Segmented Tube Secondary Cooling for Strand Casting Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary cooling devices for strands in continuous casting plants lack the ability to effectively increase the ratio between maximum and minimum coolant flow and achieve a suitable jet profile, particularly with small individual coolant flows.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a line end segment with a switching valve and an outlet nozzle, allowing for adjustable coolant flow and jet profile through a segment pipe and control line configuration, along with a pressure detection device for monitoring and control, enabling uniform cooling distribution and flexible control of coolant flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a switching valve with PWM control is used to adjust cooling capacity, then the cooling control flexibility is improved, but the ratio between maximum and minimum coolant flow rates cannot be effectively increased
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant flow is segmented into multiple independent flows, each controlled by its own switching valve. This segmentation allows each valve to operate within an optimal flow range while collectively achieving a much broader total flow range, effectively increasing the ratio between maximum and minimum coolant flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from single-dimension PWM modulation to multi-dimension control by independently regulating multiple coolant flows. This dimensional expansion enables broader flow range adjustment while maintaining precise cooling control flexibility.
2Use of energy by moving object
If small coolant flow rates are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but a suitable jet profile (particularly opening angle) cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of coolant flow rate from small continuous flow to multiple alternating flows. By controlling the duty cycle of multiple switching valves, the system achieves the required jet profile parameters (opening angle, distribution pattern) while maintaining lower average energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching valves operate periodically with controlled duty cycles, creating pulsed coolant flows that maintain effective jet profiles. This periodic action allows the system to achieve suitable opening angles and spray patterns while reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous small flows.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple independent coolant flows with individual switching valves are used, then the coolant flow range ratio is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple switching valves perform the universal function of flow control within their respective segments. Each valve is a standard component with identical control characteristics, simplifying selection and maintenance while collectively achieving the broader flow range through their combined operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple copies of the same switching valve and control circuitry. This modular copying approach standardizes components, reduces design complexity, and enables easy scaling while achieving the required coolant flow range ratio through parallel operation.
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 configuration allows for efficient and uniform secondary cooling of strands by adjusting coolant flow and jet profiles, enhancing cooling performance and reducing the risk of coolant outlet blockages through precise control and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the segmented tube has an outer tube and an inner tube running inside the outer tube, the coolant being guided between the outer tube and the inner tube
Implementation Method 2
a switching valve for switching on and off a single coolant flow
Implementation Method 3
an outlet nozzle with a coolant outlet for dispensing coolant
Implementation Method 4
The cooling of the strand in the die is called secondary cooling, while cooling of the strand in the mold is called primary cooling
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a line end segment of a cooling device for the secondary cooling of a strand in a strand guide of a continuous casting plant. The line end segment comprises an outlet nozzle (33) with a coolant outlet (21) for discharging coolant (19), a switching valve (23) for switching on and off a single coolant flow (Q), a segment tube (35) for guiding the coolant (19) to the coolant outlet (21) of the outlet nozzle (33) and for guiding an end section of a control line (25.1 to 25.4) for switching the switching valve (23), and a connecting flange (37) with a first flange opening (37.1) for supplying the coolant (19) into the segment tube (35) and a second flange opening (37.2) for guiding the control line (25.1 to 25.4) into the segment tube (35).The connecting flange (37) is arranged at a first end of the segment tube (35), and the switching valve (23) is arranged at a second end of the segment tube (35). The outlet nozzle (33) is arranged on the switching valve (23). The segment tube (35) has an outer tube and an inner tube running inside the outer tube, with the coolant (19) flowing between the outer tube and the inner tube, and the inner tube forming or surrounding the end section of the control line (25.1 to 25.4).