Acoustic Treatment of Hot Rolling Stock for Grain Size Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot rolling processes for metal stock struggle to precisely control the grain structure of rolled materials, particularly in influencing the grain size and its growth rate, which is crucial for achieving desired mechanical and metallurgical properties.
Innovation Solution
A treatment process that involves generating a standing sound wave within the rolling stock using a sound generator arrangement and coupling device, which influences the grain size by creating mechanical movements at specific points, allowing for precise control of grain size through frequency and amplitude adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cooling section is arranged as close as possible after the last roll stand to enable quick cooling, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the control over grain structure becomes less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing sound waves to the rolling stock before it enters the cooling section. The sound waves are coupled into the rolling stock at a position upstream of the cooling section, creating standing sound waves that influence grain structure formation in advance. This preliminary acoustic treatment allows the grain structure to be influenced during the early stages of cooling, enabling more precise control over the final microstructure while maintaining efficient cooling operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If sound waves are coupled into the rolling stock to influence grain structure, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the sound generator arrangement and coupling device to serve multiple functions. The sound generator arrangement not only creates standing sound waves for grain structure control but can also be integrated with existing rolling mill infrastructure. The coupling device is designed to efficiently transfer acoustic energy into the rolling stock while being compatible with the existing cooling section and roll stands, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding acoustic control capabilities.
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 process allows for independent and precise control of grain size and its growth rate during the rolling process, enhancing microstructural properties and simplifying the cooling section construction, while enabling greater flexibility in the placement of the cooling section relative to the roll stand.
Implementation Method 1
coupling sound generated by a sound generator arrangement into the rolling stock by means of a coupling device, so that a standing sound wave is formed at least in the region of the rolling stock that is located in the vicinity of the coupling device
Implementation Method 2
The sound preferably has a frequency in the MHz range or above
Data Source
AI summary
Hot rolling stock (1) made of metal which is rolled in at least one roll stand (2) and then cooled in a cooling section (5) arranged downstream of the at least one roll stand (2). Sound generated by means of a sound generator arrangement (8) is coupled into the rolling stock (1) by a coupling device (1) so that a standing sound wave is formed at least in the region of the rolling stock (1) which is located in the vicinity of the coupling device (10).