Rotary Drum Slag Feeding Buffer for Viscous and Solid Steel Slag

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rotary drum processes are inefficient in handling steel slag with high viscosity or solid slag, particularly large pieces at the bottom of the tank, leading to low processing efficiency and safety hazards due to accumulation and manual operation errors.

Innovation Solution

A rotary drum processing method with a tilting mechanism and a storage bin positioned between the drum and feeding chute, allowing for controlled feeding and continuous operation, combined with mechanical cleaning, to process all types of steel slag efficiently and safely, including high fluidity, viscous, and solid slag without fluidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional rotary drum process is used to process high fluidity steel slag, then processing can be performed, but it cannot process viscous or solid steel slag efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to process different types of steel slagVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary drum is designed with adjustable rotation speed and tilt angle, allowing it to adapt to different types of steel slag (high fluidity, viscous, or solid). The dynamic adjustment of operational parameters enables the single equipment to process all slag types efficiently without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If slag tank tilting mechanism and slag scraper are used to feed viscous solid steel slag into rotary drum, then some slag can be processed, but feeding efficiency is low and processing period is long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to handle viscous solid slagVSAvoidprocessing period
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The slag tank is tilted to a predetermined angle before slag feeding begins, pre-positioning the viscous or solid slag for optimal flow into the rotary drum. This preliminary positioning action ensures that slag feeds continuously and efficiently without requiring repeated adjustments or manual intervention during the processing period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous slag feeding by coordinating the tilt mechanism and rotary drum operation to ensure uninterrupted flow. The drum rotates continuously while the tilt mechanism adjusts as needed, eliminating idle time and maintaining constant processing action throughout the slag treatment cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If large-sized slag at the bottom of the tank is poured onto the ground or flowed backwards, then handling is simplified, but processing efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling simplicityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary drum system is designed to universally handle all types of steel slag including large-sized slag at the bottom of the tank. The drum's rotation and crushing mechanism automatically process these difficult-to-handle materials, eliminating the need for separate handling procedures like pouring onto ground or flowing backwards, while maintaining high processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Speed

If mechanical turning over, spraying cooling water is performed to improve cooling efficiency, then cooling rate increases, but dust diffusion and explosion risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling rateVSAvoiddust diffusion and explosion risk
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary drum processing creates a controlled environment where slag is continuously moved and cooled through mechanical action rather than open-air water spraying. This enclosed processing method reduces dust diffusion into the surrounding environment and minimizes explosion risks while maintaining effective cooling rates through the drum's rotation and internal cooling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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

The method achieves double the processing efficiency of conventional drums, ensures continuous operation with reduced safety risks, and enables automated, environmentally friendly slag processing with minimal downtime and low maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

the slag tank is tilted so that the high temperature steel slag with high fluidity in the slag tank can be poured through a feeding chute controllably at a set tilting speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

the rotary drum has a double-walled, multi-chamber structure, provided with a plurality of cooling agent inside such as steel balls and process cooling water, which can perform ball cooling - crushing - water spray cooling - water immersion cooling sequentially on the high temperature steel slag entered therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4148148B1Efficient treatment method and apparatus for multiphase steel slag
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 BAOSHAN IRON & STEEL CO LTD
  • EP4148148B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4148148B1 patent drawingFigure 2-1
  • EP4148148B1 patent drawingFigure 2-2

AI summary

The present application provides an efficient treatment method and apparatus for multiphase steel slag. According to the present application, the treatment apparatus for multiphase steel slag comprises a steel slag feeding apparatus and a drum for treating steel slag, and the steel slag feeding apparatus comprises a feeding chute; the treatment apparatus for multiphase steel slag further comprises a storage compartment disposed between the feeding chute and the drum; the storage compartment is an open cylinder, and has one end forming a working fit with the lower open end of the feeding chute and the other end being fixedly connected to and coaxial with the treatment cavity of the drum. By means of the storage compartment obliquely placed between the front of the drum and the feeding chute and used for buffering and transition, there is no need to use a slag raking apparatus, and safe technological treatment of various steel slag by a drum is implemented.