Pneumatic Slide Closure for Metallurgical Ladle Pouring Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of slide filling sand in metallurgical ladle slide closures leads to output losses, contamination of semi-finished products, and safety risks due to oxidation and potential injuries, as well as issues with oxide entry in continuous casting distributors and ingot molds.
Innovation Solution
A gas supply line is integrated into the displaceable slide plate, allowing for pneumatic release of the slide closure using pressurized gas, eliminating the need for slide filling sand and incorporating a refractory plug with a wear sleeve for improved safety and reduced oxide entry, with electronic monitoring and preheating of the spout sleeve to prevent freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slide filling sand is used to protect the slide closure, then the slide closure is protected from wear, but oxide entry in continuous casting distributors and ingot molds increases, output losses occur, and contamination of semi-finished products happens
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (slide filling sand) is completely removed from the system. The patent replaces the sand-based protection system with a refractory plug made of basic oxygen steelmaking (BOF) slag, which provides protection without generating oxide contamination in the melt stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The material composition of the protective element is changed from sand (silica-based) to refractory plug material (BOF slag-based). This parameter change maintains protective function while eliminating the harmful oxide generation associated with sand erosion and contamination.
2Reliability
If slide filling sand is used, then the slide closure is protected, but safety risks increase due to oxidation and potential injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous sand filling operation is eliminated entirely. The refractory plug is pre-installed and requires no filling operation, removing the safety risks associated with sand handling, oxidation during filling, and potential injuries to operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The refractory plug is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced. Instead of using durable sand that requires periodic refilling (creating safety hazards), a single-use or limited-life plug is installed once per campaign, eliminating recurring safety risks.
3Ease of operation
If a stopper rod is used to close the discharge channel, then the pouring channel can be closed, but mechanical actuation requires guidance through the melt which is disadvantageous
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical stopper rod actuation system is replaced with a pneumatic system. Compressed air is introduced through a gas supply line to the underside of the slide closure, using pneumatic pressure to lift and open the closure, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical guidance through the melt.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas supply line connected to a compressed air reservoir is integrated into the slide closure mechanism. The pneumatic pressure from the gas supply acts on the slide closure to initiate opening, replacing the mechanical stopper rod system and its associated guidance requirements.
4Reliability
If slide filling sand is used, then the slide closure is protected, but economic efficiency decreases due to output losses
Solution Approach 1:
The slide filling sand operation is completely extracted from the process. The refractory plug provides protection without the need for sand filling, thereby eliminating output losses associated with precursors, cracked semi-finished products, and reduced cleanliness during ladle changes.
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 solution significantly reduces oxide entry and output losses, enhances safety by preventing sand deposits and oxidation, and improves economic efficiency by eliminating the need for slide filling sand, while ensuring reproducible and controlled opening conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a gas supply line, which can be acted upon with pressurized gas in order to open the pouring channel
Implementation Method 2
After being detached, the plug then floats up to the surface of the melt
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for opening a pouring channel of metallurgical vessels such as foundry ladles or the like, wherein the pouring channel is arranged on the lined bottom of the vessel, comprising at least two slide plates (5, 7) which have a sliding shutter, comprising a fixed slide plate (5) connected to the vessel and at least one displaceable slide plate (7) operatively connected to same, wherein all slide plates (5, 7) have at least one pouring opening (6, 8) and can be displaced with respect to each other such that for opening and for the melt to flow out, the pouring openings (6, 8) are covered. In order to achieve a quality improvement by reducing the introduction of oxide into the tundish and moulds and hence an improvement in the cost-effectiveness, according to the invention, the need for sliding filling sand is completely removed by arranging a stopper (12) above the sliding shutter, the size of which exceeds the diameter of the pouring channel and which is connected to the lining of the vessel, and the sliding shutter has a gas supply line (10) to which pressurised gas can be applied such that the stopper (12) can be pneumatically removed from the closure position thereof to release the pouring channel.