Cooling Distributor Tube With Orifice for Uniform Strip Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributor tubes for cooling metal strips after hot-rolling suffer from non-uniform flow rate and pressure distribution, leading to inefficiencies and increased production costs, particularly due to complex designs and multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
A distributor tube with an orifice located in the larger diameter sector near the transition zone between smaller and larger diameters, optimizing fluid dynamics for uniform cooling, featuring a simpler and less expensive design with a plate-like orifice and strategically placed spray nozzles for improved flow distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a double tube solution is used to improve flow distribution uniformity, then cooling uniformity is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flow distribution control function from the complex double-tube structure and implements it through a simple internal element (flow distributor) placed within a single tube, thereby achieving the same functional effect with reduced structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the flow distributor (such as the arrangement and dimensions of openings) to optimize flow distribution, achieving uniform cooling through parameter optimization rather than complex structural design
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple parts are used to improve flow distribution, then cooling uniformity is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the flow distribution function with the single tube structure by incorporating a flow distributor inside the tube, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining the flow distribution effect, thereby lowering production costs
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distributor is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, using basic materials and simple geometry to achieve the desired function at low cost
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
The solution achieves uniform cooling with a sufficient but not excessive pressure drop, matching the performance of double-tube solutions while reducing complexity and costs, with experimental studies and CFD simulations confirming improved flow profiles and material savings.
Implementation Method 1
optimizes the efficiency features in terms of fluid dynamics, in particular in terms of uniform flow rate and pressure inside the tube
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of outlet openings through which a cooling fluid can be ejected
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention refers to a distributor tube (400) for cooling metal or similar products, in particular steel strips, comprising along the longitudinal extension of said distributor tube (400), a plurality of outlet openings (406) through which a cooling fluid can be ejected; an inlet (402) and a closure (404) of said tube at its ends; a connection for connecting a source of cooling fluid and feeding said distributor tube (400) with said fluid. At least on the inlet side (402) there is a zone of change in the diameter of the tube, which varies from a sector with a smaller diameter, followed in the direction of flow by a sector with a larger diameter. Upstream of said plurality of outlet openings (406) there is an orifice (414) in the area of the flow section. Further described are a corresponding hot-rolling plant and a use of the distributor tube.