An apparatus and system for repairing the refractory lining of the furnace

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus. The apparatus (1) comprises a frame structure (2). The frame structure (2) having an upper frame (3) and a lower frame (4). The apparatus further comprises an actuator (5) positioned on the upper frame (3). And actuator (5) is configured to drive a driven unit (6). Further the driven unit (6) extending longitudinally from the lower frame (4). The driven unit (6) is configured to make a contact with a refractory lining (101) of a furnace (100) upon actuation of the actuator (5) and applies repair mixture on the refractory lining (101) of the furnace (100).

Description

[0001] AN APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR REPAIRING THE REFRACTORY LINING OF THE FURNACE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of furnace. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and an apparatus which is configured to repair the refractory lining of the 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. A furnace is an enclosed structure where materials are heated to very high temperatures. It comprises of a non-conductive crucible that holds the metal charge, surrounded by a coil of conductive wire. The furnace is utilized in many industrial processes. The furnace generally has a capacity of 10-50 mega tones and operates at a high temperature up to 1700°C. The furnace is charged with multiple types of scraps such as domestic, commercial, bundle and shredded scrap. The scrap is discharged into the furnace with the help of a pusher and during this operation the different types of scraps comes in contact with the inner walls of the furnace, which are typically made from refractory linings containing alumina, silica, and / or other ceramic materials. Refractory lining in furnaces is essential as it act as a thermal barrier, protecting the inductive coil and other structural components from extreme heat. This lining also withstands physical stresses such as thermal expansion and contraction, which helps maintain the furnace’s structural integrity. However, due to the impact of uneven shaped scraps and heavy scraps while charging the furnace, the top portion of refractory lining of the furnace gets damaged and need to be repaired manually in very hot condition.

[0006]

[0003] Conventionally, the operator prepares a repair mix and applies on the refractory lining by putting his hand in the hot condition with high temperature gloves and wearing glasses. At present, in order to repair the damaged area, the operator at a particular site bends inside the furnace and put his hand to apply the fast-setting repair mix at the damaged portion. In this process, the operator has to put their hand inside at atemperature of 300 - 400 degree Celsius over the furnace crucible which is a very unsafe activity even with high temp gloves and high temp jackets. The temperature inside the furnace is maintained at a volume stabilization temperature. The volume stabilization temperature refers to the specific temperature at which the refractory inside the inductive furnace stabilizes in volume during the heating process. This temperature is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and performance of the furnace. However, this stabilization temperature is extremely high, creating a hazardous environment for workers. The intense heat poses significant safety risks, making it unsafe for workers to perform repairs or maintenance on the furnace while it is operating at these temperatures. As a result, special precautions and procedures must be in place to ensure worker safety during any necessary repairs.

[0007]

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in the domain to improve the working conditions for the site operators and ensure the better repair technology, with a system to deliver the fast-setting refractory and ramming head at the exact location of the damage.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009]

[0005] The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the system / assembly / method as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the system / assembly / method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[0010]

[0006] Pursuant to an aspect of the present disclosure, in an embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a frame structure having an upper frame and a lower frame. The apparatus further comprises an actuator positioned on the upper frame and is configured to drive a driven unit. The driven unit extending longitudinally from the lower frame and is configured to make a contact with a refractory lining of a furnace upon actuation of the actuator and applies repair mixture on the refractory lining of the furnace.

[0011]

[0007] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, further comprises a vertical frame disposed between the upper frame and lower frame and the vertical frame is configured to provide a structural rigidity to the frame structure.

[0008] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of links connects the actuator with the driven unit and the plurality of links are configured to transmit the translational movement from the actuator to the driven unit.

[0012]

[0009] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuator is a pneumatic cylinder which is actuated by a switch mounted on a handle of the upper frame of the frame structure.

[0013]

[0010] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the pneumatic cylinder comprises a rod connectable with a piston of the pneumatic cylinder and is configured to move longitudinally based on the movement of the piston inside a housing of the pneumatic cylinder.

[0014] [OH] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, further comprises a first link connected with the rod of the pneumatic cylinder by a connecting link. A second link connected with the first link and a third link. The third link disposed on a surface of the lower frame and is connected with the driven unit.

[0015]

[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a tray is disposed on a distal end of the lower frame is configured to contain the repair mixture which is applied on the refractory lining of the furnace.

[0016]

[0013] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the driven unit is positioned inside the tray and configured to move longitudinally inside the tray and apply repair mixture on the refractory lining of the furnace.

[0017]

[0014] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the driven unit is a rammer having a flat face which make a contact with the refractory lining upon actuation of the actuator.

[0018]

[0015] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, upon actuation of actuator of the actuator by the switch, the rod moves longitudinally and transmits forward motion to the first link by the connecting link.

[0019]

[0016] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the forward motion of the first link is transmitted to the forward motion of the third link through the second link and moves the driven unit with the repair mixture forward towards the refractory lining of the furnace.

[0020]

[0017] Pursuant to another aspect of the present disclosure, in an embodiment, a system configured to repair a refractory lining of a furnace as described above, is disclosed. The system comprises a trolley configured to move proximate to a top portion of the furnace. A hoist having a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to thetrolley and the second end is connected with an apparatus. The hoist is configured to move the apparatus inside the furnace. The apparatus further discloses a frame structure having an upper frame and lower frame. The second end of the hoist is pivotably connected with the upper frame of the apparatus. An actuator positioned on the frame and is configured to drive a driven unit. The driven unit extending longitudinally from the lower frame and is configured to make a contact with a refractory lining of the furnace upon actuation of the actuator and applies repair mixture on the refractory lining of the furnace.

[0021]

[0018] Within the scope of the present disclosure, the apparatus and the system comprising the frame structure, the actuator configured to driven by the driven unit provide safer instruments for the repairment on the furnaces.

[0022]

[0019] Further, the apparatus and the system ensures safety at site for operators in the repairment work of the furnaces and is ergonomically easier for the operator to operate. The apparatus and system ensure that right quantity of the repair mixture is applied at the damaged portion of the furnaces. The apparatus and the system have the circumferential reached in all directions inside the furnace.

[0023]

[0020] Furthermore, the apparatus and the system provide with a good density of the repaired and rammed portion in the furnaces. It enhance the life of refractory with this repair technology.

[0024]

[0021] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025]

[0022] 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.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0027]

[0023] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0028]

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a system along with an apparatus at one position in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029]

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a system along with an apparatus at another position in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure ;

[0030]

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the system in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031]

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates the apparatus at a forward stroke according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032]

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates the apparatus at a rearward stroke according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033]

[0029] 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.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035]

[0030] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the FIGS, and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0036]

[0031] Before describing detailed embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in an apparatus and system for repairing the refractory lining of the furnace. 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 apparatus and system. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with detailsthat will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

[0037]

[0032] 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.

[0038]

[0033] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, 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.

[0039]

[0034] The terms like “at least one” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.

[0040]

[0035] Pursuant to an embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a frame structure having an upper frame, a lower frame. An actuator positioned on the upper frame and is configure to drive a driven unit. The driven unit extending longitudinally from the lower frame and is configured to make a contact with a refractory lining of a furnace upon actuating of the actuator and applies repair mixture on the refractory lining of the furnace. The frame structure comprises a vertical frame disposed between the upper frame and lower frame and the vertical frame is configured to provide a structure rigidity to the frame structure. A plurality of link connects the actuator with the driven unit and the plurality of links are configure to transmit the translation movement from the actuator to the driven unit. The actuator is a pneumatic cylinder which is actuated by a swich mounted on a handle of the upper frame of the frame structure. The pneumatic cylinder comprises a rod connected with a piston of the pneumatic cylinder and is configured to move longitudinally based on the movement of the piston inside a housing of the pneumatic cylinder. Further comprises a first link connected with the rod of the pneumatic cylinder by a connecting link. A second link connected with the first link and a third link. The third link disposed on a surface of the lower frame and is connected with the driven unit. A tray is disposed on a distal end of the lower frame is configured to contain the repair mixture which is applied on the refractory lining of the furnace. A portion of the driven unit is positioned inside the trayand configured to move longitudinally inside the tray and apply repair mixture on the refractory lining of the furnace. The driven unit is a rammer having a flat face which make a contact with the refractory lining upon actuation of the actuator. Upon actuation of actuator by the switch, the rod moves longitudinally and transmits forward motion to the first link by the connecting link. The forward motion of the first link is transmitted to the forward motion of the third link through the second link and moves the driven unit with the repair mixture forward towards the refractory lining of the furnace.

[0041]

[0036] Pursuant to another embodiment, a system configured to repair a refractory lining of a furnace as described above, is disclosed. The system comprises a trolley configured to move proximate to a top portion of the furnace. A hoist having a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the trolley and the second end is connected with an apparatus. The hoist is configured to move the apparatus inside the furnace. The apparatus further discloses a frame structure having an upper frame and lower frame. The second end of the hoist is pivotably connected with the upper frame of the apparatus. An actuator positioned on the frame and is configured to drive a driven unit. The driven unit extending longitudinally from the lower frame and is configured to make a contact with a refractory lining of the furnace upon actuation of the actuator and applies repair mixture on the refractory lining of the furnace.

[0042]

[0037] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the 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.

[0043]

[0038] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, figure 1 illustrate a system (200) configured to repair a refractory lining (101) of a furnace (100). In the present disclosure, the furnace is embedded inside the floor having top portion (102) which is aligned with the ground surface (205). The top portion (102) of the furnace (100) is configured to receive a charge for melting. The charge is melted inside the furnace through the circulation of hot air (i.e. convention) and radiation. Without limiting the scope of protection, the furnace (100) defined in the present disclosure is an induction furnace. The furnace (100) comprises a refractory lining (101) which is basically a protective layer inside the furnace (100) that protects the molten structure from high temperature and extreme conditions. During the charging operation there is impact ofuneven shaped scraps or heavy scraps on the refractory linings and the top portion (102) of the refractory lining (101) of the furnace (100) gets damaged frequently and can lead to metal penetration from the area. The system (200) disclosed in the present disclosure provides a solution to repair the top portion (102) of the furnace (100).

[0044]

[0039] In an embodiment of the present disclosure and referring to figures 1-3, the system (200) comprises a trolley (201) which is configured to move a hoist (202) proximate to a top portion (102) of the furnace (100). The trolley (201) is a conventional trolley having a plurality of wheels (206) which moves the hoist towards the top portion of the furnace. An operator (207) during a repair operation may move the trolley (201) towards the top portion (102) of the furnace (100) and may move away from the furnace (100) once the repair operation is completed. The pluralities of wheels (206) move the trolley (201) over the ground surface (205) and position the trolley (201) proximate to the top portion (102) of the furnace (100) in order to operate the hoist (202). The hoist (202) having a first end (203) and a second end (204). The first end (203) of the hoist (202) is connected to the trolley (201) and the second end (204) of the hoist (202) is connected with an apparatus (1). The operator (207) based on the requirement, positions the trolley (201) proximate to the top portion (102) of the furnace (100). It has been observed that during the insertion of the charge material inside the furnace (100), not only the top portion (102) but the middle portion of refractory linings are also damaged. Also, it has been observed that the damages are spread across the circumferential surface of furnace (100). Thus, in order to spread out the reach of repair of the refractory linings, the hoist (202) is connected with the apparatus (1) and is configured to move the apparatus (1) inside and across the furnace (100).

[0045]

[0040] As shown in figure 1, the hoist (202) moves the apparatus (1) inside the furnace to repair the damaged portion of the top portion (102) of the refractory linings (101) and as shown in figure 2, the hoist (202) moves the apparatus (1) deep inside the furnace (100) to repair the damaged portion of the middle portion of the refractory linings (101). Figure 3 illustrates the top view of the system and shows that the operator (207) based on the requirement may move the apparatus (1) across the circumferential surface of the furnace (100). The second end (204) of the hoist (202) is pivotably connected with the apparatus (1) and allows the operator to move the apparatus (1) up or down and across the furnace (100) based on the requirement. Thus, the system disclosed (200) in the present disclosure repairs the damaged portions across the furnace (100) and has 360-degree reach inside the furnace (100).

[0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure and referring to figure 4 and 5, the system (200) comprises an apparatus (1) which is configured to apply repair mixture on the refractory lining (101) of the furnace (100). The apparatus (1) comprises a frame structure (2) having an upper frame (3), a lower frame (4) and a vertical frame (10) disposed between the upper frame (3) and lower frame (3). The vertical frame (10) is configured to provide a structural rigidity to the frame structure (2). In an embodiment, the second end (204) of the hoist (202) is pivotably connected with the upper frame (3) of the apparatus (1) and allows the movement of the apparatus inside the furnace (100). Figure 4 and figure 5 illustrates one of the embodiments of the frame structure and the construction of frame structure may vary based on the requirements. In the present disclosure, the upper frame (3) is having a length greater than the length of the lower frame (4). However, without limiting the scope of protection, the upper frame (3) may have a length equal to or even less than the length of the lower frame (4).

[0046]

[0042] In an embodiment, an actuator (5) is positioned on the upper frame (3). In the present disclosure, the actuator (5) is a pneumatic cylinder. However, the actuator in the present disclosure is not limited only to pneumatic cylinder and may be any actuating device which may be configured to drive a driven unit (6). In the present disclosure, the actuator or pneumatic cylinder is interchangeably and denotes the same component. The pneumatic cylinder (5) is a conventional pneumatic cylinder which works by converting the compressed air into a mechanical motion to produce force. The actuator (5) is actuated by a swich (8) mounted on a handle (9) of the upper fame (3) of the frame structure (2). During the working of the apparatus (1), the operator (207) may toggle the switch (8) in order to operate the apparatus (1). As shown in figure 4, the pneumatic cylinder (5) comprises a rod (11) which is connectable with a piston (12) of the pneumatic cylinder (5). The rod (11) is configured to move longitudinally based on the movement of the piston (12) inside a housing (13) of the pneumatic cylinder (5). Once the operator (207) toggles the switch (8), the piston (12) of the pneumatic cylinder (5) is configured to move forward and backward inside the housing (13). Since the rod (11) is connectable with piston (12), the rod (11) also moves back and forth based on the movement of the piston (12). In an embodiment, the actuator is configured to drive a driven unit (6).

[0047]

[0043] As shown in figure 4 and figure 5, the driven unit (6) extends longitudinally from the lower frame (3) and is configured to make a contact with a refractory lining (101) of a furnace (100). In the present disclosure, the driven unit (6) is a rammer havinga flat face (6a) which make a contact with the refractory lining (101) upon actuation of the actuator (5) and applies repair mixture on the refractory lining (101) of the furnace (100). In an embodiment, the apparatus (1) comprises a plurality of links (7) which connects the actuator (5) with the driven unit (6). The plurality of links (7) are configured to transmit the translational movement from the actuator (5) to the driven unit (6).

[0048]

[0044] As shown in figure 4, the plurality of links (7) comprises a first link (14) which is connected with the rod (11) of the pneumatic cylinder (5) by a connecting link (15). The connecting link (15) is configured to move the first link (14) in the accordance with the movement of the rod (11). Thus, the first link (14) moves in the same direction as per the movement of the rod (11). In an embodiment, a second link (16) is connected with the first link (14) and a third link (17). The third link (17) is disposed on a surface of the lower frame (4) and is connected with the driven unit (6). In an embodiment, a tray (18) is disposed on a distal end of the lower frame (4). The tray is configured to contain the repair mixture which is applied on the refractory lining (101) of the furnace (100). The repair mixture having a composition of fused alumina aggregates, magnesia, silicate solution and water. As shown in figure 4 and figure 5, a portion of driven unit (6) is positioned inside the tray (18) and configured to move longitudinally inside the tray (18) and apply repair mixture on the refractory lining (101) of the furnace (100).

[0049]

[0045] In an embodiment, figure 4 illustrates the working condition of apparatus at a forward stroke. The forward stroke is the stroke when the rammer makes a contact with the refractory lining. Figure 5 illustrates the working condition of the apparatus at a rearward stroke. The rearward stroke is the stroke when the rammer does not make contact with the refractory lining. During the working of the apparatus and in the forward stroke, upon actuation of the actuator (5) by the switch (8), the rod (11) moves longitudinally and transmits forward motion to the first link (14) by the connecting link (15). The forward motion of the first link (14) is transmitted to the forward motion of the third link (17) through the second link (16) and moves the driving unit (6) with the repair mixture forward towards the refractory lining (101) of the furnace (100). During the working of the apparatus and since the piston (12) moves back and forth, the forward stroke is followed by the backward stroke. In the backward stroke, the rod (11) moves longitudinally rearwardly and due to which the first link (14) moves rearward. The rearward motion of the first link (14) is transmitted to the rearward motion of the third link (16) through the second link (16) and moves the driven unit (6) away from therefractory lining (101) of the furnace (100). Thus, in one cycle the piston (12) moves back and forth, and the driven unit (6) based on the movement of the piston (12) moves back and forth. Due to the contact of the rammer with the repair mixture on the refractory lining, the damaged portion is repaired properly. In the present disclosure, the repair mixture is stored inside the tray (18) and during the operation, the repair mixture may be pressed against the damaged portion by means of the driven unit (6). The repair mixture once applied is heated up to develop the strength to become a monolithic lining to protect the furnace lining.

[0050]

[0046] In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the system may comprise a microcontroller configured to facilitate the repair of the refractory lining (101) of a furnace (100). In the embodiment defined in the above paragraphs, an operator intervention is required to detect and identify the damaged portion inside the furnace and repair them as explained in the above paragraphs. In the alternate embodiment, the operator internation may not be required and the microcontroller may able to detect the damaged portions and apply the repair mixture on the damaged portions accordingly.

[0051]

[0047] In the alternate embodiment, the microcontroller is configured to detect the damaged portion and then is configured to apply repair mixture on the damaged portion. During the detection process, the microcontroller is configured to move the apparatus inside and across the furnace (100). In the alternate embodiment, a plurality of sensors is mounted on the lower frame (4) of the apparatus (1). The plurality of sensors are configured to check the surface finish of the furnace (100) and provide input to the microcontroller. The microcontroller based on the input received from the plurality of sensors may provide feedback to the trolley (201) and hoist (202) of the system (200) in order to position the apparatus (1) at a location where the damaged portions are present. Once the apparatus (1) is positioned in the desired location, the microcontroller may acuate the actuator (5) providing desired force to the driver unit (6) and apply repair mixture on the damaged portions. Due to the presence for plurality of sensors and microcontroller, the damaged portions are properly detected and efficiently repaired.

[0052]

[0048] 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. Inthe drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0053]

[0049] 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.

[0054]

[0050] 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.

[0055]

[0051] 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.

[0056]

[0052] 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

[0057]

[0058] EQUIVALENTS:

[0059]

[0053] 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.

[0060]

[0054] 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.

[0061]

[0055] 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.

[0062]

[0056] 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

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus (1) comprising:a frame structure (2) having an upper frame (3), a lower frame (4);an actuator (5) positioned on the upper frame (3) and is configured to drive a driven unit (6);the driven unit (6) extending longitudinally from the lower frame (4) and is configured to make a contact with a refractory lining ( 101 ) of a furnace (100) upon actuation of the actuator (5) and applies repair mixture on the refractory lining (101) of the furnace (100).

2. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame structure (2) comprises a vertical frame (10) disposed between the upper frame (3) and lower frame (4) and the vertical frame (10) is configured to provide a structural rigidity to the frame structure (2).

3. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein a plurality of links (7) connects the actuator (5) with the driven unit (6) and the plurality of links (7) are configured to transmit the translational movement from the actuator (5) to the driven unit (6).

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the actuator (5) is a pneumatic cylinder which is actuated by a swich (8) mounted on a handle (9) of the upper fame (3) of the frame structure (2).

5. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pneumatic cylinder (5) comprises a rod (11) connectable with a piston (12) of the pneumatic cylinder (5) and is configured to move longitudinally based on the movement of the piston (12) inside a housing (13) of the pneumatic cylinder (5).

6. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of links (7) comprises:a first link (14) connected with the rod (11) of the pneumatic cylinder (5) by a connecting link (15);a second link (16) connected with the first link (14) and a third link (17) ;the third link (17) disposed on a surface of the lower frame (4) and is connected with the driven unit (6).

7. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein a tray (18) is disposed on a distal end of the lower frame (4) is configured to contain the repair mixture which is applied on the refractory lining (101) of the furnace (100).

8. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein a portion of driven unit (6) is positioned inside the tray (18) and configured to move longitudinally inside the tray (18) and apply repair mixture on the refractory lining (101) of the furnace (100).

9. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the driven unit (6) is a rammer having a flat face (6a) which make a contact with the refractory lining (101) upon actuation of the actuator (5).

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein upon actuation of the actuator (5) by the switch (8), the rod (11) moves longitudinally and transmits forward motion to the first link (14) by the connecting link (15).

11. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 10 wherein the forward motion of the first link (14) is transmitted to the forward motion of the third link (17) through the second link (16) and moves the driving unit (6) with the repair mixture forward towards the refractory lining (101) of the furnace (100).

12. A system (200) configured to repair a refractory lining (101) of a furnace (100), the system (200) comprises:a trolley (201) configured to move proximate to atop portion (102) of the furnace (100); a hoist (202) having a first end (203) and a second end (204) wherein the first end (203) is connected to the trolley (201) and the second end (204) is connected with an apparatus (1) wherein the hoist (202) is configured to move the apparatus (1) inside the furnace wherein the apparatus comprisesa frame structure (2) having an upper frame (3), a lower frame (4) wherein the second end (204) of the hoist (202) is pivotably connected with the upper frame (3) of the apparatus (1);an actuator (5) positioned on the upper frame (3) and is configured to drive a driven unit (6);the driven unit (6) extending longitudinally from the lower frame (3) and is configured to make a contact with a refractory lining ( 101) of a furnace ( 100) upon actuation of the actuator (5) and applies repair mixture on the refractory lining (101) of the furnace (100).

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