Roll stand, in particular cold roll stand, having at least one roll for rolling a metal workpiece and having an exhaust air system, method for treating exhaust air from a roll stand, and cold rolling mill comprising at least one roll stand

Abstract

The invention relates to a roll stand (1), in particular a cold roll stand, having at least one roll (2) for rolling a metal workpiece (3) and having an exhaust air system (4), the exhaust air system (4) comprising an exhaust air guide device (5) for guiding exhaust air and an exhaust air purification device (6) for purifying the exhaust air, wherein the exhaust air guide device (5) is designed to suction exhaust air from the roll stand (1) and to guide it to the exhaust air purification device (6), and wherein the exhaust air guide device (5) is designed to introduce at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air into the roll stand (1).

Description

[0001] Page 1 / 33

[0002] Applicant: SMS group GmbH

[0003] Our reference: P81101WO

[0004] March 24, 2026

[0005] Rolling stand, in particular cold rolling stand, with at least one roll for rolling a metallic workpiece and with an exhaust air system, method for treating exhaust air from a rolling stand and cold rolling mill comprising at least one rolling stand.

[0006] The present invention relates to a rolling mill stand, in particular a cold rolling mill stand, comprising at least one roll for rolling a metallic workpiece and an exhaust air system. The invention also relates to a method for treating the exhaust air of a rolling mill stand. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cold rolling mill comprising at least one rolling mill stand.

[0007] In the production of metallic workpieces, such as steel strips, rolling mills, especially cold rolling mills, are used to roll, or cold-form, the workpieces. Lubricants and coolants are used to ensure adequate lubrication and cooling of the rolling mill components and the workpieces. For steel strips, for example, emulsions of demineralized water (DI water) and special oils, particularly primary oils, are used. When cold-rolling aluminum or copper strips, for example, rolling oils are used for lubrication and cooling.

[0008] Depending on a variety of influencing parameters, such as the type of lubricant application, evaporation on heated workpieces or rollers, and / or the blow-off of lubricants and coolants at the workpiece edges, Page 2 / 33

[0009] P81101WO, or strip edges, cause droplet formation in the rolling stand during the rolling process. This can lead to the formation of aerosols or mist. Droplet, mist, or aerosol formation increases in the conveying direction of a metal strip and is particularly high at the strip exit. For environmental protection reasons, it is necessary to extract such aerosols, consisting of coolants and lubricants, as they can impair air quality, be harmful to the health of employees, and be detrimental to the environment. Furthermore, these fine particles can settle in the surrounding area, especially within a factory building, and contribute to water and soil contamination, which can cause long-term ecological damage and impair production within the factory.

[0010] Against this background, systems and processes are known from the prior art that comprehensively extract such aerosols from a rolling mill. This exhaust air is typically conveyed via ducts to blowers and an exhaust air purification system, whereby the blowers can, for example, be located upstream of the purification system and may serve as centrifugal separators. An exhaust air purification system may, for example, include a demister and a scrubber.

[0011] A disadvantage of these systems and processes is that the separation efficiencies, especially for fine and ultrafine particles with a diameter of only a few micrometers, are insufficient with the droplet separators used, such as knitted mesh separators. Due to this technical limitation of the components, adequate separation cannot be achieved, resulting in excessive emissions of coolants and lubricants into the environment. At the same time, the volume flow of the exhaust air extracted from the rolling mill cannot be reduced, as this leads to aerosols (page 3 / 33).

[0012] P81101WO and emulsion mist could enter the factory hall, leading on the one hand to unhealthy working conditions for the employees and on the other hand making process control more difficult.

[0013] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of at least partially overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages and of providing a rolling mill stand and a method for treating the exhaust air of a rolling mill stand in which the emitted mass of cooling and lubricating agents can be reduced without reducing the suction effect at the rolling mill stand.

[0014] The problems underlying the present invention are solved by a rolling mill stand with the features of claim 1 of the present invention. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0015] In more detail, the problem underlying the present invention is solved by a rolling mill stand with at least one roll for rolling a metallic workpiece and with an exhaust air system comprising: an exhaust air guide device for directing exhaust air, and an exhaust air cleaning device for cleaning the exhaust air, wherein the exhaust air guide device is designed to extract exhaust air from the rolling mill stand and direct it to the exhaust air cleaning device, and wherein the exhaust air guide device is designed to introduce at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air into the rolling mill stand.

[0016] Such a rolling stand offers the particular advantage that the mass or mass flow of emitted lubricants and coolants can be reduced without reducing the extraction capacity or the volume flow of the exhaust air extracted from the rolling stand. Furthermore, the loss or consumption of coolants and lubricants through the exhaust air can also be reduced. Page 4 / 33

[0017] P81101WO This advantage is achieved in particular by directing a portion of the extracted exhaust air into the rolling mill stand, thus preventing its release into the environment. If the separators of the exhaust air system reach their technical limits, for example at a certain exhaust air volume flow rate or with small-sized coolant and lubricant particles, these particles can be kept in circulation by recirculating the extracted exhaust air.

[0018] Another advantage is that the exhaust air introduced into the rolling stand can also be used for further process steps. In particular, the introduced exhaust air can be used for strip edge blowing, i.e., for blowing off workpiece edges.

[0019] A rolling mill stand can, for example, comprise a stand frame and at least one roll for rolling a metallic workpiece. It is also possible for a rolling mill stand to have several rolls, which may, for example, be arranged adjacent to one another. In particular, several rolls can be arranged one above the other in such a way that the metallic workpiece can be rolled between the rolls.

[0020] A roller can be understood, for example, as a cylindrical unit rotatably arranged in the rolling stand, which may include a tool surface for rolling the metallic workpiece. Such a roller can, for example, consist of a roller shaft and a roller body attached to it. In particular, the roller body can be designed as an interchangeable roller body and, for example, attached to the roller shaft by means of a shrink fit.

[0021] The rolling mill stand is preferably a cold rolling mill stand. Page 5 / 33

[0022] P81101WO An exhaust air system comprises an exhaust air duct and an exhaust air purification device and is designed to extract exhaust air, in particular including aerosols and particles from coolants and lubricants, from the rolling mill stand. This means, in particular, that the exhaust air is extracted from the working area of ​​the roll, i.e., within the rolling mill stand frame. An exhaust air duct is designed to extract exhaust air from the rolling mill stand and direct it to other components of the exhaust air system, in particular the exhaust air purification device. An exhaust air duct can comprise various devices for this purpose, for example, one or more fans, filters, demisters, nozzles, separators, ducts, and / or outlets. An exhaust air purification device is designed to clean the extracted exhaust air.The exhaust air purification system can comprise various devices, such as one or more separators, scrubbers, filters (especially paper filters, activated carbon filters, electrostatic filters, ultrasonic filters), wet scrubbers, demisters, collection tanks, pumps, and / or fans. The exhaust air system can also include sensor units, control units and calibration devices, as well as control electronics.

[0023] For example, an exhaust air purification system can include a wet scrubber or wet scrubber. Wet scrubbers are used, for example, to remove solid, liquid, or gaseous contaminants from a gas. The contaminants can, for instance, bind to a scrubbing liquid introduced into the gas stream and be separated along with it. The operating principle of wet scrubbers or wet scrubbers can therefore be based, for example, on the transfer of gases or particles from a gas- or particle-laden gas stream into a liquid. This may require the formation of corresponding phase interfaces between the gas and liquid and the generation of relative motion between these two phases. Page 6 / 33

[0024] P81101WO One method for achieving phase interfaces with the most intensive possible mixing of gas and liquid is the dispersion of one phase into the other. This can be used, for example, to create bubble swarms in a liquid or droplet collectives in a gas, or to create systems in which the liquid is present as a more or less fragmented jet. Another fundamental way to bring gas and liquid into contact is by flowing fluid around liquid-wetted bodies.

[0025] The fact that the exhaust air duct is designed to introduce at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air into the rolling mill can be understood to mean that the exhaust air duct partially returns exhaust air extracted from the rolling mill to the mill. It is possible that the exhaust air duct returns this partial volume flow directly after extraction from the mill, or that the exhaust air duct returns the partial volume flow of exhaust air from the exhaust air purification device to the mill. It is also conceivable that the exhaust air duct introduces both a partial volume flow of exhaust air directly from the mill and a partial volume flow of exhaust air from the exhaust air purification device into the mill. The partial volume flow not introduced into the mill can, for example, be released into the environment, such as via a chimney.The environment does not refer to the factory building in which the rolling mill is located, but rather to the atmosphere surrounding this factory building.

[0026] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to introduce at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air, which is discharged by the exhaust air cleaning device of at least one rolling stand, into a pre-stand area of ​​the rolling stand and / or into an intermediate stand area between two rolling stands. In other words, such a partial volume flow can be introduced into an area which, for example, is adjacent to the rolling stand (page 7 / 33).

[0027] The P81101WO is positioned upstream, allowing the partial volume flow to enter both the rolling stand in question and, for example, a neighboring rolling stand. This introduction of the partial volume flow enables the aforementioned advantages to be achieved particularly effectively.

[0028] The exhaust system, and in particular the exhaust air guidance device, may include devices for controlling and / or regulating the partial volume flow introduced into the rolling stand. These devices may include, for example, dampers, valves, sensors and control units, as well as storage units.

[0029] A partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill stand can, for example, be less than or equal to 1% of the total exhaust air, in particular less than or equal to 5% of the total exhaust air, in particular less than or equal to 15% of the total exhaust air, in particular less than or equal to 25% of the total exhaust air, in particular less than or equal to 40% of the total exhaust air, in particular less than or equal to 50% of the total exhaust air, in particular less than or equal to 60% of the total exhaust air, in particular less than or equal to 70% of the total exhaust air, in particular less than or equal to 80% of the total exhaust air, in particular less than or equal to 90% of the total exhaust air, in particular less than or equal to 95% of the total exhaust air, in particular less than or equal to 99% of the total exhaust air, and in particular almost or equal to 100% of the total exhaust air. Preferably, the partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill stand can be between 10% and 100% of the total extracted exhaust air.The partial volume flow of the exhaust air that is introduced into the rolling mill can also be between 10% and 100% of the cleaned exhaust air.

[0030] When the exhaust air is introduced into the rolling mill, it can, for example, be collected in drip trays for coolant and lubricants - page 8 / 33

[0031] P81101WO can be used. It is also possible to use the introduced exhaust air to blow off the metallic workpiece, for example, to blow off the edges of a metal strip.

[0032] The exhaust air guide device can be configured to introduce the partial volume flow of the exhaust air, which is discharged by the exhaust air cleaning device, into the rolling mill stand. The partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill stand can be between 10% and 100% of the exhaust air volume flow discharged by the exhaust air cleaning device.

[0033] This design offers the particular advantage that the exhaust air supplied to the rolling stand is at least partially treated and cleaned by virtue of being discharged from the exhaust air purification device, and can therefore be used more effectively within the rolling stand. It can be advantageous to introduce only exhaust air from the exhaust air purification device into the rolling stand, as this prevents untreated exhaust air from entering the circuit within the rolling stand.

[0034] The proportion of exhaust air reintroduced into the rolling stand by the exhaust air ducting device, relative to the volume flow of exhaust air discharged by the exhaust air purification device or the volume flow of extracted exhaust air, can be adjusted depending on the operation of the rolling mill and the effectiveness of the exhaust air purification device. It can be advantageous to introduce only a small proportion or partial volume flow into the rolling stand, for example, if the exhaust air purification device cleans the exhaust air very effectively and thus only a few pollutants, i.e., aerosols from coolant or lubricant, would otherwise be released into the environment. Conversely, it can also be advantageous to introduce a large or small proportion or partial volume flow of the exhaust air volume flow discharged by the exhaust air purification device into the rolling stand, for example, if... (Page 9 / 33)

[0035] P81101WO Exhaust air purification device does not clean effectively. Particularly when the exhaust air is heavily loaded with hydrocarbons, it is advantageous to recirculate a small portion or partial volume flow of the exhaust air volume flow emitted by the exhaust air purification device back into the rolling mill so that less pollutant accumulates through recirculation.

[0036] The exhaust air guidance device can be designed to direct at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air into a pre-scaffolding area.

[0037] Therefore, it can be advantageous to introduce at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air, which is discharged by the exhaust air cleaning device of at least one rolling mill stand, into a pre-setting area of ​​the rolling mill stand and / or into an intermediate setting area between two rolling mill stands. A pre-setting area can also be understood as an intermediate setting area, i.e., an area located in front of, beside, behind, or, for example, between two rolling mill stands. In other words, such a partial volume flow can be introduced into an area that is, for example, located upstream of the rolling mill stand, so that the partial volume flow can reach both the rolling mill stand in question and, for example, an adjacent rolling mill stand. The aforementioned advantages can be achieved particularly effectively by introducing this partial volume flow.

[0038] The rolling stand can include an emulsion device for applying an emulsion to the roll, wherein the emulsion device can have a collection tray for collecting the emulsion. Additionally, the exhaust air guide device can be configured to direct at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling stand, in particular as a counterflow to the collected emulsion, into the rolling stand. Page 10 / 33

[0039] P81101WO An emulsion device for applying an emulsion to the roller can be advantageous for applying a uniform and continuous coating of an emulsion, in particular comprising coolant or lubricant, to the roller. By ensuring a uniform and continuous supply of coolant or lubricant to the roller, the quality of the metallic workpiece can be improved.

[0040] A drip tray can be advantageous for collecting and reusing excess emulsion. This reduces the consumption of coolants and lubricants and conserves resources. A drip tray can be designed, for example, as a wide, open basin made of steel, stainless steel, and / or other materials. A drip tray can be positioned directly beneath a roller. Multiple drip trays may be provided, and these trays may be interconnected. It is also possible for a single large drip tray to serve several rollers. A drip tray can also be recessed into the floor of a factory building or be integrated into the floor structure.

[0041] An embodiment in which at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling stand is introduced into the rolling stand, for example into the collection tray, particularly as a counterflow to the trapped emulsion, can be advantageous, since a certain washing effect is created in the rolling stand, as the introduced exhaust air may be saturated with water vapor, for example, due to the cleaning in the exhaust air cleaning device.

[0042] The exhaust air system can include a loading device designed to load at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling stand with an emulsion, wherein the loading device is fluidly connected to the emulsion device. Page 11 / 33

[0043] P81101WO

[0044] Such a design can be particularly advantageous because the loaded exhaust air introduced into the system can ensure a finer and more uniform distribution of the coolant emulsion in the working area, especially in the roll gap between two rolls. This improves the cooling and lubrication effect while simultaneously optimizing emulsion consumption. Furthermore, the air distribution prevents local over-concentration and improves process stability.

[0045] The exhaust air system may include a control device designed to regulate the partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill. The control device may include a pivotable damper. The control device may be located downstream and / or upstream of the exhaust air purification device.

[0046] Such a design can be advantageous because such a control device allows for the control and / or regulation of the proportion or partial volume flow of the extracted exhaust air to be introduced into the rolling mill. For example, such a control device can react to the current operating situation of the rolling mill and selectively introduce a higher or lower partial volume flow of the exhaust air into the mill.

[0047] By designing a control device comprising a pivoting flap, a simple, reliable, and low-maintenance means can be provided to control and / or regulate what proportion or partial volume flow of the extracted exhaust air is to be introduced into the rolling mill stand. In this respect, a flap can, for example, include a motor by which it can be moved and thus the partial volume flow controlled. A flap can, for example, comprise one or more flap blades. A control device can [page 12 / 33]

[0048] P81101WO may also include one or more valves or similar shut-off devices.

[0049] The rolling mill stand can include an edge blow-off device for blowing off the edges of a metallic workpiece. The exhaust air guide can be designed to direct at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air into the edge blow-off device.

[0050] Such a design can be particularly advantageous because an edge blow-off device can remove excess coolant emulsion and contaminants from the strip edges to prevent problems in subsequent processes. It can also reduce the risk of inclusions and surface defects that could impair the quality of the final product. Furthermore, it can improve the drying of the metallic workpiece and reduce the risk of corrosion.

[0051] The exhaust system may include an extraction device connected to the exhaust duct for extracting exhaust air from the rolling mill stand. The exhaust system may also include a condensate separator connected to the exhaust duct for separating condensate from the exhaust air.

[0052] This design allows for an increase in the amount of extracted exhaust air, ensuring that sufficient air is removed from the rolling mill and that occupational safety regulations in the workshop are met. Furthermore, an extraction system allows for the control and / or regulation of the extracted exhaust air. This enables precise control and / or regulation of the amount of exhaust air extracted from the rolling mill. Finally, the installation of an extraction system ensures that the exhaust air is extracted at the designated points. (Page 13 / 33)

[0053] For example, P81101WO allows more exhaust air to be extracted at some points within the rolling mill than at other points.

[0054] A condensate separator connected to the exhaust air duct allows condensate to be removed from the exhaust air before it enters the exhaust air purification system. This separator can include, for example, one or more cyclone separators and / or droplet separators. Removing condensate upstream of the exhaust air purification system can improve the efficiency of downstream purification stages and reduce deposits in components such as filters, heat exchangers, or separators. Furthermore, it can reduce corrosion and malfunctions within the exhaust air purification system.

[0055] The exhaust system may include a chimney for releasing a partial volume flow of the exhaust air into the environment.

[0056] Such a chimney can be particularly advantageous for precisely directing the exhaust air. Furthermore, a chimney can include a variety of other devices, especially sensors and / or filters.

[0057] The rolling mill can include a control unit and at least one sensor unit data-coupled to the control unit. The control unit can be configured to control the rolling mill, in particular the exhaust system, based on sensor data acquired by at least one sensor unit.

[0058] A control unit can, for example, comprise a processing unit and a storage unit. "Data-coupled" can mean that the control unit is connected to a sensor unit for data transmission. A control unit can be... (Page 14 / 33)

[0059] P81101WO must be connected to a higher-level control system and / or a server, in particular a cloud server, via data linkage.

[0060] A sensor unit can be configured to record various production parameters. For example, a sensor unit can measure the size or proportion of the partial volume flow of exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor unit can be configured to determine the total concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor unit can be configured to measure the humidity of the extracted and / or introduced exhaust air. Multiple sensor units can also be installed in the rolling mill, for example, in the exhaust system, the chimney, and / or a collection tray.

[0061] Such a control unit, and in particular a combination of such a control unit with at least one sensor unit, can be used to control and / or regulate the rolling stand. For example, it can be used to control and / or regulate the volume of exhaust air introduced into the rolling stand.

[0062] At least one sensor unit can be configured to determine the total concentration of volatile organic compounds in the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill. The control unit can be configured to control the exhaust air system, in particular the condensate separator and / or the exhaust air purification device and / or the control unit, based on the determined total concentration of volatile organic compounds.

[0063] Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be understood to be, in particular, gaseous or evaporating organic substances. Page 15 / 33

[0064] P81101WO, which may originate from cooling and lubricating materials or other industrial processes.

[0065] Determining the total concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can help control and / or regulate the partial volume flow of exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill, thus enabling, for example, monitoring compliance with legally mandated emission limits and environmental regulations. It can also contribute to process optimization by identifying and reducing avoidable emissions, such as those resulting from inefficient or ineffective exhaust air purification. In particular, continuous monitoring can help uncover process anomalies that indicate leaks or inefficient exhaust air purification. Furthermore, it can serve as an indicator of exhaust air purification efficiency and provide early warning of maintenance needs.

[0066] The measured VOC concentrations can, for example, be implemented in a control system that adjusts the exhaust air purification and / or the volume flow of exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill to the current total concentration of volatile organic compounds. For example, with increasing VOC concentrations, the volume flow introduced into the rolling mill can be reduced and / or increased. Furthermore, depending on the measured total concentration of volatile organic compounds in the exhaust air, the required cooling and lubricating agent for the rolling mill can be determined, and the emulsion system can be controlled and / or regulated accordingly. This allows the required amount of cooling and lubricating agent to be reduced.

[0067] At least one sensor unit can be designed to measure the volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill - page 16 / 33

[0068] P81101WO means. The control unit can be designed to control the exhaust air system, in particular the control device, based on the determined volume flow.

[0069] Such a design advantageously allows for the implementation of a control system that can adjust the introduced partial volume flow based on the current introduced partial volume flow and, if applicable, a preset or given setpoint value. A setpoint value can, for example, be stored in a memory unit of the control unit or on a server. It can also be calculated by the control unit, for example, based on various sensor data from one or more sensor units. Adjusting the partial volume flow of the introduced exhaust air can be carried out, in particular, by means of the control unit.

[0070] At least one sensor unit can be configured to detect the emulsion load of the exhaust air returned to the rolling mill stand upstream of the loading device. Alternatively or additionally, at least one sensor unit can be configured to detect the emulsion load of the exhaust air downstream of the loading device. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to control the loading device based on the load detected upstream of the loading device. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to control the loading device based on the load detected downstream of the loading device.

[0071] Such a design is particularly advantageous because, based on the determined loading of the exhaust air with an emulsion, the necessary quantity of coolant and lubricant can be added upstream and / or downstream of the loading device, as shown on page 17 / 33.

[0072] The P81101WO system allows for the control and / or regulation of the exhaust air loading process. Furthermore, based on the exhaust air loading determined downstream of the loading device, it is possible to determine the mass of coolant and lubricant already introduced into the rolling stand by the exhaust air. This information can also be used to control and / or regulate an emulsion device to reduce coolant or lubricant consumption.

[0073] At least one sensor unit can be configured to determine the total concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the exhaust air released into the environment. The control unit can be configured to control the exhaust air system, in particular the exhaust air purification system and / or the control unit itself, based on the determined total concentration of VOCs in the exhaust air released into the environment.

[0074] This design is particularly advantageous because, by determining the total concentration of volatile organic compounds in the exhaust air released into the environment, the partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill can be controlled and / or regulated. This allows, for example, the plant's emissions to the environment to be monitored and controlled or regulated in accordance with legally prescribed emission limits, thus ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

[0075] Determining the total concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the exhaust air released into the environment can also contribute to process optimization within the exhaust air purification system by identifying avoidable emissions, such as inefficiencies in the purification process. In particular, continuous monitoring can help uncover process anomalies that may indicate leaks or inefficiencies. Page 18 / 33

[0076] P81101WO indicates the need for exhaust air purification. It can also serve as an indicator of the efficiency of the exhaust air purification device and signal the need for maintenance at an early stage.

[0077] The invention also relates to a method for treating exhaust air from a rolling mill, in particular feasible using a rolling mill according to one of the preceding examples, comprising the following steps:

[0078] 51 Extraction of exhaust air from a rolling mill,

[0079] 52 Cleaning the exhaust air, in particular by means of an exhaust air cleaning device,

[0080] 53. Introducing at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air into the rolling mill.

[0081] By means of such a method, the mass or mass flow of ejected lubricants and coolants from a rolling mill can be reduced without reducing the extraction capacity or the volume flow of the exhaust air extracted from the rolling mill in question.

[0082] The process steps SI, S2 and S3 can be performed in any order.

[0083] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, one or more control steps and / or regulation steps can be provided for controlling and / or regulating the rolling stand and / or the exhaust system. In this respect, for example, the various components of the rolling stand and the exhaust system can be controlled and / or regulated by means of a control unit and at least one sensor unit. In this respect, particular reference is made to the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of a rolling stand.

[0084] For example, a procedure may include further steps, in particular determining a total concentration. Page 19 / 33

[0085] P81101WO of volatile organic compounds in the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill or in the exhaust air released to the environment and the control and / or regulation of, for example, a control device, an emulsion device and / or the exhaust air purification device, in particular based on the determined total concentration of volatile organic compounds.

[0086] For example, a process may also include further steps, in particular determining the partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling stand and controlling and / or regulating the partial volume flow, for example by means of a control device.

[0087] The invention further relates to a cold rolling mill comprising at least one rolling stand according to one of the preceding examples.

[0088] The aforementioned advantages of a rolling stand extend to a cold rolling mill comprising at least one such rolling stand, which is why reference is made to the aforementioned advantages of the rolling stand.

[0089] Furthermore, in a cold rolling mill comprising several rolling stands, it can be particularly advantageous to introduce at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air, which is discharged by the exhaust air cleaning device of at least one rolling stand, into an intermediate stand area between the two rolling stands. By introducing this partial volume flow, the aforementioned advantages can be achieved particularly effectively. Page 20 / 33

[0090] P81101WO Further advantages, details and features of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below.

[0091] Specifically, they show:

[0092] Figure 1: a schematic view of a first embodiment of a rolling mill stand,

[0093] Figure 2: a schematic view of a second embodiment of a rolling mill stand.

[0094] In the following description, identical reference numerals denote identical components or identical features, so that a description given for a component in relation to one figure also applies to the other figures, thus avoiding repetitive descriptions. Furthermore, individual features described in connection with one embodiment can also be used separately in other embodiments.

[0095] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a rolling stand 1. The rolling stand 1 can, for example, be a cold rolling stand.

[0096] The rolling stand 1 comprises two rolls 2 for rolling a metallic workpiece 3. The metallic workpiece 3 shown in Figure 1 is designed as a metal strip. The rolling stand 1 also has an exhaust air system 4. The exhaust air system 4 comprises an exhaust air guide 5 for directing exhaust air. The exhaust air system 4 also includes an exhaust air cleaning device 6 for cleaning the exhaust air.

[0097] The exhaust air system 4 can be arranged wholly or partially in or on the rolling stand 1 or in the rolling stand frame of the rolling stand 1 (not shown). It can also be located next to the (page 21 / 33)

[0098] The P81101WO rolling mill frame is arranged. The purely schematic representation of Figure 1 is therefore not limiting for the exact arrangement of the exhaust air system 4 and its components.

[0099] The exhaust air guide device 5 is designed to extract exhaust air from the rolling stand 1 and direct it to the exhaust air purification device 6. The exhaust air guide device 5 is also designed to introduce at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air into the rolling stand 1. The exhaust air guide device 5 can comprise a variety of components, in particular pipes, pipe branches, fans, filters, valves, separators, control flaps, and sensors, which are not explicitly shown in Figure 1, as this figure only shows a schematic representation of the rolling stand 1.

[0100] The exhaust air purification device 6 can also have a variety of components, in particular pipes, pipe branches, blowers, filters, wet scrubbers, separators, valves, control flaps and sensors, which are not explicitly shown in Figure 1, as this only shows the rolling stand 1 schematically.

[0101] In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the exhaust air guide device 5 is designed with a branching point 7, which divides the volume flow of the cleaned exhaust air from the exhaust air purification device 6. A partial volume flow is thereby introduced into the rolling stand 1. More precisely, the partial volume flow is introduced into an area below the rolls 2 in the rolling stand 1. The exact positioning of the inlet outlet below the rolls 2 is not an essential feature, but it can offer advantages.

[0102] Furthermore, at the branch point 7, the volume flow of the cleaned exhaust air from the exhaust air purification device 6 is divided in such a way that a partial volume flow is directed to a chimney 8. Page 22 / 33

[0103] P81101WO. The chimney 8 is designed to discharge a portion of the exhaust air flow into the environment. The environment is not explicitly shown in Figure 1. The discharge of the exhaust air can be directed precisely using the chimney 8.

[0104] Branch point 7 can, for example, be configured as a T-junction in a pipeline. In this respect, it can perform a fixed, unchangeable division of the volume flow into partial volume flows. It is possible that further devices for controlling and / or regulating the division of the volume flow may be arranged at branch point 7.

[0105] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a rolling mill stand 1. The second embodiment includes the features of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, therefore reference is made to the description of these features in Figure 1.

[0106] The rolling stand 1 of the second embodiment has an emulsion device 9 for applying an emulsion (not shown) to the rolls 2. The emulsion device 9 further comprises a collection tray 10 for collecting the emulsion.

[0107] The emulsion device 9 is arranged above the metallic workpiece 3 and is designed to apply an emulsion of, for example, coolant or lubricant to the metallic workpiece 3 and / or the upper roller 2 or both rollers 2.

[0108] The collection tray 10 is arranged below the two rollers 2 and is designed to collect emulsion that falls, for example, from the metallic workpiece 3, from the rollers 2, or from the emulsion device 9. Page 23 / 33

[0109] P81101WO Additionally, the exhaust air guide device 5 is designed to direct at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling stand 1 as a counterflow to the trapped emulsion into the collection tray 10.

[0110] Furthermore, the exhaust air system 4 includes an extraction device 11 connected to the exhaust air guide 5 for extracting exhaust air from the rolling mill stand 1. The extraction device 11 is designed as a wide, surface-acting extraction device 11 and is essentially funnel-shaped. It is arranged above the upper roll 2 and completely covers the rolls 2. Therefore, the entire area above the rolls 2 can be extracted by means of the extraction device 11.

[0111] Furthermore, the exhaust air system 4 has a condensate separator 12 fluidly connected to the exhaust air duct 5 for separating condensate, in particular the emulsion, from the exhaust air. The condensate separator 12 can, for example, comprise one or more cyclone separators and / or droplet separators (not shown) by means of which condensate or emulsion can be separated from the exhaust air. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the condensate separator 12 is fluidly connected to the emulsion device 9, so that the separated condensate can be reused in the emulsion device 9.

[0112] Furthermore, the exhaust air system 4 has a loading device 13, which is designed to load at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill stand 1 with an emulsion (not shown). The loading device 13 is arranged downstream, i.e., "behind," the condensate separator 12 and only affects the partial volume flow of the exhaust air that is introduced into the rolling mill stand 1. The loading device 13 is also located upstream (page 24 / 33).

[0113] P81101WO is also located “before”, the introduction of the exhaust air into the rolling stand 1 and therefore also in front of the emulsion device 9.

[0114] The condensate separator 12 is fluidly connected to the loading device 13, so that the separated condensate can be reused in the loading device 13.

[0115] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a control device 14 is arranged at the branch point 7. The control device 14 is designed to control the partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill stand 1, or its magnitude. The control device 14 can, for example, include a pivotable flap (not shown). In this embodiment, the control device 14 is arranged downstream of the exhaust air purification device 6. Although not shown in the figures, the control device 14 can also be arranged upstream of the exhaust air purification device 6.

[0116] Downstream, i.e., "behind", the control unit 14, a sensor unit 15 is arranged. The sensor unit 15 can be configured to detect various production parameters, such as the size or proportion of the partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill stand 1. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit 15 can be configured to determine the total concentration of volatile organic compounds in the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill stand 1.

[0117] The sensor unit 15 is in turn data-coupled with a control unit 16. The control unit 16 may include further components not shown, for example, a processing unit and a storage unit. "Data-coupled" can be understood to mean that the control unit 16 is connected to the sensor unit 15 for data transmission. Page 25 / 33

[0118] P81101WO The control unit 16 is designed to control and / or regulate the rolling stand 1, namely the exhaust air system 4 or the emulsion device 9, the loading device 13, and the control unit 14, based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor unit 15. For this purpose, it is also data-coupled with these components, as shown by the "dashed" lines in Figure 2. In principle, the control unit 16 does not have to control all of these systems. Rather, embodiments are also possible in which the control unit 16 controls or regulates only individual systems or a different selection of these systems. Page 26 / 33

[0119] P81101WO

[0120] Reference symbol list

[0121] 1. Rolling mill

[0122] 2. Roller

[0123] 3. metallic workpiece

[0124] 4. Exhaust system

[0125] 5. Exhaust duct device

[0126] 6. Exhaust air purification device

[0127] 7. Junction

[0128] 8. Fireplace

[0129] 9. Emulsion device

[0130] 10. Drip tray

[0131] 11. Extraction device

[0132] 12. Condensate separator device

[0133] 13. Loading device

[0134] 14. Control unit

[0135] 15. Sensor unit

[0136] 16. Control unit

Claims

Page 27 / 33 Applicant: SMS group GmbH Our reference: P81101WO Patent claims 1. Rolling stand ( 1 ) with at least one roll (2 ) for rolling a metallic workpiece (3) and with an exhaust system (4 ) comprising the exhaust system (4 ): an exhaust air duct (5) for directing exhaust air, and an exhaust air purification device ( 6) for cleaning the exhaust air, where the exhaust air guide device (5) is designed to extract exhaust air from the rolling stand (1) and to direct it to the exhaust air cleaning device (6), and wherein the exhaust air guide device (5) is designed to introduce at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air into the rolling stand (1).

2. Rolling stand ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized by at least one of the following features: the exhaust air guide device (5) is designed to introduce the partial volume flow of the exhaust air, which is discharged by the exhaust air cleaning device ( 6), into the rolling stand ( 1 ); The partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling stand ( 1 ) is between 10% and 100% of the exhaust air volume flow output by the exhaust air cleaning device ( 6 ).

3. Rolling mill stand ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following feature: The exhaust air guide device (5) is designed to direct at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air into a pre-scaffolding area. Page 28 / 33 P81101WO 4. Rolling mill stand ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims , characterized by at least one of the following features : the rolling mill stand (1) comprises an emulsion device (9) for applying an emulsion to the rolling mill (2), wherein the emulsion device (9) has a collection tray (10) for collecting emulsion; The exhaust air guide device ( 5 ) is designed to introduce at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill ( 1 ), in particular as a counterflow to the trapped emulsion, into the rolling mill ( 1 ).

5. Rolling mill stand ( 1 ) according to claim 4 , characterized by the following feature: the exhaust air system ( 4 ) has a loading device ( 13 ) which is designed to load at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling stand ( 1 ) with an emulsion; the loading device ( 13 ) is fluidly connected to the emulsion device ( 9 ).

6. Rolling mill stand ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims , characterized by at least one of the following features : the exhaust air system ( 4 ) has a control device ( 14 ) which is designed to control the partial volume flow of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill stand ( 1 ); the control device ( 14 ) has a pivotable flap; The control device (14) is arranged downstream and / or upstream of the exhaust air purification device (6). Page 29 / 33 P81101WO 7. Rolling mill stand ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims , characterized by at least one of the following features : the rolling stand ( 1 ) includes an edge blowing device for blowing off edges of a metallic workpiece ( 3 ); The exhaust air guide device ( 5 ) is designed to introduce at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air into the edge blowing device.

8. Rolling mill stand ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims , characterized by at least one of the following features : the exhaust system ( 4 ) includes an extraction device ( 11 ) connected to the exhaust air guide device ( 5 ) for extracting exhaust air from the rolling mill stand ( 1 ); the exhaust air system ( 4 ) includes a condensate separator device ( 12 ) fluidly connected to the exhaust air guide device ( 5 ) for separating condensate from the exhaust air .

9. Rolling mill stand ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims , characterized by the following feature: the exhaust system ( 4 ) includes a chimney ( 8 ) for releasing a partial volume flow of the exhaust air to the environment .

10. Rolling mill stand ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims , characterized by at least one of the following features : The rolling mill (1) has a control unit (16) and at least one sensor unit (15) data-coupled to the control unit (16); page 30 / 33 P81101WO the control unit ( 16 ) is designed to control the rolling mill ( 1 ), in particular the exhaust system ( 4 ), based on sensor data determined by at least one sensor unit ( 15 ).

11. Rolling mill ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized by at least one of the following features: at least one sensor unit ( 15 ) is configured to determine a total concentration of volatile organic compounds in the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill ( 1 ); The control unit (16) is designed to control the exhaust air system (4), in particular the condensate separator (12) and / or the exhaust air purification device (6) and / or the control unit (14), based on the determined total concentration of volatile organic compounds; .

12. Rolling mill stand ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 10 and 11, insofar as referred back to claim 6, characterized by at least one of the following features: at least one sensor unit ( 15 ) is designed to determine a volume flow rate of the exhaust air introduced into the rolling mill stand ( 1 ); the control unit ( 16 ) is designed to control the exhaust air system ( 4 ), in particular the control device ( 14 ), based on the determined volume flow .

13. Rolling mill stand ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 10 to 12 , characterized by at least one of the following features: Page 31 / 33 P81101WO at least one sensor unit ( 15) is designed to detect a loading of the exhaust air returned to the rolling stand ( 1 ) with an emulsion upstream of the loading device ( 13); at least one sensor unit ( 15) is configured to detect the loading of the exhaust air with an emulsion downstream of the loading device ( 13); the control unit ( 16) is configured to control the loading device ( 13) based on the loading determined upstream of the loading device ( 13); the control unit ( 16) is designed to control the loading device ( 13) based on the load determined downstream of the loading device ( 13 ).

14. Rolling mill stand ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 10 to 13, characterized by at least one of the following features: at least one sensor unit ( 15) is designed to determine a total concentration of volatile organic compounds in the exhaust air released into the environment; The control unit (16) is designed to control the exhaust air system (4), in particular the exhaust air purification and / or the control unit (16), based on the determined total concentration of volatile organic compounds in the exhaust air released to the environment.

15. Method for treating exhaust air from a rolling mill ( 1 ), in particular feasible by means of a rolling mill ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: S1 Extraction of exhaust air from a rolling mill ( 1 ) ,page 32 / 33 P81101WO 52 Cleaning of the exhaust air, in particular by means of an exhaust air cleaning device, 53 Introducing at least a partial volume flow of the exhaust air into the rolling stand ( 1 ).

16. Cold rolling mill comprising at least one rolling stand ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images