Continuous Caster Roll Line Torque Transfer Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous casting of steel faces challenges with lubrication systems in roll lines, including reliability issues, environmental impact, space consumption, and inefficient lubricant usage, due to the risk of damage and the need for continuous lubrication.
Innovation Solution
A roll line design without a lubrication system, featuring a closed compartment with sealing elements and torque transferring elements, where lubricant is applied only once and retained within the compartment, eliminating the need for re-lubrication and reducing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lubricating system with pipes and pumps is used to continuously lubricate the coupling, then the coupling performance is maintained, but the system complexity increases and operational reliability decreases due to potential damage to pipes and pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external lubrication system (pipes, pumps, reservoirs) from the roll line configuration. Instead, a sealed bearing housing contains the bearing and integrates a fixed lubricant supply, extracting the problematic external lubrication infrastructure while maintaining necessary lubrication function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed bearing housing is designed to be self-contained with a fixed amount of lubricant that lasts for the entire operational life of the bearing. The system serves itself by containing the lubricant indefinitely without requiring external replenishment or monitoring systems.
2Reliability
If a lubricating system with pipes and pumps is installed to ensure continuous lubrication, then coupling performance is maintained, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing housing is merged with the seal to form an integrated sealed unit. The lubricant is contained within this merged structure, eliminating the need for separate pipes, pumps, and reservoirs that would occupy additional space in the roll line configuration.
3Reliability
If a lubricating system is used to continuously supply lubricant to the coupling, then the coupling performance is maintained, but lubricant consumption increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing housing is pre-filled with the exact amount of lubricant needed for the entire operational life of the bearing before installation. This preliminary action of pre-lubrication eliminates the need for continuous lubricant supply and prevents waste from leaks, over-lubrication, or system failures.
4Reliability
If a lubricating system is installed to continuously lubricate the coupling, then coupling performance is maintained, but environmental impact increases due to potential breakdown and lubricant leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed bearing housing converts the potential harm of lubricant leakage into a benefit by completely containing the lubricant within the sealed structure. The seal prevents any lubricant from escaping into the environment, transforming what could be a pollution source into a closed, environmentally friendly system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances operational reliability, minimizes environmental impact, saves space, and optimizes lubricant usage by maintaining lubrication within the roll line, reducing the need for pipes and pumps, and ensuring consistent torque transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a closed compartment for receiving lubricant for lubricating the at least one torque transferring element, the closed compartment being in the through-hole and is sealed off by sealing elements located between the ring and circumferential surfaces of the first and second adjacent shaft ends
Implementation Method 2
the first and second adjacent shafts ends being connected via at least one torque transferring element
Implementation Method 3
A roll line design without a lubrication system, featuring a closed compartment with sealing elements and torque transferring elements, where lubricant is applied only once and retained within the compartment, eliminating the need for re-lubrication
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A roll line in a continuous caster is disclosed. It comprises at least two segment roll lines (1, 2) for transporting steel. Each segment roll line (1, 2) comprises a roll body (3, 4), bearings (5) for supporting the roll body (3, 4), bearing housings (6). The roll body (3, 4) has two shaft ends (7, 8, 9, 10), and a ring (11). Adjacent shaft ends (8, 9) of segment roll lines (1, 2) are at least partly inside the through-hole of the ring (11) and the adjacent shafts ends (8, 9) are connected via torque transferring element (t1). There is a closed compartment (12) for receiving lubricant for lubricating the torque transferring element (T1). The closed compartment (12) is in the through-hole and is sealed off by sealing elements (s1, s2) located between the ring (11) and circumferential surfaces of the first and second adjacent shaft ends (8, 9).