Immersion Probe Dual Elastic Ring Seal for Converter Steelmaking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of skull at the joint between the immersion probe and the lance in the steelmaking process leads to vibration, improper readings, and a shortened residence time due to the wear-out of elastic ring seals, which are either under-dimensioned or over-dimensioned to compensate for deposition issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of two elastic ring seals arranged circumferentially on top of each other around the mounting portion of the immersion probe, where the outer elastic ring seal covers the inner one, providing improved sealing and preventing skull formation by distributing wear evenly, thus extending the residence time in the converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single elastic ring seal is used to seal the joint between the immersion probe and the lance, then sealing is provided to reduce frozen metal deposition, but the seal wears out quickly causing shortened residence time
Solution Approach 1:
The single elastic ring seal is divided into two separate elastic ring seals arranged in sequence around the mounting portion. The first elastic ring seal is positioned closer to the immersion probe while the second elastic ring seal is positioned closer to the lance. This segmentation allows each seal to share the wear and sealing burden, preventing any single seal from wearing out quickly and thereby extending the residence time while maintaining effective sealing against frozen metal deposition.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the elastic ring seal is over-dimensioned with increased wall-thickness to reduce wear, then residence time is extended, but small gaps form between the immersion end of the lance and the tube allowing slag and steel penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two elastic ring seals of appropriate dimensions rather than one oversized seal. Each seal maintains optimal wall thickness for flexibility and sealing effectiveness, preventing both excessive wear and gap formation. The distributed sealing approach ensures continuous protection against slag and steel penetration while extending residence time through reduced wear on each individual seal.
3Measurement precision
If the immersion probe is immersed vertically into the molten metal, then temperature and sample measurements are obtained, but vibration occurs causing gaps to form at the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The two elastic ring seals are installed beforehand on the mounting portion to create a cushioning sealing layer that compensates for vibrations occurring during immersion. The elastic nature of the seals allows them to deform and maintain contact under vibrational conditions, preventing gap formation at the joint while enabling accurate temperature and sample measurements to be obtained during the immersion process.
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 dual-layer sealing arrangement effectively prevents the deposition of frozen metal, reduces vibration, and extends the immersion probe's residence time by ensuring consistent sealing even as the inner ring deteriorates after the outer seal is almost destroyed, maintaining reliable connections and readings.
Implementation Method 1
two elastic ring seals arranged around the mounting portion of the tube, wherein the two elastic ring seals are arranged circumferentially on top of each other for sealing a space between the coupling tap and the end portion of the immersion probe
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an immersion probe for use in a converter steelmaking process, comprising: a tube having a mounting portion for mounting the tube to a lance, wherein the mounting portion is adapted to couple to a coupling tap on an immersion end of the lance; and two elastic ring seals, wherein the two elastic ring seals are arranged around the mounting portion of the tube, and wherein the two elastic ring seals are arranged circumferentially on top of each other for sealing a space between the coupling tap and the end portion of the immersion probe. The invention also relates to a measuring system for use in a converter steelmaking process.