Molten Metal Refining Device With Impeller Agent Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dephosphorization methods for ferromanganese molten metal face inefficiencies in phosphorus removal, leading to decreased reaction rates and increased processing time, with solid phase dephosphorization agents causing temperature drops in the molten metal.

Innovation Solution

A molten metal refining method and device that uses a liquid dephosphorization agent supplied from the top and a solid dephosphorization agent injected through blowing nozzles positioned below the molten metal surface, with blades positioned above the midpoint to enhance stirring efficiency and maintain temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a solid phase dephosphorization agent is inputted into the molten metal, then the dephosphorization reaction can proceed, but the temperature of the molten metal is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephosphorus concentration controlVSAvoidmolten metal temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the dephosphorization agent from solid to liquid form. The liquid dephosphorization agent is supplied at a temperature of 500°C to 1500°C, which matches the molten metal temperature range (1200°C to 1500°C), thereby eliminating temperature decrease and maintaining reaction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The dephosphorization agent is preheated to a molten state before being supplied to the molten metal. This preliminary heating action ensures that the agent enters the molten metal at the optimal temperature, preventing any temperature drop and ensuring immediate reaction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the dephosphorization agent is supplied from the top and stirred with an impeller, then the dispersion should be improved, but the stirring flow collides with the agent flow and reduces reaction rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephosphorus concentration controlVSAvoiddephosphorization rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the agent supply by using a top-supplied liquid dephosphorization agent that flows downward along the inner wall of the ladle, while the impeller creates horizontal and vertical stirring flows. This multi-dimensional flow pattern ensures that the agent and stirring flows complement rather than collide, improving both dispersion and reaction rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid dephosphorization agent is supplied to the top portion of the molten metal, creating a localized high-concentration region at the top. The impeller then distributes this agent throughout the molten metal in a controlled manner, ensuring optimal local concentrations for the dephosphorization reaction while avoiding flow collisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 approach improves the dispersion and reaction efficiency of dephosphorization agents, allowing for better control of phosphorus concentration and reducing the temperature decrease of the molten metal, resulting in higher-quality ferromanganese production.

Implementation Method 1

improving dispersion performance of dephosphorization agents introduced into the molten metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 2

a supply pipe which is disposed inside the impeller body along a lengthwise direction of the impeller body and through which a solid dephosphorization agent in a powder state and a transfer gas are supplied; and blowing nozzles partially passing through a lower portion of the impeller body and communicating with the supply pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas injection: Gas Lift

Implementation Method 3

the molten metal is stirred by rotating the impeller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStirring: Stirring

Data Source

PatentEP3031935B1Molten iron refining method and device thereof
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 POHANG IRON & STEEL CO LTD
  • EP3031935B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3031935B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3031935B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a molten metal refining device and method, and the molten metal refining method includes: preparing molten metal; dipping an impeller into the molten metal; supplying a liquid dephosphorization agent on top of the molten metal; and stirring the molten metal by rotating the impeller, wherein a solid dephosphorization agent in a powder state is supplied through the lower portion of the impeller in the stirring of the molten metal, thereby improving the stirring efficiency of the molten metal and efficiently controlling the phosphorus concentration in the molten metal.