Ignition Detection in Oxygen Blowing Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the ignition point in the LD process of steel production are unreliable, often delayed, and prone to human error, affecting the quality and reproducibility of steel production.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the ignition point by analyzing the oxygen quantity value and exhaust gas temperature value, using a predefined limit for both, ensuring accurate and automatic detection through a computing unit with an evaluation algorithm, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the risk of delayed ignition detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual observation method is used to determine ignition time, then the operator can directly observe the converter, but the determination is delayed by several seconds up to 30 seconds and is not exact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual observation method with an automated optical detection system using a video camera and evaluation system. The camera records the converter mouth area and the evaluation system automatically analyzes the images to detect ignition, eliminating the time delay and inaccuracy associated with manual observation by operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a video camera as an intermediary device between the converter and the operator. The camera captures visual information from the converter mouth and transmits it to the evaluation system, which then determines the ignition time. This intermediary system enables precise, real-time detection without the delays inherent in direct manual observation.
2Reliability
If camera system is used to detect ignition, then automatic detection is achieved, but high installation effort is required and clear view must be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a camera system that automatically records and detects ignition without requiring continuous manual intervention. The evaluation system autonomously analyzes the recorded images to determine ignition time, achieving reliable automatic detection. The system is designed to be retrofittable to existing converters with minimal structural modifications.
3Ease of operation
If open doghouse is used for direct observation, then operating personnel can see the reaction, but immense security risk is posed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a video camera as an intermediary to allow operators to observe the converter reaction remotely through a monitor without being exposed to the hazardous environment. This eliminates the need for an open doghouse while maintaining the ability to visually detect ignition, thereby removing the security risk associated with operator exposure to ejections and gas surges.
4Measurement precision
If thermal expansion method with strain gauges is used, then ignition time can be determined, but high technical complexity is required and determination is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex thermal expansion measurement method using strain gauges with a simpler optical detection system. The video camera captures visual changes at the converter mouth during ignition, and the evaluation system analyzes these images to determine ignition time. This optical approach achieves precise measurement without the high technical complexity and delays associated with thermal expansion measurements.
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 approach provides reliable and reproducible ignition detection, improving steel quality, reducing oxygen consumption, and enhancing process control, while also being cost-effective and easily retrofittable, with reduced risk of explosions during secondary dedusting.
Implementation Method 1
several consecutive images of the same area between the converter mouth and the exhaust gas cooling chimney are recorded by means of a video camera, a course of the radiation intensity over time is determined on the basis of the radiation intensity recorded by the video camera
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the point in time of ignition during an oxygen blowing process, in particular during the basic oxygen process, in a converter (1), wherein an oxygen amount value (110) for the amount of the oxygen blown and a waste gas temperature value (20) for the current waste gas temperature in the waste gases resulting from the oxygen blowing process are determined, and the point in time, at which a predefined oxygen limit value for the amount of oxygen and, at the same time, a predefined waste gas temperature limit value in the waste gas are reached, is defined as the point in time of ignition. The invention also relates to a device which is particularly suitable for carrying out the method.