Dual lance and probe access device for metallurgic furnaces

Abstract

The invention relates to a lance system fixed to a wall (10w) of a metallurgic furnace (10) for injecting a component into a metal melt contained therein, adapted to also allow insertion of a probe element (1) into the metal melt (11) contained in the interior of the metallurgic furnace (10). The device comprises an elongated tube with a channel and a coupling element (2t) bringing in fluid communication the channel with a source of the component. A device switch (2v) and a flow control unit (9p, 9v) are provided to ensure that, · In a component flow position, the device valve (2v) is in a closed position, and the flow control unit (9p, 9v) is in an open position allowing the component to flow from the source into the interior of the metallurgic furnace (10) through the channel, and · In a probing position, the flow control unit (9p, 9v) is in a closed position preventing the component from flowing into the interior of the metallurgic furnace (10) and the device valve (2v) is in an open position allowing the probe element (1) to be inserted into the interior of the metallurgic furnace through the elongated channel.

Description

DUAL LANCE AND PROBE ACCESS DEVICE FOR METALLURGIC FURNACESFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of metallurgic furnaces, for smelting both ferrous and non-ferrous metal. The metallurgic furnace of the present invention allows quicker access of probes and the like to the metal melt contained therein, disrupting much less the temperature cycles than state of the art metallurgic furnaces.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Smelting is a process of applying heat and a chemical reducing agent to an ore to extract a desired base metal product. This is performed in a metallurgic furnace. For example, the oxygen converter process is a method for producing low carbon steel by blowing oxygen into carbon-rich molten pig iron. Other converting processes are available for non-ferrous metals. There are several types of metallurgic furnaces available, including for example electric arc furnaces (EAF). Other types of metallurgic furnaces for iron and steel include but are not limited to energy optimizing furnace (EOF), zero power furnace (ZPF), new oxygen furnace (NOF) and oxygen converters (BOF or LD).

[0003] To ensure the desired conversion, during the process gases such as oxygen or nitrogen and particulate materials such as carbon or bases including calcium oxide need be added at given intervals into the melt through injectors mounted on a block provided on a side wall of the metallurgic furnace. Evolution of the melt properties during the process including temperature, pH, composition, and the like need to be probed at regular intervals to ensure the quality and reproducibility of the production. To this purpose, a slag door is traditionally provided, giving access from an exterior of the metallurgic furnace to the melt contained inside which a probe can be inserted through. Introducing a probe through an open slag door causes each time a temperature drop and destabilises the furnace process conditions. Each one of such operation requires between 2.0 and 2.5 min to be performed. Furthermore, an operator is exposed to intense heat and possible slag projections. In some metallurgic furnace types, accumulation of non-melted materials or skulls formation can be observed in the slag door region, that sometimes cause errors in probe measurements, requiring additional measurements procedures, increasing cost, wasting time and energy.

[0004] For example, BRPI1003443A2 describes a refrigerated injector for injecting gases or solid particulate materials into an electric arc furnace (EAF) or energy optimizing furnace (EOF) for steelmaking. The equipment is described as allowing the burner and / or lance to be moved towards the metal bath, increasing the efficiency of the process.

[0005] CN113604630 describes a EAF for steelmaking wherein a blowing gas injector is equipped with signal receiving probe sensors of an infrared thermometer and a spectrum carbon determination instrument to receive radiation signals irradiated by the molten steel. This equipment is safe and allows continuous monitoring of temperature and carbon contents of the melt, but it does not allow collecting a sample of the molten metal for more specific testing.

[0006] Similarly, WO2011095377A describes a furnace provided with a gas injector. The temperature of the metal melt is measured with an IR thermometer mounted at an end of the gas injector located outside the furnace.

[0007] US7704444 describes a metal melt furnace equipped with a furnace probe conduit with direct, linear access to the interior of a metal melt furnace. The furnace probe conduit comprises an aperture equipped with a furnace probe aperture plug to selectively open or close the aperture. The aperture is adapted to receive a furnace probe when the furnace probe aperture plug is removed from the aperture.

[0008] The present invention proposes a new system for metallurgic furnaces allowing injection of gas and particulate material as well as insertion into the melt of a probe while minimising the number of openings which disrupt the conditions inside the metallurgic furnaces including but not limited to temperature of the melt. This permits to reduce the tap-to-tap time since the system does not require coming back to stationary conditions after insertion of a probe or collection of a melt sample. Safety and comfort of the operators is also increased with the present invention. These and other advantages are described in continuation.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention concerns a lance system fixed to a wall of a metallurgic furnace for injecting a component into a metal melt contained therein, adapted to also allow insertion of a probe element into the metal melt contained in the interior of the metallurgic furnace. The device comprises an elongated tube with a channel and a coupling element bringing in fluid communication the channel with a source of the component. A device switch and a flow control unit are provided to ensure that,• In a component flow position, the device valve is in a closed position, and the flow control unit is in an open position allowing the component to flow from the source into the interior of the metallurgic furnace through the channel, and• In a probing position, the flow control unit is in a closed position preventing the component from flowing into the interior of the metallurgic furnace and the device valve is in an open position allowing the probe element to be inserted into the interior of the metallurgic furnace through the elongated channel.

[0010] In particular, the device of the present invention comprises a device valve configured for being switched between,• a closed position, wherein the channel is sealingly separated by the device valve in an upstream channel portion comprising the inlet and a downstream channel portion (2d) comprising the coupling element and the outlet, and• an open position, wherein the channel is uninterruptedly open from the inlet to the outlet and is configured to receive the probe element, and

[0011] The device also comprises a flow control unit configured for switching between,• a closed position, preventing the component from reaching the channel of the elongate tube when the device valve is in the open position, and• an open position, allowing the component (9C, 9g) reaching the channel of the elongate tube, when the device valve is in the closed position.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device valve and the flow control unit are two separate components and are controlled by a controller to synchronise the switching of the device valve and the flow control unit between their respective closed and open positions. The device valve is preferably either a spherical valve, or is formed by a cap sealingly closing the inlet of the channel. In an alternative embodiment, the flow control unit comprises a valve and forms with the device valve a single valve unit and preferably comprises an obturator configured to move by rotation and / or translation between,• a component flow position, wherein the device valve is in the closed position and the valve of the flow control unit is in the open position, and• a probing position, wherein the device valve is in the open position and the valve of the flow control unit is in the closed position.

[0013] The present invention also concerns a kit-of-parts for injecting a component into a metallurgic furnace for the production of liquid metal and also for giving access from an exterior of the metallurgic furnace to an interior of the metallurgic furnace to a probe mounted at an end of an elongated support element. Beside the device as described supra and the probe element, the kit-of-parts comprises, a component tube configured for bringing a source of a component to be blown into the metallurgic furnace, selected among a particulate material and a gas, in fluid communication with the coupling element and the interior of the channel, a flow control unit selected among a pump and a valve configured for controlling a flow ofthe component from the source thereof into the channel, and• a controller configured to control the device valve and the flow control unit, to control that the device valve is in the closed position whenever the flow control unit allows the component to flow into the channel and that the flow control unit (9p, 9v) prevents the component from flowing into the channel whenever the device valve (2v) is in the open position.The probe can be configured to a number of operations on the molten metal or slag in the interior of the metallurgic furnace including measuring a temperature thereof, or determining a chemical composition or pH, or collecting a sample for further analysis.

[0014] The present invention also concerns a metallurgic furnace for the production of liquid metal equipped with an assembled kit-of-parts as defined supra, for injecting the component into the interior of the metallurgic furnace and also for giving the probe element access from the exterior of the metallurgic furnace to the interior of the metallurgic furnace. The metallurgic furnace comprises a bottom floor surrounded by a wall separating the interior from the exterior of the metallurgic furnace. The device of the invention is fixed to the wall and a portion of the elongated tube is inserted in an opening of the wall with the inlet of the device being located at the exterior of the metallurgic furnace and with the outlet of the device being located in the interior of the metallurgic furnace pointing towards the bottom floor of the metallurgic furnace. The device valve is in control communication with the controller and the component tube is coupled to the coupling element and to the flow control unit such that the channel is brought in fluid communication with the source of the component by means of the component tube when the flow control unit is coupled to the source of the component to be blown into the metallurgic furnace and the flow control unit is in the open position. The flow control unit is in control communication with the controller.

[0015] The device can be fixed to the wall adjacent to a lance for injecting a gas into the interior of the metallurgic furnace, which is different from the component which is in fluid communication with the channel.

[0016] In an embodiment, a robot can be provided, configured to be controlled by the controller and configured for handling the probe element, to insert the probe element into the channel until the probe reaches an operational position in the interior of the metallurgic furnace to perform an action, when the device valve (2v) is in the open position, and to remove the probe element from the channel when the action is completed.

[0017] The present invention also concerns a method for operating a metallurgic furnace as defined supra containing molten metal. The method comprises the following steps. A component selected among a gas (9g) and a particulate material is blown through the outlet of the device onto the molten metal held in the interior of the metallurgic furnace, with the controller controlling thatthe device valve is in the closed position, and that the flow control unit is in the open position. An action can then be performed by the probe element selected among measuring a temperature, determining a chemical composition or a pH, and collecting a sample of the molten metal by inserting the probe element into the inlet through the channel and out of the outlet of the device with the probe in the molten metal, with the controller controlling that the device valve is in the open position, and that the flow control unit is in the closed position. A robot controlled by the controller can handle the probe element to insert the probe element in and out of the channel.

[0018] In an embodiment, the component can be the particulate material and the flow control unit can be a pump. The particulate material can be selected among carbon particles, carbonate, and lime particles.

[0019] The invention allows the monitoring, sampling, control of temperature and dissolved oxygen of steel in a metallurgic furnace such as an EAF, without opening its slag door. Operating a metallurgic furnace with the slag door closed for most of the time offers numerous advantages in terms of energy efficiency, emissions reduction, safety, and operational performance. Keeping the slag door closed minimizes heat loss, leading to improved thermal efficiency and reduced energy consumption, which in turn lowers CO2 emissions associated with electricity and chemical energy (oxygen, natural gas, and graphite) use. This also reduces fugitive emissions of pollutants such as dust and greenhouse gases, enhancing environmental performance. From a safety perspective, the closed slag door reduces the risk of worker exposure to extreme heat and unpredicted slag and steel projections caused by chemical reactions inside the vessel. Additionally, it allows for better control over the furnace’s internal conditions, resulting in more consistent steel quality and efficient slag management. Operational benefits include reduced mechanical wear on the door mechanism, to other mechanisms in front of the furnace such as manipulators and robots, lower maintenance costs, and increased productivity due to shorter melting cycles and stable furnace conditions. These combined effects contribute to lower overall operating costs and a more sustainable steelmaking process.SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] These and further aspects of the invention will be explained in greater detail by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which,Figures 1 shows a perspective section view of a metallurgic furnace equipped with the device of the present invention.Figures 2 shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the device of the present invention.Figure 3a shows a side cut view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention.Figure 3b shows a side cut view of an alternative embodiment of the device of the present invention.Figures 4a and 4b show side cut views of a first embodiment of the coupling element and of a device spherical valve: 4a, in closed position and 4b, in open position.Figures 5a and 5b show perspective views of the first embodiment of the device spherical valve of the device of Figures 4a and 4b: 5a, in closed position and 5b, in open position.Figures 6a and 6b show side cut views of a second embodiment of the coupling element and of the device valve: 6a, in closed position and 6b, in open position.Figures 7a and 7b show side cut views of a third embodiment of the coupling element and of the device valve: 7a, in closed position and 7b, in open position.Figures 8a and 8b show side cut views of a fourth embodiment of the coupling element and of the device valve: 8a, in closed position and 8b, in open position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] As illustrated in Figure 1 , the device of the present invention is for use with a metallurgic furnace (10) as conventionally used in metallurgy. The device ofthe present invention can be used with any type of metallurgic furnace comprising a source of heat to melt the metal and injectors (7) for injecting gases and particulate material into the metallurgic furnace for smelting the metal melt, including for example, but not limited to, electric arc furnaces (EAF), energy optimizing furnaces (EOF), zero power furnace (ZPF), new oxygen furnace (NOF) or oxygen converters (BOF or LD).

[0022] The device (2) of the present invention is configured to, on the one hand, blow a component (9C, 9g) into an interior of a metallurgic furnace for the production of liquid metal and, on the other hand, to also give a probe element (1 ) access from an exterior of the metallurgic furnace (10) to the interior of the metallurgic furnace with minimal disruption of the conditions inside the metallurgic furnace. The probe element comprises a probe (1 p) mounted at an end of an elongated support element (1s). The support element (1s) is preferably a rigid staff, but it can also be a flexible support, such as a cable and the like.

[0023] The device comprises an elongated tube, a coupling element (2t), and fixing elements (2f). The elongated tube encloses a channel extending from an inlet (2i) to an outlet (2o). The coupling element (2t) brings in fluid communication an exterior of the device (2) with the channel and is configured to be coupled to a component tube (9t) for blowing into the channel the component selected among a fluid (9g) or particulate material (9C), for example carbon particles or calcium carbonate. The fixing elements (2f) are configured for fixing the device to a wall (10w) of the metallurgic furnace (10) with the elongated tube passing through an opening (32) in the wallwith the inlet (2i) located at the exterior of the metallurgic furnace and the outlet (2o) being located in the interior of the metallurgic furnace.

[0024] The gist of the present invention is that the elongated tube can be used for both injecting the component and for inserting the probe element (1 ). To this purpose, the device comprises a device valve (2v) and a flow control unit (9p, 9v). The device valve (2v) is configured for being switched between,• a closed position, wherein the channel is sealingly separated by the device valve (2v) in an upstream channel portion (2u) comprising the inlet (2i) and a downstream channel portion (2d) comprising the coupling element (2t) and the outlet (2o), and• an open position, wherein the channel is uninterruptedly open from the inlet (2i) to the outlet (2o) and is configured to receive the probe element.The flow control unit (9p, 9v) is configured for switching between,• a closed position, preventing the component (9C, 9g) from reaching the channel of the elongate tube when the device valve (2v) is in the open position, and• an open position, allowing the component (9C, 9g) reaching the channel of the elongate tube, when the device valve (2v) is in the closed position.

[0025] The device of the present invention can be used in combination with a probe element (1 ), a source of a component to be blown into the metallurgic furnace through a component tube (9t), a flow control unit selected among a pump (9p) and a valve (9v), and a controller (20) configured to control the operations of the installation. The device and probe element (1 ) are as defined supra. The source of a component can be selected among a particulate material (9C) and a gas (9g). The component tube (9t) is configured for bringing the source of the component to be blown into the metallurgic furnace, in fluid communication with the coupling element (2t) and the interior of the channel. The controller (20) is configured to control the device valve (2v) and the flow control unit (9p, 9v), such that,• the device valve (2v) is in the closed position whenever the flow control unit (9p, 9v) allows the component to flow into the channel and such that,• the flow control unit (9p, 9v) prevents the component from flowing into the channel whenever the device valve (2v) is in the open position.DEVICE GEOMETRY

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 , 2, and 3a and 3b, the device (2) comprises an elongated hollow tube comprising a coupling element (2t) to a source of the component (9C, 9g). The device can comprise, beside the elongated tube, additional gas injection lances (7) either to inject differentgases either simultaneously or to maintain the channel of the lance unpolluted with other components. Gases such as oxygen and nitrogen are typically injected through corresponding inlets (70, 7N). Cooling channels (7c) to maintain the lance at an operational temperature can also be provided. Like conventional gas and particulate lances, the elongated tube is inserted through a wall (10w) of the metallurgic furnace with the inlet (2i) and the coupling element (2t) located outside the metallurgic furnace (10) and the outlet (2o) located inside the metallurgic furnace. When in place, the elongated tube is oriented with the outlet (2o) pointing downwards towards the metal melt with a corresponding angle as well known in the art.

[0027] To fix the elongated tube through the metallurgic furnace wall (1 Ow), an insert (3) can be used provided with one or more openings (32, 35) to receive the elongated tube and any other gas injector lance. The elongated tube is inserted into the corresponding opening (32) of the insert (2) and fixed to the metallurgic furnace wall (10w) by fixing means, which can be any known fixing means including but not limited to screws, clips, welding, gluing, and the like.

[0028] The type of probe support (1s) used may determine the geometry of the elongated tube. If the probe (1p) is mounted on a rigid staff as probe support (1s), then the elongated tube must be straight to allow a reciprocating movement of the rigid staff. Alternatively, the probe support (1s) can be flexible, such as a cable or flexible staff. In this case, the geometry of the elongated tube is not restricted to a straight tube, but can be curved. It is preferred that the elongated tube be a straight tube.

[0029] The component tube (9t) is fixed to the coupling element (2t) to bring the source of the component (9C, 9g) to be blown into the metallurgic furnace, in fluid communication with the channel of the elongated tube. The dispensing rate of the component (9C, 9g) can be controlled by the flow control unit (9p, 9v). For example, as shown in Figure 3a, if the component is in the form of a particulate material, such as carbon particles or carbonate particles, the flow control unit preferably comprises a pump (9p). As shown in Figure 3b, if the component is a gas (9g) or other fluid, the flow control unit can be a valve (9v) coupled to a pressure gauge (9m). The functions of the device (2) are preferably controlled by a controller (20). In particular, the flow control unit can be in communication with the controller (20) by means of a pump or valve control coupling (9pn, 9vn) which can be filar or non-filar, such as wifi, Bluetooth, and the like.

[0030] The device (2) of the present invention differs from the known devices in that the device comprises a device valve (2v) and a flow control unit (9p, 9v). The device valve (2v) must be in the closed position when the flow control unit is in the open position and the component flows into the channel towards the outlet (2o). It is only when the flow control unit (9p, 9v) is in the closed position and the component cannot flow into the channel anymore that the device valve can be switched to the open position for introducing a probe element (1) therein. If the device valve (2v) is a separate element from the flow control unit (9p, 9v), it is preferred that a controller (20)synchronises the operations of switching them in their respective open and closed positions. In an alternative embodiment, the flow control unit is a valve (9v) and forms together with the device valve (2v) a single valve unit configured to switch between,• a component flow position, wherein the device valve (2v) is in the closed position and the valve (9v) of the flow control unit is in the open position, and• a probing position, wherein the device valve (2v) is in the open position and the valve (9v) of the flow control unit is in the closed position.

[0031] The single valve unit is preferably controlled by the controller (20), but could also be switched manually by an operator whenever a probe (1 p) needs be inserted into the metallurgic furnace (10). The single valve unit is foolproof since opening the device valve (2v) automatically closes the valve (9v) of the flow control unit.

[0032] The device (2) of the present invention has numerous advantages over prior art solution for inserting a probe element (1 ) into the metal melt contained in the metallurgic furnace (10). A major advantage is that the operator needs not opening the slag door (10d) exposing him to intense heat and possible splashes. The operator can even be totally removed from the vicinity of the metallurgic furnace by using a robot (30) as shown in Figure 1 , and controlling the various valves (2v, 9v), pumps (9p), and robot with the controller (20), thus partially or fully automating the process of probing the metal melt.

[0033] Another advantage is that without opening the slag door (1 Od), the temperature and other conditions inside the metallurgic furnace are little affected by the introduction of the probe (1p), resulting, on the one hand, on measurements of good quality, not negatively affected by a sudden change in conditions inside the metallurgic furnace and, on the other hand, in faster measurements and faster tap-to-tap cycles. This is made possible because the probe (1 p) can be located very close to the gas injector, such that smelting of the raw material occurs in front of the measurement point where the probe is located. The device of the present invention reduces the size of the block required for holding the various lances, since a same tube is used for both injecting a component (9C, 9g) and for inserting a probe element (1 ). Another advantage of the device is that existing equipment can easily be modified to implement the invention without changing the insert (3) and fixing elements (2f) of existing equipment. Measurement techniques using radiation probe sensors, such as IR-thermometers which need not be inserted into the metallurgic furnace are limited in accuracy and reliability and do not allow collecting a sample of the metal melt.DEVICE VALVE (2v)

[0034] The device valve (2v) and the flow control unit (9p, 9v) can be two separate components. Alternatively, the flow control unit can be formed by a valve (9v) and form with the device valve a single valve unit.Device valve (2v) separate from the flow control unit (9p, 9v)

[0035] In one embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 , 3a&3b to 6a&6b, the device valve (2v) and the flow control unit (9p, 9v) are two separate components and are controlled by a controller (20) to synchronise the switching of the device valve (2v) and the flow control unit (9p, 9v) between their respective closed and open positions. This embodiment leaves more freedom in the choice of the type and geometry of the device valve (2v), but requires special attention in synchronising the opening / closing sequences of the device valve with the corresponding closing / opening sequences of the flow control unit (9p, 9v). To avoid mishandling, it is therefore preferred in this embodiment, that both device valve (2v) and flow control unit (9p, 9v) be controlled by the controller (20).

[0036] In one embodiment, illustrated in Figures 4a&4b and 5a&5b, the device valve (2v) is a spherical valve comprising a ball (2vb) rotatingly mounted about a rotating axis (2vh) in a spherical housing formed in the channel of the elongated tube. The ball (2vb) is pierced by a throughbore (2vc) extending parallel to and intercepting the rotating axis (2vh). As shown in Figures 4b and 5b, the spherical device valve (2v) is in the open position when the throughbore (2vc) is in alignment with the channel of the elongated tube such that the channel of the elongated tube is uninterruptedly open from the inlet (2i) to the outlet (2o) and is configured to receive the probe element. As shown in Figures 4a and 5a, by rotating the ball (2vb) about the rotating axis (2vh) by an angle of 90°, the channel of the elongated tube is sealingly separated into an upstream channel portion (2u) comprising the inlet (2i) and a downstream channel portion (2d) comprising the coupling element (2t) and the outlet (2o). In the closed position, the component flowing from the coupling element (2t) into the channel of the elongated tube cannot flow out through the inlet (2i). Sealing elements like O-rings (2or) are provided to ensure a sealed closure of the device valve (2v). The rotation of the ball (2vb) can be motorised and controlled by the controller (20).

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in Figures 6a&6b, the device valve (2v) is in the form of a breech loading system as used in artillery guns, comprising a cap (2c) sealing the inlet (2i) of the channel, thus defining the closed position of the device valve (2v) illustrated in Figure 6a. When the flow control unit (9p, 9v) is in the closed position, the cap (2c) can be opened allowing insertion of the probe element (1) into the channel through the inlet (2i). The opening and closing of the cap (2c) can be motorised and controlled by the controller (20).The flow control unit comprises a valve (9v) forming with the device valve (2v) a single valve unit

[0038] In an alternative embodiment, the flow control unit comprises a valve (9v) and forms with the device valve (2v) a single valve unit. Examples of this embodiment are illustrated in Figures 7a&7b and 8a&8b. This embodiment has the advantage of eliminating the problem of synchronisation between the device valve (2v) and the flow control unit (9p, 9v), since the singlevalve unit is configured to switch between,• a component flow position, wherein the device valve (2v) is in the closed position and the valve (9v) of the flow control unit is in the open position, allowing the component to flow into the channel and exit through the outlet (2o), and• a probing position, wherein the device valve (2v) is in the open position allowing introduction of a probe element (1 ) through the channel, and the valve (9v) of the flow control unit is in the closed position preventing the component from reaching the channel and flowing out through the inlet (2i).

[0039] In this embodiment, the single valve unit preferably comprises an obturator configured to move by rotation and / or translation between the component flow position and the probing position. Figure 7a shows an embodiment wherein, in the component flow position, the obturator seals the upstream portion (2u) of the channel from the downstream portion (2d) including the inlet (2i) and does not affect the coupling element (2t). The component (9C, 9f) is thus allowed to flow through the coupling element (2t) into the channel and out through the outlet (2o) without flowing out through the inlet (2i). Figure 7b shows the same embodiment, wherein by rotation of the obturator, the single valve unit switches to the probing position, wherein the obturator seals the coupling element (2t) and brings in fluid communication the upstream portion (2u) with the downstream portion (2d) of the channel which thus forms a continuous channel from the inlet (2i) and the outlet (2o). In this configuration, the component is not allowed to flow into the channel and the probe element (1) can be inserted through the channel into the metallurgic furnace (10).

[0040] Figures 8a&8b show a corresponding embodiment, wherein the obturator switches between the component flow position and the probing position by translation, alternatively obturating the upstream portion (2u) of the channel (cf. Figure 8a) and the coupling element (2t) (cf. Figure 8b).

[0041] Although this embodiment can be controlled manually with no risk of synchronisation error between switching the device valve (2v) and the valve (9v) of the flow control unit, it can be advantageous to have the single valve unit be controlled by the controller (20).THE PROBE ELEMENT (1)

[0042] The probe element (1 ) comprises a probe (1 p) mounted at the end of an elongated support element (1s). In most cases, the support element (1s) can be a rigid staff. In some embodiments, however, it can be flexible, such as a cable or a flexible staff. The probe (1 p) can have various functions and configurations. For example, the probe can be configured to measure a temperature, to determine a chemical composition or pH, or to collect a sample of metal melt (11 ) or of slag

[0043] Direct measurement of the properties of the metal melt (11 ) and slag (11s) are more reliable than measurements based on radiation of the melt, since they are representative of the properties of the slag (11s) or, at best, of a combination of properties of the slag (11s) and metal melt (11), the latter being shielded from the radiation probe sensor by the layer of slag (11s).METALLURGIC FURNACE (10)

[0044] The metallurgic furnace (10) of the present invention is suitable for the production of liquid metal. It is equipped with a lance system for injecting the component (9C, 9g) into the metal melt contained in the interior of the metallurgic furnace (10). According to the present invention, the gas and lance system comprises a device (2) as describes supra for giving the probe element (1 ) access from the exterior of the metallurgic furnace to the interior of the metallurgic furnace.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the metallurgic furnace comprises a bottom floor (not shown) surrounded by a wall (10w) separating the interior from the exterior of the metallurgic furnace. The lance system including the device (2) is fixed to the wall (10w) and is inserted in an opening of the wall (10w) with the inlet (2i) of the device being located at the exterior of the metallurgic furnace and with the outlet (2o) of the device being located in the interior of the metallurgic furnace pointing towards the bottom floor of the metallurgic furnace. The component tube (9t) is coupled to the coupling element (2t) and to the flow control unit (9p, 9v) such that the channel is brought in fluid communication with the source of the component (9C, 9g) by means of the component tube (9t) when the flow control unit (9p, 9v) is coupled to the source of the component (9C, 9g) to be blown into the metallurgic furnace and the flow control unit (9p, 9v) is in the open position. The flow control unit (9p, 9v) and the device valve are in control communication with the controller (20), regardless of whether or not they form a single valve unit. Beside the device (2), the lance system can comprise a lance (7) for injecting a gas (7N, 70) into the interior of the metallurgic furnace, which is different from the component (9C, 9g) which is injected into the metallurgic furnace (10) through the device (2).

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, a robot (30) is provided, controlled by the controller (20) and configured for handling the probe element (1 ),• to insert the probe element (1 ) into the channel until the probe (1 p) reaches an operational position in the interior of the metallurgic furnace to perform an action, when the device valve (2v) is in the open position, and• to remove the probe element (1 ) from the channel when the action is completed.METHOD FOR OPERATING A METALLURGIC FURNACE (10)

[0047] The present invention also concerns a method for operating the metallurgic furnace (10) of the present invention filled with metal melt (11 ). The process comprises the following steps.

[0048] A component selected among a gas (9g) and a particulate material (9C) is blown through the outlet (2o) of the device (2) onto the molten metal (11 ) held in the interior of the metallurgic furnace (10), with the device valve (2v) switched in the closed position, and that the flow control unit (9p, 9v) is switched in the open position.

[0049] When an action with the probe element (1 ) is required selected among measuring a temperature, determining a chemical composition or a pH, and collecting a sample of the molten metal (11 ), switching the flow control unit (9p, 9v) in the closed position and the device valve (2v) in the open position. Inserting the probe element (1 ) into the inlet (2i) through the channel, and out of the outlet (2o) of the device (2) with the probe (9p) in the molten metal (11 ). Performing the action with the probe element (1 ). When the action is completed, the probe element (1 ) can be retrieved from the channel, the device valve switched to the closed position, and the flow control unit (9p, 9v) switched to the open position again.

[0050] The device valve (2v) and flow control unit (9p, 9v) are preferably controlled by the controller (20). A robot (30) is preferably provided to handle the probe element (1 ) to insert the probe element (1 ) in and out of the channel. The robot (30) is also preferably controlled by the controller (20).

[0051] The component can be the particulate material (9C) and the flow control unit can be a pump (9p). The particulate material (9C) can be selected among carbon particles, carbonate, and lime particles.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Device (2) for blowing a component (9C, 9g) into an interior of a metallurgic furnace for the production of liquid metal and also for giving a probe element access from an exterior of the metallurgic furnace to the interior of the metallurgic furnace, wherein the probe element comprises a probe (1p) mounted at an end of an elongated support element (1s), which can be rigid or flexible, the device comprising,• an elongated tube and enclosing a channel extending from an inlet (2i) to an outlet (2o),• a coupling element (2t) bringing in fluid communication an exterior of the device (2) with the channel and configured to be coupled to a component tube (9t) for blowing into the channel the component selected among a fluid (9g) or particulate material (9C),• Fixing elements (2f) configured for fixing the device to a wall (10w) of the metallurgic furnace (10) with the elongated tube passing through an opening in the wall with the inlet (2i) located at the exterior of the metallurgic furnace and the outlet (2o) being located in the interior of the metallurgic furnace, characterized in that, the device comprises a device valve (2v) configured for being switched between,• a closed position, wherein the channel is sealingly separated by the device valve (2v) in an upstream channel portion (2u) comprising the inlet (2i) and a downstream channel portion (2d) comprising the coupling element (2t) and the outlet (2o), and• an open position, wherein the channel is uninterruptedly open from the inlet (2i) to the outlet (2o) and is configured to receive the probe element, and in that, the device comprises a flow control unit (9p, 9v) configured for switching between,• a closed position, preventing the component (9C, 9g) from reaching the channel of the elongate tube when the device valve (2v) is in the open position, and• an open position, allowing the component (9C, 9g) reaching the channel of the elongate tube, when the device valve (2v) is in the closed position.

2. Device according to claim 1 , wherein, either• the device valve (2v) and the flow control unit (9p, 9v) are two separate components and are controlled by a controller (20) to synchronise the switching of the device valve (2v) and the flow control unit (9p, 9v) between their respective closed and open positions, wherein the device valve (2v) is preferably either a spherical valve, or is formed by a cap (2c) sealingly closing the inlet (2i) of the channel, or• the flow control unit comprises a valve (9v) and forms with the device valve (2v) a single valve unit and preferably comprises an obturator configured to move by rotation and / or translation between, o a component flow position, wherein the device valve (2v) is in the closed position and the valve (9v) of the flow control unit is in the open position, and o a probing position, wherein the device valve (2v) is in the open position and the valve (9v) of the flow control unit is in the closed position.

3. Kit-of-parts for injecting a component into a metallurgic furnace (10) for the production of liquid metal and also for giving access from an exterior of the metallurgic furnace to an interior of the metallurgic furnace to a probe (1 p) mounted at an end of an elongated support element (1s), the kit-of-parts comprising,• a device according to claim 1 or 2,• the probe element (1),• a component tube (9t) configured for bringing a source of a component to be blown into the metallurgic furnace, selected among a particulate material (9C) and a gas (9g), in fluid communication with the coupling element (2t) and the interior of the channel,• a flow control unit selected among a pump (9p) and a valve (9v) configured for controlling a flow of the component (9C, 9g) from the source thereof into the channel,• a controller (20) configured to control the device valve (2v) and the flow control unit (9p, 9v), such that, o the device valve (2v) is in the closed position whenever the flow control unit (9p, 9v) allows the component to flow into the channel and such that, o the flow control unit (9p, 9v) prevents the component from flowing into the channel whenever the device valve (2v) is in the open position.

4. Kit-of-parts according to claim 3, wherein the probe (1 p) is configured,• to measure a temperature, or• to determine a chemical composition or pH, or• to collect a sample of molten metal (11 ) or slag (11s) in the interior of the metallurgic furnace.

5. Metallurgic furnace (10) for the production of liquid metal equipped with an assembled kit-of- parts according to any one of claims 3 or 4, for injecting the component into the interior of the metallurgic furnace (10) and also for giving the probe element (1) access from the exterior of the metallurgic furnace to the interior of the metallurgic furnace, wherein• the metallurgic furnace comprises a bottom floor surrounded by a wall (10w) separating the interior from the exterior of the metallurgic furnace,• the device (2) is fixed to the wall (10w) and is inserted in an opening of the wall (10w) with the inlet (2i) of the device being located at the exterior of the metallurgic furnace and with the outlet (2o) of the device being located in the interior of the metallurgic furnace pointing towards the bottom floor of the metallurgic furnace,• the device valve (2v) is in control communication with the controller (20),• the component tube (9t) is coupled to the coupling element (2t) and to the flow control unit (9p, 9v) such that the channel can be brought in fluid communication with the source of the component (9C, 9g) by means of the component tube (9t) and the flow control unit (9p, 9v) is in control communication with the controller (20).

6. Metallurgic furnace according to claim 5, wherein the device (2) is fixed to the wall (10w) adjacent to a lance (7) for injecting a gas (7N, 70) into the interior of the metallurgic furnace, which is different from the component (9g) which is in fluid communication with the channel.

7. Metallurgic furnace according to claims 5 or 6, comprising a robot (30) controlled by the controller (20) and configured for handling the probe element (1 ),• to insert the probe element (1 ) into the channel until the probe (1 p) reaches an operational position in the interior of the metallurgic furnace to perform an action, when the device valve (2v) is in the open position, and• to remove the probe element (1 ) from the channel when the action is completed.

8. Method for operating a metallurgic furnace (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7 containing molten metal (11 ), comprising the following steps,• blowing through the outlet (2o) of the device (2) a component selected among a gas (9g) and a particulate material (9C) onto the molten metal (11 ) held in the interior of the metallurgic furnace (10), with the controller (20) controlling that the device valve (2v) is in the closed position, and that the flow control unit (9p, 9v) is in the open position, and performing an action with the probe element (1 ) selected among measuring a temperature, determining a chemical composition or a pH, and collecting a sample of themolten metal (11 ) by inserting the probe element (1 ) into the inlet (2i) through the channel and out of the outlet (2o) of the device (2) with the probe (9p) in the molten metal (11 ), with the controller (20) controlling that the device valve (2v) is in the open position, and that the flow control unit (9p, 9v) is in the closed position.

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein a robot (30) controlled by the controller (20) handles the probe element (1 ) to insert the probe element (1 ) in and out of the channel.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the component is the particulate material (9C) and wherein the flow control unit is a pump (9p), wherein the particulate material (9C) is selected among carbon particles, carbonate, and lime particles.

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