Roll Coolant Containment Using a Movable Gas-Sealed Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roll processing methods face challenges in effectively containing and removing viscous materials from roll surfaces during metal manufacturing, as conventional wipers can collect debris and vacuum systems are ineffective, especially when processing is stopped or reversed.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a movable seal and a gas delivery system that moves the seal between contact and non-contact positions with the roll surface, using a biasing mechanism and forced gas to contain viscous materials and prevent them from passing through a gap, while allowing collection of the materials on the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wiper is used to contain viscous material on the roll surface, then the viscous material can be contained and directed to a collection device, but the wiper collects debris which can damage the roll and/or the processed material surface
Solution Approach 1:
A gas stream (intermediary substance) is introduced between the seal and the roll surface to prevent direct contact. The gas acts as a mediator that allows the seal to contain and direct the viscous material without the seal itself contacting and collecting debris on the roll surface, thereby preventing damage while maintaining containment effectiveness
2Productivity
If a vacuum system is used to remove viscous materials from the roll, then removal can be achieved, but the system is ineffective when processing is stopped or reversed
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and sealing function based on operational conditions. The seal can maintain effective containment during forward processing, stopped processing, and reversed processing conditions, making the system adaptable to all operational states without requiring a vacuum system
3Reliability
If a seal is placed in constant contact with the roll surface to contain viscous material, then containment is effective, but the seal collects debris and risks damage to the roll and processed material
Solution Approach 1:
A gas stream serves as an intermediary between the seal and the roll surface, enabling the seal to maintain effective containment of viscous material without direct contact with the roll. The gas layer allows the seal to function at a slight distance, preventing debris collection while maintaining containment integrity
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the seal is separated from the surface by a gap to prevent debris collection, then debris collection is reduced, but viscous material can pass through the gap
Solution Approach 1:
The gas stream acts as a mediator that fills and seals the gap between the seal and the roll surface. This allows the seal to be positioned at a distance that prevents debris collection while the gas pressure maintains effective containment, preventing viscous material from passing through the gap
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 effectively contains and removes viscous materials without damaging the rolls or processed engineering materials, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the metal manufacturing process by preventing debris collection and ensuring effective material containment and removal.
Implementation Method 1
The gas delivery device can be configured to supply the gas at a velocity sufficient to overcome the biasing mechanism and move the seal into the second position
Implementation Method 2
The seal can be maintained in the first position by a biasing mechanism that can be gravity, a spring, a tensioner, or an actuator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Provided herein is system and a method for containing a viscous material, such as a coolant, on a roll (130) and/or a roll processed engineering material (e.g., a metal strip). In particular, a viscous material containment system (100) can include a movable seal (110) and a gas delivery device (120). A method for cooling a roll (130) can include applying a viscous material, such as a coolant, to the roll (130) and containing the viscous material on the roll (130) using the viscous material containment system (100). In some cases, the viscous material containment system (100) can be used to facilitate removal of the viscous material from the roll (130) and/or the roll processed engineering material.