Lance Heating Station Using Thermal Radiation to Prevent Freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preheating melt transport devices fail to maintain the desired temperature once the device is filled with melt, leading to freezing or solidification, which affects the device's functionality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a heating station with a base assembly, heating element carrier, and thermal radiation to heat the lance or riser pipe of the melt transport device, allowing localized heating without heating the entire container, and incorporating features like lateral openings and multiple heating elements for efficient heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a preheating station with air heating is used for empty melt transport devices, then the device can be preheated effectively, but it cannot maintain the desired temperature once filled with melt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning heating elements specifically at the lance or riser pipe regions where melt solidification risk is highest. Instead of heating the entire melt container, the solution focuses thermal energy on critical components (lance/riser pipe) to prevent freezing while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating station performs preliminary heating of the lance or riser pipe before melt is introduced or during transport. This preliminary action ensures that critical components are already at the required temperature before melt contact, preventing immediate solidification and ensuring continuous functionality.
2Temperature
If the entire melt container is heated, then temperature is maintained, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating heating elements only on the lance or riser pipe regions rather than the entire melt container. This localized approach reduces energy consumption significantly while still preventing melt solidification in the critical transport pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is segmented into discrete heating elements positioned at specific locations (lance/riser pipe areas) rather than a continuous heating system for the entire container. This segmentation allows targeted heating of only the portions where melt solidification would occur, optimizing energy efficiency.
3Reliability
If heating is applied to the melt transport device, then functionality is maintained, but the device cannot serve as a waiting position near the casting mold
Solution Approach 1:
By applying local quality heating to the lance/riser pipe regions, the system enables the melt transport device to maintain functionality during waiting periods near the casting mold. The localized heating ensures critical components remain functional without requiring the entire device to be heated, thus allowing it to serve as an efficient waiting position.
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
Prevents freezing of the melt transport device, particularly the lance, maintains functionality, and enhances energy efficiency by allowing continuous heating during transport, enabling multiple casting processes without melt solidification.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element received on the heating element carrier, which heating element is designed to heat the lance received in the lance holder by means of thermal radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for heating a lance (7) of a melt transport device (1) located at the bottom of a melt container (3), the method comprising the method steps: - providing a heating station (12) comprising: + a base assembly (13); + a heating element carrier (14) arranged on the base assembly (13), wherein the heating element carrier (14) has a lance receptacle (16) for inserting the lance (7); + a heating element (15) received on the heating element carrier (14), which heating element is designed to heat a lance (7) received in the lance receptacle (16) by means of thermal radiation, wherein the method further comprises the following method steps: - inserting the lance (7) into the lance receptacle (16) of the heating station (12); - heating the lance (7) by means of thermal radiation from the heating element (15) of the heating station (12).