Metal Strip Cooling Control in Heat Treatment Furnace
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Solution Overview
Problem
In continuously operated heat treatment furnaces, metal strips are prone to mechanical contact with cooling equipment during the cooling process after heat treatment, leading to scratches and quality losses due to temperature-induced sagging and fluctuations in cooling agent flow resistance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving controlled cooling agent jets directed at the metal strip surface, with real-time measurement and adjustment of nozzle pressures to maintain the strip's position between supporting elements, using devices spaced evenly above and below the strip to prevent contact, and dividing the cooling zone into blocks to manage sagging and flow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If cooling pipes with nozzles are installed close to the metal strip to achieve sufficient cooling power, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the metal strip gets scratched due to mechanical contact with the cooling equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system consisting of measuring devices and automation units that mediate between the cooling equipment and the metal strip. This system uses measurement signals from measuring devices to control nozzle pressures, creating a buffer that prevents direct mechanical contact while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where measuring devices continuously monitor the metal strip position and trajectory, and the automation unit adjusts nozzle pressures based on these measurements. This feedback mechanism ensures the strip maintains proper clearance from cooling equipment while achieving sufficient cooling power.
2Temperature
If the metal strip is cooled using conventional cooling equipment, then cooling is achieved, but fluctuations in cooling agent flow resistance cause changes in nozzle pressures that alter the metal strip position
Solution Approach 1:
The automation unit receives measurement signals about strip position and actively adjusts nozzle pressures to compensate for position deviations caused by cooling agent flow resistance fluctuations. This feedback control maintains manufacturing precision despite thermal contraction and flow variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes nozzle pressure parameters in response to measured strip position and cooling agent flow conditions. By adjusting pressure parameters in real-time, the system compensates for thermal contraction and flow resistance changes, maintaining stable strip position.
3Productivity
If the metal strip is conveyed at high speed through the heat treatment furnace, then productivity is improved, but the trajectory control becomes more difficult due to reduced time for position adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring devices measure the metal strip position essentially continuously, providing uninterrupted feedback even at high conveying speeds. This continuous measurement enables real-time trajectory control without being limited by strip speed, maintaining manufacturing precision while maximizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical position adjustment mechanisms with a control system that uses pressure adjustments of cooling agent jets to influence strip trajectory. This substitution allows for faster, more precise control response at high conveying speeds compared to mechanical systems.
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 method effectively prevents mechanical contact between the metal strip and cooling equipment, ensuring consistent quality and production by maintaining precise control over the strip's position and cooling process, thereby reducing scratches and improving overall process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
through nozzles installed in said cooling pipes, the cooling agent, such as air, is fed on the strip surface
Implementation Method 2
the metal strip to be cooled forms in the zone located between the elements meant for supporting the metal strip a sagging essentially having the shape of a funicular curve
Implementation Method 3
the sagging with the funicular curve shape is, owing to heat contraction as opposite to heat expansion caused by the temperature difference, changed so that the position of the lowest point of the metal strip deviates from the zone center
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a metal strip to be heat-treated, contained in a continuously operated heat treatment furnace and proceeding in an essentially horizontal direction and suspended position in a zone arranged between elements meant for supporting the metal strip when said metal strip is being cooled. The trajectory of the metal strip is measured by a measuring device, and on the basis of the obtained measurement results, the metal strip is subjected to a controlled cooling agent jet, so that the trajectory of the metal strip, at least in the zone located between the elements meant for supporting the metal strip, is made to proceed in between devices installed around the trajectory and meant for conveying the cooling agent.