Single Plate Sliding Closure for Metallurgical Vessel Tapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding closures for metallurgical vessels require complex designs with multiple components, leading to higher manufacturing costs, increased fault susceptibility, and complex maintenance, especially when manually plugging and unplugging the tapping hole.
Innovation Solution
A simplified sliding closure design featuring a single movable closure plate within a slider housing, with tensioning elements that relieve tension to allow easy inspection and replacement, and a sliding trolley with rollers and ramps for smooth operation, along with a replaceable insert element for wear resistance and a projecting casting sleeve for guiding slag flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple closure plates are used in conventional sliding closures, then the tapping hole can be sealed reliably, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple closure plates into a single integrated closure plate that can be positioned at different locations along the tapping hole. This single plate performs the sealing function that previously required multiple separate plates, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability through strategic positioning and design of the unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The single closure plate is designed to be multi-functional, capable of sealing the tapping hole at various positions and serving both as a sealing element and a structural component. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized plates, reducing overall system complexity while preserving the necessary sealing functionality.
2Reliability
If multiple closure plates and manual plugging operations are used, then the tapping hole can be closed securely, but the ease of operation and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure plate is integrated with a slider mechanism that enables dynamic movement along the tapping hole axis. This allows the closure plate to be easily positioned and secured at different locations through simple sliding motion, eliminating complex manual plugging operations while maintaining secure closure through the slider's locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider mechanism provides self-positioning and self-locking functionality for the closure plate. The tensioning elements automatically maintain contact between the closure plate and the tapping hole, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying operation while ensuring reliable closure through the self-adjusting nature of the system.
3Reliability
If conventional sliding closure designs are used, then the tapping hole can be sealed, but the manufacturing cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (multiple closure plates, associated mounting structures, and manual plugging mechanisms) into a single integrated closure plate with slider mechanism. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while preserving the essential sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the closure plate to be easily removed and replaced through the slider mechanism without requiring disassembly of complex assemblies. This facilitates quick replacement of worn or damaged plates, reducing maintenance time and costs while maintaining reliable sealing through the ability to rapidly swap components.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sliding closure (10) for a metallurgical vessel comprising a tapping hole (1) for draining metal melt or slag, said sliding closure being provided with a slider housing (3) that can be secured to the vessel (2) and a closure plate (6) that can move therein for opening and closing the tapping hole (1). The sliding closure (10) also has only this moveable closure plate (6), without a stationary closure plate, which is can be moved directly on a sliding surface (7), extending around the tapping hole, preferably of a casing block (9) in the vessel (2) and can be pressed by pretensioning elements. In this way, this sliding closure (10) provides a constructionally simpler structure and user-friendly handling.