Socket Installation Structure for Refractory Articles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing socket installation structures in refractory articles, such as refractory nozzles, fail to prevent gas leakage due to deformation of flanges or raised portions during welding and uneven temperature distribution, leading to gaps and voids in the sealing material, which compromise the sealability and productivity in molten metal agitation.

Innovation Solution

A socket installation structure with a first flange positioned closer to the inward end of the socket, where a low thermally-conductive material layer is used between the flange and the article body to minimize heat transfer and deformation, ensuring a strong seal by locating the sealing section away from the outer periphery, thus reducing the need for extensive welding and minimizing thermal conduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a socket is welded to a metal plate, then the socket is securely fixed, but the socket deforms during welding and creates gaps with sealing material, causing gas leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidsealing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A low thermally-conductive material layer is introduced as an intermediary between the socket and the metal plate. This intermediary layer prevents direct thermal conduction during welding, avoiding socket deformation while maintaining secure fixation. The material layer acts as a thermal barrier that decouples the welding heat from the socket body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: the socket, the low thermally-conductive material layer, and the metal plate. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the material layer specifically handles thermal isolation while the mechanical connection is maintained through the layered structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If a flange is provided on the socket, then the contact area with sealing material is increased, but the flange deforms due to welding heat and expansion, causing gas leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact areaVSAvoiddimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The low thermally-conductive material layer serves as a mediator between the flange and the metal plate, preventing welding heat from reaching the flange. This protects the flange's dimensional stability while allowing it to maintain its enlarged contact area function for sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal insulation property is applied locally at the connection interface where the flange meets the metal plate. The low thermally-conductive material layer is positioned specifically at this critical interface to protect the flange from heat while allowing the rest of the socket to function normally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If welding is performed to secure the socket, then the fixation is strong, but residual moisture and crystallization water in sealing material vaporize and cause foaming, leading to gas leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The low thermally-conductive material layer acts as a thermal barrier that prevents welding heat from reaching the sealing material. This intermediary layer allows welding to proceed for secure fixation while protecting the sealing material from thermal degradation and foaming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The low thermally-conductive material layer is pre-installed between the socket and metal plate before welding. This beforehand cushioning protects the sealing material from future welding heat exposure, preventing moisture vaporization and foaming that would compromise sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Ease of manufacture

If the socket is installed close to the outer periphery of the article body, then the installation is simple, but the socket is exposed to uneven temperature distribution and deforms, causing gas leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiddimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The low thermally-conductive material layer is positioned at the connection interface between the socket and metal plate, serving as a thermal mediator. This allows the socket to be installed in simple positions while the material layer protects it from uneven temperature distribution and thermal deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances sealability by reducing non-uniform deformation and heat-induced alterations in the sealing material, effectively preventing gas leakage and improving the installation efficiency by allowing for fewer welding points, thereby maintaining a strong seal even under varying temperature conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a low thermally-conductive material layer is used between the flange and the article body to minimize heat transfer and deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3689496B1Structure of gas introduction hole socket
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 KROSAKI HARIMA CORP
  • EP3689496B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(c)
  • EP3689496B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3689496B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Disclosed is a socket installation structure of a refractory article, designed to prevent gas leakage therein. A first flange 3 is provided between an outward end and an inward end of a socket 20, and a face of the first flange 3 on the side of an inward end thereof is bonded to an article body 30 of the refractory article through a sealing material 2. Further, a face of the first flange 3 on the side of an outward end thereof faces a metal plate 6 disposed around the outward end or a second flange provided on the side of the outward end, through a low thermally-conductive material layer 4 made of a low thermally-conductive material having a thermal conductivity at room temperature of 40 (W/(m · K)) or less.