Modular lifting assembly and method for assembling the modular lifting assembly

Abstract

A modular lifting assembly (100) configured to lift a refractory brick assembly (10) of a furnace. The modular lifting assembly (100) comprises a frame structure (110) adapted to surround the refractory brick assembly (10). The modular lifting assembly (100) further comprises at least one holding component (140) coupled to the frame structure (110). The at least one holding component (140) is configured to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly (100) by an equipment. The modular lifting assembly (100) furthermore comprises a plurality of prongs (150) detachably coupled with the frame structure (110). Each prong (152) of the plurality of prongs (150) is insertable into a cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10) to provide support along a curved surface (14) of the cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10) during a lifting operation thereof.

Description

[0001] MODULAR LIFTING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING THE

[0002] MODULAR LIFTING ASSEMBLY

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of a lifting device for lifting and manoeuvring heavy objects. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a lifting device for lifting slabs of material. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a lifting device for lifting refractory bricks for a blast furnace.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006]

[0002] The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s) for the present disclosure.

[0007]

[0003] Arc furnaces are widely used as steel melting furnaces as the arc furnaces have the advantages of high productivity and low equipment cost. Specifically, a blast furnace is used to transform iron ore (mainly iron oxide) to eliminate oxide and produce pig iron which has a relatively high carbon content of around 4-5% and usually silica, manganese, sulphur, phosphorus, titanium, and other trace elements. The pig iron is further treated to obtain steel.

[0008]

[0004] The blast furnace typically comprises a tuyere that is embodied as a tube, nozzle or pipe allowing the blowing of air into the furnace or hearth. Air or oxygen is injected, for example from bellows or a blowing engine or other devices, into the hearth under pressure. Said injection of oxygen causes the fire to become hotter in front of the blast, enabling metals to be smelted or melted or made hot enough to be worked in a forge. Further, usually, in this type of furnaces, a refractory brick lining is lined inside the furnace shell, one to three electrodes are suspended from the above, and an arc is blown to melt the metal or scrap. For instance, a plurality of tuyere bricks is arranged on the bottom of the furnace, and non-oxidizing gas or inert gas is supplied to stir molten steel in the furnace. The refractory brick linings protect the shell of the furnace from the high temperatures generated during operation of the furnace and provide a barrier between the shell and the corrosive contents of the smelting bath.

[0009]

[0005] Metallurgical furnaces, such as the blast furnaces, represent the largest consumption of refractory, for example the refractory brick lining, over the world. Different solutions use monolithic, assembly of bricks and prefabricated blocks made by casting refractory castable. Assembly of refractory bricks is employed to manage the different areas of refractory layers and optimize wear of the lining. However, installation operations of the refractory brick lining are tedious and time-consuming tasks. Often, refractory bricks are joined together with a refractory cement before being installed in the blast furnace.

[0010]

[0006] In a typical blast furnace, a large number of refractory bricks or an assembly of refractory bricks is laid in the blast furnace, but with prolonged use, the refractory bricks get deteriorated and old refractory bricks are required to be removed and replaced with new bricks or assembly of bricks.

[0011]

[0007] For example, in the blast furnace, refractory brick assembly is a common solution for the lining around the tuyeres. Vertical furnaces and reactors operating at high temperatures, such as, for example, blast furnaces and cupola furnaces, are conventionally heated by an assembly of burners or of hot-gas injection tuyeres arranged in a ring in relation to the interior of the furnace or reactor. The usually removable metal burners or tuyeres are seated in tuyere opening assemblies consisting of pieces of refractory material, for example refractory bricks. Said refractory material is subjected to high mechanical and thermal stresses and to corrosion. Mechanical and thermal stresses may include static mechanical stresses occurring as a result of the weight of the masonry and of the containment forces exerted by the outer metal casing of the furnace or reactor, dynamic mechanical stresses occurring as a result of the abrasion brought about by the solid charge descending in the furnace or reactor and of the erosion caused by the streaming of molten glass, slag and / or metal along the pieces or by the hot gases rising in the furnace or reactor; and thermomechanical stresses attributable to the high temperatures prevailing in the furnace or reactor to the thermal gradients present in the stabilized operating mode or to the thermal shock occurring during the shutdown and restarting of the burners or the injection of hot gases through the tuyeres.

[0012]

[0008] When such furnaces are continuously operated for a long period of time, for example, for about 15 to 20 years or so, the erosion and melting loss of the refractory bricks in the furnace increase, necessitating to stop the operation and repair the furnace. During such furnace repair, the furnace top and bottom tuyere brick are also replaced or repaired.

[0013]

[0009] For example, the brick laying apparatus disclosed in the Japanese Patent Application No. 61-190010 discloses repair of the refractory bricks. The brick stacking device is one in which a hoist crane is attached to the lower surface of a temporary deck provided in the furnace belly of a blast furnace, and the operator in the furnace operates a hoist crane to load several tons of heavy refractory bricks. The refractory bricks are moved to the stacking position, and then the refractory bricks are pushed and positioned by many workers while being hung by the crane. Typically, for said technique, at least 6 workers are required to install one brick, and the workability is poor, and there is a problem in safety because a heavy refractory brick is handled.

[0010] Further, with the refractory bricks being lifted for laying in the furnace, it is difficult to achieve a close fit between the refractory bricks, which minimises the packing required between the refractory bricks, and it is required to put the refractory brick down on the floor and subsequently have the operators move the refractory brick sideways, for example, by the use of crowbars.

[0014] [OH] Another known solution comprises setting up brick feeding platform at the front of the furnace, the brick packages are manually conveyed to the access hole block by block, the brick packages are put into a chute set from the access hole opening to the bottom of the furnace to slide into the furnace, and then the furnace staff transfers the brick package to a brick laying worker block by block.

[0015]

[0012] The known brick feeding techniques need a large amount of manpower to transport the furnace lining bricks as the mass of a single furnace lining brick is about 35-60 kilograms. Also, the carrying labour intensity is high, and the furnace lining bricks are easily damaged due to collision of bricks during the sliding process in the chute.

[0016]

[0013] Moreover, the room inside the furnace is limited and the solution to reduce long-time work should be adapted to such environment with little space. Further, each refractory assembly weighs around 500 kgs and at the tuyere zone, the gap between the pipe and the shell is less and hence the refractory assembly cannot be pushed inside using forklift or any other device.

[0017]

[0014] Accordingly, there remains a need in the domain for a lifting assembly that address the problems identified above and facilitates lifting, transporting and installing a refractory assembly for relining a metallurgical furnace, for example, at the tuyere zone of the metallurgical furnace.

[0018] SUMMARY

[0019]

[0015] The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the system / assembly / method as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the system / assembly / method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[0016] The present disclosure provides a lifting assembly that is modular in nature and configured for a metallurgical furnace, specifically blast furnaces Tuyere area. Further, the lifting assembly of the present disclosure is configured for lifting, transporting, and installing a refractory brick assembly seamlessly at the Tuyere area of the blast furnace.

[0017] Pursuant to an aspect of the present disclosure, in an embodiment, a modular lifting assembly is disclosed. The modular lifting assembly is configured to lift a refractory brick assembly of a furnace. The modular lifting assembly comprises a frame structure adapted to surround the refractory brick assembly. The modular lifting assembly further comprises at least one holding component coupled to the frame structure. The at least one holding component is configured to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly by an equipment. The modular lifting assembly furthermore comprises a plurality of prongs detachably coupled with the frame structure. Each prong of the plurality of prongs is insertable into a cavity of the refractory brick assembly to provide support along a curved surface of the cavity of the refractory brick assembly during a lifting operation thereof.

[0020]

[0018] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the prong comprises a plurality of links coupled to each other in the shape of a fork and has a curved profile to support the curved surface of the cavity of the refractory brick assembly.

[0021]

[0019] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of prongs comprises three prongs arranged spaced apart from each other along the curved surface of the cavity of the refractory brick assembly.

[0022]

[0020] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame structure and the plurality of prongs are made of structural steel.

[0023]

[0021] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame structure comprises a rectangular frame, four leg columns, each of which is coupled to a corresponding comer of the rectangular frame, and a beam supported by the rectangular frame by an ‘L- shaped’ bracket and arranged adjacent to the leg columns. The plurality of prongs is detachably coupled to the beam and disposed under the frame structure.

[0024]

[0022] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, each leg column of the frame structure comprises an inner column disposed within an outer column. The inner column is linearly adjustable with respect to the outer column, via a locking pin, to adjust a height of the leg column.

[0025]

[0023] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, each leg column comprises a support plate at a bottom end thereof.

[0026]

[0024] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one holding component comprises handles coupled to the frame structure. The handles are adapted to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly by a forklift.

[0025] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one holding component comprises a shackle coupled to the frame structure. The shackle is adapted to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly by a forklift or a hoist crane.

[0027]

[0026] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the rectangular frame, the leg columns and the beam of the frame structure are detachably coupled to each other.

[0028]

[0027] Pursuant to another aspect of the present disclosure, in an embodiment, a method for assembling a modular lifting assembly is disclosed. The modular lifting assembly is configured to lift a refractory brick assembly of a furnace. The method comprises detachably coupling a plurality of prongs with a frame structure. Each prong of the plurality of prongs is insertable into a cavity of the refractory brick assembly to provide support along a curved surface of the cavity of the refractory brick assembly during a lifting operation thereof. The prong comprises a plurality of links coupled to each other in the shape of a fork and has a curved profile to support the curved surface of the cavity of the refractory brick assembly.

[0029]

[0028] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0030]

[0029] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0032]

[0030] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0033]

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a modular lifting assembly, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034]

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a refractory bring assembly to be lifted by the modular lifting assembly;

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a view of the modular lifting assembly of FIG. 1, in which the modular lifting assembly is coupled around the refractory brick assembly of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0035]

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart depicting method for assembling the modular lifting assembly that is configured to lift a refractory brick assembly of a furnace, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036]

[0035] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038]

[0036] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the FIGS, and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0039]

[0037] Before describing detailed embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in a modular lifting assembly, and a method of assembling the modular lifting assembly. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the modular lifting assembly, and the method. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

[0040]

[0038] In the present disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0041]

[0039] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[0042]

[0040] The terms like “at least one” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.

[0043]

[0041] The use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the present disclosure. The description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is meant otherwise.

[0044]

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent that certain details regarding specific materials and processing acts are not described, such details may include conventional approaches, which may be found in reference books and other sources within the manufacturing arts.

[0045]

[0043] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” “an embodiment” “some embodiments” “alternate embodiment” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of such phrases throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0046]

[0044] Pursuant to an aspect, in an embodiment, a modular lifting assembly is disclosed. The modular lifting assembly is configured to lift a refractory brick assembly of a furnace. The modular lifting assembly comprises a frame structure adapted to surround the refractory brick assembly. The modular lifting assembly further comprises at least one holding component coupled to the frame structure. The at least one holding component is configured to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly by an equipment. The modular lifting assembly furthermore comprises a plurality of prongs detachably coupled with the frame structure. Each prong of the plurality of prongs is insertable into a cavity of the refractory brick assembly to provide support along a curved surface of the cavity of the refractory brick assembly during a lifting operation thereof. The prong comprises a plurality of links coupled to each other in the shape of a fork and has a curved profile to support the curved surface of the cavity of the refractory brick assembly. In an embodiment, the plurality of prongs comprises three prongs arranged spaced apart from each other along the curved surface of the cavity of the refractory brick assembly. Further, the frame structure and the plurality of prongs are made of structural steel.

[0047]

[0045] The frame structure comprises a rectangular frame, four leg columns, each of which is coupled to a corresponding comer of the rectangular frame, and a beam supported by the rectangular frame by an ‘L-shaped’ bracket and arranged adjacent to the leg columns. The plurality of prongs is detachably coupled to the beam and disposed under the frame structure. Each leg column of the frame structure comprises an inner column disposed within an outer column. The inner column is linearly adjustable with respect to the outer column, via a locking pin, to adjust a height of the leg column. Further, each leg column comprises a support plate at a bottom end thereof. In an embodiment, the rectangular frame, the leg columns and the beam of the frame structure are detachably coupled to each other.

[0048]

[0046] In an embodiment, the at least one holding component comprises handles coupled to the frame structure. The handles are adapted to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly by a forklift. In another embodiment, the at least one holding component comprises a shackle coupled to the frame structure. The shackle is adapted to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly by a forklift or a hoist crane.

[0049]

[0047] Pursuant to another aspect, in an embodiment, a method for assembling a modular lifting assembly is disclosed. The modular lifting assembly is configured to lift a refractory brick assembly of a furnace. The method comprises detachably coupling a plurality of prongs with a frame structure. Each prong of the plurality of prongs is insertable into a cavity of the refractory brick assembly to provide support along a curved surface of the cavity of the refractory brick assembly during a lifting operation thereof. The prong comprises a plurality of links coupled to each other in the shape of a fork and has a curved profile to support the curved surface of the cavity of the refractory brick assembly.

[0050]

[0048] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In FIGS. 1 to 4, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[0051]

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure, a modular lifting assembly (100) (hereinafter referred to as the “lifting assembly (100)”) is disclosed. In an embodiment, the lifting assembly (100) is configured to lift a refractory brick assembly (10) of a furnace (not shown). An exemplary refractory brick assembly (10) is illustrated in FIG. 2. Said refractory brick assembly (10) may be utilized in a tuyere region of the furnace and may be made by a plurality of refractory bricks assembled with each other using refractory cement.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the lifting assembly (100) may comprise a frame structure (110), at least one holding component (140) and a plurality of prongs (150).

[0052]

[0051] In accordance with the present disclosure, the frame structure (110) may be adapted to surround the refractory brick assembly (10) for lifting, transporting and installing the refractory brick assembly (10) in the furnace, for example, as shown in FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the frame structure (110) may comprise a rectangular frame (112) and a plurality of leg columns (130) coupled to the rectangular frame (112). In an embodiment, the frame structure (110) comprises four leg columns (130). Each leg column (130) of the four legs columns (130) is coupled to a corresponding comer of the rectangular frame (112).

[0053]

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, the rectangular frame (112) comprises a pair of horizontal columns (114), namely a first horizontal column (114a) and a second horizontal column (114b). The first horizontal column (114a) and the second horizontal column (114b) are configured to be aligned parallel to each other. The rectangular frame (112) further comprises a pair of transverse columns (116), namely a first transverse column (116a) and a second transverse column (116b). The first transverse column (116a) and the second transverse column (116b) are configured to be aligned parallel to each other. In accordance with the present disclosure, the pair of horizontal columns (114) and the pair of transverse columns (116) are coupled to each other to form the rectangular frame (112), as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, each transverse column (116a, 116b) of the pair of transverse columns (116) extends between the pair of horizontal columns (114), i.e., the first horizontal column (114a) and the second horizontal column (114b), to form the rectangular frame (112) such that the rectangular frame (112) is a sturdy structure and has strength to lift the refractory brick assembly (10). In an embodiment, an additional transverse column (118) may extend between the first horizontal column (114a) and the second horizontal column (114b) in the rectangular frame (112). Said additional transverse column (118) may provide additional strength to the rectangular frame (112). In an embodiment, the horizontal columns (114) and the transverse columns (116) of the rectangular frame (112) are detachably or removably coupled to each other, for example, by use of fasteners, nut and bolt arrangements, etc.

[0054]

[0053] In an embodiment, still referring to FIG. 1, each leg column (130) of the frame structure (110) is detachably coupled to the rectangular frame (112) at the corresponding comers formed between the pair of horizontal columns (114) and the pair of transverse columns (116). The leg columns (130) are aligned orthogonally to the rectangular frame (112) at the corners of the rectangular frame (112). Without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the leg columns (130) of the frame structure (110) act as a support when the lifting assembly (100) is in a rest position on any surface, thereby acting as support members. A height of the leg columns (130) is adapted to correspond to the height of the refractory brick assembly (10). In an embodiment, each leg column (130) has a height adjustment mechanism. For height adjustment, as shown in FIG. 1, each leg column (130) of the frame structure (110) comprises an inner column (132) disposed within an outer column (134). Further, the inner column (132) is linearly adjustable with respect to the outer column (134), via a locking pin (136), to adjust the height of the leg column (130). Further, each leg column (130) comprises a support plate (138) at a bottom end thereof to rest the frame structure (110) on the surface.

[0055]

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the frame structure (110) may further comprise a beam (120) supported by the rectangular frame (112). Further, the beam (120) may be arranged adjacent to the leg columns (130). In an embodiment, the beam (120) may be supported by the rectangular frame (112) by an ‘L-shaped’ bracket (122). Further, the frame structure (110) may comprise a pair of support columns (124a, 124b) extending perpendicularly between the leg columns (130) in a direction offset to the pair of transverse columns (116). In an embodiment, the pair of support columns (124a, 124b) may comprise an additional horizontal column (not shown) extending therebetween and cojoining the support columns (124a, 124b) in a direction offset and below the pair of horizontal columns (114). Also, the rectangular frame (112), the leg columns (130) and the beam (120) of the frame structure (110) are detachably coupled to each other, for example, by use of fasteners, nut and bolt arrangements, etc. In accordance with the present disclosure, the plurality of prongs (150) is detachably coupled to the beam (120) and disposed under the frame structure (110).

[0056]

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, the lifting assembly (100) comprises the at least one holding component (140). The at least one holding component (140) is coupled to the frame structure (110). The at least one holding component (140) is configured to facilitate lifting the lifting assembly (100) by an equipment, for example, a forklift, a hoist crane, etc. In an embodiment, the at least one holding component (140) comprises handles (142) coupled to the frame structure (110). The handles (142) are adapted to facilitate lifting the lifting assembly (100) by a forklift. As shown in FIG. 1, the lifting assembly (100) comprises the handles (142) on the pair of horizontal columns (114) of the rectangular frame (112). The handles (142) are configured to enable insertion of the fork of a forklift to lift, hold and position the refractory brick assembly (10). For example, the handles (142) may facilitate holding the refractory brick assembly (10) in or out of a transportation truck for example with the forklift before loading to a hoist crane which holds the refractory brick assembly (10) inside the furnace before installation of the refractory brick assembly (10) around the tuyere.

[0057]

[0056] In another embodiment, the at least one holding component (140) may comprise a shackle (144) coupled to the frame structure (110). In an embodiment, the shackle (144) may be coupled to the pair of horizonal columns (114) or the additional transverse column (118) of the rectangular frame (112). The shackle (144) may be adapted to facilitate lifting the lifting assembly (100) by a forklift or a hoist crane. Further, the shackle (144) may define a space therein to enable the passing of a circular ring (146) that facilitates lifting the lifting assembly (100) by a forklift or a hoist crane.

[0058]

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the plurality of prongs (150) is illustrated. The plurality of prongs (150) is detachably coupled with the frame structure (110). For instance, the plurality of prongs (150) is detachably coupled to the beam (120) of the frame structure (110), for example, by way of fasteners (160), nut and bolt arrangements, pins, etc. In accordance with the present disclosure, each prong (152) of the plurality of prongs (150) is insertable into a cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10). The prongs (152) of the lifting assembly (100) are configured to provide support along a curved surface (14) of the cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10) during the lifting operation of the lifting assembly (100).

[0059]

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1, each prong (152) of the plurality of prongs (150) comprises a plurality of links (154) coupled to each other in the shape of a fork. The links (154) of the prong (152) may be coupled to each other by a support link (156), as shown in FIG. 1. The prongs (152) of the lifting assembly (100) have a curved profile, as shown in FIG. 3, to support the curved surface (14) of the cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10) during the lifting operation of the lifting assembly (100). Referring again to FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, the lifting assembly (100), i.e., plurality of prongs (150), comprises three prongs (152) arranged spaced apart from each other along the curved surface (14) of the cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10) to support the refractory brick assembly (10) during the lifting operation. Specifically, in an embodiment, the lifting assembly (100) comprises three prongs (152) arranged in a semi-circular direction extending from one end of the horizontal column (114a, 114b) of the rectangular frame (112) to the other end of the horizontal column (114a, 114b) of the rectangular frame (112). Such a configuration of the three prongs (152) is set to align with the shape of the refractory brick assembly (10) to be lifted, transported, and installed. In other embodiments, the prongs (152) may be in a shape to suit the shape of the refractory brick assembly (10) and is not limited to a refractory brick assembly of a blast furnace. Without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure, the lifting assembly (100) of the present disclosure may be utilized to lift, transport, and install refractory brick assembly (10) of any other metallurgical furnace.

[0060]

[0059] Without limiting the scope of protection of the present disclosure, the frame structure (110) and the plurality of prongs (150) may be made of materials comprising, but not limited to, structural steel.

[0061]

[0060] In an embodiment, the dimensions of the pair of horizontal columns (114) are adapted to the length, i.e., the longest dimension, and the weight of the refractory brick assembly (10). The dimensions of the prongs (152) and the pair of support columns (124a, 124b) are adapted to the width and the weight of the refractory brick assembly (10). The dimensions of the leg columns (130) may be adapted to the height and the weight of the refractory brick assembly (10).

[0062]

[0061] Referring to FIG. 4, a method (400) for assembling the modular lifting assembly (100) is provided. The modular lifting assembly (100) is configured to lift the refractory brick assembly (10) of the furnace. The method (400), at step (402), comprises detachably coupling the plurality of prongs (150) with the frame structure (110). As discussed above, each prong (152) of the plurality of prongs (150) is insertable into the cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10) to provide support along the curved surface (14) of the cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10) during the lifting operation thereof. The prong (152) comprises the plurality of links (154) coupled to each other in the shape of a fork and has a curved profile to support the curved surface (14) of the cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10).

[0063]

[0062] The present disclosure provides the modular lifting assembly (100) for lifting, transporting, and installing the refractory brick assembly (10) in a tuyere area of a furnace.

[0064]

[0063] Within the scope of the present disclosure, the modular lifting assembly (100) is configured for lifting, transporting, and installing the refractory brick assembly (10) by mere displacement and assembly of the components of the lifting assembly (100) as per the requirement. Further, the lifting assembly (100) may be used for any metallurgical furnace not limiting to a blast furnace.

[0065]

[0064] Further, all the columns or components of the lifting assembly (100) are detachably coupled, by means of fasteners, screw, bolts, etc. After placing the refractory brick assembly (10), the modular lifting assembly (100) may be dismantled by loosening the fasteners and / or locking pins and re-assemble the components for reuse based on the requirement of installing or lifting or transporting. Beneficially, the components of the lifting assembly (100) may be dis-assembled after placing the refractory brick assembly (10) and stored in an environment with little space. Also, the prongs (152) are arranged in a way to provide support to the refractory brick assembly (10) and uniformly distribute the load while lifting.

[0066]

[0065] At the application tuyere area, the modular lifting assembly (100) along with the refractory brick assembly (10) is pushed within the gap between the tuyere and the bottom block to fit the refractory brick assembly (10) as per the requirement.

[0067]

[0066] In accordance with the present disclosure, by way of the lifting assembly (100), the refractory brick assembly (10) may be held intact and supported on three points for lifting and placing the refractory brick assembly (10) at the area of application.

[0068]

[0067] The modular lifting assembly (100) reduces the risks and makes the process more ergonomic for the installation team at the installation site in the furnace.

[0069]

[0068] The various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the subject matter of the disclosure to those skilled in this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0070]

[0069] Herein, the terms “attached”, “connected”, “interconnected”, “contacting”, “mounted”, “coupled” and the like can mean either direct or indirect attachment or contact between elements, unless stated otherwise.

[0071]

[0070] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity. As used herein the expression “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0072]

[0071] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and / or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0073]

[0072] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

[0074] REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0075] EQUIVALENTS:

[0076]

[0073] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0077]

[0074] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0078]

[0075] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

[0079]

[0076] The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher / lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular lifting assembly (100) configured to lift a refractory brick assembly (10) of a furnace, the modular lifting assembly (100) comprising: a frame structure (110) adapted to surround the refractory brick assembly (10); at least one holding component (140) coupled to the frame structure (110), the at least one holding component (140) configured to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly (100) by an equipment; and a plurality of prongs (150) detachably coupled with the frame structure (110), wherein each prong (152) of the plurality of prongs (150) is insertable into a cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10) to provide support along a curved surface (14) of the cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10) during a lifting operation thereof.

2. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prong (152) comprises a plurality of links (154) coupled to each other in the shape of a fork and has a curved profile to support the curved surface (14) of the cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10).

3. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of prongs (150) comprises three prongs (152) arranged spaced apart from each other along the curved surface (14) of the cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10).

4. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame structure (110) and the plurality of prongs (150) are made of structural steel.

5. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame structure (110) comprises: a rectangular frame (112); four leg columns (130), each of which is coupled to a corresponding corner of the rectangular frame (112); and a beam (120) supported by the rectangular frame by an ‘L-shaped’ bracket (122) and arranged adjacent to the leg columns (130),wherein the plurality of prongs (150) is detachably coupled to the beam (120) and disposed under the frame structure (110).

6. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein each leg column (130) of the frame structure (110) comprises an inner column (132) disposed within an outer column (134), wherein the inner column (132) is linearly adjustable with respect to the outer column (134), via a locking pin (136), to adjust a height of the leg column (130).

7. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein each leg column (130) comprises a support plate (138) at a bottom end thereof.

8. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one holding component (140) comprises handles (142) coupled to the frame structure (110), the handles (142) are adapted to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly (100) by a forklift.

9. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one holding component (140) comprises a shackle (144) coupled to the frame structure (110), the shackle (144) is adapted to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly (100) by a forklift or a hoist crane.

10. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rectangular frame (112), the leg columns (130) and the beam (120) of the frame structure (110) are detachably coupled to each other.

11. A method (400) for assembling a modular lifting assembly (100) that is configured to lift a refractory brick assembly (10) of a furnace, the method (400) comprising: detachably coupling a plurality of prongs (150) with a frame structure (110), wherein each prong (152) of the plurality of prongs (150) is insertable into a cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10) to provide support along a curved surface (14) of the cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10) during a lifting operation thereof, andthe prong (152) comprises a plurality of links (154) coupled to each other in the shape of a fork and has a curved profile to support the curved surface (14) of the cavity (12) of the refractory brick assembly (10).

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