Suspended Loading Gate System for Steelworks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading gate systems in pyrometallurgical plants, such as steelworks, face issues with space constraints, contamination, tripping hazards, and maintenance challenges due to rail-based systems, which compromise safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A loading gate system where the carrier is supported by a stationary frame on the loading platform, allowing the gate leaves to be suspended and moved without rails, reducing contamination risk and providing more space for maintenance, with optional gate aprons for enhanced support and sample access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loading gate leaves are supported on a rail system of the loading platform, then the gates can be movable and functional, but the rail system is susceptible to contamination and represents a source of danger or tripping hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the rail system from the loading platform surface. Instead of having rails embedded in or on the platform, the support structure is elevated and positioned at the edge of the loading platform, completely separating the support function from the platform surface. This eliminates the contamination and tripping hazards associated with surface-mounted rails while maintaining gate mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is moved from a two-dimensional surface mounting (rails on the platform surface) to a three-dimensional edge-mounted configuration. The support beams extend vertically and horizontally from the platform edge, creating a spatial arrangement that removes the support elements from the hazardous surface level and positions them in a safer, elevated dimension.
2Ease of repair
If a structure is used to support loading gates on the edge of the loading platform, then space for maintenance is improved, but the structure interferes with loading the converter with the pig iron ladle
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with differentiated local qualities: the vertical support beams provide structural support and maintenance access at the edge, while the horizontal support elements are positioned to clear the loading path. The structure has different functions at different locations - edge support for structural integrity and elevated positioning for maintenance, while maintaining clearance in the central loading area for operational freedom.
3Ease of operation
If loading gates are mounted on rails on the loading platform, then the gates can be movable, but the rail system requires frequent cleaning and has limited service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rail-wheel mechanical system with a different mechanical approach. Instead of wheels running on surface rails, the system uses a support beam structure with integrated guidance and support. This substitution eliminates the wear-prone rail-wheel contact while maintaining the necessary gate mobility through alternative mechanical means.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a pyrometallurgical plant comprising at least one metallurgical vessel with an enclosure, at least one loading platform (4) and at least one loading gate assembly (1) with which a loading opening (2) and/or a discharge opening in the enclosure can be closed, wherein the loading gate assembly (1) comprises at least one loading gate leaf (5) which is suspended on a support (6) and which is movable on the support (6), wherein the support (6) is held by a frame (3) arranged stationary on the loading platform (4).