Modular lifting assembly

Abstract

A lifting assembly (100) for lifting a refractory brick assembly (10) and comprising an upper frame (120), a lower frame (130), and a plurality of leg columns (140) extending between the upper and lower frames (120, 130) The lifting assembly (100) further comprises a holding component (160) coupled to the upper frame (120) and a plurality of forks (170) coupled with the lower frame (130). During a lifting operation, each fork (170) is insertable into a respective groove defined at a lower portion of the refractory brick assembly (10) to provide support to the refractory brick assembly (10), and a first vertical plane (A-A') containing a centre of gravity (G) of the refractory brick assembly (10) is eccentric from a second vertical plane (B-B') containing the at least one holding component (160).

Description

[0001] MODULAR LIFTING ASSEMBLY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003]

[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.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005]

[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.

[0006]

[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.

[0007]

[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.

[0008]

[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.

[0009]

[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.

[0010]

[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.

[0011]

[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.

[0012]

[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.

[0013]

[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. 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 longtime work should be adapted to such environment with little space. Further, each refractory assembly weighs around 1.5 tonnes 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 as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the system / assembly 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.

[0020]

[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 configured to lift a refractory brick assembly of a furnace is disclosed. The modular lifting assembly comprises a frame structure. The frame structure comprises an upper frame, a lower frame, and a plurality of leg columns that extends between the upper frame and the lower frame. The modular lifting assembly further comprises at least one holding component coupled to the upper frame of 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 forks detachably coupled with the lower frame of the frame structure. During a lifting operation of the refractory brick assembly by the modular lifting assembly, each fork of the plurality of forks is insertable into a respective groove defined at a lower portion of the refractory brick assembly to provide support to the refractory brick assembly. Further, a first vertical plane containing a centre of gravity of the refractory brick assembly is eccentric from a second vertical plane containing the at least one holding component.

[0021]

[0018] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the first vertical plane containing the centre of gravity of the refractory brick assembly lies between the second vertical plane containing the at least one holding component and a third vertical plane containing the plurality of leg columns of the frame structure.

[0022]

[0019] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one holding component is a shackle anchor coupled to the upper frame of the frame structure. The at least one holding component is configured to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly via a shackle. Further, the plurality of forks comprises a pair of forks detachably coupled with the lower frame of the frame structure. During the lifting operation of the refractory brick assembly by the modular lifting assembly, each fork is insertable into the respective groove defined at the lower portion of the refractory brick assembly, and the first vertical plane containing the centre of gravity of the refractory brick assembly is eccentric from the second vertical plane containing the shackle anchor.

[0023]

[0020] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the modular lifting assembly comprises a layer of cushioning material provided on the plurality of leg columns of the frame structure.

[0024]

[0021] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame structure comprises handles coupled to the upper frame. The handles are adapted to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly by a forklift.

[0025]

[0022] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the modular lifting assembly comprises an additional holding component provided on the upper frame of the frame structure.

[0026]

[0023] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the modular lifting assembly comprises at least one bar coupled to the frame structure for manually guiding the modular lifting assembly during the lifting operation.

[0027]

[0024] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame structure and the plurality of forks are made of structural steel.

[0028]

[0025] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper frame, the lower frame and the plurality of leg columns of the frame structure are detachably coupled to each other.

[0029]

[0026] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the present 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 present disclosure.

[0030]

[0027] 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]

[0028] The novel features and characteristics of the present disclosure are set forth in the description. The present 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]

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a first perspective view of a modular lifting assembly carrying a refractory block assembly, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034]

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the modular lifting assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035]

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a second perspective view of the modular lifting assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036]

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the modular lifting assembly carrying the refractory block assembly, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0037]

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the modular lifting assembly of FIG. 4, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038]

[0034] 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.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040]

[0035] While the present 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 present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0041]

[0036] 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. 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. 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 present disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

[0042]

[0037] 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.

[0043]

[0038] 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.

[0044]

[0039] The terms like “at least one” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.

[0045]

[0040] 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.

[0046]

[0041] 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.

[0047]

[0042] 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.

[0048]

[0043] Pursuant to an aspect, a modular lifting assembly configured to lift a refractory brick assembly of a furnace is disclosed. The modular lifting assembly comprises a frame structure. The frame structure comprises an upper frame, a lower frame, and a plurality of leg columns that extends between the upper frame and the lower frame. The modular lifting assembly further comprises at least one holding component coupled to the upper frame of 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 forks detachably coupled with the lower frame of the frame structure. During a lifting operation of the refractory brick assembly by the modular lifting assembly, each fork of the plurality of forks is insertable into a respective groove defined at a lower portion of the refractory brick assembly to provide support to the refractory brick assembly. Further, a first vertical plane containing a centre of gravity of the refractory brick assembly is eccentric from a second vertical plane containing the at least one holding component. In an embodiment, the first vertical plane containing the centre of gravity of the refractory brick assembly lies between the second vertical plane containing the at least one holding component and a third vertical plane containing the plurality of leg columns of the frame structure.

[0044] The at least one holding component is a shackle anchor coupled to the upper frame of the frame structure. The at least one holding component is configured to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly via a shackle. Further, the plurality of forks comprises a pair of forks detachably coupled with the lower frame of the frame structure. During the lifting operation of the refractory brick assembly by the modular lifting assembly, each fork is insertable into the respective groove defined at the lower portion of the refractory brick assembly, and the first vertical plane containing the centre of gravity of the refractory brick assembly is eccentric from the second vertical plane containing the shackle anchor.

[0049]

[0045] Further, the modular lifting assembly comprises a layer of cushioning material provided on the plurality of leg columns of the frame structure.

[0050]

[0046] In an embodiment, the frame structure comprises handles coupled to the upper frame. The handles are adapted to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly by a forklift. In some embodiments, the modular lifting assembly comprises an additional holding component provided on the upper frame of the frame structure. Further, the modular lifting assembly comprises at least one bar coupled to the frame structure for manually guiding the modular lifting assembly during the lifting operation.

[0051]

[0047] The frame structure and the plurality of forks are made of structural steel. Also, the upper frame, the lower frame and the plurality of leg columns of the frame structure are detachably coupled to each other.

[0052]

[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 5. In FIGS. 1 to 5, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[0053]

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in accordance with the present disclosure, a modular lifting assembly (100) (hereinafter referred to as the “lifting assembly (100)”) is disclosed. The lifting assembly (100) may be configured to lift a refractory brick assembly (10) of a furnace (not shown). 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.

[0054]

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the lifting assembly (100) may comprise a frame structure (110), at least one holding component (160) coupled to the frame structure (110) and a plurality of forks (170) adapted to detachably couple with the frame structure (110).

[0055]

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the frame structure (110) may comprise an upper frame (120), a lower frame (130), and a plurality of leg columns (140). The plurality of leg columns (140) may extend between the upper frame (120) and the lower frame (130). 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. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the upper frame (120) of the frame structure (110) may be embodied as a pentagonal body having a rectangular upper frame (120a) coupled to the plurality of leg columns (140) via inclined columns (128a, 128b). The rectangular upper frame (120a) may comprise a pair of horizontal columns (122a, 122b), namely a first horizontal column (122a) and a second horizontal column (122b). The first horizontal column (122a) and the second horizontal column (122b) are configured to be aligned parallel to each other. The rectangular upper frame (120a) further comprises a pair of transverse columns (124a, 124b), namely a first transverse column (124a) and a second transverse column (124b). The first transverse column (124a) and the second transverse column (124b) are configured to be aligned parallel to each other. In accordance with the present disclosure, the pair of horizontal columns (122a, 122b) and the pair of transverse columns (124a, 124b) are coupled to each other to form the rectangular upper frame (120a), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Specifically, each transverse column of the pair of transverse columns (124a, 124b) extends between the pair of horizontal columns, i.e., the first horizontal column (122a) and the second horizontal column (122b), to form the rectangular upper frame (120a) such that the rectangular upper frame (120a) is a sturdy structure and has strength to lift the refractory brick assembly (10).

[0056]

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, in an embodiment, an additional transverse column (126a) may extend from a middle leg column (142) of the plurality of leg columns (140) to the pair of horizontal columns (122a, 122b). Further, an additional inclined column (126b) may extend between the middle leg column (142) and the additional transverse column (126a). Said additional inclined column (126b) may provide additional strength to the upper frame (120) of the frame structure (110). In an embodiment, columns of the upper frame (120) are detachably or removably coupled to each other, for example, by use of fasteners, nut and bolt arrangements, etc.

[0057]

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper frame (120) of the frame structure (110) may be embodied as a transverse column (124c) coupled to the plurality of leg columns (140). The upper frame (120) may comprise the additional inclined column (126b) that may extend between the middle leg column (142) and the transverse column (124c). Said additional inclined column (126b) may provide additional strength to the upper frame (120) of the frame structure (110). In an embodiment, columns of the upper frame (120) are detachably or removably coupled to each other, for example, by use of fasteners, nut and bolt arrangements, etc.

[0058]

[0054] Further, referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the lower frame (130) of the frame structure (110) may be embodied as a rectangular lower frame (130a) coupled to the plurality of leg columns (140). The rectangular lower frame (130a) may comprise a pair of horizontal columns (132a, 132b) and a pair of transverse columns (134a, 134b). The pair of horizontal columns (132a, 132b) and the pair of transverse columns (134a, 134b) are coupled to each other to form the rectangular lower frame (130a). In accordance with the present disclosure, in addition to holding and lifting the refractory brick assembly, the lower frame (130) acts as a support when the lifting assembly (100) is in a rest position on any surface, thereby acting as support member.

[0059]

[0055] Furthermore, the frame structure comprises the plurality of leg columns (140) that extend between the upper frame (120) and the lower frame (130). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the plurality of leg columns (140) comprises a combination of horizontal and vertical leg columns coupled to each other and to the upper and lower frames (120, 130) of the frame structure (110). Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the plurality of leg columns (140) comprises an ‘H-shaped’ structure (140a) that comprises two vertical columns (144a, 144b) and one horizontal column (146) and that is coupled to the middle leg column (142). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the plurality of leg columns (140) may further comprise an inclined leg column (148) extending between the upper frame (120) and the lower frame (130). The inclined leg column (148) provides strength to the frame structure (110).

[0060]

[0056] In accordance with the present disclosure, referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the lifting assembly (100) comprises the at least one holding component (160). The at least one holding component (160) is coupled to the frame structure (110). The at least one holding component (160) is configured to facilitate lifting the lifting assembly (100) by an equipment, for example, a forklift, a hoist crane, etc. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the at least one holding component (160) is coupled to the upper frame (120) of the frame structure (110). In an embodiment, the at least one holding component (160) is a shackle anchor (160) coupled to the upper frame (120) of the frame structure (110). In the exemplary illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3, the shackle anchor (160) may be coupled to the additional transverse column (126a) of the upper frame (120). Also, in the exemplary illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the shackle anchor (160) may be coupled to the transverse column (124c) of the upper frame (120). The shackle anchor (160) may be configured to facilitate lifting of the lifting assembly (100) via a shackle. The shackle anchor (160) may be adapted to facilitate lifting the lifting assembly (100) by a forklift or a hoist crane. Further, the shackle anchor (160) may define a space therein to enable the passing of a circular ring that facilitates lifting the lifting assembly (100) by a forklift or a hoist crane.

[0061]

[0057] Further, referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the lifting assembly comprises the plurality of forks (170). The plurality of forks (170) is detachably coupled with the lower frame (130) of the frame structure (110). For instance, the plurality of forks (170) is detachably coupled to the horizontal column (132a) of the lower frame (130), for example, by way of fasteners, nut and bolt arrangements, pins, etc. In accordance with the present disclosure, each fork (170) of the plurality of forks (170) is insertable into a groove defined at a lower portion of the refractory brick assembly (10). The forks (170) of the lifting assembly (100) are configured to provide support to the refractory brick assembly (10) during the lifting operation of the lifting assembly (100). As shown in exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the plurality of forks (170) comprises a pair of forks (170) detachably coupled with the lower frame (130) of the frame structure (110). Each fork (170) of the plurality of forks (170) is insertable into the respective groove defined at the lower portion of the refractory brick assembly (10) during the lifting operation of the lifting assembly (100).

[0062]

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, the forks (170) are arranged spaced apart from each other along a length of the lower frame (130) to support the refractory brick assembly (10) during the lifting operation. Such a configuration of the forks (170) may be set to align with the shape of the refractory brick assembly (10) to be lifted, transported, and installed. In other embodiments, the forks (170) 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.

[0063]

[0059] In accordance with the present disclosure, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, during the lifting operation of the refractory brick assembly (10) by the lifting assembly (100), each fork (170) of the plurality of forks (170) is insertable into the respective groove defined at the lower portion of the refractory brick assembly (10). Further, during said lifting operation, owing to the structural configuration of the lifting assembly (100), a first vertical plane (A-A’) containing a centre of gravity (G) of the refractory brick assembly (10) is eccentric from a second vertical plane (B-B’) containing the at least one holding component (160).

[0064]

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment where the at least one holding component (160) is the shackle anchor (160) coupled to the upper frame (120) and the plurality of forks (170) comprises the pair of forks (170) detachably coupled with the lower frame (130), during the lifting operation of the refractory brick assembly (10) by the lifting assembly (100), each fork (170) is insertable into the respective groove of the refractory brick assembly (10), and the first vertical plane (A-A’) containing the centre of gravity (G) of the refractory brick assembly (10) is eccentric from the second vertical plane (B-B’) containing the shackle anchor (160).

[0065]

[0061] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first vertical plane (A-A’) containing the centre of gravity (G) of the refractory brick assembly (10) lies between the second vertical plane (B-B’) containing the at least one holding component (160) and a third vertical plane (C-C’) containing the plurality of leg columns (140) of the frame structure (110). Said eccentricity of the centre of gravity (G) of the refractory brick assembly (10) from the at least one holding component (160) facilitates tilting the lifting assembly (100) in a direction towards the leg columns (140) of the lifting assembly (100), and thereby prevents falling-off of the refractory brick assembly (10) from the lifting assembly (100).

[0066]

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the lifting assembly (100) may further comprise a layer of cushioning material (180) provided on the plurality of leg columns (140) of the frame structure (110). In an exemplary embodiment, the layer of cushioning material (180) may be provided on ‘H-shaped’ structure (140a) of the plurality of leg columns (140) of the frame structure (110). The layer of cushioning material (180) prevents wearing-off of the refractory brick assembly (10) during lifting operation of the refractory brick assembly (10) by the lifting assembly (100).

[0067]

[0063] Further, referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, in some embodiments, the frame structure (100) may comprise handles (162) coupled to the upper frame (120). The handles (162) may be adapted to facilitate lifting of the lifting assembly (100) by a forklift. As shown in FIG. 3, the lifting assembly (100) comprises the handles (162) on the pair of horizontal columns (122a, 122b) of the upper frame (120). The handles (162) 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 (162) 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. In other embodiments, the lifting assembly (100) may comprise at least one bar (not shown) coupled to the frame structure (110) for manually guiding the lifting assembly (100) during the lifting operation. Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the lifting assembly (100) may comprise an additional holding component (164), for example, the shackle anchor, provided on the upper frame (120) of the frame structure (110), for example for lifting the refractory brick assembly (10).

[0064] Without limiting the scope of protection of the present disclosure, the frame structure (110) and the plurality of forks (170) may be made of materials comprising, but not limited to, structural steel. Also, the upper frame (120), the lower frame (130) and the plurality of leg columns (140) of the frame structure (110) may be detachably coupled to each other.

[0068]

[0065] In an embodiment, the dimensions of the pair of horizontal columns (122a, 122b) of the upper frame (120) are adapted to the length, i.e., the longest dimension, and the weight of the refractory brick assembly (10). The dimensions of the forks (170) are adapted to the width and the weight of the refractory brick assembly (10). The dimensions of the leg columns (1 0) may be adapted to the height and the weight of the refractory brick assembly (10).

[0069]

[0066] 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.

[0070]

[0067] 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.

[0071]

[0068] 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 forks (170) are arranged in a way to provide support to the refractory brick assembly (10) and uniformly distribute the load while lifting.

[0072]

[0069] 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.

[0073]

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0074]

[0072] 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.

[0075]

[0073] 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.

[0076]

[0074] 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.

[0077]

[0075] 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. REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0078] EQUIVALENTS:

[0079]

[0076] 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.

[0080]

[0077] 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.

[0081]

[0078] 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.

[0082]

[0079] 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), comprising: an upper frame (120); a lower frame (130); and a plurality of leg columns (140) that extends between the upper frame (120) and the lower frame (130); at least one holding component (160) coupled to the upper frame (120) of the frame structure (110), the at least one holding component (160) configured to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly (100) by an equipment; and a plurality of forks (170) detachably coupled with the lower frame (130) of the frame structure (110), wherein, during a lifting operation of the refractory brick assembly (10) by the modular lifting assembly (100), each fork (170) of the plurality of forks (170) is insertable into a respective groove defined at a lower portion of the refractory brick assembly (10) to provide support to the refractory brick assembly (10), and a first vertical plane (A- A’) containing a centre of gravity (G) of the refractory brick assembly (10) is eccentric from a second vertical plane (B- B’) containing the at least one holding component (160).

2. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first vertical plane (A-A’) containing the centre of gravity (G) of the refractory brick assembly (10) lies between the second vertical plane (B-B’) containing the at least one holding component (160) and a third vertical plane (C-C’) containing the plurality of leg columns (140) of the frame structure (110).

3. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one holding component (160) is a shackle anchor (160) coupled to the upper frame (120) of the frame structure (110) and configured to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly (100) via a shackle; andthe plurality of forks (170) comprises a pair of forks (170) detachably coupled with the lower frame (130) of the frame structure (110), wherein, during the lifting operation of the refractory brick assembly (10) by the modular lifting assembly (100), each fork (170) is insertable into the respective groove defined at the lower portion of the refractory brick assembly (10), and the first vertical plane (A-A’) containing the centre of gravity (G) of the refractory brick assembly (10) is eccentric from the second vertical plane (B-B’) containing the shackle anchor (160).

4. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a layer of cushioning material (180) provided on the plurality of leg columns (140) of the frame structure (110).

5. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame structure (110) comprises handles (162) coupled to the upper frame (120), the handles (162) adapted to facilitate lifting of the modular lifting assembly (100) by a forklift.

6. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an additional holding component (164) provided on the upper frame (120) of the frame structure (110).

7. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one bar coupled to the frame structure (110) for manually guiding the modular lifting assembly (100) during the lifting operation.

8. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame structure (110) and the plurality of forks (170) are made of structural steel.

9. The modular lifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper frame (120), the lower frame (130) and the plurality of leg columns (140) of the frame structure (110) are detachably coupled to each other.

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