Modular Rolling Mill Cooling Device for Rapid Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling mill systems face challenges in efficiently adapting roll cooling methods without significant conversion efforts and associated production losses, particularly when switching between different cooling principles like high-pressure and low-pressure systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular cooling device with a support structure that can accommodate multiple cooling elements, such as spray bars and shell nozzles, allowing for easy switching between different cooling types by adjusting pressure and flow rates, minimizing mechanical and fluidic interface changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a cooling concept is fundamentally changed (e.g., from high pressure to low pressure), then cooling efficiency or energy consumption is improved, but conversion effort and production downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is divided into modular components: a support frame and interchangeable cooling elements. The cooling element can be separated from the support frame, allowing individual replacement without dismantling the entire cooling system. This segmentation enables quick swapping between different cooling element types (e.g., spray bars, shell nozzles) minimizing production downtime during conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple types of cooling elements. The receiving element on the support frame works with adapters on different cooling element designs, allowing a single support frame structure to serve multiple cooling functions and principles without requiring complete system replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cooling concept is fundamentally changed, then cooling efficiency is improved, but conversion effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is divided into modular components: a support frame and interchangeable cooling elements. The cooling element can be separated from the support frame, allowing individual replacement without dismantling the entire cooling system. This segmentation enables quick swapping between different cooling element types (e.g., spray bars, shell nozzles) minimizing production downtime during conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple types of cooling elements. The receiving element on the support frame works with adapters on different cooling element designs, allowing a single support frame structure to serve multiple cooling functions and principles without requiring complete system replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different cooling elements are installed, then optimal cooling configuration is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple types of cooling elements. The receiving element on the support frame works with adapters on different cooling element designs, allowing a single support frame structure to serve multiple cooling functions and principles without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the cooling element and the support frame. This adapter standardizes the connection interface, allowing different cooling element designs to be mounted on the same support frame without increasing overall system complexity. The adapter acts as a mediator that simplifies the interface between diverse cooling elements and the universal support structure.
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
Enables seamless and risk-free conversion of roll cooling systems, reducing production downtime and allowing for efficient testing of various cooling methods to select the optimal configuration, thus optimizing cooling efficiency and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a multitude of water jets emerge from nozzles at a pressure of approximately 5 to 25 bar from one or more distribution pipes. The water jets strike the work roller at various angles in a radial direction and cool it
Implementation Method 2
spray cooling system, in which a multitude of water jets emerge from nozzles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a rolling mill for rolling a metallic material, comprising a cooling device (1) for cooling the rolls (2) of a rolling stand and/or the material to be rolled. To enable easy adjustment of the cooling to desired cooling conditions, the invention provides that the cooling device (1) comprises at least one support frame (3) for at least one cooling element (4', 4"), wherein at least two cooling elements (4', 4") of different designs are available or present, and the support frame (3) is equipped with at least one receiving element (5) configured to alternatively receive a cooling element (4', 4") of a selected design. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a rolling mill with such a cooling device.