Modular Cooling Collectors With Inclined Perforated Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal treatment systems for metallic products, such as thin sheets and slabs, face inefficiencies in water consumption, uneven cooling distribution, complex maintenance, and prolonged filling and emptying times, leading to suboptimal mechanical properties and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A modular and flexible thermal treatment apparatus with collector modules featuring a support and transport plane, integrated stop valves close to collectors, perforated plates with inclined rows of holes, and a pivot mechanism for easy maintenance and rapid fluid flow regulation, optimizing filling and emptying times and ensuring even surface coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If direct cooling with water jets is used, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases and distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collector uses a porous plate structure that allows water to be distributed uniformly across the product surface through capillary action and pressure differential, replacing the need for high-volume direct jets while maintaining effective cooling
2Manufacturing precision
If spray atomisation is used, then water distribution is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
A simple porous plate replaces complex spray atomisation systems with multiple collectors and air supply mechanisms, achieving uniform water distribution through the inherent properties of the porous material while significantly simplifying the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The porous plate structure self-regulates water distribution through capillary forces and pressure equalization, eliminating the need for complex control systems and reducing maintenance requirements
3Manufacturing precision
If perforated plates with parallel rows are used, then water distribution is improved, but surface coverage completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from symmetric parallel rows to an asymmetric radial pattern where holes are arranged in concentric circles or arcs centered on the collector axis, ensuring water is distributed evenly across the entire product surface including edge areas that parallel rows cannot reach
4Temperature
If collectors are filled with refrigerating fluid, then thermal treatment capability is improved, but filling time and operational stability deteriorate due to transient phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The porous plate structure pre-distributes water throughout the collector body before treatment begins, eliminating transient filling phases and allowing immediate stable operation. The water is already evenly distributed in the porous matrix, ready for instant discharge.
5Temperature
If complex collector assemblies are used, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but maintenance accessibility and ease of repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The collector is designed as a modular unit with the porous plate as a separate, easily replaceable component. This segmentation allows the porous plate to be removed and cleaned independently without disassembling the entire collector assembly, significantly improving maintenance accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The porous plate is extracted as a standalone replaceable component from the collector assembly, allowing it to be removed, cleaned, or replaced independently while the rest of the collector structure remains in place, simplifying maintenance operations
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
The apparatus achieves efficient, controlled thermal treatment with reduced transient phenomena, improved maintenance accessibility, and flexible operation, ensuring uniform product cooling and rapid stabilization of fluid flow, thus enhancing the overall reactivity and precision of the thermal treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
said perforated plate being provided with holes which are arranged in rows parallel to each other but not in parallel rows with respect to the sides of said perforated plate in which said rows are inclined with respect to two opposite sides of the plate of an acute angle
Implementation Method 2
integrated in said conduit, at least one stop valve, in particular an on-off valve, to permit or preclude the flow of said fluid into said at least one collector
Implementation Method 3
an apparatus for the thermal treatment of metallic products, such as in particular sheets and thin slabs
Implementation Method 4
suitable for cooling the product in an effective and controlled manner
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for the thermal treatment of metallic products, which comprises (a) a support and transport plane (24); (b) at least one collector module (12) comprising at least one collector (14, 16), the collector (14) being provided with a perforated plate (22) facing the support and transport plane (24); (b-2) a conduit (20) connected to said at least one collector (14), and (b-3) integrated in said conduit (20), at least one stop valve (18). The stop valve (18) is situated at a distance from the collector (14) which does not exceed 60 cm. The perforated plate (22) is provided with holes which are arranged in rows parallel to each other but not in parallel rows with respect to the sides of said perforated plate. The rows are inclined with respect to two opposite sides of the plate (22) of an acute angle.