Modular Injector Device for Metallurgical Oxygen Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injector devices for pyrometallurgical treatment are large, complex, and costly due to their solid construction, making them difficult to manufacture and maintain, with limited operating modes and a need for extensive replacement when changing nozzle configurations.
Innovation Solution
A compact injector device design where the Laval nozzle element and mixer element are arranged one behind the other along the central axis, allowing for easy separation and replacement, with a detachable configuration that eliminates the need for a hot-gas connection flange and incorporates a nozzle head part with integrated ignition and oxygen channels for improved combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the injector device is constructed as a solid welded structure, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The injector device is divided into separate modular components: a nozzle head part and a Laval nozzle element. The Laval nozzle element can be detached from the nozzle head part, eliminating the need for complex welded assemblies. This segmentation maintains structural integrity while simplifying manufacturing and reducing overall device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the Laval nozzle element is integrated permanently into the injector device, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of replacement and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the Laval nozzle element and the nozzle head part is designed to be dynamically changeable - permanently stable during operation but easily separable when needed. The detachable design allows the Laval nozzle element to remain firmly positioned during use while enabling quick removal and replacement without complex disassembly procedures.
3Volume of moving object
If the injector device uses a compact design with components arranged one behind the other, then the device size and material usage are reduced, but the complexity of ensuring proper alignment and separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle head part and Laval nozzle element are designed with asymmetric features that guide proper alignment during assembly. The asymmetric geometry ensures that components can only be assembled in the correct orientation, automatically ensuring proper alignment without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional alignment mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the injector device is designed with detachable components, then the ease of maintenance and adaptability are improved, but the potential for connection leaks and assembly errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary connection structure is provided between the nozzle head part and the Laval nozzle element. This intermediary connection design includes features such as sealing elements and guide structures that ensure reliable, leak-free connections while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly. The connection structure acts as a mediator that bridges the detachable components reliably.
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 design results in a more affordable, maintainable, and adaptable injector device that can be easily adjusted for different processes, reducing material usage and enabling quick replacement of wear parts, while improving combustion efficiency through optimized gas jet stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
a Laval nozzle element (8) arranged in a nozzle head part (41) for generating the oxygen gas jet
Implementation Method 2
generating a high-speed gas jet (5) from an oxygen gas jet (6) and an ignited fuel gas-air mixture jet (7)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an injector device (1) for the pyrometallurgical treatment of metals, metal melts, and/or slags in a metallurgical unit or melting vessel, comprising an injector apparatus (2, 3) for producing a high-velocity gas jet (5) from an oxygen gas jet (6) and an ignited combustible-gas/air mixture jet (7), wherein the injector apparatus (2, 3) comprises a de Laval nozzle element (8) for producing the oxygen gas jet (6), which de Laval nozzle element is arranged in a nozzle head part (41), and wherein the combustible-gas/air mixture (7) can be mixed by means of a mixing element (9) for mixing combustible gas (32) and air (36), wherein the de Laval nozzle element (8) and the mixing element (9) are jointly arranged along the center longitudinal axis (13) of the injector apparatus (2, 3) one behind the other in such a way that the de Laval nozzle element and the mixing element can be detached from each other.