Ruhrstahl-Heraeus Snorkel Refractory Anchoring Against Lining Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The outer refractory lining of Ruhrstahl-Heraeus (RH) snorkels fails prematurely due to mechanical failure, despite the use of high-quality magnesia-carbon refractory, primarily because it lacks sufficient anchoring, leading to detachment during exposure to liquid steel and slag.
Innovation Solution
A refractory component comprising a refractory brick, such as a magnesium-carbon or alumina-carbon brick, is securely fastened to the snorkel can using anchors or co-molded supports with mounting tabs, ensuring stable attachment through positive locks like hooks, wave rods, or tapered rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If magnesia-carbon refractory is used for the outer lining, then resistance to slag and liquid steel is improved, but mechanical anchoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining magnesia-carbon refractory material with a separate anchoring system. The refractory material provides chemical resistance to slag and liquid steel, while the anchoring system (comprising anchors, support members, and mounting tabs) provides mechanical attachment strength. This composite approach allows each component to fulfill its specialized function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary anchoring system between the magnesia-carbon refractory lining and the snorkel can. This intermediary structure (including anchors embedded in the refractory and support members with mounting tabs) serves as a mediator that transfers mechanical loads while allowing the magnesia-carbon material to maintain its chemical resistance properties without direct mechanical attachment requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If cast refractory lining is used, then ease of installation is improved, but mechanical failure resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refractory lining into modular bricks rather than using a monolithic cast lining. Each brick can be independently manufactured, handled, and installed, improving ease of installation. The segmented structure also allows for the integration of anchoring features in each brick, enhancing mechanical failure resistance through distributed attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates anchoring features (anchors, support members, mounting tabs) during the brick manufacturing process itself. This preliminary action ensures that the mechanical attachment capability is built into the structure before installation, eliminating the need for separate anchoring operations and ensuring consistent mechanical failure resistance across all bricks.
3Strength
If anchors are pressed into the brick, then attachment strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anchor integration process into the brick manufacturing process itself. Rather than requiring separate operations for inserting anchors after brick formation, the anchors are pressed into the brick during or immediately after the forming process while the material is still workable. This merging of operations maintains attachment strength while minimizing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A refractory component for forming a refractory lining includes a refractory brick, and a support member having at least one surface fixed to the refractory brick.