Rolling Stand Cooling Layout for Immediate Post-Roll Strip Quenching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In metal flat rolling processes, the time gap between the last rolling pass and the start of cooling can be significant, especially for thick rolling stock, leading to inadequate material property setting and limiting the product mix, particularly in cast-rolling where low casting speeds restrict mass flow. Existing cooling methods, such as interstand cooling, provide insufficient and non-homogeneous cooling.
Innovation Solution
The method involves shifting a cooling device into the roll stand's advanced position after removing the work rolls, allowing for direct cooling of the rolling stock with a liquid coolant, ensuring efficient and homogeneous cooling, even after the rolling process, thus minimizing the time gap and enhancing material property setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the cooling device remains in the retracted position during rolling operations, then the work rolls can be freely installed and removed, but the cooling device cannot cool the flat rolled material directly, resulting in a time gap between rolling and cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is made movable between retracted and advanced positions through an actuator mechanism. This dynamic positioning allows the cooling device to adapt to different operational modes: in the retracted position, it allows free installation and removal of work rolls; in the advanced position, it enables direct cooling of the flat rolled material immediately after rolling, eliminating the time gap between rolling and cooling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling device is designed to perform multiple functions by changing its position. In the retracted position, it allows work roll changes without interference. In the advanced position, it provides direct cooling of the material. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the cooling device adaptable to both rolling operations and immediate cooling requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cooling device is moved to the advanced position to cool the flat rolled material, then direct cooling is achieved, but the work rolls cannot be installed or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is made movable between retracted and advanced positions through an actuator mechanism. This dynamic positioning allows the cooling device to adapt to different operational modes: in the retracted position, it allows free installation and removal of work rolls; in the advanced position, it enables direct cooling of the flat rolled material immediately after rolling, eliminating the time gap between rolling and cooling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling device operates periodically, alternating between retracted and advanced positions based on operational requirements. During work roll changes, it remains retracted. During cooling operations, it moves to the advanced position. This periodic action ensures that work roll installation and removal remain easy while still providing direct cooling when needed
3Productivity
If a separate cooling section is placed downstream, then the rolling stand can focus on rolling operations, but the distance to the cooling section increases the time gap for thick rolling stock
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged with the rolling stand by positioning the cooling device within the same stand structure. The cooling device can be moved to the advanced position to cool the material directly at the rolling stand location, combining the rolling and cooling functions in one location. This eliminates the need for a separate downstream cooling section and reduces the time gap for thick rolling stock while maintaining rolling operation efficiency
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 enables efficient, simple, and cost-effective cooling of metal rolling stock within the roll stand, reducing the time gap between rolling and cooling, thereby improving material properties and expanding the product mix, especially for thick rolling stock, and optimizing continuous casting and rolling operations.
Implementation Method 1
the second flat rolled material made of metal passes through the rolling stand in the transport direction without deformation and, while passing through the rolling stand, is supplied with liquid coolant via at least one line by means of the first cooling device located in the forward position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
First, a flat metal stock (2) passes through a rolling stand (1c) in a transport direction (x). It is rolled by means of work rolls (3) installed in the rolling stand (1c). During the rolling of the first flat metal stock (2), a first cooling device (11) arranged in the rolling stand (1c) is held in a retracted position, in which it is spaced apart from the work rolls (3) when viewed in the transport direction (x). The work rolls (3) are then removed from the rolling stand (1c). After the work rolls (3) have been removed, the first cooling device (11) is moved forward in or against the transport direction (x) to a forward position, so that the first cooling device (11) is then located in the area where the work rolls (3) were previously located. Finally, a second flat metal stock (10) passes through the rolling stand (1c) in the transport direction (x) without deformation.It is thereby supplied with a liquid coolant (14) by means of the first cooling device (11) which is located in the forward position.