Frustoconical Plug with Diagonal Slits for Steelmaking Taphole Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steelmaking taphole plugs fail to effectively seal the taphole, leading to slag leakage and incomplete separation of molten metal from slag, which results in impurities in the metal and inefficiencies in the steel production process.
Innovation Solution
A metal plug with a frustoconical body and diagonal compression slits is used, allowing for a secure fit within the taphole by conforming to its shape and enabling deeper insertion, thus preventing slag from entering the taphole while allowing molten steel to pass through as the plug melts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional plug is used to seal the taphole, then the plug can be installed, but slag leakage occurs and the seal is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The plug incorporates a flexible membrane or thin film element that can conform to the irregular surface of the taphole, creating an effective seal. This flexible component adapts to the tap hole geometry to prevent slag leakage while maintaining structural integrity during the steelmaking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug design utilizes thermal parameter changes, where the plug material undergoes controlled melting or softening at specific temperatures to transition from a sealing state to a flow-permitting state. This parameter change allows the plug to effectively seal during installation and then selectively open to allow steel flow.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the plug is installed deeply into the taphole to minimize slag entry, then slag prevention improves, but the plug structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is divided into functional segments including a sealing portion, a structural support portion, and a flow control portion. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the plug to achieve deep insertion and effective slag prevention without requiring overly complex monolithic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug incorporates curved or conical geometries that facilitate smooth insertion into the taphole and improve structural efficiency. The curved surfaces help the plug conform to the tap hole geometry while reducing stress concentrations and simplifying the overall structural design.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the plug is made to create an effective seal with the taphole surface, then slag leakage is minimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane component can adapt to variations in taphole surface geometry, reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances. The flexibility allows the seal to conform to surface irregularities that would otherwise require high-precision manufacturing to accommodate.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug design incorporates asymmetric features that optimize the sealing interface, with different geometries at the sealing surface versus the structural portions. This asymmetry allows the sealing face to be tailored specifically for conforming to the taphole surface, improving seal effectiveness without requiring uniform high precision throughout the entire plug structure.
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 plug effectively separates molten steel from slag, reducing impurities and improving the control of steel flow, which enhances the efficiency of the steelmaking process by minimizing re-oxidation and reducing taphole blockages, thereby reducing costly delays.
Implementation Method 1
The side conical wall of the frustoconical body of the plug includes at least one diagonal compression slit. The at least one diagonal compression slit extends from the open large end of the frustoconical body and extends toward the closed small end of the frustoconical body.
Implementation Method 2
melting the plug after at least most of the slag passes the taphole, and removing the molten steel from the metal, refractory lined vessel through the taphole
Data Source
AI summary
A steel making assembly comprising a metal, refractory lined vessel having a side wall with a taphole therein and a metal plug placed within the taphole. The metal plug comprises a frustoconical body having a side conical wall, a closed small end and an open large end thereof defining an essentially empty interior space. The side conical wall of the frustoconical body of the plug includes at least one diagonal compression slit. The at least one diagonal compression slit extends from the open large end of the frustoconical body and extends toward the closed small end of the frustoconical body. The conical wall has a center axis, with the at least one diagonal compression slit being non-parallel to the center axis.