Rolling Mill Support Arm Nozzles for Direct Roll Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversible sexto rolling mills with cassette technology face challenges in effectively cooling and lubricating working and intermediate cylinders due to remote placement of nozzles, leading to insufficient cooling and lubrication, especially at high speeds and with small diameter cylinders, which shortens the life of the working cylinder and complicates maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a connection/disconnection device for spray nozzles embedded on support arms, allowing direct lubrication/cooling of cylinders without relying on hoses or complex fluid routing, with a separate actuator for preload force application and adjustable stress distribution beams to maintain nozzle alignment during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If nozzles are placed remotely from the cylinders, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cooling and lubrication effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzles are integrated into the support arms, which are themselves part of the cassette assembly. This nested configuration allows the nozzles to be positioned close to the cylinders without adding external complexity, as they are housed within the existing structural framework of the support arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms act as intermediaries that carry the nozzles into close proximity of the cylinders. This intermediary structure enables effective cooling and lubrication delivery while maintaining a clean, integrated design without requiring separate mounting mechanisms.
2Reliability
If hoses are used to feed nozzles, then the cooling and lubrication can be delivered, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system is extracted from the external hose-based approach and integrated directly into the support arm structure. The nozzles are built-in components of the support arms, eliminating the need for separate hoses and reducing fluid routing complexity while maintaining reliable delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms are designed to be self-contained units that include their own fluid delivery nozzles. When the cassette is installed, the nozzles automatically position themselves near the cylinders, and the fluid delivery system activates without requiring external hose connections or complex routing.
3Productivity
If the cage is kept closed during maintenance, then productivity is maintained, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is designed with dynamic opening capability that allows selective access to the cylinders while maintaining the overall structural integrity. The opening mechanism enables maintenance personnel to reach the cylinders for repair without requiring complete cage disassembly or extended downtime, thus balancing productivity and ease of repair.
4Manufacturing precision
If preload force is applied to the support arms, then the nozzle alignment is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The preload force application mechanism is merged with the existing support arm structure. The preload is applied through integrated components that are already part of the support arm assembly, eliminating the need for separate alignment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise nozzle alignment.
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 solution ensures efficient cooling and lubrication of working and intermediate cylinders, reducing maintenance time and improving fluid flow rates, while being adaptable for existing rolling mills without requiring extensive rework or complex modifications.
Implementation Method 1
one or more spray nozzles for a lubricating/cooling fluid
Implementation Method 2
one or more spray nozzles for a lubricating/cooling fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
Rolling mill (1) comprising: – a stand, – two working rolls (2), two press rolls (4) and two intermediate rolls (3), – lateral support rolls (5) able to support the working rolls(2) laterally, each lateral support roll being borne by a support arm (6), mounted with the ability to pivot, – load spreading beams (8) and means (9) for applying a preload to each support arm (6), comprising at least one preload actuating cylinder (11), – one or more spray nozzles for a lubricating/cooling fluid, and in which at least one of the nozzles (12) is carried on one of the support arms (6) and in which the fluid supply circuit for the said at least one nozzle (12) comprises a device (13) for connection/disconnection with the support arm (6) with actuator (17). According to the invention, the said actuator (17) is an actuator distinct from the actuating cylinder (11) of the said means (9) of applying a preload.