Nested Tubular Molten Metal Treatment Lance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current molten metal processing equipment lacks an efficient mechanism to introduce gases and additives into molten metal baths during treatment, leading to suboptimal processing conditions and potential inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A molten metal treatment lance comprising a refractory and two tubular members, where the inner tubular member has a closed end and passageways to build pressure, and the outer tubular member has a larger cross-sectional area to facilitate gas flow from the inner tube to the refractory, allowing gas and additives to be effectively introduced into the molten metal bath.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single tubular member is used in conventional lances, then the structure is simple, but the ability to introduce gases and additives efficiently is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested tubular structure where an inner tubular member is positioned within an outer tubular member. The inner tube delivers gases and additives through its central channel, while the outer tube provides structural support and additional flow pathways. This nesting arrangement enables efficient multi-component introduction without requiring completely separate delivery systems, thus improving productivity while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lance is segmented into distinct functional zones: the inner tubular member handles gas delivery, the outer tubular member provides structural support and additional flow paths, and the refractory lining protects against thermal damage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall efficiency of gas and additive introduction.
2Reliability
If pressure building is required for gas introduction, then gas flow control is improved, but the tubular member design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The closed end of the inner tubular member is positioned within the outer tubular member, creating a sealed chamber that allows pressure to build behind the gas stream. This nested arrangement provides reliable pressure control and gas flow management without requiring additional valves or pressure regulation mechanisms, thus improving reliability while keeping the design relatively simple.
3Productivity
If the outer tubular member has a larger cross-sectional area, then gas flow from inner tube to refractory is facilitated, but the space for pressure building is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outer tubular member has a larger cross-sectional area specifically at its open end to facilitate gas flow from the inner tube to the refractory. Meanwhile, the closed end of the inner tube is positioned within the outer tube to create a localized pressure building chamber. This local quality variation allows the structure to simultaneously achieve both large-scale gas flow facilitation and localized pressure building.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure building function is achieved by utilizing the vertical dimension within the nested tubes rather than requiring additional horizontal space. The closed end of the inner tube extends into the outer tube, creating a three-dimensional pressure chamber that does not compromise the overall cross-sectional flow capacity of the outer tube.
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 efficient introduction of gases and additives into molten metal baths, improving processing conditions and enhancing treatment outcomes by maintaining pressure and ensuring consistent flow through the lance.
Implementation Method 1
the inner tubular member has a closed end and passageways to build pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A molten metal treatment lance includes a refractory having at least one channel extending through the refractory. A first tubular member having two open ends is located in the channel of the refractory. The first tubular member has a side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A second tubular member having an open end and a closed end is positioned in the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a side wall having an inner surface, an outer surface and at least one opening extending from the inner surface of the side wall of the second tubular member to the outer surface of the side wall of the second tubular member. The second tubular member is positioned in the first tubular member so as to form a space between the inner surface of the side wall of the first tubular member and the outer surface of the side wall of the second tubular member.