Molten Metal Pump Post Clamp Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching support posts to a molten metal pump superstructure are time-consuming and prone to damaging the soft graphite posts due to the need for precise machining of grooves or through-bolt holes, which can lead to cracking or breaking under the weight of the superstructure.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece support post clamp with a bottom flange for connecting to the superstructure, a cavity for receiving the support post end, and a top flange for positioning above the post end, allowing the superstructure to be supported by the top surface of the posts, eliminating the need for precise machining and distributing the weight more evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grooves or through-bolt holes are machined in support posts to attach them to the superstructure, then the support posts can be securely attached, but the soft graphite posts are damaged, cracked, or broken under the weight of the superstructure
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate pieces that can be assembled around the support post, eliminating the need to machine holes or grooves directly into the soft graphite post. The first piece has an outer surface that contacts the post, and the second piece has an inner surface that contacts the outer surface, creating a segmented attachment system that protects the post from mechanical damage while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If precise machining of grooves or through-bolt holes is performed on support posts, then secure attachment is achieved, but the time required for setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp components are pre-formed with complementary surfaces that fit around the support post without requiring field machining. The first piece is positioned around the post with its outer surface contacting the post, and the second piece is positioned with its inner surface contacting the first piece, creating a pre-assembled attachment system that eliminates time-consuming on-site machining operations.
3Ease of operation
If support posts are used to support the superstructure, then the superstructure can be positioned, but the posts are prone to cracking or breaking under the weight
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp acts as an intermediary component between the support post and the superstructure. Instead of directly loading the post through machined holes or grooves, the clamp distributes the load around the post's circumference through its contact surfaces, protecting the soft graphite material from stress concentration while maintaining the positioning function.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved post clamp for a molten metal pump includes a support post clamp that supports the weight of a pump superstructure on the top of the support posts. The clamp preferably includes (a) a bottom flange for connecting to the pump superstructure, (b) a cavity for receiving an end of a support post, wherein the end has a top surface, and (c) a top flange for being positioned above the top surface. In operation the top flange rests on the top surface of the support post thereby supporting at least part of the weight of the superstructure. It is preferred that a plurality of support posts and post clamps according to the invention be used with a molten metal pump wherein the top surface of each support post supports some of the weight of the superstructure. Also disclosed are novel support posts that may be used with the post clamp, and a pump in which the post clamp and/or support posts may be used.