Optoelectronic Inspection for Continuous Casting Spray Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems for continuous casting systems do not provide detailed results on the functionality of individual spray nozzles, leading to uneven cooling and potential surface defects in the strand produced.
Innovation Solution
An inspection system with separate optoelectronic sensors for each spray nozzle, illuminated by a light source, and mechanical or optical deflectors to separate and assign spray patterns, allowing for simultaneous and detailed evaluation of spray nozzle functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If spray nozzles are arranged with overlapping spray patterns to cool the entire strand surface, then cooling coverage is improved, but the ability to individually assess each nozzle's functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection task into separate segments by assigning one optoelectronic sensor to each spray nozzle. This segmentation allows individual measurement of each nozzle's spray pattern while maintaining the overall overlapping coverage configuration, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive coverage and individual assessment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mechanical deflectors as intermediary elements that redirect spray patterns from adjacent nozzles away from each other's sensor detection zones. This intermediary mechanism enables clear separation of spray patterns for individual measurement while preserving the overlapping arrangement for comprehensive cooling coverage
2Loss of time
If multiple spray nozzles are inspected simultaneously with shared sensors, then inspection time is reduced, but measurement precision of individual nozzles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor system so that each spray nozzle has its own dedicated optoelectronic sensor. This allows simultaneous inspection of multiple nozzles without cross-interference, achieving both time efficiency and measurement precision by parallelizing the measurement process across separated channels
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical deflectors serve as intermediaries that physically separate spray patterns in space, allowing multiple nozzles to be inspected simultaneously with their respective sensors without the spray patterns interfering with each other's measurement, thus maintaining both speed and precision
3Device complexity
If a single optoelectronic sensor is used to inspect multiple spray nozzles, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of individual nozzle assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing one dedicated optoelectronic sensor for each spray nozzle to be inspected. This segmentation ensures that each nozzle's spray pattern is measured independently without interference from adjacent nozzles, maintaining high measurement precision while keeping the overall system structure simple and systematic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs identical optoelectronic sensors for all spray nozzle inspections, making each sensor universal in its function. This multi-functionality approach maintains device simplicity through standardization while achieving precise individual measurement through the combination of identical sensors with mechanical deflector-based spatial separation
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
Enables precise assessment of each spray nozzle's performance, improving the uniformity of secondary cooling and preventing surface defects by providing detailed results on the functionality of individual nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
separate optoelectronic sensors for each spray nozzle, with which the respective spray patterns generated by the spray nozzles can be assigned
Implementation Method 2
illuminated by a light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an inspection system (1) for simultaneously checking the functional capability of a plurality of spray nozzles (2) in a continuous casting plant (3), in particular the spray nozzles (2) arranged between two strand guide rolls (4), comprising: at least one optoelectronic sensor (5) for each spray nozzle (2) to be checked simultaneously, and means for assigning (6) each of the spray patterns produced by the spray nozzles (2) to be checked to at least one optoelectronic sensor (5). The invention further relates to a method for simultaneously checking the functional capability of a plurality of spray nozzles (2) in a continuous casting plant (3), in particular the spray nozzles (2) arranged between two strand guide rolls (4).