Hydrocyclone Melt Purification for Hot-Dip Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hot-dip coating systems face challenges in maintaining the cleanliness of the melt bath due to slag accumulation, leading to impaired surface quality and short system lifespan, with existing solutions disrupting continuous operation and resulting in significant melt waste.

Innovation Solution

A device with a hydrocyclone-based cleaning unit that continuously separates solid particles from the melt, using an electromagnetic pump to create a turbulent flow, allowing for the return of cleaned melt to the bath while removing slag through an underflow opening, and a shaping unit for solidified particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If slag is removed using a skimming tool or excavator, then the melt cleanliness is improved, but the system downtime increases and operational safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemelt cleanlinessVSAvoidsystem continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical skimming tools and excavators with a hydrocyclone-based separation system that uses centrifugal force generated by fluid dynamics. The hydrocyclone creates a vortex flow that automatically separates slag from melt based on density differences, eliminating the need for manual or mechanical intervention and allowing continuous operation without downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system is self-operating through the hydrocyclone mechanism, where the melt flow itself generates the centrifugal force needed for separation. The system automatically divides and removes slag without requiring external mechanical tools or human operation, enabling continuous cleaning during normal production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the entire immersion bath is replaced regularly, then the melt cleanliness is improved, but the system service life decreases and melt waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemelt cleanlinessVSAvoidmelt waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes only the harmful slag component from the melt using the hydrocyclone separation system, while the clean melt is retained and returned to the immersion bath. This selective removal approach maintains melt cleanliness without requiring complete bath replacement, significantly reducing melt waste and extending system service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If bottom slag is transported to surface using a suction device, then the melt cleanliness is improved, but the operational complexity increases and system downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemelt cleanlinessVSAvoidcleaning process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs hydraulic principles through the hydrocyclone system, where pressurized melt flow creates a vortex that generates centrifugal separation. This fluid dynamic approach is simpler than mechanical suction devices and enables continuous operation without disrupting the coating process, reducing both operational complexity and downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Manufacturing precision

If a centrifuge is used for batch solidification and separation, then the melt cleanliness is improved, but the continuous operation capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemelt cleanlinessVSAvoidcontinuous cleaning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous cleaning operation through the hydrocyclone system, which processes melt continuously during normal production. Unlike batch centrifuge methods that require stopping production for solidification and separation, the hydrocyclone maintains constant separation action, ensuring continuous melt cleanliness without interrupting the coating process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 solution enables continuous, efficient melt cleaning without disrupting system operation, extending system lifespan, improving melt cleanliness, and minimizing waste, while allowing for easy retrofitting of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a cleaning unit (5) for separating solid particles from the melt... The melt is guided in a tapering, helical turbulent flow within the cleaning unit designed as a hydrocyclone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

The pump unit includes an electromagnetic pump and in particular an electromagnetic round pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic pumping: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentEP3126538B1Device and method for purifying a melt, and hot-dip coating system
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 THYSSENKRUPP AG
  • EP3126538B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3126538B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for purifying a melt of a hot-dip coating system, wherein the device comprises a purification unit for separating solid matter particles from the melt, a feeder line leading to the purification unit, which can be brought into operative connection with a dipping bath of the hot-dip coating system, and a return line leading from the purification unit to the dipping bath for the melt purified by means of the purification unit, wherein the purification unit comprises a hydrocyclone.