CA1123599A - Oxygen lance assembly - Google Patents
Oxygen lance assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA1123599A CA1123599A CA375,035A CA375035A CA1123599A CA 1123599 A CA1123599 A CA 1123599A CA 375035 A CA375035 A CA 375035A CA 1123599 A CA1123599 A CA 1123599A
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- Prior art keywords
- pipe
- oxygen
- water inlet
- connector
- slots
- Prior art date
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An oxygen lance assembly includes a top connector member having oxygen and water inlet and outlet pipes communicating with the slotted openings of a first connector plate assembly. A second connector plate assembly includes complementary slots in a flat plate which is quickly connected and released by means of a quick disconnect arrangement. The second connector assembly includes oxygen, water inlet and outlet pipes communicating with the slots. O-ring seals are positioned to prevent leakage of oxygen into the water pipes, or the leakage of water into the oxygen pipe. Any leakage which might occur is efficiently vented to the atmosphere.
Description
3~
The present applica-tion is a divisional o~ Canadian patent application Serial No. 2~,Q28 filed March 1~, 1978.
The invention relates to lances for use in steel-making ~perations. ~lore speciEically it relates to an oxygen lance for use in a B.O.F. basic oxygen steelmaking furnace.
The present invention relates to an improved oxygen steelmaking lance which can easily be disconnected from its top support member for change over of the lance so that only a single lance support carriage is required. The support member includes a first connector plate assembly which is provided with a plurality of openings in communication with the oxygen, water inlet and outlet pipes provided on the support member. The first plate assem~ly includes a lower flat surface. A second connector plate assembly is clamped to the first connector plate assembly by means of a pair of hinged bolts on the upper support which engage outwardly projecting ears provided on the seconcl connector plate assembly. By merely loosening up the nuts on the ~olts and swinging them outwardly the second connected plate assembly can be disconnected and by reverse proc dure can ~e connect-ed. The second connector plate assembly also includes an upper flat plate surface having openings which when -~he surfaces are clamped together provide for registry of the openings. The openings are slots of generally arcuate shape disposed in circumferentially spaced relation in radially spaced rows from a cen-tral oxygen opening. Each slot is spaced from an adjacent slot by a solid portion of the plate assembly thus forming a number of circumferentially spaced radially extending webs. One oE the fla-t surfaces of -the plate assemblies is provided with annular grooves radially spaced between the slots, the same containing 0-rings Eor effectively sealing one row of slots from the o-ther rows and the central oxygen opening.
The lower connector plate assembly which comprises the upper flat plate includes an integral downwardly project-ing sleeve. The oxygen pipe of the top support member projects downwardly through the central opening of the upper connector plate assembly and is provided at its lower end with an enlarged circumferential shoulder. The lower end of the oxygen tube projects through the flat surface of the second connector plate into the sleeve and is in relative sliding engagement with the upper end of a lower oxygen pipe. The lower oxygen pipe upper end includes an enlarged tubular portion which is disposed about and in telescoping engagement with the circumferen-tial shoulder of the upper oxygen pipe. The enlarged tubular portion is also in telescoping sliding engagement with the inner wall surface of the sleeve.
The arrangement provides ~or an upper slip joint adjacent the connection of the upper and lower connector plate assemklies.
The lower connector plate assem~ly supports the lower oxyg~n pipe and includes water inlet and outlet pipes providing ior passages which communicate with the aligned or registering slots oX the connector plate assemblies.
The slip joint connection provided by the oxygen pipes and sleeve include double O-ring seals which effective-ly seal the slip joints. Between the sleeve and the oxy~en pipes a vent chamber is provided which communicates with vent passages provided in the flat plate portion of the sleeve. The vent passages are disposed specifically in the radially disposed outwardly extending webs provided between 23~99 the arcuate slots. The upper connector plate is also provided with a peripherally downwardly extending flange overlapping the plate of the lower connector plate assembly.
This arrangement assures proper alignment of the plates in clamping relation. The peripheral flange is also provided with openings communication with the vent passages to provide for communication with the atmosphere.
l~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1, is a perspective view of an improved oxygen lance;
FIG. 2, is a side elevational view of the upper portion of an oxygen lance disclosing an improved connect and disconnect arrangement;
FIG. 3, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. l;
FIG. 4, is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection of an upper and lower c~nnector plate assembly and a slip joint and venting arrangement;
FIG. 5, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-S of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6, is a rross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7, is similar to FIG. 3 but showing a modi-fied top support arrangement; and FIG. 8, is an enlarged cross-sectional vie~v of the modified embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9, is a perspective view of a lance arran~e-ment;
FIG. 10, is an enlar~ed elevational view of theupper portion of the lance of FIG. 9;
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FIG. 11, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12, is a cross-sectional view, enlar~ed and in detail showin~ the connection of a pair of connector assemblies;
FIG. 13, is a cross-sectional view tal~en along the line 13-13 of FIG. 11; and FIG. 14, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 11;
FIG. 15, is a perspective view of an improved oxygen lance;
FIG. 16, is an enlarged elevational view of an upper lance portion;
FIG. 17, is a cross-sectioned view taken along the line 17-17 of FIG. 15;
FIG. 18, is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a connecting and sealing arrangement for a connector plate assembly;
FIG. 19, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 17; and FIG. 20, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 20-20 of FIG. 17;
FIG. 21, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 21-21 of FIG. 17;
FIG~ 22, is a perspective view of an improved lance assembly;
FIG. 23, is an elevational view of a top portion of the lance assembly shown in FIG. 22;
FIG. 24, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 24-24 of FIG. 22;
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FIG. 25, is a partial cross-sectional view of a pair o~ connector plate assemblies;
FIG. 26, is a cross-sectional view disclosing portions of a sllp joint at the lower end of a lance assem-bly;
FIG. ~7, is a view similar to FIG. 24 showing another form of the invention;
FIG. 28, is a detail view in cross-section of a connector plate assembly;
FIG. 29, is a detail cross-sectional view of a slip joint at the lower end of the lance shown in FIG. 27;
and FIGS. 30 and 31 are plan sections taken at lines 30-30 and 31-31 in FIG. 24;
FIG. 32, is a perspective view of an improved oxygen lance;
FIG. 33, is a side elevational view of the upper portion of an oxy~en lance disclosing an improved connect and disconnect arrangement;
FIG. 34, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 34-34 o~ ~IG. 3~;
FIG. 35, is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection of an upper and lower connector plate assembly and a slip Joint and venting arrangement;
FIG. 36, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3~-36 of FI&. 34; and FIG. 37, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 37~37 o~ FXG. 34;
FIG. 38, is a cross-sectional view of a no~zle assembly connected to the lance disclosing a slip joint w5~
connection.
FIG. 39, is a perspective view of an improved oxygen lancei FIG. 40, is an elevational view of ~he upper end of the lance of FIG. 39;
FIG. 41~ is a cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the oxygen lance taken along the line 41-41 of FIG. 39;
FIG. 42, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 42-42 of FIG. 41;
FIG. 43, iS a cross-sectional view taken along the line 43-43 of FIG. 41;
FIG. 44, is a partial cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the oxygen lance of FIG. 39; and FIG. 45, is a cross~sectional view oE a modified lance disclosing the upper portion thereof.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED ÆMBODIMENT
FIGS. 1 and 3 disclose an improved lance 10 compri-sing a top support or head 11 including a top plate 12 having an opening 13 connected to an oxygen supply source or pipe 14.
A second top plate 15 is connected to the top plate 12 by means of bolt and nut fasteners 16. A first oxygen pipe 17 communicates with the supply source pipe 14 through the plate 15.
A first upper connector plate assembly 18 includes a plate 19 having a lower flat surface 20 and a downwardly extending peripheral flange 21. The plate assembly 19 and top plate 15 have connected thereto a second pipe 22, to which a second water inlet connector 23 is connected. A
third water outlet pipe 24 is disposed outwardly of the se-cond pipe and communicates a water outlet connection 25.
A quick connect and disconnect clamping arrangement includes a pair o~ hinged bolts 26 hingedly suspended from outwardly projecting bosses 27 provided on the third pipe 24.
The plate 19 of the first connector plate assembly 18 includes a central oxygen opening 28 through which the first oxygen pipe 17 projects. The plate 19, as best shown in FIG. 3, includes slots or first openings 29 and 30 which are of arcuate shape, disposed in radially spaced rows to register with slots in the lower connector plate assembly to be described. The slots 29 communicate with the water inlet connection 23 and second water inlet pipe 22. The slots 30 communicate with the third water outlet pipe 24 which com-municates with the water outlet connection 25.
A second or lower connector plate assembly is de-signated at 31 and includes a sleeve 32 having an annular flange or plate 33 provided with an upper annular flat sur-face 34. The flat surface 34 is provided with two rows of circumferentially disposed second slots 35 and 36 relatively radially spaced with respect to each other. The definition of "circumferentially spaced" as used in this description is meant to include that the slots are spaced in a circle or annulus, and that they are also disposed inwardly from the other circumference of the lance. The slots are of arcuate shape and adjacent ends of the lots 35 and 36 provide solid radially extending circumferentially spaced solid webs 37 as best shown in FI5S. 5 and 6 which separate the adjacent slots.
As best shown in FIG. 4, a ring plàte 38 having a flat upper surface 39 conforms to the lower flat surface 40 of the plate or flange 33 and is connected thereto by screws 41.
The second connector plate assembly 31 supports a fourth oxygen pipe 42, a fifth water inlet pipe 43, and a sixth water outlet pipe 44.
The water outlet pipe 44 has connected thereto wing projections 45 provided with slots 46 for receiving the bolt clamping members 26 in securing relation.
The pipes 42, 43 and 44 extend downwardly and are connected to a lance nozzle designated at 47. The nozzle 47 of the present design includes a discharge orifice 48 com- ;
municating with a stup extension pipe 49 communicating with the oxygen pipe 4~. The nozzle also includes a wa-ter outlet stub pipe 44' connected to the pipe 44. It also includes a stub pipe 43' connected to the lower end of pipe 43 to pro-vide a mechanical slip joint therewith. As indicated at 50, Baffle walls 51 are connected to the lower ends of the stub pipe 43' to direct the incoming water from the inlet to the outlet pipes.
The present invention is particularly directed to the arrangement of the sealing and venting arrangements dis-closed.
As best shown in FIG. 4 and 5 the flat surface is provided with ring shaped grooves 52 within which seals in the form of O-rings 53 are secured. The O-rings 53 effect-ively seal the water inlet and water outlet passages from one another at the connection of theflat surfaces of the connector plate assemblies. At atmospheric or zero pressure vent space or annular chamber 54 is provided by the sleeve 32 and the outer wall of the first oxygen pipe 17. The in-nermost O ring 53 seals this space 54 ~rom the water inlet slots 29 and 35; however, in the evenl; water should seep past the innermost O-ring 53, it will be sa~ely vented ~rom the lance.
The sleeve 32 projects downwardly and the lower oxygen pipe 42 is provided at its upper end with an enlarged diameter tube or second sleeve 55 which at its upper end has a further enlarged outer diameter portion 56 which supports two vertically spaced O-rings 57 in sliding sealing contact with the inner wall of the sleeve 32.
The lower end o~ the first oxygèn pipe 17 is pro-vided with an enlarged outer diameter portion, or piston like element 58 having two O-rings 59 vertically spaced re-latively and in sliding, sealing, and telescoping relation with the inner wall o~ the second sleeve 55.
As ~est shown in FIG. 3, 4, 5 and 6, vent bores or 3 r~
passages 60 are provided in the webs 37 and project radially hori~ontally outwardly. The peripheral flange 21 is provid-ed with outlet bores 61 communicating with the passages 60 and the atmosphere. It should be noted that the bores 61 are shown to extend radially; however, they may extend down-wardly to vent through the lower sur~ace 21' of the peri-pheral ~lange 21.
The ring 38 and upper surface 39 also include a cylindrical 0-ring 62.
T~E OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODI.~ENT
The operation o~ the lance disclosed is convention-al in that oxygen supplied from the supply pipe 14 flows downwardly through pipe 42, stub pipe 49 and through one or more discharge orifices 48 into a basic oxyDen furnace ves-sel. Water flows irom the water inlet connection 23 through arcuate passages 29 and 35 downwardly along pipe 43 to the lower end of the noz~le 47 to cool the same whereupon it is directed upwardly along pipe 44 through the slots 30 and 36 outwardly through the water outlet connection 25. Thus the lance nozzle is effectively cooled.
The present invention resides in the quick discon-nect and connect feature a~forded by the first and second connector assemblies with their unique disposition of the arcuate aligned slots when the assemblies are connected to-gether in clamping relation. The unusual dispostion o~ the 0-rings in the flat contacting surfaces of the connector plates asssures the positive sealing required to provide a quick clamp type disconnect arrangement. Thus the support assembly to which the upper connector plate assembly is at-tached can remain in place on the support carriage which is 3~
provided adjacent a B.O.F. vessel and a lance can be replac-ed or interchanged within a short period. The support head can be used over and over again with new or ~epaired assem-blies. The lance o~ the present design can be of shorter length and thus is easier to handle and transport.
The present sealing arrangement and venting assures the continued operation without interruption of the oxygen blowing process. In disassembly of the lower connector plate from the upper, it is a simple matter to disconnect the same.
U~on disconnection the sleeve can readily be re-placed by merely loosening the cap screws 41 and inserting a new sleeve. This assures interchangeability of parts and eliminates oversizing the O-ring piston in the event of da-mage, and also the O-ring is easily replaced.
The arrangement of the sleeve 32 with the upper and lower oxygen pipe slip joint arrangement also provides an effective connection, to absorb the telescoping sliding movement of the pipes during expansion and contraction caus-ed by high temperature variations.
THE MODIFIED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 7 and ~ disclose a modified top support arangemellt. ~Yherever the parts are the same as disclosed in the preferred embodiment the same reference characters are utilized.
In the modification a top support 70 includes an upper plate 71 having an oxy~en inlet connection to which the oxygen pipe 17 (more elongated) is connected. A ring or flange 73 is connected to the plate 70 by means of bolts and nuts (not shown). A water inlet connection 74 is connected to an inlet water pipe 75. The inlet water pipe 75 has con-nected thereto a ring plate 76'to which is connected a con-nector ring 77 ~y suitable bolts and nuts (not shown). The water pipe 75 has a slip joint connection 76 with a short water pipe section 77 to accommodate temperature differen-tials between incoming and outgoing cooling water to prevent the development of excessive internal stresses. The short pipe section 77'is connected to the first connector plate assembly 18 and communicates with the arcuate slo~s 29 and 35. An outlet pipe 78 is also connected to the first upper connector plate assembly lS. A water outle-t connection 79 dischar~es water from the outlet pipe 78.
The operation of the modification is similar to the preferred embodiment the primary difference being the vertical offset of the water inlet and outlet connections as well as the mechanical slip joint arrangement 76 which may be desired in some applications.
The unique sealing arrangement and the venting as-semblies are similar and the same advantages as enumerat0d before are achieved. :
In both embodiments, water canno-t leak into the oxygen pipe5, nor can oxygen leak into the water pipes.
DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODI~,IENT
A lance 110 comprises a top support or head member 111, first and second connector assemblies 112 and 113, and :
a lance nozzle 114.
The hea~ or support member 111 comprises a top plate 115 which supports the upper end of a first central oxygen pipe 11~ communicating with an oxygen supply pipe connection 117. A connector plate 118 is connected to -the plate 115 by means of bolts 119. A gas inlet connection 120 communicates with a second gas pipe 121 concentric with ox-ygen pipe 116. A third water inlet pipe 122 is concentric .
with the second pipe and a fourth water outlet pipe 123 cosl-centric with pipe 122, is in communication with a water out-let connection 124. A water inlet connection 125 provides water to the third pipe 122.
The first oxygen pipe 116 projects through an opening 12G provided in a plate 127 of the first connector plate assembly 112. The plate 127 includes an outer periph-eral downwardly projecting flange 127'. The second, third, and fourth pipes 121, 122, and 123 are connected at their lower ends to the plate 127 and communicates with first gas, water inlet, and water outlet openings respectively 132, 133, and 134, The second connector assemb].y 113 comprises a flat plate 129 having a peripheral downwarclly projectingr flange 130. The first oxygen pipe 116 projec:ts through a central opening 131. The plate 129 includes a second gas opening 135, a water inlet opening 136, and water outlet opening 137 communicating with the first openings of plate 1~7. The second connector assembly includes a third plate or flange portion 138 which is connected to a sleeve 139. The third plate 138 includes three openings, respectively a gas open-ing 140, water inlet opening 141 and water outlet openin~
142. All of the gas openings, water inlet openings, and outlet openings therefore are in communication in the con-nected assembly of the first and second connector plates.
The sleeve 139 includes an inner surface 143 spac-ed from the outer surface of pipe 116 to provide an annular space 144 therebetween.
A fifth oxygen pipe 145 includes an upward piston portion 146 which lncludes spaced O rings 147 in relative sliding or slip joint engagement with the inner surface 143 of sleeve 139. This telescoping or slip joint connector in-cludes a piston portion on the lower end of pipe 116 which includes O~rings 148 in sliding engagement with the inner surface 149 of piston portion 146. Tlle annular space 144 provides at its upper end a chamber communicating with a vent passage 150 extending outwardly horizontally in the flange plate 138 and communicating with the atms~sphere through a connected passage 151 in the flange 130.
A second sleeve portion 152 on the sleeve 139 and plate 138 is concentric and spaced outwardly of sleeve 139.
The sleeve portion 152 includes an inner surface 153 which is engaged ir. slip joint relation by means of the upper end 154 of' a lower s.ixth gas pipe 155 projecting downwardly to-ward the no~zle.
A connector rin~ 156 disposed below the flange or plate 138 is connected thereto by bolts 157'. A lower se-venth water inlet pipe 158 and water outlet pipe 159 is con-nected to said ring 156. The connector ring 156 includes 0-rings 157 in engagement with the underneath surface of plate 138.
The upper end 154 OI gas pipe 155 includes 0-ring seals 158. Referring now to FIG. 13 the openings 135, 136 and 137 are disclosed as individual rows of slots with ad-jacent ends of each slot in spaced relation relative to the other slots to provide a plurality of webs 160. 0-rings 161, 162, 163 and 164 are disposed in suitable recess within the surface of plate 129 for sealing one row of arcuate slots from the other.
Referring now to FIG. 14, the openings 140, 141 and 142 are also of arcuate shape and adjacent opposite ends of each slot are spaced to provide solid portions or webs 165 within which the vent passage 150 extend. The upper surfaces of the sleeve flange or plate portion 138 also in-cludes 0-rings 166, 167, and 168 which are disposed ~etween adjacent openings 142, 141, and 140 for sealing them against leakage.
The nozzle 114 includes a plurality of orifices 170 at the lower ends of the pipe 145. The gas pipe 155 provides for the flow of gas with the oxygen as desired. The lower end of the water inlet pipe has a slip joint connection with an inlet pipe stub 171 and the water outlet pipe 159 is con-nected at its lower end to the gas pil~e 155.
Quick disconnect of the connector plate assemblies is achieved by the hin~ed bolts 172 hinged on bases 173 sup-ported on the outer pipe 122. The bolts 172 and nuts 174 are ada~ted to engage slotted ears 175 mounted on the water outlet pipe 155 to clamp the connector plates in assembly and to quickly disconnect the source.
In the operation oxygen and gas can flow through the oxygen and gas pipes in conventional fashion. The in-vention is primarily in the connector plate assemblies, the disposition of the slots and the effective sealing arrange-ments provided by the O~rings. The sleeves and plates of the second connector assembly can easily be dismounted and the sleeve replaced. The 0-rings can easily be replaced and provi~es an effective seal to prevent the mixture of oxygen with gas.
In the event of leakage the novel vent passage arrangement and its disposition provides for venting to the atmosphere.
The slip joint connections accomodate the expan-sion and contraction occasioned by high temperature varia-tions. Thus the present gas and oxygen lance can quickly be disconnected at the site, and the major portion of the lance can be removed for repairs, replacement, transport or other service and again assembled.
DESCRIPTION OF ANOTHER EMBODIMENT
An oxygen lance assembly 210, includes a top sup-port member 211 having an upper plate 211' connected to an -~
oxygen supply pipe 212. An annular plate 213 is connected to the plate 211' by means of bolts and nuts 214. The top support member may be rigidly mounted on a lance carriage (not shown) adapted to be moved for operation adjacent to a basic oxygen vessel. The support member 211 includes a first o~ygen pipe 215 and second and third water inlet and outlet pipes respectively 216 and 217. The outlet pipe 217 is connected to an outlet connector 219, and the inlet 216 is connected to an inlet connector 218.
An upper connector plate assembly is designated at 220 and includes a flat plate 221 having a lower flat sur-face 222 provided with a central opening 223 communicating with the oxygen pipe 215. The flat plate 221 includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed arcuate slots 224 and 2~5 positioned in radially spaced rows. The term "cir-cumferentially disposed'l for the present disclosure is to indicate that the slots above and hereafter further describ-~3~
ed are spaced in an annular ring like or cylindrical manner in the flat plates. The slots 224 and 225 communicate res-pectively with the water inlet and outlet pipes 216 and 217.
A second connector plate assembly 226 lncludes a sleeve 227 which projects downwardly and is provided ~ith an upper bore 228 communicating with the opening 223 and the first oxygen pipe 215. The sleeve 227 includes an upper flange or annular plate 229 having two rows of radially spaced clrcumferentially disposed arcuate slots 230 and 231 respectiv~ly communicating with the arcuate slots 224 and 225. The upper -flat surface 232 of the plate 229 is in seal-ing relation relative to the lower flat surface 222 by means of a pair of radially spaced annular 0-rings 233.
As best shown in FIGS. 1~ and 21, an annular cham-ber 266 communicating with the atmosphere through radial passages 267 is provided in the plate 221 ~etween the 0-rings ~33.
The upper connector plate assembly 220 inclu~es a peripheral downwardly extending flange 234 overlapping the outer peripheral surface of the plate 229. The flange 234 is releasably connected for replacement purposes to the lower surface 222 of the first connector plate assembly by means of cap screws 235, one of which is shown in FIG. 17.
The second connector plate assem~ly 22G includes a ring 236 having an annular inner surface 237 in telescoping engagement with the outer cylindrical surface 238 of the sleeve 227. The ring 236 includes an upper annular flat sur-face 239 in sealing engagement with the flat surface 232 of the plate 229. The ring includes a plurality of arcuate slots 240 and 241, communicating respectively with the slots 230 and 225 and slots 231 and 225.
The disposition of the circumferentially disposed slots 240 and 241 is disclosed in FIGS. 19 and 20.
~ ach of the slots are circumferentially spaced to provide in the ring member 236 a plurality of radially ex-tending webs 242 which separate, or provi~e solid intervening walls in said number 236.
Vent passages 243 are positioned within the webs 242 and extend outwardly for communication with the atmos-phere. The vent passages 243 communicate with a peripheral passage 243' and vent passages 243" in sleeve 227.
All of the slots in the ring 236, the plate 229 and the plate 221 are the same shape and spacing and regis-ter with one another in the clamped or connected position of the lance assembly.
As best shown in FIGS. 18 an~d 19~ the upper flat suIface of the ring 236 is provided with two annular rows of recesses ~44 and 245 containing 0-rings 246 and 247 which are positioned adjacent the annular openings 240 and 241 to effectively seal against the leakage of water. The surface 23~ and outer surface 238 of the sleeve are also effectively sealed by an O~ring 248.
A lower fourth oxygen pipe 249 includes an upper enlarged piston-like member 250 in relative telescoping or slip joint connection with the inner annular surface 251 of the sleeve 227. Pairs o~ upper and lower 0 rings respective-ly 252 and 253 are supported on the ~nember 250 and a vent chamber or annulous 254 is provided in the member 250 which communicates with the bores or passages 243' and 243".
A fifth water inlet pipe 255 and sixth water inlet pipe 256 are connected to the ring 236, project downwardly with respect thereto and communicate with the slots 241 and 240 respectively.
A lance nozzle 257 is welded to the lower pipes and includes an outlet orifice 258 communicating with an oxygen stub pipe 259 which communicates with the oxygen pipe 249. An outer stub pipe 260 is connected to the pipe 256.
The pipe 255 is in telescoping relation at its lower end with a stub pipe position 261 to provide a mechanical slip joint connector therebetween. The telescoping relation of the fourth oxygen pipe with the sleeve 227 accommodates a relative sliding movement occurring when the pipe contracts and expands lengthwise due to heat variations. The slip joint between pipe 255 and stub pipe 261 also provides for this occurrence.
FIG. 16 discloses the quick disconnect and connect and connect arrangement which includes a pair of bosses 2G2 which are mounted on the pipe 217. Bolts 2G3 are hingedly connected to the bosses 262 and are placed in clamping re-lation with slotted keeper members or ears 264 mounted on the ring 36 by means of nuts 265.
THE OPER~TION
The flow of oxygen through the lance nozzle and water through the inlet pipe, water chamber of the nozzle and through the outlet pipes is conventional.
The unique features of the present invention reside in the quick disconnect of the main portion or barrel lance from the top support member 211 when the lance is to be ser-viced and portions have to be replaced. Release of the swinging bolts 263 from the keeper 264 permits the lower por-tion of the lance and lower pipes to be dropped downwardlywhereupon access is easily provided to replace seals, etc., and to conduct other repairs. The sleeve 227 which may be of brass or similar material can easily be replaced by dis-connecting the cap screws 235.
The arrangement disclosed provides for effective sealing of all areas where leakage is possible and any leak-age from the oxygen pipes through the slip joint connector of the piston mem~er 250, or of water from the inlet pipe 255, or of water or oxygen from the connector assembly, is easily and safely vented into the atmos~here. Thus all im-portant and necessary surfaces are effectively sealed.
~Ya-ter cannot leak into the oxygen pipe nor can o~ygen leak into the water pipes.
The circumferential slots are easily and quickly re~istered upon reassembly of the lanc~e.
D~SCRIPTION OF A FURT~R EMBODI~IENT
l~n oxygen lance 310 includes an upper head or support member 311, an upper and lower connector plate as-sembly 312 and 313 and a discharge nozzle 314 as best shown in FIG. 22.
The support member 311 is adapted to be rigidly connected to a lance carriage which supports the lance ad-jacent to a B.O.F. furnace in the steelmaking process. The head 311 includes a top plate 315, an attaching plate ring 316, connected by bolts 317 to the top plate 315.
A first oxygen pipe 318 communicates with an ox-ygen source 319 and is connected to the top plate 315 and to a first connector plate assembly 320. The assembly 320 ~ - .
includes a flat plate ~ having a lower ~lat surface 322.
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The head further includes second water inlet and third water outlet concentric pipes respectively 323 and 324.
A water inlet connection 325 communicates with the inlet pipe 323 and outlet connection 326 communicates with the outlet pipe 32~. The connector plate assembly 320 in-cludes a central oxygen opening 327 and is provided with a plurality of slots 328 and 329 supported on and through the plate 321. A second connector plate assembly 330 in-cludes a ilat pla-te 331 having an upper flat surface 332 which engages the lower flat sur~ace 322 in relative clamp-ing sealing relation. The plate 331 also includes openings or slots 333 and 334 respectively in registry with the slots 328 and 329.
A fourth oxygen pipe 335 is connected to the plate 331 and a central openin~ 336 in the plate 331 com-municatin~ with the first oxygen pipe 318. ~ fifth water inlet pipe 336' is supported on the plate 331 and a sixth water outlet pipe 337 is also supported on the plate 331.
The pipes are concentric and the water inlet pipe 336' com-municates with openings 328 and 333 and the water outlet pipe 337 communicates with opening 329 and 334.
Figure 31 discloses the positioning of openings or slots 328 and 329. FI&. 30 discloses the positioning of the complementary slots 333 and 334 which register with slots 328 and 329. The slots disclosed are of arcuate formation, annularly, or circumferentially spaced with their adjacent ends spaced horizontally to provide a plurality of spaced webs 338 in the plate 321, and 339, in the plate 331. The upper plate 321 also includes a peripheral downwardly extend-ing flange 336 overlapping the plate 331.
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The plate 331 also includes four radially space~
ring grooves containing O-rings 340, 341, 342, and 343 to seal the flat surfaces of the upper and lower plates, and particularly the areas between the openings 333 and 334 and 328 and 3Z9.
As best shown in FIG. 31 the plate 321 is provided with a plurality of vent passages 345 extending horizontally and then vertically as indicated at 3~6 througn the flange 336" to the atmosphere. The inner ends of the passage end in a vent chamber 347 which communicates with a bore 348 ex-tending through the plate 331 whereupon it communicates with a shroud or vent pipe 349 having its upper end connected to a coslnector ring 350 which is also connected to pipes 33G' and 337. The connector ringr 350 is connected to the plate 331 by means of cap screws 350' which are easily removable to disengage ringr 350 from plate 331.
The upper ends of pipes 336', 337 and vent pipe 349 are connected to the ring 350 by welding. The shroud pipe 349 envelopes the oxygen pipe 335 and extends downward-ly adjacent the nozzle 314. The lower end of the pipe 335 is provided with an enlarged outer projecting sleeve or pis-ton member 351 which includes a p~ir of vertically spaced O-rings 352 engaging and sealing the lower end of the shroud pipe 349.
The nozzle includes an orifice 353, a stub oxygen pipe 354 having a reduced ou-ter diameter portion 354' which is in slip joint or telescoping relation with the piston member 351. at the oxygen pipe 335. The reduced diameter portion 354'includes two pairs of vertlcally spaced O-rings 355 and 356 engagin(r the piston portion 351 in sliding 3~
sealing relation.
An annular vent chamber 357 between the O-rings 355 and 356 is in communication with a bore 358 which com-municates with the shroud pipe 349 venting leakage through the passages 348, 347, 345 and 346 to the atmosphere. Ver-tical contraction and expansion of the pipes 335 and 349 are achieved by the slip joint arrangement disclosed and which is occasioned by the variations in temperature. The nozzle 314 also includes a slip joint pipe stub 360, having a me-chanical slicing connection with the lower end of the inlet pipe 336'. An O-rin~ 367 on ring 350 adjacent the connec-tion of the shroud 349 to the ring is in seal relation with the plate 331.
The quick connect and disconnect arr~ngement is disclosed in ~IG. 23 and includes a pair of bosses 361 supported on pipe 324 which hingedly support bolts 3~2 hav-ing nuts 363 thereon.
The bolts 362 and nuts 363 engage slotted locking ears 364 to rele~sably lock the connector ~ssemblies to-gether.
D~SCRIPTION 0~ ANOTHER EI~IBODI~IENT
FIGS. 27, 28, and 29 shovv another form of the in-vention wherein the shroud pipe 349 at its upper end is slidingly connected to a sleeve 370 suitably connected to the ring 350. The sleeve 370 has its upper surface 371 in sealing engagement by means of an O-ring 37~. The upper end of the shroud pipe 349 is provided with a piston end 373 having O-rings 374 in sliding relation with the sleeve 370.
The lower end of the oxygen pipe 335 is provided ~vith an enlarged piston portion 376 in sliding relation with the .~ ~ ;2 3 ~ ~ ~3 stub pipe 354 and having an annular venting groove or cham-ber 377 slidingly sealed against the stub pipe 354 by upper and lower O'ring pairs 352 and 35G, respectively, and in-cluding a passage 378 communicating with the shroud pipe 349 which is secured to the upper portion of the piston portion 376.
This arrangement again permits expansion and con-traction of the lower oxygen and vent pipes.
The same reference characters will apply where thc parts are similar. Additional parts have above been addi-tionally identified.
In the present invention in both instances the lanceso~ ~oth designs operate slmilarly in flowing o~ygen to the nozzle. They are both of the quick disconnect type which can quickly be removed from the top support members for service. The venting arrangement provides for venting o~ the lowermost slip joint to vent any leakage o~ oxygen and water while at the same time providing for quick removal, repair or replacement of the top assembly. The novel seal~
ing arrangements are desi~ned to prevent leakage of oxygen into the water or water into oxygen. Ii' it does occur the novel vent arrangement disclosed will provide proper and immediate discharge to the atmosphere.
DESCRIPTION OF ANOTHER E3~BODIUENT
~ IGS. 32 and 34 disclose an improved lance 410 comprising a top support or head 411 includin~ a top plate 41~ havillg an opening 413 connected to an oxygen supply source or pipe 414. A second top late 415 is connected to the ~op plate 412 by means of bolt and nut fasteners 416.
A first oxygen pipe 417 communicates with the supply source ~l2~
pipe 414 through the plate 415.
A first upper connector plate assembly 41~ includ-es a plate 419 having a lower flat surface 420 and a down-wardly extending peripheral flange ~21. The plate assembly 419 and top plate 415 have connected thereto a second pipe 422, to which a second water inlet connector 423 is connect-ed. A third water outlet pipe 424 is disposed outwardly of the second pipe and communicates a water outlet connection 425.
~ quick connect and disconnect clamping arrange--ment includes a pair of hinged bolts 4~6 hingedly suspended from outwardly projectingr bosses 427 provided on the third pipe 4~
The plate 419 of the -first connector plate assembly 418 includes a central oxy~en openin(~ 423 through which the first oxygen pipe 417 projects. The plate 419, as best shown in FIG. 34, includes slots or f:irst openings 429 and 430 which are o~ arcuate shape, disposed in radially s~aced rows to re'~ister with slots in the lower connector plate assembly to be described. The slots 429 communicate with the water inlet connection 423 and second water inlet pipe 422.
The slots 430 communicate with the third water outlet pipe 424 which communicates with the water outlet connection 425.
~ second or lower connector plate assembly is de-si~nated at 431 and includes a sleeve 43~ having an annular flange or plate 433 provided with an upper annular flat surface 434. The flat surface 434 is provicled with two I`OWS
of circumferentially disposed second slots 435 and 436 rela-tively radially spaced with respect to each other. The de-finition of "circumferentially spaced" as used in this description is meant to include that the slots are spaced in a clrcle or annular, and that they are also disposed inwardly from the outer circumference of the lance. The slots are of arc~ate shape and adjacent ends of the slots 35 and 36 provide solid radially extendinD circumferentially spaced solid webs 37 as best shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 which separate the adjacent slots.
As best shown in FIG. 35J a ring plate 438 havin a flat upper sur~ace 439 conforms to the lower flat surface 440 o~ the plate or flange 433 and is connected thereto by screws 441.
The second connector plate assembly 431 supports a fourth oxy~en pipe 442, a fifth water inlet pipe 4~3, and a sixth water outlet pipe ~144.
The water outlet pipe 444 has connected thereto win~ projections 445 provided with slots 446 for receiving the bolt clamping members 426 in securin~ relation.
The pipes 442, 443 and 444 extend downwardly and are connected to a lance nozzle designated at 447. The nozzle 447 of the present design includes a discharge orifice 448 communicating with a stub extension pipe 449 communicat-in~ with the oxygen pipe 44~. The nozzle ~lso i~cludes a water outlet stub pipe 444' connected to the pipe 444. It also includes a stub pipe 443' connected to the lower end of pipe 443 to provide a mechanical slip joint therewith. ~s indicated at 450, b~ffle walls 451 are connected to the lower ends o~ the stub pipe 443' to direct the incomin~ water flom the inlet to the outlet pipes.
Tl~e present invention is particularly directed to the ~rran~ement of the sealing and vcntin~ arlan~ements 3i-~
disclosed.
As best shown in FIG. 35 and 36 the flat surface is provided with ring shaped grooves 452 within which seals in the form of 0-rings 453 are secured. The 0-rings 453 effectively seal the water inlet and water outlet passages from one another at the connection of the flat surfaces of the connector plate assemblies. A vent space or annular chamber 454 is provided by the sleeve 432 and the outer wall of the first oxygen pipe 417. The innermost 0-rin~ 453 seals this space 454 from the water inlet slots 429 and 435.
The sleeve 432 projects downwardly and the lower oxygen pipe 442 is provided at its upper end with an enlarg-ed diameter tube or second sleeve 455 which at its upper end has a further enlarged outer diameter portion 456 which sup-ports two vertically spaced 0-rings 457 in sliding sealing contact with the inner wall of the sleeve 432.
The lowex end of the first oxygen pipe 417 is provided with an enlarged outer diame1;er portion, or piston like element 458 havin~ two 0-rings 459 vertically spaced relatively and in sliding, sealing, and telescopin~r relation with the inner wall of the second sleeve 455.
As best shown in FIGS. 34, 35, 36 and 37, vent bores or passages 460 are provided in the webs 437 and pro-ject radially horizontally outwardly. The peripheral ~lange 421 is provided with outlet bores 461 communic~ting with the passages 460 and the atmos~here.
The ring 438 and upper suriace 439 also include a cylindrical 0-ring 462.
As best shown in FIG. 3~ the first sleeve is pro-vided at its lower end with an annular inwardly eYtending ~2~
flange 470 which engages the projecting surface presented by the second sleeve 455 and which thus suspends the pipe 442 relative to the nozzle 447.
As best shown in FIG. 38 the lower end of the suspended pipe 442 is in telescoping relation with the inner surface of the stub pipe 449 to provide a slip joint as in-dicated at 471.
Double annular O-rings 47~ effectively seal the slip joint connection.
THE OPERATION
The operation of the lance disclosed is convention-al in that oxygen supplied from the supply pipe 414 flows downwardly through pipe 442, stub pipe 449 and through one or more discharge orifices 448 into a basic. oxygen furnace vessel. Water flows .from the water inlet connection 423 through arcuate passages 429 and 435 downwardly along pipe 443 to the lower end of the nozzle 447 to cool the same whereupon it is directed upwardly along pipe 444 through the slots 430 and 43G outwardly through the water outlet con-nection 425. Thus the lance nozzle is effectively cooled.
The present invention resides in the quick dis-connect and connect feature af~orded by the first and second connector assemblies with their unique disposition of the arcuate aligned slots when the assemblies are connected together in clamping relation. The unusual disposition of the O-rings in the flat contacting surfaces of the connector plates assures the positive sealing required to provide a quick clamp type disconnect arrangement. Thus the support assembly to which the upper connector plate assembly is attaclled can remain in place on the support carriag~e which ~3~
is provided adjacent a B.O.F. vessel and a lance can be replaced or interchanged within a short period. The support head can be used over and over again with new or repaired assemblies. Also no longer is it necessary to have two carriages adjacent to the vessel. By merely disconnecting the bolts)the lower connector assembly and major portion of the lance can be removed for repairs, replacement, transport or other service.
The present sealing arrangement and venting assures the continued operation without interruption of the oxygen blowing process. In disassembly of the lower connector plate from the upper, it is a simple matter to disconnect the same.
Upon disconnection the sleeve can readily be re-placed by merely loosening the cap screws 41 and inserting a new sleeve. This assures interchangeability of parts and eliminates oversizing the O-ring piston in the event of damage, and also the double O-rings are also easily replaced.
In the present lance desi~n the oxy~en pipe 442 is suspended and s~pported on the sleeve 432 and durin~ discon-nection of the second connector plate assembly this pipe can easily be removed and the lower seal member 472 replaced if desired, similarly, ~y providing a slip jOillt at the lower end of the oxygen pipe, the invention accomodates quick removal, repair, and replacement o~ the top assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF A FURTHER E~BODI~IE~T
An oxygen lance assembly 510 comprises a top sup port member 511 including a top plate 512 havin~ an oxygen connector fitting 513 adapted to connect to an o~y~en source.
An annular plate 514 is connected by means of bolts and nuts ~15 to the plate 512. The annular plate 514 an~ a first ~29 3~
connector plate assembly 516 have connected thereto a first oxygen pipe 517, a second inlet water pipe al8 and a third outlet water pipe 519. A water inlet connector 520 communicates with the pipe 518 and an outlet connection a21 communicates with the outlet pipe 519. The first connector plate assembly S16 includes a flat plate 52~ to which the lower ends of the pipes 517, 518 and 519 are connected. The plate 522 includes vertical circumferentially disposed ar-cuate slots 523 and 524. The term "circumferentially dispos-ed" means annulously positioned or positioned in ring~like manner. The slots are ~rcuate in shape and have adjacent ends positioned from other adjacent ends in laterally spaced relation.
A second connector plate assembly 5~5 includes a flat plate 526 having an upper flat surface 527 which includ-es slots 528 and 529 communicating with slots 523 and 524 respectively.
A fourtt~ oxygen pipe 530 is connected to the plate 526 and communicates with the pip~ 517 tllrough opening 531 in plate 526 and opening 532 in plate 52~. A fifth water inlet pipe 533 communicates with slots 528 and a sixth water outlet pipe 534 communicates Witil slots 529.
A nozzle for the lance is designated at 535 and includes an outlet orifice 536 communicating with an oxygen stub pipe 537 which at its upper end is in telescoping slip fit connection with the lower end of pipe 53Q. A pair of 0-rings 538 in engagement with the oxygen stub pipe provide for sealing of the slip joint. A water chamber a39 is in communication with an inlet stub pipe 540 having a slip fit relation with the lower ends 541 of the water inlet pipe.
.3~
The plate 522 is provided with a flat lower sur-face 542 and includes a peripheral flange 543 which extends around and overlaps the plate 526.
As indicated in FIG. 42 the inlet and outlet slots are of arcuate shape and adjaeellt ends of a pair of slots are separate by radially extending webs 544. A plur-ality of radially spaced O-rin~s 545, 54~, are provided in suitable ring recesses inwardly of the slots 528. Another O-ring 547 is placed in a surface recess ring in the surface 527 between slots 52~ and 529, and another O-ring 548 is disposed outwardly of the slot 529 in a suitable O-ring recess. Thus all of the critical leakage areas are protect-ed by the O-rin~s described.
As best shown in FIGS. 41 and 43, a vent passage 550 is provided in each of the ~vebs 544 and extend outwardly in the plate 526 to the atmosphere. The inward end of the vent passage is connected to a vertical bore 550 extendin~
to the surface 5~7 between the slots 545 and 546. Thus ~ny leaka~e of oxygen or water is vented to the atmosphere.
Thus oxy~en leaks cannot leak into water and water cannot leak into the oxygen.
The quick connect disconnect arrangement for the lance includes a p~ir of bosses 551 connected to pipe 519 which hingedly support bolts 552 having lower threads and nuts 5~3. Slotted keeper ears 554 are supported on the pipe 534 and are adapted to securely clam~ the connector plates in firm connected relation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A MODIFIED Ei`~ODI.ME~T
FIG. 4S discloses a cross sectional view of a modified form of the invention wherein the san~e reference 3~
characters are applied to similar parts. In this improve-ment a separate ring 5~0 is connected to the upper ends at the pipes 533 and ~34, said ring being attached to the plate 526 by means of cap screws 5~1. The ring is also provided with arcuate slots 562 communicating with slots 529 t~ direct water outwardly through said water outlet connector.
TH~ OPERATION
The operation of directing oxygen and water through the lance is conventional. The improvement resides in the arrangement of the upper and lower connector assem-blies with the slots which are placed in alignment or regis~
try when the plates are connected in clamped relation by the improved clamping arrangement. By merely disconnecting the bolts the lower connector assembly and major portion of the lance can be remoYed for repairs, replacement, transport or other service; and similarly, by providing a slip joint at the lower end of the oxygen pipe, the invention accomodates quicX removal, repair, and replacement of the tip assem~ly.
Thus only one lance carria~e need be employed witll the top support head remaining in position. O-rings and other parts can ~e easily replaced. The slots are easily registera~le and the vent arran~ement is positive in the event leakage would occur.
The present applica-tion is a divisional o~ Canadian patent application Serial No. 2~,Q28 filed March 1~, 1978.
The invention relates to lances for use in steel-making ~perations. ~lore speciEically it relates to an oxygen lance for use in a B.O.F. basic oxygen steelmaking furnace.
The present invention relates to an improved oxygen steelmaking lance which can easily be disconnected from its top support member for change over of the lance so that only a single lance support carriage is required. The support member includes a first connector plate assembly which is provided with a plurality of openings in communication with the oxygen, water inlet and outlet pipes provided on the support member. The first plate assem~ly includes a lower flat surface. A second connector plate assembly is clamped to the first connector plate assembly by means of a pair of hinged bolts on the upper support which engage outwardly projecting ears provided on the seconcl connector plate assembly. By merely loosening up the nuts on the ~olts and swinging them outwardly the second connected plate assembly can be disconnected and by reverse proc dure can ~e connect-ed. The second connector plate assembly also includes an upper flat plate surface having openings which when -~he surfaces are clamped together provide for registry of the openings. The openings are slots of generally arcuate shape disposed in circumferentially spaced relation in radially spaced rows from a cen-tral oxygen opening. Each slot is spaced from an adjacent slot by a solid portion of the plate assembly thus forming a number of circumferentially spaced radially extending webs. One oE the fla-t surfaces of -the plate assemblies is provided with annular grooves radially spaced between the slots, the same containing 0-rings Eor effectively sealing one row of slots from the o-ther rows and the central oxygen opening.
The lower connector plate assembly which comprises the upper flat plate includes an integral downwardly project-ing sleeve. The oxygen pipe of the top support member projects downwardly through the central opening of the upper connector plate assembly and is provided at its lower end with an enlarged circumferential shoulder. The lower end of the oxygen tube projects through the flat surface of the second connector plate into the sleeve and is in relative sliding engagement with the upper end of a lower oxygen pipe. The lower oxygen pipe upper end includes an enlarged tubular portion which is disposed about and in telescoping engagement with the circumferen-tial shoulder of the upper oxygen pipe. The enlarged tubular portion is also in telescoping sliding engagement with the inner wall surface of the sleeve.
The arrangement provides ~or an upper slip joint adjacent the connection of the upper and lower connector plate assemklies.
The lower connector plate assem~ly supports the lower oxyg~n pipe and includes water inlet and outlet pipes providing ior passages which communicate with the aligned or registering slots oX the connector plate assemblies.
The slip joint connection provided by the oxygen pipes and sleeve include double O-ring seals which effective-ly seal the slip joints. Between the sleeve and the oxy~en pipes a vent chamber is provided which communicates with vent passages provided in the flat plate portion of the sleeve. The vent passages are disposed specifically in the radially disposed outwardly extending webs provided between 23~99 the arcuate slots. The upper connector plate is also provided with a peripherally downwardly extending flange overlapping the plate of the lower connector plate assembly.
This arrangement assures proper alignment of the plates in clamping relation. The peripheral flange is also provided with openings communication with the vent passages to provide for communication with the atmosphere.
l~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1, is a perspective view of an improved oxygen lance;
FIG. 2, is a side elevational view of the upper portion of an oxygen lance disclosing an improved connect and disconnect arrangement;
FIG. 3, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. l;
FIG. 4, is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection of an upper and lower c~nnector plate assembly and a slip joint and venting arrangement;
FIG. 5, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-S of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6, is a rross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7, is similar to FIG. 3 but showing a modi-fied top support arrangement; and FIG. 8, is an enlarged cross-sectional vie~v of the modified embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9, is a perspective view of a lance arran~e-ment;
FIG. 10, is an enlar~ed elevational view of theupper portion of the lance of FIG. 9;
5~
FIG. 11, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12, is a cross-sectional view, enlar~ed and in detail showin~ the connection of a pair of connector assemblies;
FIG. 13, is a cross-sectional view tal~en along the line 13-13 of FIG. 11; and FIG. 14, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 11;
FIG. 15, is a perspective view of an improved oxygen lance;
FIG. 16, is an enlarged elevational view of an upper lance portion;
FIG. 17, is a cross-sectioned view taken along the line 17-17 of FIG. 15;
FIG. 18, is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a connecting and sealing arrangement for a connector plate assembly;
FIG. 19, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 17; and FIG. 20, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 20-20 of FIG. 17;
FIG. 21, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 21-21 of FIG. 17;
FIG~ 22, is a perspective view of an improved lance assembly;
FIG. 23, is an elevational view of a top portion of the lance assembly shown in FIG. 22;
FIG. 24, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 24-24 of FIG. 22;
Sir 9$~
FIG. 25, is a partial cross-sectional view of a pair o~ connector plate assemblies;
FIG. 26, is a cross-sectional view disclosing portions of a sllp joint at the lower end of a lance assem-bly;
FIG. ~7, is a view similar to FIG. 24 showing another form of the invention;
FIG. 28, is a detail view in cross-section of a connector plate assembly;
FIG. 29, is a detail cross-sectional view of a slip joint at the lower end of the lance shown in FIG. 27;
and FIGS. 30 and 31 are plan sections taken at lines 30-30 and 31-31 in FIG. 24;
FIG. 32, is a perspective view of an improved oxygen lance;
FIG. 33, is a side elevational view of the upper portion of an oxy~en lance disclosing an improved connect and disconnect arrangement;
FIG. 34, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 34-34 o~ ~IG. 3~;
FIG. 35, is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection of an upper and lower connector plate assembly and a slip Joint and venting arrangement;
FIG. 36, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3~-36 of FI&. 34; and FIG. 37, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 37~37 o~ FXG. 34;
FIG. 38, is a cross-sectional view of a no~zle assembly connected to the lance disclosing a slip joint w5~
connection.
FIG. 39, is a perspective view of an improved oxygen lancei FIG. 40, is an elevational view of ~he upper end of the lance of FIG. 39;
FIG. 41~ is a cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the oxygen lance taken along the line 41-41 of FIG. 39;
FIG. 42, is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 42-42 of FIG. 41;
FIG. 43, iS a cross-sectional view taken along the line 43-43 of FIG. 41;
FIG. 44, is a partial cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the oxygen lance of FIG. 39; and FIG. 45, is a cross~sectional view oE a modified lance disclosing the upper portion thereof.
~ 3~3~ ~
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED ÆMBODIMENT
FIGS. 1 and 3 disclose an improved lance 10 compri-sing a top support or head 11 including a top plate 12 having an opening 13 connected to an oxygen supply source or pipe 14.
A second top plate 15 is connected to the top plate 12 by means of bolt and nut fasteners 16. A first oxygen pipe 17 communicates with the supply source pipe 14 through the plate 15.
A first upper connector plate assembly 18 includes a plate 19 having a lower flat surface 20 and a downwardly extending peripheral flange 21. The plate assembly 19 and top plate 15 have connected thereto a second pipe 22, to which a second water inlet connector 23 is connected. A
third water outlet pipe 24 is disposed outwardly of the se-cond pipe and communicates a water outlet connection 25.
A quick connect and disconnect clamping arrangement includes a pair o~ hinged bolts 26 hingedly suspended from outwardly projecting bosses 27 provided on the third pipe 24.
The plate 19 of the first connector plate assembly 18 includes a central oxygen opening 28 through which the first oxygen pipe 17 projects. The plate 19, as best shown in FIG. 3, includes slots or first openings 29 and 30 which are of arcuate shape, disposed in radially spaced rows to register with slots in the lower connector plate assembly to be described. The slots 29 communicate with the water inlet connection 23 and second water inlet pipe 22. The slots 30 communicate with the third water outlet pipe 24 which com-municates with the water outlet connection 25.
A second or lower connector plate assembly is de-signated at 31 and includes a sleeve 32 having an annular flange or plate 33 provided with an upper annular flat sur-face 34. The flat surface 34 is provided with two rows of circumferentially disposed second slots 35 and 36 relatively radially spaced with respect to each other. The definition of "circumferentially spaced" as used in this description is meant to include that the slots are spaced in a circle or annulus, and that they are also disposed inwardly from the other circumference of the lance. The slots are of arcuate shape and adjacent ends of the lots 35 and 36 provide solid radially extending circumferentially spaced solid webs 37 as best shown in FI5S. 5 and 6 which separate the adjacent slots.
As best shown in FIG. 4, a ring plàte 38 having a flat upper surface 39 conforms to the lower flat surface 40 of the plate or flange 33 and is connected thereto by screws 41.
The second connector plate assembly 31 supports a fourth oxygen pipe 42, a fifth water inlet pipe 43, and a sixth water outlet pipe 44.
The water outlet pipe 44 has connected thereto wing projections 45 provided with slots 46 for receiving the bolt clamping members 26 in securing relation.
The pipes 42, 43 and 44 extend downwardly and are connected to a lance nozzle designated at 47. The nozzle 47 of the present design includes a discharge orifice 48 com- ;
municating with a stup extension pipe 49 communicating with the oxygen pipe 4~. The nozzle also includes a wa-ter outlet stub pipe 44' connected to the pipe 44. It also includes a stub pipe 43' connected to the lower end of pipe 43 to pro-vide a mechanical slip joint therewith. As indicated at 50, Baffle walls 51 are connected to the lower ends of the stub pipe 43' to direct the incoming water from the inlet to the outlet pipes.
The present invention is particularly directed to the arrangement of the sealing and venting arrangements dis-closed.
As best shown in FIG. 4 and 5 the flat surface is provided with ring shaped grooves 52 within which seals in the form of O-rings 53 are secured. The O-rings 53 effect-ively seal the water inlet and water outlet passages from one another at the connection of theflat surfaces of the connector plate assemblies. At atmospheric or zero pressure vent space or annular chamber 54 is provided by the sleeve 32 and the outer wall of the first oxygen pipe 17. The in-nermost O ring 53 seals this space 54 ~rom the water inlet slots 29 and 35; however, in the evenl; water should seep past the innermost O-ring 53, it will be sa~ely vented ~rom the lance.
The sleeve 32 projects downwardly and the lower oxygen pipe 42 is provided at its upper end with an enlarged diameter tube or second sleeve 55 which at its upper end has a further enlarged outer diameter portion 56 which supports two vertically spaced O-rings 57 in sliding sealing contact with the inner wall of the sleeve 32.
The lower end o~ the first oxygèn pipe 17 is pro-vided with an enlarged outer diameter portion, or piston like element 58 having two O-rings 59 vertically spaced re-latively and in sliding, sealing, and telescoping relation with the inner wall o~ the second sleeve 55.
As ~est shown in FIG. 3, 4, 5 and 6, vent bores or 3 r~
passages 60 are provided in the webs 37 and project radially hori~ontally outwardly. The peripheral flange 21 is provid-ed with outlet bores 61 communicating with the passages 60 and the atmosphere. It should be noted that the bores 61 are shown to extend radially; however, they may extend down-wardly to vent through the lower sur~ace 21' of the peri-pheral ~lange 21.
The ring 38 and upper surface 39 also include a cylindrical 0-ring 62.
T~E OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODI.~ENT
The operation o~ the lance disclosed is convention-al in that oxygen supplied from the supply pipe 14 flows downwardly through pipe 42, stub pipe 49 and through one or more discharge orifices 48 into a basic oxyDen furnace ves-sel. Water flows irom the water inlet connection 23 through arcuate passages 29 and 35 downwardly along pipe 43 to the lower end of the noz~le 47 to cool the same whereupon it is directed upwardly along pipe 44 through the slots 30 and 36 outwardly through the water outlet connection 25. Thus the lance nozzle is effectively cooled.
The present invention resides in the quick discon-nect and connect feature a~forded by the first and second connector assemblies with their unique disposition of the arcuate aligned slots when the assemblies are connected to-gether in clamping relation. The unusual dispostion o~ the 0-rings in the flat contacting surfaces of the connector plates asssures the positive sealing required to provide a quick clamp type disconnect arrangement. Thus the support assembly to which the upper connector plate assembly is at-tached can remain in place on the support carriage which is 3~
provided adjacent a B.O.F. vessel and a lance can be replac-ed or interchanged within a short period. The support head can be used over and over again with new or ~epaired assem-blies. The lance o~ the present design can be of shorter length and thus is easier to handle and transport.
The present sealing arrangement and venting assures the continued operation without interruption of the oxygen blowing process. In disassembly of the lower connector plate from the upper, it is a simple matter to disconnect the same.
U~on disconnection the sleeve can readily be re-placed by merely loosening the cap screws 41 and inserting a new sleeve. This assures interchangeability of parts and eliminates oversizing the O-ring piston in the event of da-mage, and also the O-ring is easily replaced.
The arrangement of the sleeve 32 with the upper and lower oxygen pipe slip joint arrangement also provides an effective connection, to absorb the telescoping sliding movement of the pipes during expansion and contraction caus-ed by high temperature variations.
THE MODIFIED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 7 and ~ disclose a modified top support arangemellt. ~Yherever the parts are the same as disclosed in the preferred embodiment the same reference characters are utilized.
In the modification a top support 70 includes an upper plate 71 having an oxy~en inlet connection to which the oxygen pipe 17 (more elongated) is connected. A ring or flange 73 is connected to the plate 70 by means of bolts and nuts (not shown). A water inlet connection 74 is connected to an inlet water pipe 75. The inlet water pipe 75 has con-nected thereto a ring plate 76'to which is connected a con-nector ring 77 ~y suitable bolts and nuts (not shown). The water pipe 75 has a slip joint connection 76 with a short water pipe section 77 to accommodate temperature differen-tials between incoming and outgoing cooling water to prevent the development of excessive internal stresses. The short pipe section 77'is connected to the first connector plate assembly 18 and communicates with the arcuate slo~s 29 and 35. An outlet pipe 78 is also connected to the first upper connector plate assembly lS. A water outle-t connection 79 dischar~es water from the outlet pipe 78.
The operation of the modification is similar to the preferred embodiment the primary difference being the vertical offset of the water inlet and outlet connections as well as the mechanical slip joint arrangement 76 which may be desired in some applications.
The unique sealing arrangement and the venting as-semblies are similar and the same advantages as enumerat0d before are achieved. :
In both embodiments, water canno-t leak into the oxygen pipe5, nor can oxygen leak into the water pipes.
DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODI~,IENT
A lance 110 comprises a top support or head member 111, first and second connector assemblies 112 and 113, and :
a lance nozzle 114.
The hea~ or support member 111 comprises a top plate 115 which supports the upper end of a first central oxygen pipe 11~ communicating with an oxygen supply pipe connection 117. A connector plate 118 is connected to -the plate 115 by means of bolts 119. A gas inlet connection 120 communicates with a second gas pipe 121 concentric with ox-ygen pipe 116. A third water inlet pipe 122 is concentric .
with the second pipe and a fourth water outlet pipe 123 cosl-centric with pipe 122, is in communication with a water out-let connection 124. A water inlet connection 125 provides water to the third pipe 122.
The first oxygen pipe 116 projects through an opening 12G provided in a plate 127 of the first connector plate assembly 112. The plate 127 includes an outer periph-eral downwardly projecting flange 127'. The second, third, and fourth pipes 121, 122, and 123 are connected at their lower ends to the plate 127 and communicates with first gas, water inlet, and water outlet openings respectively 132, 133, and 134, The second connector assemb].y 113 comprises a flat plate 129 having a peripheral downwarclly projectingr flange 130. The first oxygen pipe 116 projec:ts through a central opening 131. The plate 129 includes a second gas opening 135, a water inlet opening 136, and water outlet opening 137 communicating with the first openings of plate 1~7. The second connector assembly includes a third plate or flange portion 138 which is connected to a sleeve 139. The third plate 138 includes three openings, respectively a gas open-ing 140, water inlet opening 141 and water outlet openin~
142. All of the gas openings, water inlet openings, and outlet openings therefore are in communication in the con-nected assembly of the first and second connector plates.
The sleeve 139 includes an inner surface 143 spac-ed from the outer surface of pipe 116 to provide an annular space 144 therebetween.
A fifth oxygen pipe 145 includes an upward piston portion 146 which lncludes spaced O rings 147 in relative sliding or slip joint engagement with the inner surface 143 of sleeve 139. This telescoping or slip joint connector in-cludes a piston portion on the lower end of pipe 116 which includes O~rings 148 in sliding engagement with the inner surface 149 of piston portion 146. Tlle annular space 144 provides at its upper end a chamber communicating with a vent passage 150 extending outwardly horizontally in the flange plate 138 and communicating with the atms~sphere through a connected passage 151 in the flange 130.
A second sleeve portion 152 on the sleeve 139 and plate 138 is concentric and spaced outwardly of sleeve 139.
The sleeve portion 152 includes an inner surface 153 which is engaged ir. slip joint relation by means of the upper end 154 of' a lower s.ixth gas pipe 155 projecting downwardly to-ward the no~zle.
A connector rin~ 156 disposed below the flange or plate 138 is connected thereto by bolts 157'. A lower se-venth water inlet pipe 158 and water outlet pipe 159 is con-nected to said ring 156. The connector ring 156 includes 0-rings 157 in engagement with the underneath surface of plate 138.
The upper end 154 OI gas pipe 155 includes 0-ring seals 158. Referring now to FIG. 13 the openings 135, 136 and 137 are disclosed as individual rows of slots with ad-jacent ends of each slot in spaced relation relative to the other slots to provide a plurality of webs 160. 0-rings 161, 162, 163 and 164 are disposed in suitable recess within the surface of plate 129 for sealing one row of arcuate slots from the other.
Referring now to FIG. 14, the openings 140, 141 and 142 are also of arcuate shape and adjacent opposite ends of each slot are spaced to provide solid portions or webs 165 within which the vent passage 150 extend. The upper surfaces of the sleeve flange or plate portion 138 also in-cludes 0-rings 166, 167, and 168 which are disposed ~etween adjacent openings 142, 141, and 140 for sealing them against leakage.
The nozzle 114 includes a plurality of orifices 170 at the lower ends of the pipe 145. The gas pipe 155 provides for the flow of gas with the oxygen as desired. The lower end of the water inlet pipe has a slip joint connection with an inlet pipe stub 171 and the water outlet pipe 159 is con-nected at its lower end to the gas pil~e 155.
Quick disconnect of the connector plate assemblies is achieved by the hin~ed bolts 172 hinged on bases 173 sup-ported on the outer pipe 122. The bolts 172 and nuts 174 are ada~ted to engage slotted ears 175 mounted on the water outlet pipe 155 to clamp the connector plates in assembly and to quickly disconnect the source.
In the operation oxygen and gas can flow through the oxygen and gas pipes in conventional fashion. The in-vention is primarily in the connector plate assemblies, the disposition of the slots and the effective sealing arrange-ments provided by the O~rings. The sleeves and plates of the second connector assembly can easily be dismounted and the sleeve replaced. The 0-rings can easily be replaced and provi~es an effective seal to prevent the mixture of oxygen with gas.
In the event of leakage the novel vent passage arrangement and its disposition provides for venting to the atmosphere.
The slip joint connections accomodate the expan-sion and contraction occasioned by high temperature varia-tions. Thus the present gas and oxygen lance can quickly be disconnected at the site, and the major portion of the lance can be removed for repairs, replacement, transport or other service and again assembled.
DESCRIPTION OF ANOTHER EMBODIMENT
An oxygen lance assembly 210, includes a top sup-port member 211 having an upper plate 211' connected to an -~
oxygen supply pipe 212. An annular plate 213 is connected to the plate 211' by means of bolts and nuts 214. The top support member may be rigidly mounted on a lance carriage (not shown) adapted to be moved for operation adjacent to a basic oxygen vessel. The support member 211 includes a first o~ygen pipe 215 and second and third water inlet and outlet pipes respectively 216 and 217. The outlet pipe 217 is connected to an outlet connector 219, and the inlet 216 is connected to an inlet connector 218.
An upper connector plate assembly is designated at 220 and includes a flat plate 221 having a lower flat sur-face 222 provided with a central opening 223 communicating with the oxygen pipe 215. The flat plate 221 includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed arcuate slots 224 and 2~5 positioned in radially spaced rows. The term "cir-cumferentially disposed'l for the present disclosure is to indicate that the slots above and hereafter further describ-~3~
ed are spaced in an annular ring like or cylindrical manner in the flat plates. The slots 224 and 225 communicate res-pectively with the water inlet and outlet pipes 216 and 217.
A second connector plate assembly 226 lncludes a sleeve 227 which projects downwardly and is provided ~ith an upper bore 228 communicating with the opening 223 and the first oxygen pipe 215. The sleeve 227 includes an upper flange or annular plate 229 having two rows of radially spaced clrcumferentially disposed arcuate slots 230 and 231 respectiv~ly communicating with the arcuate slots 224 and 225. The upper -flat surface 232 of the plate 229 is in seal-ing relation relative to the lower flat surface 222 by means of a pair of radially spaced annular 0-rings 233.
As best shown in FIGS. 1~ and 21, an annular cham-ber 266 communicating with the atmosphere through radial passages 267 is provided in the plate 221 ~etween the 0-rings ~33.
The upper connector plate assembly 220 inclu~es a peripheral downwardly extending flange 234 overlapping the outer peripheral surface of the plate 229. The flange 234 is releasably connected for replacement purposes to the lower surface 222 of the first connector plate assembly by means of cap screws 235, one of which is shown in FIG. 17.
The second connector plate assem~ly 22G includes a ring 236 having an annular inner surface 237 in telescoping engagement with the outer cylindrical surface 238 of the sleeve 227. The ring 236 includes an upper annular flat sur-face 239 in sealing engagement with the flat surface 232 of the plate 229. The ring includes a plurality of arcuate slots 240 and 241, communicating respectively with the slots 230 and 225 and slots 231 and 225.
The disposition of the circumferentially disposed slots 240 and 241 is disclosed in FIGS. 19 and 20.
~ ach of the slots are circumferentially spaced to provide in the ring member 236 a plurality of radially ex-tending webs 242 which separate, or provi~e solid intervening walls in said number 236.
Vent passages 243 are positioned within the webs 242 and extend outwardly for communication with the atmos-phere. The vent passages 243 communicate with a peripheral passage 243' and vent passages 243" in sleeve 227.
All of the slots in the ring 236, the plate 229 and the plate 221 are the same shape and spacing and regis-ter with one another in the clamped or connected position of the lance assembly.
As best shown in FIGS. 18 an~d 19~ the upper flat suIface of the ring 236 is provided with two annular rows of recesses ~44 and 245 containing 0-rings 246 and 247 which are positioned adjacent the annular openings 240 and 241 to effectively seal against the leakage of water. The surface 23~ and outer surface 238 of the sleeve are also effectively sealed by an O~ring 248.
A lower fourth oxygen pipe 249 includes an upper enlarged piston-like member 250 in relative telescoping or slip joint connection with the inner annular surface 251 of the sleeve 227. Pairs o~ upper and lower 0 rings respective-ly 252 and 253 are supported on the ~nember 250 and a vent chamber or annulous 254 is provided in the member 250 which communicates with the bores or passages 243' and 243".
A fifth water inlet pipe 255 and sixth water inlet pipe 256 are connected to the ring 236, project downwardly with respect thereto and communicate with the slots 241 and 240 respectively.
A lance nozzle 257 is welded to the lower pipes and includes an outlet orifice 258 communicating with an oxygen stub pipe 259 which communicates with the oxygen pipe 249. An outer stub pipe 260 is connected to the pipe 256.
The pipe 255 is in telescoping relation at its lower end with a stub pipe position 261 to provide a mechanical slip joint connector therebetween. The telescoping relation of the fourth oxygen pipe with the sleeve 227 accommodates a relative sliding movement occurring when the pipe contracts and expands lengthwise due to heat variations. The slip joint between pipe 255 and stub pipe 261 also provides for this occurrence.
FIG. 16 discloses the quick disconnect and connect and connect arrangement which includes a pair of bosses 2G2 which are mounted on the pipe 217. Bolts 2G3 are hingedly connected to the bosses 262 and are placed in clamping re-lation with slotted keeper members or ears 264 mounted on the ring 36 by means of nuts 265.
THE OPER~TION
The flow of oxygen through the lance nozzle and water through the inlet pipe, water chamber of the nozzle and through the outlet pipes is conventional.
The unique features of the present invention reside in the quick disconnect of the main portion or barrel lance from the top support member 211 when the lance is to be ser-viced and portions have to be replaced. Release of the swinging bolts 263 from the keeper 264 permits the lower por-tion of the lance and lower pipes to be dropped downwardlywhereupon access is easily provided to replace seals, etc., and to conduct other repairs. The sleeve 227 which may be of brass or similar material can easily be replaced by dis-connecting the cap screws 235.
The arrangement disclosed provides for effective sealing of all areas where leakage is possible and any leak-age from the oxygen pipes through the slip joint connector of the piston mem~er 250, or of water from the inlet pipe 255, or of water or oxygen from the connector assembly, is easily and safely vented into the atmos~here. Thus all im-portant and necessary surfaces are effectively sealed.
~Ya-ter cannot leak into the oxygen pipe nor can o~ygen leak into the water pipes.
The circumferential slots are easily and quickly re~istered upon reassembly of the lanc~e.
D~SCRIPTION OF A FURT~R EMBODI~IENT
l~n oxygen lance 310 includes an upper head or support member 311, an upper and lower connector plate as-sembly 312 and 313 and a discharge nozzle 314 as best shown in FIG. 22.
The support member 311 is adapted to be rigidly connected to a lance carriage which supports the lance ad-jacent to a B.O.F. furnace in the steelmaking process. The head 311 includes a top plate 315, an attaching plate ring 316, connected by bolts 317 to the top plate 315.
A first oxygen pipe 318 communicates with an ox-ygen source 319 and is connected to the top plate 315 and to a first connector plate assembly 320. The assembly 320 ~ - .
includes a flat plate ~ having a lower ~lat surface 322.
3~
The head further includes second water inlet and third water outlet concentric pipes respectively 323 and 324.
A water inlet connection 325 communicates with the inlet pipe 323 and outlet connection 326 communicates with the outlet pipe 32~. The connector plate assembly 320 in-cludes a central oxygen opening 327 and is provided with a plurality of slots 328 and 329 supported on and through the plate 321. A second connector plate assembly 330 in-cludes a ilat pla-te 331 having an upper flat surface 332 which engages the lower flat sur~ace 322 in relative clamp-ing sealing relation. The plate 331 also includes openings or slots 333 and 334 respectively in registry with the slots 328 and 329.
A fourth oxygen pipe 335 is connected to the plate 331 and a central openin~ 336 in the plate 331 com-municatin~ with the first oxygen pipe 318. ~ fifth water inlet pipe 336' is supported on the plate 331 and a sixth water outlet pipe 337 is also supported on the plate 331.
The pipes are concentric and the water inlet pipe 336' com-municates with openings 328 and 333 and the water outlet pipe 337 communicates with opening 329 and 334.
Figure 31 discloses the positioning of openings or slots 328 and 329. FI&. 30 discloses the positioning of the complementary slots 333 and 334 which register with slots 328 and 329. The slots disclosed are of arcuate formation, annularly, or circumferentially spaced with their adjacent ends spaced horizontally to provide a plurality of spaced webs 338 in the plate 321, and 339, in the plate 331. The upper plate 321 also includes a peripheral downwardly extend-ing flange 336 overlapping the plate 331.
~ 3~
The plate 331 also includes four radially space~
ring grooves containing O-rings 340, 341, 342, and 343 to seal the flat surfaces of the upper and lower plates, and particularly the areas between the openings 333 and 334 and 328 and 3Z9.
As best shown in FIG. 31 the plate 321 is provided with a plurality of vent passages 345 extending horizontally and then vertically as indicated at 3~6 througn the flange 336" to the atmosphere. The inner ends of the passage end in a vent chamber 347 which communicates with a bore 348 ex-tending through the plate 331 whereupon it communicates with a shroud or vent pipe 349 having its upper end connected to a coslnector ring 350 which is also connected to pipes 33G' and 337. The connector ringr 350 is connected to the plate 331 by means of cap screws 350' which are easily removable to disengage ringr 350 from plate 331.
The upper ends of pipes 336', 337 and vent pipe 349 are connected to the ring 350 by welding. The shroud pipe 349 envelopes the oxygen pipe 335 and extends downward-ly adjacent the nozzle 314. The lower end of the pipe 335 is provided with an enlarged outer projecting sleeve or pis-ton member 351 which includes a p~ir of vertically spaced O-rings 352 engaging and sealing the lower end of the shroud pipe 349.
The nozzle includes an orifice 353, a stub oxygen pipe 354 having a reduced ou-ter diameter portion 354' which is in slip joint or telescoping relation with the piston member 351. at the oxygen pipe 335. The reduced diameter portion 354'includes two pairs of vertlcally spaced O-rings 355 and 356 engagin(r the piston portion 351 in sliding 3~
sealing relation.
An annular vent chamber 357 between the O-rings 355 and 356 is in communication with a bore 358 which com-municates with the shroud pipe 349 venting leakage through the passages 348, 347, 345 and 346 to the atmosphere. Ver-tical contraction and expansion of the pipes 335 and 349 are achieved by the slip joint arrangement disclosed and which is occasioned by the variations in temperature. The nozzle 314 also includes a slip joint pipe stub 360, having a me-chanical slicing connection with the lower end of the inlet pipe 336'. An O-rin~ 367 on ring 350 adjacent the connec-tion of the shroud 349 to the ring is in seal relation with the plate 331.
The quick connect and disconnect arr~ngement is disclosed in ~IG. 23 and includes a pair of bosses 361 supported on pipe 324 which hingedly support bolts 3~2 hav-ing nuts 363 thereon.
The bolts 362 and nuts 363 engage slotted locking ears 364 to rele~sably lock the connector ~ssemblies to-gether.
D~SCRIPTION 0~ ANOTHER EI~IBODI~IENT
FIGS. 27, 28, and 29 shovv another form of the in-vention wherein the shroud pipe 349 at its upper end is slidingly connected to a sleeve 370 suitably connected to the ring 350. The sleeve 370 has its upper surface 371 in sealing engagement by means of an O-ring 37~. The upper end of the shroud pipe 349 is provided with a piston end 373 having O-rings 374 in sliding relation with the sleeve 370.
The lower end of the oxygen pipe 335 is provided ~vith an enlarged piston portion 376 in sliding relation with the .~ ~ ;2 3 ~ ~ ~3 stub pipe 354 and having an annular venting groove or cham-ber 377 slidingly sealed against the stub pipe 354 by upper and lower O'ring pairs 352 and 35G, respectively, and in-cluding a passage 378 communicating with the shroud pipe 349 which is secured to the upper portion of the piston portion 376.
This arrangement again permits expansion and con-traction of the lower oxygen and vent pipes.
The same reference characters will apply where thc parts are similar. Additional parts have above been addi-tionally identified.
In the present invention in both instances the lanceso~ ~oth designs operate slmilarly in flowing o~ygen to the nozzle. They are both of the quick disconnect type which can quickly be removed from the top support members for service. The venting arrangement provides for venting o~ the lowermost slip joint to vent any leakage o~ oxygen and water while at the same time providing for quick removal, repair or replacement of the top assembly. The novel seal~
ing arrangements are desi~ned to prevent leakage of oxygen into the water or water into oxygen. Ii' it does occur the novel vent arrangement disclosed will provide proper and immediate discharge to the atmosphere.
DESCRIPTION OF ANOTHER E3~BODIUENT
~ IGS. 32 and 34 disclose an improved lance 410 comprising a top support or head 411 includin~ a top plate 41~ havillg an opening 413 connected to an oxygen supply source or pipe 414. A second top late 415 is connected to the ~op plate 412 by means of bolt and nut fasteners 416.
A first oxygen pipe 417 communicates with the supply source ~l2~
pipe 414 through the plate 415.
A first upper connector plate assembly 41~ includ-es a plate 419 having a lower flat surface 420 and a down-wardly extending peripheral flange ~21. The plate assembly 419 and top plate 415 have connected thereto a second pipe 422, to which a second water inlet connector 423 is connect-ed. A third water outlet pipe 424 is disposed outwardly of the second pipe and communicates a water outlet connection 425.
~ quick connect and disconnect clamping arrange--ment includes a pair of hinged bolts 4~6 hingedly suspended from outwardly projectingr bosses 427 provided on the third pipe 4~
The plate 419 of the -first connector plate assembly 418 includes a central oxy~en openin(~ 423 through which the first oxygen pipe 417 projects. The plate 419, as best shown in FIG. 34, includes slots or f:irst openings 429 and 430 which are o~ arcuate shape, disposed in radially s~aced rows to re'~ister with slots in the lower connector plate assembly to be described. The slots 429 communicate with the water inlet connection 423 and second water inlet pipe 422.
The slots 430 communicate with the third water outlet pipe 424 which communicates with the water outlet connection 425.
~ second or lower connector plate assembly is de-si~nated at 431 and includes a sleeve 43~ having an annular flange or plate 433 provided with an upper annular flat surface 434. The flat surface 434 is provicled with two I`OWS
of circumferentially disposed second slots 435 and 436 rela-tively radially spaced with respect to each other. The de-finition of "circumferentially spaced" as used in this description is meant to include that the slots are spaced in a clrcle or annular, and that they are also disposed inwardly from the outer circumference of the lance. The slots are of arc~ate shape and adjacent ends of the slots 35 and 36 provide solid radially extendinD circumferentially spaced solid webs 37 as best shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 which separate the adjacent slots.
As best shown in FIG. 35J a ring plate 438 havin a flat upper sur~ace 439 conforms to the lower flat surface 440 o~ the plate or flange 433 and is connected thereto by screws 441.
The second connector plate assembly 431 supports a fourth oxy~en pipe 442, a fifth water inlet pipe 4~3, and a sixth water outlet pipe ~144.
The water outlet pipe 444 has connected thereto win~ projections 445 provided with slots 446 for receiving the bolt clamping members 426 in securin~ relation.
The pipes 442, 443 and 444 extend downwardly and are connected to a lance nozzle designated at 447. The nozzle 447 of the present design includes a discharge orifice 448 communicating with a stub extension pipe 449 communicat-in~ with the oxygen pipe 44~. The nozzle ~lso i~cludes a water outlet stub pipe 444' connected to the pipe 444. It also includes a stub pipe 443' connected to the lower end of pipe 443 to provide a mechanical slip joint therewith. ~s indicated at 450, b~ffle walls 451 are connected to the lower ends o~ the stub pipe 443' to direct the incomin~ water flom the inlet to the outlet pipes.
Tl~e present invention is particularly directed to the ~rran~ement of the sealing and vcntin~ arlan~ements 3i-~
disclosed.
As best shown in FIG. 35 and 36 the flat surface is provided with ring shaped grooves 452 within which seals in the form of 0-rings 453 are secured. The 0-rings 453 effectively seal the water inlet and water outlet passages from one another at the connection of the flat surfaces of the connector plate assemblies. A vent space or annular chamber 454 is provided by the sleeve 432 and the outer wall of the first oxygen pipe 417. The innermost 0-rin~ 453 seals this space 454 from the water inlet slots 429 and 435.
The sleeve 432 projects downwardly and the lower oxygen pipe 442 is provided at its upper end with an enlarg-ed diameter tube or second sleeve 455 which at its upper end has a further enlarged outer diameter portion 456 which sup-ports two vertically spaced 0-rings 457 in sliding sealing contact with the inner wall of the sleeve 432.
The lowex end of the first oxygen pipe 417 is provided with an enlarged outer diame1;er portion, or piston like element 458 havin~ two 0-rings 459 vertically spaced relatively and in sliding, sealing, and telescopin~r relation with the inner wall of the second sleeve 455.
As best shown in FIGS. 34, 35, 36 and 37, vent bores or passages 460 are provided in the webs 437 and pro-ject radially horizontally outwardly. The peripheral ~lange 421 is provided with outlet bores 461 communic~ting with the passages 460 and the atmos~here.
The ring 438 and upper suriace 439 also include a cylindrical 0-ring 462.
As best shown in FIG. 3~ the first sleeve is pro-vided at its lower end with an annular inwardly eYtending ~2~
flange 470 which engages the projecting surface presented by the second sleeve 455 and which thus suspends the pipe 442 relative to the nozzle 447.
As best shown in FIG. 38 the lower end of the suspended pipe 442 is in telescoping relation with the inner surface of the stub pipe 449 to provide a slip joint as in-dicated at 471.
Double annular O-rings 47~ effectively seal the slip joint connection.
THE OPERATION
The operation of the lance disclosed is convention-al in that oxygen supplied from the supply pipe 414 flows downwardly through pipe 442, stub pipe 449 and through one or more discharge orifices 448 into a basic. oxygen furnace vessel. Water flows .from the water inlet connection 423 through arcuate passages 429 and 435 downwardly along pipe 443 to the lower end of the nozzle 447 to cool the same whereupon it is directed upwardly along pipe 444 through the slots 430 and 43G outwardly through the water outlet con-nection 425. Thus the lance nozzle is effectively cooled.
The present invention resides in the quick dis-connect and connect feature af~orded by the first and second connector assemblies with their unique disposition of the arcuate aligned slots when the assemblies are connected together in clamping relation. The unusual disposition of the O-rings in the flat contacting surfaces of the connector plates assures the positive sealing required to provide a quick clamp type disconnect arrangement. Thus the support assembly to which the upper connector plate assembly is attaclled can remain in place on the support carriag~e which ~3~
is provided adjacent a B.O.F. vessel and a lance can be replaced or interchanged within a short period. The support head can be used over and over again with new or repaired assemblies. Also no longer is it necessary to have two carriages adjacent to the vessel. By merely disconnecting the bolts)the lower connector assembly and major portion of the lance can be removed for repairs, replacement, transport or other service.
The present sealing arrangement and venting assures the continued operation without interruption of the oxygen blowing process. In disassembly of the lower connector plate from the upper, it is a simple matter to disconnect the same.
Upon disconnection the sleeve can readily be re-placed by merely loosening the cap screws 41 and inserting a new sleeve. This assures interchangeability of parts and eliminates oversizing the O-ring piston in the event of damage, and also the double O-rings are also easily replaced.
In the present lance desi~n the oxy~en pipe 442 is suspended and s~pported on the sleeve 432 and durin~ discon-nection of the second connector plate assembly this pipe can easily be removed and the lower seal member 472 replaced if desired, similarly, ~y providing a slip jOillt at the lower end of the oxygen pipe, the invention accomodates quick removal, repair, and replacement o~ the top assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF A FURTHER E~BODI~IE~T
An oxygen lance assembly 510 comprises a top sup port member 511 including a top plate 512 havin~ an oxygen connector fitting 513 adapted to connect to an o~y~en source.
An annular plate 514 is connected by means of bolts and nuts ~15 to the plate 512. The annular plate 514 an~ a first ~29 3~
connector plate assembly 516 have connected thereto a first oxygen pipe 517, a second inlet water pipe al8 and a third outlet water pipe 519. A water inlet connector 520 communicates with the pipe 518 and an outlet connection a21 communicates with the outlet pipe 519. The first connector plate assembly S16 includes a flat plate 52~ to which the lower ends of the pipes 517, 518 and 519 are connected. The plate 522 includes vertical circumferentially disposed ar-cuate slots 523 and 524. The term "circumferentially dispos-ed" means annulously positioned or positioned in ring~like manner. The slots are ~rcuate in shape and have adjacent ends positioned from other adjacent ends in laterally spaced relation.
A second connector plate assembly 5~5 includes a flat plate 526 having an upper flat surface 527 which includ-es slots 528 and 529 communicating with slots 523 and 524 respectively.
A fourtt~ oxygen pipe 530 is connected to the plate 526 and communicates with the pip~ 517 tllrough opening 531 in plate 526 and opening 532 in plate 52~. A fifth water inlet pipe 533 communicates with slots 528 and a sixth water outlet pipe 534 communicates Witil slots 529.
A nozzle for the lance is designated at 535 and includes an outlet orifice 536 communicating with an oxygen stub pipe 537 which at its upper end is in telescoping slip fit connection with the lower end of pipe 53Q. A pair of 0-rings 538 in engagement with the oxygen stub pipe provide for sealing of the slip joint. A water chamber a39 is in communication with an inlet stub pipe 540 having a slip fit relation with the lower ends 541 of the water inlet pipe.
.3~
The plate 522 is provided with a flat lower sur-face 542 and includes a peripheral flange 543 which extends around and overlaps the plate 526.
As indicated in FIG. 42 the inlet and outlet slots are of arcuate shape and adjaeellt ends of a pair of slots are separate by radially extending webs 544. A plur-ality of radially spaced O-rin~s 545, 54~, are provided in suitable ring recesses inwardly of the slots 528. Another O-ring 547 is placed in a surface recess ring in the surface 527 between slots 52~ and 529, and another O-ring 548 is disposed outwardly of the slot 529 in a suitable O-ring recess. Thus all of the critical leakage areas are protect-ed by the O-rin~s described.
As best shown in FIGS. 41 and 43, a vent passage 550 is provided in each of the ~vebs 544 and extend outwardly in the plate 526 to the atmosphere. The inward end of the vent passage is connected to a vertical bore 550 extendin~
to the surface 5~7 between the slots 545 and 546. Thus ~ny leaka~e of oxygen or water is vented to the atmosphere.
Thus oxy~en leaks cannot leak into water and water cannot leak into the oxygen.
The quick connect disconnect arrangement for the lance includes a p~ir of bosses 551 connected to pipe 519 which hingedly support bolts 552 having lower threads and nuts 5~3. Slotted keeper ears 554 are supported on the pipe 534 and are adapted to securely clam~ the connector plates in firm connected relation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A MODIFIED Ei`~ODI.ME~T
FIG. 4S discloses a cross sectional view of a modified form of the invention wherein the san~e reference 3~
characters are applied to similar parts. In this improve-ment a separate ring 5~0 is connected to the upper ends at the pipes 533 and ~34, said ring being attached to the plate 526 by means of cap screws 5~1. The ring is also provided with arcuate slots 562 communicating with slots 529 t~ direct water outwardly through said water outlet connector.
TH~ OPERATION
The operation of directing oxygen and water through the lance is conventional. The improvement resides in the arrangement of the upper and lower connector assem-blies with the slots which are placed in alignment or regis~
try when the plates are connected in clamped relation by the improved clamping arrangement. By merely disconnecting the bolts the lower connector assembly and major portion of the lance can be remoYed for repairs, replacement, transport or other service; and similarly, by providing a slip joint at the lower end of the oxygen pipe, the invention accomodates quicX removal, repair, and replacement of the tip assem~ly.
Thus only one lance carria~e need be employed witll the top support head remaining in position. O-rings and other parts can ~e easily replaced. The slots are easily registera~le and the vent arran~ement is positive in the event leakage would occur.
Claims (14)
1. A steelmaking lance assembly comprising a top support member, said support member including a first central oxygen supply pipe and second and third water inlet and outlet pipes concentric with said first pipe, a first connector plate assembly on said top support member, said first pipe being connected to said first connector plate assembly and projecting downwardly with respect thereto, said first connector plate assembly having a lower flat surface including a plurality of first openings communicating with said second and third pipes, a second connector plate assembly, said second connector plate assembly including a sleeve member having a flange including a flat upper surface having a plurality of second openings adapted to register with said first openings, a fourth oxygen pipe concentric with said first pipe and including an upper end portion adapted to engage said sleeve member in rela-tive telescoping relation, first sealing means between said upper end portion and said sleeve, said first pipe projecting into said upper end portion of said fourth oxygen pipe, second sealing means between said first pipe and said upper end portion of said fourth pipe, fifth and sixth water inlet and outlet pipes concentric with said fourth pipe, connected to said second connector plate assembly and communicating with said second openings, a lance nozzle con-nected to said pipes including an outlet orifice and water chamber, and means quick releasably connecting said first and second con-nector plate assemblies and flat surfaces in clamped relation with their positioned openings in registry and in communication.
2. The invention in accordance with Claim 1, said first and second spaced openings comprising a plurality of individual circumferentially positioned arcuately-shaped slots, and first and second connector plate assemblies including web portions cir-cumferentially spaced and separating adjacent ends of said slots.
3. The invention in accordance with Claim 2, said first and second circumferential openings of said connector plate as-semblies, each being disposed in radially spaced pairs.
4. The invention in accordance with Claim 1, said first and second spaced openings comprising a plurality of individual arcuately-shaped slots, each of said connector plates including a pair of such slots in radially-spaced relative relation, one of said connector plates having a plurality of registering annular recesses adjacent to and between said slots in said flat surfaces, and ring-type seals in said recesses.
5. The invention in accordance with Claim 1, said flat surfaces of said connector plates including sealing means between said arcuately-shaped slots.
6. The invention in accordance with Claim 1, said first connector plate assembly including a second flange connected to the outer peripheral end of said first flange and extending down-wardly in overlapping relation relative to said first flange.
7. The invention in accordance with Claim 6, the upper end portion of said fourth oxygen pipe being vertically spaced from said first connector plate assemblies to provide a vent cham-ber, and a vent passage in said second flange providing for venting of said chamber to the atmosphere.
8. The invention in accordance with Claim 7, said second flange including a second vent passage communicating with said first vent passage.
9. The invention in accordance with Claim 1, said second connector plate assembly including a ring supported around said sleeve, said flange having a lower flat surface, and means releas-ably connecting said ring to said flat lower surface of said flange.
10. The invention in accordance with Claim 9, said fifth and sixth inlet and outlet pipes being connected to said ring.
11. The invention in accordance with Claim 1, said top support member including on one side thereof a water inlet con-nection communicating with said second water inlet pipe, and a water outlet connection in the same horizontal plane as said water inlet connection on another side of said top support member com-municating with said third water outlet pipe.
12. The invention in accordance with Claim 1, said top support member including on one side thereof a water inlet con-nection communicating with said second water inlet pipe, a second water outlet connection disposed below said first water outlet connection on another side of said top support member, said second water inlet pipe comprising lower and upper pipe sections posi-tioned in relative telescoping relation.
13. The invention in accordance with Claim 1, said top support member including a top attachment plate communicating with said first central oxygen supply pipe, a water inlet connection connected to said second inlet pipe, a second top attachment plate connected to said third outlet pipe below said water inlet con-nection and a water outlet connection on said third outlet pipe disposed below said second top attachment plate.
14. The invention in accordance with Claim 13, said second water inlet pipe comprising two telescoping sections forming a slip joint therebetween.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA375,035A CA1123599A (en) | 1977-05-09 | 1981-04-08 | Oxygen lance assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US795,243 | 1977-05-09 | ||
| US05/795,243 US4083539A (en) | 1977-05-09 | 1977-05-09 | Oxygen lance assembly |
| CA299,028A CA1103449A (en) | 1977-05-09 | 1978-03-14 | Oxygen lance assembly |
| CA375,035A CA1123599A (en) | 1977-05-09 | 1981-04-08 | Oxygen lance assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1123599A true CA1123599A (en) | 1982-05-18 |
Family
ID=27165555
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA375,035A Expired CA1123599A (en) | 1977-05-09 | 1981-04-08 | Oxygen lance assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1123599A (en) |
-
1981
- 1981-04-08 CA CA375,035A patent/CA1123599A/en not_active Expired
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 19990518 |