used, such as a casting method using a so-called twin-belt type mobile mold casting machine composed of two belts (see Japanese Patent Publication No. 5137642), and a casting method using a continuous casting machine (see U.S. Patent Publication No. 5037471).

[0073] As a result, the method and apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to the present invention exhibits the excellent effect of suppressing the formation of holes, cracks, etc. in the ingot through a sufficient and uniform deoxidation reaction by applying a solid deoxidizer inside the melting furnace 100, rather than the transfer pipe 200 or the poor pot 300, and producing high-quality oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy with good surface quality during rolling.

[0074] Furthermore, the method and apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to the present invention does not perform a deoxidation reaction by reducing gas in the melting furnace 100, thus preventing an increase in fuel costs and manufacturing costs due to incomplete combustion, and at the same time exhibiting the excellent effect of suppressing damage to the interior materials of the melting furnace by reducing gas. [Examples]

[0075] 1. Evaluation of backflow and oxygen concentration based on the amount of solid deoxidizer added. As shown in Table 1 below, the presence or absence of backflow of molten copper in the transfer pipe and the oxygen concentration of the oxygen-free copper produced were evaluated while varying the amount of solid deoxidizer introduced into the melting furnace.

[0076] [Table 1]

[0077] As shown in Table 1 above, it was confirmed that when the amount of solid deoxidizer added is less than 1 kg / ton, the oxygen concentration in the ingot increases, making it impossible to produce oxygen-free copper. On the other hand, when the amount of solid deoxidizer added exceeds 6 kg / ton, an excess amount of solid deoxidizer is transferred to the transfer pipe along with the molten copper, blocking the passage at least partially and inducing backflow of the molten copper.

[0078] On the other hand, in Examples 1 to 6, where the amount of solid deoxidizer added was between 1 kg / ton and 6 kg / ton, the oxygen concentration was maintained at 10 ppm or less, satisfying the conditions for oxygen-free copper wire. By appropriately adjusting the amount added, high-quality oxygen-free copper wire could be stably produced without backflow of molten copper.

[0079] 2. Evaluation of backflow and dust collector filter failures based on solid deoxidizer particle size. As shown in Table 2 below, we evaluated the presence or absence of backflow of molten copper in the transfer pipe, particularly in the upper slag vessel, and the presence or absence of malfunctions in the dust collector filter installed at the top of the melting furnace, while varying the average particle size of the solid deoxidizer introduced into the melting furnace.

[0080] [Table 2]

[0081] As described in Table 2 above, if the average particle size of the graphite used as a solid deoxidizer exceeds 30 mm, backflow may be observed in the upper slag vessel. Furthermore, if the average particle size of the graphite is 1 mm or less, the solid deoxidizer may be drawn into the dust collector, potentially causing a failure of the dust collector filter.

[0082] While this specification has described preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will be able to implement the invention in various modified and altered ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described below in the claims. Therefore, any modified implementation that essentially includes the elements of the claims of the present invention should be considered to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy, A step in which copper or copper alloy material and a solid deoxidizing agent are placed in a melting furnace, and the copper or copper alloy material is melted and deoxidized, In the step of transferring deoxidized copper or copper alloy molten metal through a transfer pipe, The steps include: discharging molten copper or copper alloy, which has been transferred via a pour pot, into a casting machine; and The process includes the step of producing an ingot from molten copper or copper alloy using the aforementioned casting machine. A method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy, characterized in that the amount of the solid deoxidizer added is 1 kg / ton or more and 6 kg / ton or less, based on the amount of the copper or copper alloy material added.

2. The method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy according to claim 1, characterized in that the solid deoxidizing agent comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of graphite, charcoal, activated carbon, and coke.

3. The method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy according to claim 2, characterized in that the size of the solid deoxidizer is 0.5 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

4. A method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a dust collector is further provided on the upper part of the melting furnace.

5. A method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) inside the melting furnace is adjusted to 3.5 volume percent or less.

6. A method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the time during which the solid deoxidizing agent remains inside the melting furnace is 5 minutes to 2 hours.

7. A method for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the outlet of the pour pot is provided with a spout torch for applying a flame to seal the molten copper or copper alloy discharged to the casting machine from the outside, and a spout burner for applying a flame to remelt and remove the molten copper or copper alloy that has adhered to the outer surface of the discharge section.

8. The transfer pipe is characterized by comprising an upper slag vessel for removing impurities generated during the melting of the copper or copper alloy material or the slag of the solid deoxidizing agent, a heat-retaining furnace that functions as a buffer to compensate for the difference between the ingot production rate and the melting rate while maintaining the temperature of the molten copper or copper alloy, and a lower slag vessel for removing impurities suspended on the molten copper or copper alloy, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The method for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy according to claim 8, characterized in that the upper slag vessel has a discharge port connected to the heating furnace, the width of which is longer than the height, or a partition wall is provided above the discharge port.

10. A method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy according to claim 8, characterized in that the concentration of carbon monoxide is adjusted to more than 2.5 volume% and 4.0 volume% or less at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of the heat-retaining furnace, the lower slag vessel, and the pour pot.

11. The method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy according to claim 8, characterized in that the lower slag vessel is provided with a bubbler for injecting an inert gas into the molten copper or copper alloy.

12. The method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy according to claim 11, characterized in that the inert gas includes argon gas or nitrogen gas.

13. The casting machine includes a mobile mold casting machine which includes a rotating casting wheel and a belt provided at a certain distance from the surface of the casting wheel, A method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the step of continuously rolling the ingot produced in the casting machine through a rolling mill.

14. Oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy produced by a method for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

15. The oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to claim 14, characterized in that the alloy is in the form of a rod, a base, or an ingot.

16. A manufacturing apparatus for oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloys, A melting furnace for melting copper or copper alloy materials; A transfer pipe for transferring molten copper or copper alloy melted in the aforementioned melting furnace; A pouring pot for discharging molten copper or copper alloy transferred via the transfer pipe; and A casting machine that produces an ingot while cooling molten copper or copper alloy discharged from the pour pot; A solid deoxidizing agent is introduced into the melting furnace along with the copper or copper alloy material. An apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloys, characterized in that the amount of the solid deoxidizing agent added is 1 kg / ton or more and 6 kg / ton or less, based on the amount of the copper or copper alloy material added.

17. The apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to claim 16, characterized in that the solid deoxidizing agent comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of graphite, charcoal, activated carbon, and coke.

18. The apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to claim 17, characterized in that the size of the solid deoxidizer is 1 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

19. The apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that a dust collector is further provided on the upper part of the melting furnace.

20. The apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) inside the melting furnace is adjusted to 3.5 volume percent or less.

21. The apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the time during which the solid deoxidizing agent remains inside the melting furnace is 5 minutes to 2 hours.

22. The apparatus for manufacturing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the outlet of the pour pot is provided with a spout torch for applying a flame to seal the molten copper or copper alloy discharged to the casting machine from the outside, and a spout burner for applying a flame to remelt and remove the molten copper or copper alloy that has adhered to the outer surface of the discharge section.

23. The apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the transfer pipe includes an upper slag vessel for removing impurities or slag of the solid deoxidizer generated when the copper or copper alloy material is melted, a heat-retaining furnace that functions as a buffer to compensate for the difference between the ingot production rate and the melting rate while maintaining the temperature of the molten copper or copper alloy, and a lower slag vessel for removing impurities suspended on the molten copper or copper alloy.

24. The apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to claim 23, characterized in that the upper slag vessel has a discharge port connected to the heating furnace, the width of which is longer than the height, or a partition wall is provided above the discharge port.

25. The apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to claim 23, characterized in that the concentration of carbon monoxide is adjusted to more than 2.5 volume% and 4.0 volume% or less at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of the heating furnace, the lower slag vessel, and the pour pot.

26. The apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to claim 23, characterized in that the lower slag vessel is provided with a bubbler for injecting an inert gas into the molten copper or copper alloy.

27. The apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or oxygen-free copper alloy according to claim 26, characterized in that the inert gas includes argon gas or nitrogen gas.

28. The casting machine includes a mobile mold casting machine which includes a rotating casting wheel and a belt provided at a certain distance from the surface of the casting wheel, The apparatus for producing oxygen-free copper or an oxygen-free copper alloy according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising a rolling mill for continuously rolling the ingot produced by the casting machine.

Images