Metallurgical Slide Closure Thermal Stress Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide closures for metallurgical vessels face operational stresses due to thermal extension of fire-proof plates and the inner shell, leading to potential overload and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A slide closure design incorporating two compensation units with spring arrangements to absorb these stresses, one between the closure plates and another between the plates and the inner shell, allowing for adjustable pretension and minimizing overload through interaction of these units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plate tension is set to ensure free movability of the slide plate and tightness of the slide closure, then the operational reliability is improved, but the fire-proof plates and inner shell are subjected to additional stresses due to thermal extension, leading to reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning system is segmented into two independent compensation units: a first compensation unit with spring arrangements that act on tensile load between the cover and housing, and a second compensation unit with spring arrangements that press the insertion frame toward the lower closure plate. This segmentation allows each unit to independently absorb different types of thermal stresses, preventing overload of individual components and extending the lifespan of fire-proof parts while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arrangements in both compensation units are designed with adjustable pretension capabilities. The plate springs in the first compensation unit can be pretensioned using stroke limiting stops of fastening screws, allowing adaptation to a broad range of thermal extension scenarios. This parameter adjustment enables the system to maintain optimal tension under varying thermal conditions without compromising the lifespan of fire-proof components.
2Strength
If rigid fire-proof parts and metallic slide housing are used to maintain structural stability, then the structural strength is improved, but the thermal extension stresses cannot be absorbed, causing overload and reducing operability and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flexible spring arrangements in both compensation units that can deform elastically to absorb thermal extension stresses. The plate springs and compression springs act as flexible elements that accommodate the thermal expansion of rigid fire-proof parts and the metallic housing, preventing stress concentration and maintaining structural integrity while ensuring continuous operability of the slide closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The two compensation units with spring arrangements are pre-installed in the slide closure structure to provide beforehand cushioning against thermal extension stresses. The springs are positioned to absorb stresses before they can cause overload to the rigid fire-proof parts and metallic housing, thereby protecting the structural strength while maintaining operability under thermal conditions.
3Device complexity
If the slide closure structure is simplified without compensation units, then the device complexity is reduced, but the thermal extension stresses cause overload and reduce the lifespan of fire-proof parts
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation system is segmented into two independent units with distinct functions: the first compensation unit handles tensile loads between cover and housing, while the second compensation unit handles compression loads on the insertion frame. This segmentation provides targeted stress absorption for different thermal scenarios without requiring an overly complex integrated system, achieving a balance between device complexity and lifespan extension of fire-proof parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arrangements in both compensation units are designed to automatically adjust and absorb thermal extension stresses without external intervention. The springs self-regulate the tension and compression forces based on the actual thermal conditions, providing self-service stress absorption that extends the lifespan of fire-proof parts while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
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 solution effectively absorbs thermal and manufacturing-related stresses, ensuring uninterrupted operation and extended lifespan of fire-proof parts by distributing stress uniformly and maintaining tightness.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal extension of the fire-proof plates
Implementation Method 2
a first set of spring arrangements (23) that act on a tensile load between the cover (11) and the housing (4)
Implementation Method 3
stresses due to the likewise fire-proof upper inner shell in the vessel due to its thermal extension or reduction
Implementation Method 4
a second set of spring arrangements (30) that press the insertion frame (25) in a direction toward the lower closure plate (6)
Data Source
AI summary
Slide closure for a metallurgical vessel, with two compensation units I and II for equalizing overloads, which may result from the thermal extension and spreading of the fire-proof closure plate thicknesses conditional on manufacturing, and/or from the upper inner shell, wherein the inner shell can also be reduced during operation. The compensation unit I consists of a spring arrangement with fastening screws which can be moved away between the housing and a cover of the housing. The compensation unit II consists, for its part, of a spring arrangement with an insertion frame pressing against the lower closure plate, which insertion frame is fixed to the bottom of the housing with fastening screws.