Gas Purging Plug Push-Fit Adapter for Metallurgical Vessels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas purging plugs for metallurgical vessels are difficult to mount and dismount, requiring high effort and causing significant gas loss, with existing solutions either being cumbersome with long gas supply pipes or poorly sealing.
Innovation Solution
A gas purging plug with a short gas supply adapter featuring a push-fit connection between the adapter and the gas supply pipe, secured with additional elements like screw threads or a bayonet lock, allowing for quick and secure assembly without tools, even at high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a long gas supply pipe is used to connect the gas purging plug to the gas source, then the gas supply is reliable and stable, but the mounting and dismounting effort increases significantly and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply system is divided into separate segments: a short gas supply adapter integrated with the purging plug and a detachable gas supply pipe. This segmentation allows the pipe to be quickly connected and disconnected while the adapter remains fixed, reducing mounting time without compromising gas supply reliability through the integrated adapter design
Solution Approach 2:
The gas supply adapter is pre-integrated with the purging plug during manufacturing, creating a ready-to-connect interface. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field assembly and ensures proper alignment and sealing are already established before the actual mounting operation begins
2Ease of operation
If a simple connection method is used for the gas supply pipe, then mounting is easier and faster, but gas loss occurs due to poor sealing
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the gas supply pipe and the adapter. This sealing element acts as a mediator that ensures gas-tight connection while allowing for simple push-fit mounting, thus preventing gas loss without complicating the mounting process
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible sealing ring or membrane is used at the connection interface between the gas supply pipe and adapter. This flexible element deforms to create a gas-tight seal upon insertion, maintaining sealing effectiveness while allowing for easy connection and disconnection without complex fastening mechanisms
3Reliability
If a complex securing mechanism is used to ensure gas-tight connection, then gas loss is prevented, but the mounting process becomes more complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is designed to be self-sealing through the interaction of the gas supply pipe and adapter geometries. When the pipe is inserted into the adapter, the components themselves create the seal through their shaped interfaces, eliminating the need for additional complex sealing mechanisms while maintaining gas-tight connection
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface utilizes changes in geometric parameters along the insertion path - such as tapered sections or stepped diameters - to automatically create sealing contact. This parameter variation ensures gas-tight connection through the shape of the components themselves rather than through complex external sealing mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a gas purging element at a metallurgical vessel as well as a corresponding gas supply pipe.