Lateral Intake Nozzle for Vertical Upward Casting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vertical upwards continuous casting, slag and inclusions adhere to the nozzle tip and are introduced into the molten metal, leading to degraded cast product quality due to insufficient prevention of slag intrusion.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle with a lateral intake hole and a flanged portion on the lower side of the intake hole is used, combined with an inclusion removal unit that performs bubbling with inert gas to float inclusions upwards, preventing them from entering the nozzle during casting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the nozzle is put into the molten metal from above to enable vertical upwards continuous casting, then the casting process can be carried out, but slag adheres to the nozzle tip and is caught into the molten metal, producing inclusions that degrade cast product quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional nozzle orientation by forming the intake hole in the lateral surface of the nozzle body rather than at the bottom. This allows the nozzle to take in molten metal from the side while the bottom surface contacts the molten metal, preventing slag adhesion to the intake opening and eliminating inclusion formation while maintaining continuous casting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical intake configuration (bottom opening) to a lateral intake configuration (side opening). This dimensional change in the intake hole position enables the nozzle to avoid slag layer contact at the intake point while still functioning in the vertical upward casting process, thereby improving cast product quality without sacrificing productivity
2Reliability
If a plate for preventing intrusion of slag is attached to the nozzle, then some slag intrusion is prevented, but the intrusion of slag is not yet sufficiently prevented, and an increase of purification due to further improvements is demanded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate slag prevention plate component entirely and integrates the protective function directly into the nozzle body structure through the laterally positioned intake hole. This eliminates the need for additional components while achieving superior slag prevention, thereby improving reliability without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the slag prevention function with the nozzle body structure itself by positioning the intake hole in the lateral surface. The nozzle body simultaneously serves as both the metal intake device and the slag barrier, eliminating the need for separate prevention plates and reducing overall structural complexity while enhancing protection effectiveness
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 configuration effectively suppresses the intrusive mixing of inclusions into the cast product, enhancing the purification of molten metal and improving the quality of the cast product by preventing slag and inclusions from entering the intake hole.
Implementation Method 1
an inclusion removal unit put into the storage section, performing bubbling in the molten metal with inert gas, and causing inclusions in the molten metal to float upwards
Implementation Method 2
causing inclusions in the molten metal to float upwards
Implementation Method 3
a cooling unit disposed above the nozzle and quenching the taken-in molten metal
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle put into a molten metal in vertical upwards continuous casting for casting a cast product by pulling up the molten metal, the nozzle includes a nozzle body having an intake hole through which the molten metal is taken in and which is formed in a lateral surface of the nozzle body and a flange portion formed on lower side of the intake hole and projecting beyond the nozzle body.