CA1136829A - Full throttle valve and method of tube and gate change - Google Patents
Full throttle valve and method of tube and gate changeInfo
- Publication number
- CA1136829A CA1136829A CA000319617A CA319617A CA1136829A CA 1136829 A CA1136829 A CA 1136829A CA 000319617 A CA000319617 A CA 000319617A CA 319617 A CA319617 A CA 319617A CA 1136829 A CA1136829 A CA 1136829A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- gate
- frame
- pour
- opening
- vessel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
- B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
- B22D41/14—Closures
- B22D41/22—Closures sliding-gate type, i.e. having a fixed plate and a movable plate in sliding contact with each other for selective registry of their openings
- B22D41/28—Plates therefor
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A full throttling valve is disclosed as used on a tundish having a pour tube assembly at its lower portion, a sliding gate at a midportion, and a top plate in the mounting plate beneath the vessel. The sliding gate is shifted into position and then may be translated laterally for throttling and full shutoff. In the full shutoff configuration the tube holder assembly may be similarly moved in and out of position in less than one minute. Magnetic means are provided for each succeeding sliding gate coupled with the throttling mechanism to the end that successive gates may be positioned while in the throttling configuration. Gas passageways for inert gas are provided in the top plate to prevent freezing when full throttle and shutoff occurs. The sliding gate has an offset orifice to accommodate the full shutoff condition.
The method contemplates changing the tube holder assembley or the sliding gate with the tube holder being changed while the sliding gate is in full throttle, whereas the sliding gate can be changed in any configuration.
A full throttling valve is disclosed as used on a tundish having a pour tube assembly at its lower portion, a sliding gate at a midportion, and a top plate in the mounting plate beneath the vessel. The sliding gate is shifted into position and then may be translated laterally for throttling and full shutoff. In the full shutoff configuration the tube holder assembly may be similarly moved in and out of position in less than one minute. Magnetic means are provided for each succeeding sliding gate coupled with the throttling mechanism to the end that successive gates may be positioned while in the throttling configuration. Gas passageways for inert gas are provided in the top plate to prevent freezing when full throttle and shutoff occurs. The sliding gate has an offset orifice to accommodate the full shutoff condition.
The method contemplates changing the tube holder assembley or the sliding gate with the tube holder being changed while the sliding gate is in full throttle, whereas the sliding gate can be changed in any configuration.
Description
~13~8Z9 Field of_the_Invention The present invention is directed to the subject matter of teeming valves for use on a vessel containing a molten fluid, and more specificaly for a tundish utilizing a sliding gate.
Statement of Relevant Art _______________________ :
Reissue ~nited States patent 27,237 is representative of the subject matter of sliding gate valves of the character in which blank plates, or sliding gates with an orifice are sequentially positioned beneath a vessel having a top plate, and thereby can change from the on to the off position. The subject reissue patent does not disclose, however, a tube holder, much less a tube holder which can be replaced during the course of a pour. Oftentimes a tube holder will last two to three heats, and then needs to be replaced. In accordance with prior practice, the tube holder could only be replaced by placing a blank plate into position, and shutting off all flow, and then thereafter replacing the tube holder. This procedure costs the use of a blank, plus it was slow. The present invention is directed to this problem, and in addition, to the various aspects of throttling which in one condition can accommodate erosion, and in another condition, can accommodate the clogging of an orifice depending upon the type of steel being poured. These problems are, and the advantages of throttling set forth, in copening Canadian patent application S.N. 271,970, now Canadian patent 1,103,921.
~0 ~3g~8Z9 A further problem encountered by previous constructions is the possibility of the formation of a fin when changing gates. The fin can form between the sliding gate and the top plate irrespective of whether the sliding gate is a pour gate of a blank gate. Avoiding this possibility is highly desirable.
In addition, when the pouring gates are changed, they should be changed in such a fashion that there is not a substantial increase in the flow rate. A substantial increase in the flow rate of the molten steel could cause an overloaded condition of a short box on the top of the continuous caster which, in turn, can result in breakout and stoppage of the casting.
Summary_ The present invention involves a method for changing a tube holder, or a sliding gate in a valve each independently of the other, and each as a function of the capability of fully throttling the sliding gate by a lateral displacement of the same. 'rhe sliding gate orifice is off-center making the same assymetrical about one axis, and is proportioned along with the tube holder as well as the top plate to accomplish full shut-off immediately prior to closing the drainage in the sliding gate into the tube holder. The sliding gates are aligned by means of a magnet bar which, in turn, is coupled to the throtting mechanism so that each succeeding sliding gate is always in position and aligned for replacing the operative sliding gate. The top plate is 1~3~i829 provided with a gas permeable plug and a manifold around such plug to the end that gases, such as nitrogen, may be passed therethrough in the fully throttled condition to prevent freezing, and otherwise maintain the fluid in condi-tion for resuming the pour after the sliding gate or the tube holder is replaced. The structure is mounted on a symmetrical frame casting, which, in turn, is secured to a mounting place beneath the vessel.
A significant object of the present invention is to provide a means for changing a pour tube assembly in which the sliding gate is not replaced by a blank gate, and then a subsequent sliding gate, thereby saving the handling of and the cost of two sliding gates. In the traditional operation the pouring gate is replaced by a blank gate, the pour tube assembly then removed, and then a sliding gate placed into position. Under these circumstances the operator has to handle three parts, whereas by full throttling in order to change the pour tube assembly, only one part needs to be handled.
It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a method for changing tube holders in less than one minute, and minimize problems relating to the shutoff for resuming the pour without clogging.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for changing sliding gates in any stage of throttling to duplicate the position of the previous sliding gate.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sliding gate valve mechanism which will permit throttling from full open to full closed, and intermediate 1:~3~29 positions, with adequate tooling for the mechanism and tube holder .
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a valve for a sliding gate and a replaceable tube holder which has two principal frame members, a bilaterally symmetrical frame casting, and a bilaterally symmetrical mounting plate which is secured to both the vessel, as well as the frame member.
Description of Illustrative Drawings Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description of an illustrative embodiment proceeds, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the subject valve taken in the full throttling condition, thereby showing the sliding gate as blocking the flow of fluid.
FIGURE 2 is a transverse sectional view of the same valve, in comparable scale, also showing the full throttling configuration with the sliding gate orifice plainly visible.
FIGURE 3 is a partially broken, partially diagramma-tic view of the mounting plate illustrating the varlous paths for flowing gases through the unit, as well as the mounting means.
FIGURE 4 is a perspective partially sectioned view of the top plate, showing the same in a configuration which requires rotation 90 to be in its exploded perspective relationship with FIGURE 3.
1~3~3Z9 FIGURE 5 iS a plan view of the sliding gate showing the centerline, length, width, and extent of eccentricity of the positioning of the pouring orifice.
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the sliding gate shown in FIGURE 5, and approximately the same dimension.
FIGURE 7 is a top perspective view of the frame casting as machined, illustrating the various means for mounting to the mounting plate, and other components employed in the valve construction.
FIGURE 8 is a bottom view of the frame shown in FIGURE 7, with the same rotated counter-clockwise approximately 90 from the position shown in FIGURE 7.
The Method The method of the present invention will be under-stood after a brief description of its environment is set forth. As noted in FIGURE 1, the full throttling valve 10 - is secured to the base of a vessel 11, and more particularly to a bolt circle (not shown) on the base 12 of the vessel.
The vessel itself has the traditional pour opening 14, and positioned therebeneath in fluid communication is the sliding gate 15, with the sliding gate feed assembly 16 shown at the left hand portion of FIGURE 1. The throttling assembly 17 appears more fully disclosed in FIGURE 2, which actuates the sliding gate 15 laterally. The ejection assembly 18 appears in FIGURE 1 and is shown elsewhere in the other drawings in greater detail. The sliding gate orifice, as noted in FIGURE 2, is slightly smaller in diameter than the pour opening 14 of the vessel, and also smaller in diameter than ~36~3Z9 the bore 23 of the tube 21, which is contained in the tube holder assembly 20, secured therein by means of the collar 22, and more specifically its shoulder 24 secured to the mounting spider 25. The tube holder assembly 20 as well as the sliding gate 15, and the top plate assembly 35 all have peripheral metallic rings totally encasing the refractory, and all having an essentially J or L shaped cross-sectional configuration. The tube holder support assembly 27 engages the tube holder frame 26 and through the spring loaded mechanism yieldably urges all of the refractory members upwardly ana in fluid tight relationship each to the other.
The method, as noted first in connection with FIGURE 1, contemplates positioning a sliding gate into position for pouring communication with the pour opening in the vessel. Thereafter the orifice 19 of the sliding gate may be shifted laterally for partial throttling, or to the full throttling configuration as shown in FIGURE 2. At the point shown in FIGURE 2, the tube holder assembly is shifted out of position and replaced in the comparable fashion as that of the sliding gate, with the exception that the tube holder assembly 20 is always aligned vertically with the pour opening 14 of the vessel 11. Alternatively, when the sliding gate 15 is being replaced and the tube holder assembly 20 remains in place, a magnetic means is employed positively coupled and aligned with the throttling mechanism to make certain that the successive sliding gate 15 moves into the valve 10 in positive alignement with the sliding gate which is being replaced. The method further contemplates providing a means for circulating an inert gas into the top plate assembly 35 to the end that during the configuration of full shut-off such as shown in FIGURE 2, the inert gas can bubble through the molten steel and thereby inhibit the formation of a plug or other contaminants in the area which could effect further pouring action.
The Sliding Gate _ ________ _____ While the sliding gate 15 has been described broadly in connection with the description of the method above, its specifics will be also noted in FIGURES 5 and 6. There it will be seen that the sliding gate 15 has an encasement of a metallic frame 51 with an undercut portion 52 around its entire periphery. The width and length are designated by the letters W and L respectively. In a commercial embodiment the width is approximately 10.9 inches and the length approximately 12.9 inches, and the eccentricity E of the mounting of the pouring hole 19 is 8.2 inches. A
typical pouring hole 19 has a three inch diameter, and thus, based upon the above dimensions or their respective ratios, accomplishes approximately a half an inch of overlap in the full throttle configuration as shown in FIGURE 2. The sliding gate is desirably formed from those materials set forth in Canadian application S.N. 271,970, now Canadian patent 1,103,921. To be noted also is the mortar 53 surrounding the refractory insert 54 of the sliding gate. A
slightly enlarged section of the mortar is underneath the J-shaped frame, as best illustrated in FIGURE 2. This permits a cushioning action in part when the throttling takes place by means of the throttling header 98 as shown in FIGURE 2.
1136~29 The Top Plate The top plate assembly 35 is shown in substantial detail in FIGU~E 4. There it will be seen that a metallic frame 36 surrounds the entire top plate assembly 35, the same having side walls 38 terminating in a bottom flange 39, which totally surround the ceramic insert 40. An orifice liner 41 is provided to define the top plate orifice 42, as well as finish off the interior of the top plate. By providing stepped rings 44 in the top plate insert 40 as well as interiorly of the liner 41, a gas manifold ring 45 is defined. The orifice liner 41 is secured in place by means of ring mortar 46, which is normally an acid type mortar, to seal the same in place, and yet provide the gas manifold ring 45 which, when gas under pressure is presented thereto, permeates the orifice liner 41 as shown diagramma-tically in the arrows in FIGURE 4. Here it should be com-mented further, as set forth in the description of drawings, that the top plate assembly 35 should be rotated 90 counter-clockwise in order that it be in its correct exploded rela-tionship to the mounting plate. The frame mortar 48 surround-ing the insert 40 is comparable to that used in the sliding gate. Finally, as to the top plate assembly 35, it will be noted that a gas passageway 49 is provided interiorly to communicate with the gas manifold ring 45, and terminate in a gas port 50 which is positioned in pneumatic communication with a source of gas, usually an inert gas such as nitrogen.
Tube Holder Assembly The tube holder assembly is shown in both FIGURES
~136~29 1 and 2. Turning llOW to FIGURE 1, it Will be seen that the tube holder assembly 20 has a depending tube 21 which, as described above, has a tube collar at its upper portion.
The bore 23 interiorly of the tube is of substantially the same diameter as the orifice 14 of the vessel. A shoulder 24 is defined at the lower portion of the tube collar 22, and rests atop a spider 25. The spider is provided with a plurality of bolt extensions which are welded at their base to the underneath portion 28 of the metallic frame 26 for the tube holder. A ring 29 depends from the base 28 of the tube holder frame 26. The insert is of a material comparable to that employed in the top plate assembly 35, and sliding gate 15. The insert orifice 31 is complimentary to the tube orifice 32, and a mortar 34 surrounds the insert 30 and seals its relationship to the tube 21. The metallic frame 26, base 28, and ring 29 are of such a strength as to with-stand the upward pressure of the tube holder support assembly, and to accommodate transfer of the tube holder assembly 20 out of the valve 10 when the full throttle condition as disclosed in FIGURE 2 is achieved.
The Valve Mount, _rame and Assembly The mounting plate 55 which secures the valve 10 to the vessel 11, is shown in perspective in FIGURE 3.
There it will be seen that a center bore 56 is provided which receives the top plate assembly 35. A gas passage 58 is provided interiorly of the top plate 55, terminating at one end at the gas connector 59 which is supplied from a gas exterior to the valve 10, and at its opposite end in a gas 113~E~2~
port 60 for communicating with the gas port 50 of the top plate assembly 35 as shown in FIGURE 4. Bolt pockets 61 are provided around the periphery of the top plate assembly 55 for supporting depending bolts which in turn support the balance of the valve 10 as will be described hereinafter.
Spring air manifold 62 is provided interiorly of the top plate assembly 55 and the air diverted by means of spring nozzles 64 downwardly over the springs which secure the tube holder support assembly 27 as will be described hereinafter.
The air connector 65 receives an outside source of air, and delivers the same to the cooling ring 66. The cooling ring 67 is a metallic ring and positioned in place after the cooling ring 66 has been machined, and the principal function of the tooling ring cover is to assist in the machining and assembly of the top plate assembly 55. Note that bolt hole 68, is provided in the bottom of the bolt pockets 61, as shown in dotted lines in FIGURE 3.
The relationship between the top plate assembly 55 and the frame 75 is best illustrated in FIGURE 2, where it will be seen that the bolt assembly 70 is secured at its upper end in the bolt pocket 61 through the bolt hole 68 at the top plate assembly 55. The bolt assembly 70 fits into a nut pocket 71 in the underneath portion of the frame assembly 75, and its head 72 supports the frame 75 through the tensioning of the shank 74.
Turning now to FIGURE 7, the frame assembly 75 will be noted to have a top plate opening 76 in its central portion, and a left or right loading station 78 adjacent the opening 76. Sliding gate rails 79 are provided underneath the frame assembly 75, and more specifically as shown in ~13~3Z~
FIGURE 8. The sliding gate moves parallel to the rails into position. The discharge station 80, also as shown better in the underneath portion in FIGURE 8, receives both the sliding gate 15, and the tube holder assembly 20 when the same are removed as described in connection with the method above.
Air holes 81 are provided for the spring assembly for the tube holder support assembly and receives air from the spring nozzle 64 in the mounting plate assembly 55. The mounting holes 82 receive the bolt assembly 70 as described in connection with the mounting plate 55 in FIGURE 2. Push rod ports 84 are at the side of the mechanism to receive the operating portion of the throttling mechanism, and a stop pin port 85 is also provided for the insertion of a stop pin to terminate the travel of the sliding gate when it is placed into position. Slide gate rail 86 i5 provided at the loading station 78 in order to receive the slide gates from left to right side for positioning and insertion. Similarly the tube assembly rail 88 is also provided in the loading station 78. The discharge rail 89 in the discharge station 80 receives both the sliding gate 15 and the tube holder assembly 20.
Turning now to FIGURE 1, it will be seen that a sliding gate guide is provided to engage the undercut portion of the sliding gate and align the same for insertion into operative position. The sliding gate bar is coupled directly to the throttling mechanism, and consequently its use of four pole magnets 92 insures that the sliding gate assembly 15 is in direct alignment with the throttled configuation of the sliding gate valve 15.
Throttling is accomplished by means of a pair of 1~3~
opposed pistons 95 (see FIGURE 2 where the right hand piston is not shown but is similar to the left hand piston). The piston and its cylinder drive the throttling rod 96, in this instance a pair of parallel rods, which engage a single transverse header 98 having a lower rail offset 99 for engaging the side walls of the sliding gate 15.
The entire assembly of sliding gate 15, tube holder assembly 30, and top plate 35 are held in fluid tight relationship by means of the tube holder support assembly 27 which, as shown in FIGURE 2, includes a plurality of rockers 100 which are pivotally engaged by a spherical washer lOl, and a pivot bolt 102 secured to the frame assembly 75. Push pins 104 are mounted interiorly of the frame assembly 55, and are surrounded by a spring 105 which is cooled as described above, terminating in a spring feed 106 which urges downward pressure on the rocker 100, and is aligned by means of spring guide 108.
The entire assembly is such that the frame assembly 75, as shown in FIGURES 7 and 8, are bilaterally symmetrical about the axis of travel of the sliding gate. In addition, dimensional stability of the various assemblies are insured by means of the frame assembly 75 being a single casting, albeit machined, but from a common datum. Cooling, and ease of shifting of refractory members are provided by the mounting plate assembly in conjunction with the associated elements.
The method, as set forth at the outset, permits the chaning of a tube holder assembly in less than a minute, oftentimes 45 seconds. The same is substantially true with regard to the sliding gate, which, can be duplicated in orientation by a second sliding gate when replacement is desired.
1~3~ 9 Although particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in full here, there is no intention to thereby limit the invention to the details of such embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternatives, embodiments, usages and equivalents of the subject invention as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, specification and the appended claims.
Statement of Relevant Art _______________________ :
Reissue ~nited States patent 27,237 is representative of the subject matter of sliding gate valves of the character in which blank plates, or sliding gates with an orifice are sequentially positioned beneath a vessel having a top plate, and thereby can change from the on to the off position. The subject reissue patent does not disclose, however, a tube holder, much less a tube holder which can be replaced during the course of a pour. Oftentimes a tube holder will last two to three heats, and then needs to be replaced. In accordance with prior practice, the tube holder could only be replaced by placing a blank plate into position, and shutting off all flow, and then thereafter replacing the tube holder. This procedure costs the use of a blank, plus it was slow. The present invention is directed to this problem, and in addition, to the various aspects of throttling which in one condition can accommodate erosion, and in another condition, can accommodate the clogging of an orifice depending upon the type of steel being poured. These problems are, and the advantages of throttling set forth, in copening Canadian patent application S.N. 271,970, now Canadian patent 1,103,921.
~0 ~3g~8Z9 A further problem encountered by previous constructions is the possibility of the formation of a fin when changing gates. The fin can form between the sliding gate and the top plate irrespective of whether the sliding gate is a pour gate of a blank gate. Avoiding this possibility is highly desirable.
In addition, when the pouring gates are changed, they should be changed in such a fashion that there is not a substantial increase in the flow rate. A substantial increase in the flow rate of the molten steel could cause an overloaded condition of a short box on the top of the continuous caster which, in turn, can result in breakout and stoppage of the casting.
Summary_ The present invention involves a method for changing a tube holder, or a sliding gate in a valve each independently of the other, and each as a function of the capability of fully throttling the sliding gate by a lateral displacement of the same. 'rhe sliding gate orifice is off-center making the same assymetrical about one axis, and is proportioned along with the tube holder as well as the top plate to accomplish full shut-off immediately prior to closing the drainage in the sliding gate into the tube holder. The sliding gates are aligned by means of a magnet bar which, in turn, is coupled to the throtting mechanism so that each succeeding sliding gate is always in position and aligned for replacing the operative sliding gate. The top plate is 1~3~i829 provided with a gas permeable plug and a manifold around such plug to the end that gases, such as nitrogen, may be passed therethrough in the fully throttled condition to prevent freezing, and otherwise maintain the fluid in condi-tion for resuming the pour after the sliding gate or the tube holder is replaced. The structure is mounted on a symmetrical frame casting, which, in turn, is secured to a mounting place beneath the vessel.
A significant object of the present invention is to provide a means for changing a pour tube assembly in which the sliding gate is not replaced by a blank gate, and then a subsequent sliding gate, thereby saving the handling of and the cost of two sliding gates. In the traditional operation the pouring gate is replaced by a blank gate, the pour tube assembly then removed, and then a sliding gate placed into position. Under these circumstances the operator has to handle three parts, whereas by full throttling in order to change the pour tube assembly, only one part needs to be handled.
It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a method for changing tube holders in less than one minute, and minimize problems relating to the shutoff for resuming the pour without clogging.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for changing sliding gates in any stage of throttling to duplicate the position of the previous sliding gate.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sliding gate valve mechanism which will permit throttling from full open to full closed, and intermediate 1:~3~29 positions, with adequate tooling for the mechanism and tube holder .
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a valve for a sliding gate and a replaceable tube holder which has two principal frame members, a bilaterally symmetrical frame casting, and a bilaterally symmetrical mounting plate which is secured to both the vessel, as well as the frame member.
Description of Illustrative Drawings Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description of an illustrative embodiment proceeds, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the subject valve taken in the full throttling condition, thereby showing the sliding gate as blocking the flow of fluid.
FIGURE 2 is a transverse sectional view of the same valve, in comparable scale, also showing the full throttling configuration with the sliding gate orifice plainly visible.
FIGURE 3 is a partially broken, partially diagramma-tic view of the mounting plate illustrating the varlous paths for flowing gases through the unit, as well as the mounting means.
FIGURE 4 is a perspective partially sectioned view of the top plate, showing the same in a configuration which requires rotation 90 to be in its exploded perspective relationship with FIGURE 3.
1~3~3Z9 FIGURE 5 iS a plan view of the sliding gate showing the centerline, length, width, and extent of eccentricity of the positioning of the pouring orifice.
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the sliding gate shown in FIGURE 5, and approximately the same dimension.
FIGURE 7 is a top perspective view of the frame casting as machined, illustrating the various means for mounting to the mounting plate, and other components employed in the valve construction.
FIGURE 8 is a bottom view of the frame shown in FIGURE 7, with the same rotated counter-clockwise approximately 90 from the position shown in FIGURE 7.
The Method The method of the present invention will be under-stood after a brief description of its environment is set forth. As noted in FIGURE 1, the full throttling valve 10 - is secured to the base of a vessel 11, and more particularly to a bolt circle (not shown) on the base 12 of the vessel.
The vessel itself has the traditional pour opening 14, and positioned therebeneath in fluid communication is the sliding gate 15, with the sliding gate feed assembly 16 shown at the left hand portion of FIGURE 1. The throttling assembly 17 appears more fully disclosed in FIGURE 2, which actuates the sliding gate 15 laterally. The ejection assembly 18 appears in FIGURE 1 and is shown elsewhere in the other drawings in greater detail. The sliding gate orifice, as noted in FIGURE 2, is slightly smaller in diameter than the pour opening 14 of the vessel, and also smaller in diameter than ~36~3Z9 the bore 23 of the tube 21, which is contained in the tube holder assembly 20, secured therein by means of the collar 22, and more specifically its shoulder 24 secured to the mounting spider 25. The tube holder assembly 20 as well as the sliding gate 15, and the top plate assembly 35 all have peripheral metallic rings totally encasing the refractory, and all having an essentially J or L shaped cross-sectional configuration. The tube holder support assembly 27 engages the tube holder frame 26 and through the spring loaded mechanism yieldably urges all of the refractory members upwardly ana in fluid tight relationship each to the other.
The method, as noted first in connection with FIGURE 1, contemplates positioning a sliding gate into position for pouring communication with the pour opening in the vessel. Thereafter the orifice 19 of the sliding gate may be shifted laterally for partial throttling, or to the full throttling configuration as shown in FIGURE 2. At the point shown in FIGURE 2, the tube holder assembly is shifted out of position and replaced in the comparable fashion as that of the sliding gate, with the exception that the tube holder assembly 20 is always aligned vertically with the pour opening 14 of the vessel 11. Alternatively, when the sliding gate 15 is being replaced and the tube holder assembly 20 remains in place, a magnetic means is employed positively coupled and aligned with the throttling mechanism to make certain that the successive sliding gate 15 moves into the valve 10 in positive alignement with the sliding gate which is being replaced. The method further contemplates providing a means for circulating an inert gas into the top plate assembly 35 to the end that during the configuration of full shut-off such as shown in FIGURE 2, the inert gas can bubble through the molten steel and thereby inhibit the formation of a plug or other contaminants in the area which could effect further pouring action.
The Sliding Gate _ ________ _____ While the sliding gate 15 has been described broadly in connection with the description of the method above, its specifics will be also noted in FIGURES 5 and 6. There it will be seen that the sliding gate 15 has an encasement of a metallic frame 51 with an undercut portion 52 around its entire periphery. The width and length are designated by the letters W and L respectively. In a commercial embodiment the width is approximately 10.9 inches and the length approximately 12.9 inches, and the eccentricity E of the mounting of the pouring hole 19 is 8.2 inches. A
typical pouring hole 19 has a three inch diameter, and thus, based upon the above dimensions or their respective ratios, accomplishes approximately a half an inch of overlap in the full throttle configuration as shown in FIGURE 2. The sliding gate is desirably formed from those materials set forth in Canadian application S.N. 271,970, now Canadian patent 1,103,921. To be noted also is the mortar 53 surrounding the refractory insert 54 of the sliding gate. A
slightly enlarged section of the mortar is underneath the J-shaped frame, as best illustrated in FIGURE 2. This permits a cushioning action in part when the throttling takes place by means of the throttling header 98 as shown in FIGURE 2.
1136~29 The Top Plate The top plate assembly 35 is shown in substantial detail in FIGU~E 4. There it will be seen that a metallic frame 36 surrounds the entire top plate assembly 35, the same having side walls 38 terminating in a bottom flange 39, which totally surround the ceramic insert 40. An orifice liner 41 is provided to define the top plate orifice 42, as well as finish off the interior of the top plate. By providing stepped rings 44 in the top plate insert 40 as well as interiorly of the liner 41, a gas manifold ring 45 is defined. The orifice liner 41 is secured in place by means of ring mortar 46, which is normally an acid type mortar, to seal the same in place, and yet provide the gas manifold ring 45 which, when gas under pressure is presented thereto, permeates the orifice liner 41 as shown diagramma-tically in the arrows in FIGURE 4. Here it should be com-mented further, as set forth in the description of drawings, that the top plate assembly 35 should be rotated 90 counter-clockwise in order that it be in its correct exploded rela-tionship to the mounting plate. The frame mortar 48 surround-ing the insert 40 is comparable to that used in the sliding gate. Finally, as to the top plate assembly 35, it will be noted that a gas passageway 49 is provided interiorly to communicate with the gas manifold ring 45, and terminate in a gas port 50 which is positioned in pneumatic communication with a source of gas, usually an inert gas such as nitrogen.
Tube Holder Assembly The tube holder assembly is shown in both FIGURES
~136~29 1 and 2. Turning llOW to FIGURE 1, it Will be seen that the tube holder assembly 20 has a depending tube 21 which, as described above, has a tube collar at its upper portion.
The bore 23 interiorly of the tube is of substantially the same diameter as the orifice 14 of the vessel. A shoulder 24 is defined at the lower portion of the tube collar 22, and rests atop a spider 25. The spider is provided with a plurality of bolt extensions which are welded at their base to the underneath portion 28 of the metallic frame 26 for the tube holder. A ring 29 depends from the base 28 of the tube holder frame 26. The insert is of a material comparable to that employed in the top plate assembly 35, and sliding gate 15. The insert orifice 31 is complimentary to the tube orifice 32, and a mortar 34 surrounds the insert 30 and seals its relationship to the tube 21. The metallic frame 26, base 28, and ring 29 are of such a strength as to with-stand the upward pressure of the tube holder support assembly, and to accommodate transfer of the tube holder assembly 20 out of the valve 10 when the full throttle condition as disclosed in FIGURE 2 is achieved.
The Valve Mount, _rame and Assembly The mounting plate 55 which secures the valve 10 to the vessel 11, is shown in perspective in FIGURE 3.
There it will be seen that a center bore 56 is provided which receives the top plate assembly 35. A gas passage 58 is provided interiorly of the top plate 55, terminating at one end at the gas connector 59 which is supplied from a gas exterior to the valve 10, and at its opposite end in a gas 113~E~2~
port 60 for communicating with the gas port 50 of the top plate assembly 35 as shown in FIGURE 4. Bolt pockets 61 are provided around the periphery of the top plate assembly 55 for supporting depending bolts which in turn support the balance of the valve 10 as will be described hereinafter.
Spring air manifold 62 is provided interiorly of the top plate assembly 55 and the air diverted by means of spring nozzles 64 downwardly over the springs which secure the tube holder support assembly 27 as will be described hereinafter.
The air connector 65 receives an outside source of air, and delivers the same to the cooling ring 66. The cooling ring 67 is a metallic ring and positioned in place after the cooling ring 66 has been machined, and the principal function of the tooling ring cover is to assist in the machining and assembly of the top plate assembly 55. Note that bolt hole 68, is provided in the bottom of the bolt pockets 61, as shown in dotted lines in FIGURE 3.
The relationship between the top plate assembly 55 and the frame 75 is best illustrated in FIGURE 2, where it will be seen that the bolt assembly 70 is secured at its upper end in the bolt pocket 61 through the bolt hole 68 at the top plate assembly 55. The bolt assembly 70 fits into a nut pocket 71 in the underneath portion of the frame assembly 75, and its head 72 supports the frame 75 through the tensioning of the shank 74.
Turning now to FIGURE 7, the frame assembly 75 will be noted to have a top plate opening 76 in its central portion, and a left or right loading station 78 adjacent the opening 76. Sliding gate rails 79 are provided underneath the frame assembly 75, and more specifically as shown in ~13~3Z~
FIGURE 8. The sliding gate moves parallel to the rails into position. The discharge station 80, also as shown better in the underneath portion in FIGURE 8, receives both the sliding gate 15, and the tube holder assembly 20 when the same are removed as described in connection with the method above.
Air holes 81 are provided for the spring assembly for the tube holder support assembly and receives air from the spring nozzle 64 in the mounting plate assembly 55. The mounting holes 82 receive the bolt assembly 70 as described in connection with the mounting plate 55 in FIGURE 2. Push rod ports 84 are at the side of the mechanism to receive the operating portion of the throttling mechanism, and a stop pin port 85 is also provided for the insertion of a stop pin to terminate the travel of the sliding gate when it is placed into position. Slide gate rail 86 i5 provided at the loading station 78 in order to receive the slide gates from left to right side for positioning and insertion. Similarly the tube assembly rail 88 is also provided in the loading station 78. The discharge rail 89 in the discharge station 80 receives both the sliding gate 15 and the tube holder assembly 20.
Turning now to FIGURE 1, it will be seen that a sliding gate guide is provided to engage the undercut portion of the sliding gate and align the same for insertion into operative position. The sliding gate bar is coupled directly to the throttling mechanism, and consequently its use of four pole magnets 92 insures that the sliding gate assembly 15 is in direct alignment with the throttled configuation of the sliding gate valve 15.
Throttling is accomplished by means of a pair of 1~3~
opposed pistons 95 (see FIGURE 2 where the right hand piston is not shown but is similar to the left hand piston). The piston and its cylinder drive the throttling rod 96, in this instance a pair of parallel rods, which engage a single transverse header 98 having a lower rail offset 99 for engaging the side walls of the sliding gate 15.
The entire assembly of sliding gate 15, tube holder assembly 30, and top plate 35 are held in fluid tight relationship by means of the tube holder support assembly 27 which, as shown in FIGURE 2, includes a plurality of rockers 100 which are pivotally engaged by a spherical washer lOl, and a pivot bolt 102 secured to the frame assembly 75. Push pins 104 are mounted interiorly of the frame assembly 55, and are surrounded by a spring 105 which is cooled as described above, terminating in a spring feed 106 which urges downward pressure on the rocker 100, and is aligned by means of spring guide 108.
The entire assembly is such that the frame assembly 75, as shown in FIGURES 7 and 8, are bilaterally symmetrical about the axis of travel of the sliding gate. In addition, dimensional stability of the various assemblies are insured by means of the frame assembly 75 being a single casting, albeit machined, but from a common datum. Cooling, and ease of shifting of refractory members are provided by the mounting plate assembly in conjunction with the associated elements.
The method, as set forth at the outset, permits the chaning of a tube holder assembly in less than a minute, oftentimes 45 seconds. The same is substantially true with regard to the sliding gate, which, can be duplicated in orientation by a second sliding gate when replacement is desired.
1~3~ 9 Although particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in full here, there is no intention to thereby limit the invention to the details of such embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternatives, embodiments, usages and equivalents of the subject invention as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, specification and the appended claims.
Claims (38)
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Valve apparatus for controlling the flow of liquid from the pour opening of a teeming vessel, comprising: a frame for connection to said vessel; gate supporting means extending longitudinally through said frame for slidably supporting blank and orificed refractory gates for movement along a first path of travel between a loading section adjacent one frame end, an operating section subjacent said vessel pour opening, and a gate discharge section adjacent the other frame end; first moving means for moving said gates sequentially along said gate supporting means between said frame sections; and second moving means operable independently of said first moving means and operative to move an orificed gate disposed in said operating section of said frame with its orifice in registry with said vessel opening along a second path of travel to vary the degree of registry of the gate orifice with respect to said vessel opening between a position of coaxial alignment therewith and a position out of registry therewith.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which said second moving means is operatively connected to said gate supporting means for moving the same laterally of said first path of travel.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, in which said gate supporting means comprises oppositely spaced rails engageable with the gates and mounted in said frame for movement laterally of said first path of travel.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which at least one of said rails is coextensive with said frame sections and including means on said at least one rail for retaining a gate thereon in the loading section of said frame.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, in which said gate retaining means comprises magnet means mounted in said at least one rail.
6. Apparatus according to claim 1, including pour tube supporting means subjacent to and substantially coextensive with said gate supporting means, said pour tube supporting means being operative to mount a pour tube assembly in operative relation with respect to a gate in the operating section of said frame and to slidably support the same along a path of travel parallel with said first path of travel.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, in which said first gate moving means includes means for moving a pour tube assembly along said pour tube supporting means.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, including means operative in said frame for selectively obstructing movement of said gates and pour tube assembly whereby said first gate moving means is operative to move said gates and pour tube assemblies singly or jointly.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, in which said obstructing means comprises a stop pin selectively positionable in a position traversing the path of travel of the gates or one traversing the path of travel of the pour tube assemblies.
10. Valve apparatus for controlling the flow of liquid from the pour opening of a teeming vessel, comprising: a frame having rectangularly disposed end and side walls for connection to said vessel; opposed gates supporting rails extending through said frame for slidably supporting blank and orificed refractory gates for movement longitudinally through said frame between a loading section adjacent one frame end, an operating section subjacent said vessel pour opening and a gate discharge section adjacent the other frame, said rails being movably mounted in opposed side walls of said frame for transverse reciprocable movement therein;
first moving means including a fluid cylinder attached to said frame at said one end and having a piston attaching a ram adapted for operation in the leading section to move gates along said rails in sequence between the respective frame sections; second moving means including fluid cylinders attached to said frame and each having a piston operably connected to each of said gate supporting rails for imparting transverse movement thereto; and said first moving means and said second moving means being independently operable.
first moving means including a fluid cylinder attached to said frame at said one end and having a piston attaching a ram adapted for operation in the leading section to move gates along said rails in sequence between the respective frame sections; second moving means including fluid cylinders attached to said frame and each having a piston operably connected to each of said gate supporting rails for imparting transverse movement thereto; and said first moving means and said second moving means being independently operable.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, including means defining an opening in one of said frame side walls communicating with the frame loading section for lateral insertion of said gates.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, in which one gate supporting rail in facing relation to said opening is coextensive with said frame loading, operating and gate discharge sections and the other gate supporting rail is foreshortened adjacent said opening to accommodate passage of gates.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, including magnet means in said one gate supporting rail opposite said opening and operative to retain a gate thereon.
14. Apparatus according to claim 10, including pour tube supporting rails in said frame disposed subjacent to and being substantially coextensive with said gate supporting rails.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14, including means defining an opening in one of said frame side walls communicating with the frame loading section for lateral insertion of pour tube assemblies.
16. Apparatus according to claim 14, in which said pour tube supporting rails, at least in the operating section of said frame, comprise spring-biased levers.
17. Apparatus according to claim 14, including a stop pin, and means in said frame side walls to accommodate selective positioning of said stop pin transversely of said gate supporting rails or said pour tube supporting rails.
18. Valve apparatus for controlling the flow of liquid from the pour opening of a teeming vessel comprising: a frame connected to said vessel having rectangularly disposed end and side walls defining a hollow interior forming a first path of travel having longitudinally spaced loading, operating and gate discharge sections therein; a top plate fixedly mounted in the operating section of said frame and having a through-opening in fluid communication with said vessel pour opening; opposed gate supporting rails mounted for transverse movement in said frame for slidably supporting refractory gates for sequential movement through said frame sections; at least one refractory gate slidably mounted on said gate supporting rails in the operating section of said frame, said gate containing an orifice for registry with said top plate opening; first moving means attached to said frame and operative to move refractory gates along said gate supporting means between said frame sections; and second moving means operable independent of said first moving means operatively connected to said rails to move said gate along a second path of travel transversely of said frame to vary the degree of registry of said gate orifice with said top plate opening between a position of coaxial alignment therewith and a position out of registry therewith.
19. Apparatus according to claim 18, in which said refractory gate comprises: a generally rectangular body having a longitudinal axis parallel to said first path of travel and a lateral axis parallel to said second path of travel; and a through opening through said body defining said orifice disposed on said lateral axis in offset relation to said longitudinal axis.
20. Apparatus according to claim 19, in which the amount of said offset corresponds to substantially one-half the extent of movement of said rails along said second path of travel.
21. Apparatus according to claim 20, in which the opposed faces of said frame side walls define limit stops of said rails along said second path of travel.
22. Apparatus according to claim 18, including pour tube supprting rails disposed in said frame subjacent to, and substantially coextensive with said gate supporting rails; and a pour tube assembly on said rails having a tube support plate engageable therewith for sliding movement therealong and an orifice opening therethrough for communication with said gate orifice.
23. Apparatus according to claim 22, in which said first moving means contains means operative to move said pour tube assembly along said rails and including a stop pin cooperable with said frame for selectively obstructing movement of said gate and said pour tube assembly along their respective support rails.
24. Apparatus according to claim 18, including means on said frame for biasing said gate into sealing relation with said top plate.
25. Apparatus according to claim 22, including means on said frame for biasing said pour tube support plate into sealing relation with said gate.
26. Apparatus according to claim 25, in which said biasing means comprises: levers pivotally attached to said frame and having one end engageable with said pour tube support plate; and means including springs in said frame to provide an upward bias to said one end of each of said levers.
27. Apparatus according to claim 26, including cam surface means on said gate engageable with said pour tube support plate for locating said gate with respect thereto during periods of relative movemet therebetween.
28. Apparatus according to claim 18, in which said top plate includes an annular passage concentrically disposed with respect to said through opening; and means for supplying an inert gas to said passage.
29. Apparatus according to claim 18, including a valve mounting plate interposed between said frame and said vessel for effecting the connection therebetween, said mounting plate containing an axial opening concentrically disposed about said vessel pour opening; an annular passage concentrically spaced from said axial opening and means for supplying cooling fluid to said passage.
30. Apparatus according to claim 26, including a valve mounting plate interposed between said frame and said vessel for effecting the connection therebetween, means forming ports in said frame in overlying relation to said springs and means for supplying cooling fluid to said ports.
31. Apparatus according to claim 26, in which said valve mounting plate contains an axial opening concentrically disposed about said vessel pour opening; an annular passage concentrically spaced from said axial opening and means for passing cooling air seriatim to said annular passage and said ports.
32. In a valve apparatus for controlling the flow of liquid from the pour opening of a teeming vessel said valve having a sliding gate containing an orifice operably positioned with respect to the pour opening, a pour tube assembly on the discharge side of said sliding gate, means for moving sliding gates and pour tube assemblies into their respective operative positions, and means for adjusting the degree of registry of the slide gate orifice with respect to the vessel pour opening, a method of changing pour tube assemblies comprising the steps of:
positioning a replacement pour tube assembly in side by side relation with that in the operative position; adjusting the slide gate to a position of full shut off with the vessel pour opening;
obstructing the side gate against movement; displacing the spent pour tube assembly out of its operative position; and moving the replacement pour tube assembly into its operative position.
positioning a replacement pour tube assembly in side by side relation with that in the operative position; adjusting the slide gate to a position of full shut off with the vessel pour opening;
obstructing the side gate against movement; displacing the spent pour tube assembly out of its operative position; and moving the replacement pour tube assembly into its operative position.
33. The method according to claim 32, in which the two pour tube assemblies are moved simultaneously.
34. The method according to claim 33, in which the spent pour tube assembly is displaced by movement of the replacement pour tube assembly into its operative position.
35. In a valve apparatus for controlling the flow of liquid from the pour opening of a teeming vessel said valve having a sliding gate containing an orifice operably positioned with respect to the pour opening, a pour tube assembly on the discharge side of said sliding gate, means for moving sliding gates and pour tube assemblies into their respective operative positions, and means for adjusting the degree of registry of the slide gate orifice with respect to the vessel pour opening, a method of changing slide gates comprising the steps of positioning a replacement slide gate in side by side relation with that in the operative position; obstructing the pour tube assembly against movement; displacing the spent gate out of operative position; and moving the replacement gate into the operative position.
36. The method according to claim 35, in which the two slide gates are moved simultaneously.
37. The method according to claim 36, in which the spent gate is displaced by movement of the replacement gate.
38. The method according to claim 35, including the step of adjusting the position of the replacement gate with that in the operative position to maintain alignment of the two gates prior to replacement.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000412207A CA1173624A (en) | 1978-09-25 | 1982-09-24 | Full throttle valve and method of tube and gate change |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US94544178A | 1978-09-25 | 1978-09-25 | |
| US945,441 | 1978-09-25 |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000412207A Division CA1173624A (en) | 1978-09-25 | 1982-09-24 | Full throttle valve and method of tube and gate change |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1136829A true CA1136829A (en) | 1982-12-07 |
Family
ID=25483089
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000319617A Expired CA1136829A (en) | 1978-09-25 | 1979-01-15 | Full throttle valve and method of tube and gate change |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS5597864A (en) |
| BE (1) | BE878976A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1136829A (en) |
| IN (1) | IN153103B (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA794942B (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS62118964A (en) * | 1985-11-18 | 1987-05-30 | Nippon Kokan Kk <Nkk> | Brick for controlling pouring rate of rotary nozzle |
| US5052598A (en) * | 1989-03-03 | 1991-10-01 | Flo-Con Systems, Inc. | Sliding gate valve method and replaceable retractories |
| JP2744853B2 (en) * | 1991-03-29 | 1998-04-28 | 品川白煉瓦株式会社 | Plate brick cartridge for slide valve device and slide valve device using the cartridge |
| PL2268433T3 (en) * | 2008-04-17 | 2014-03-31 | Stopinc Ag | Sliding closure for a receptacle containing molten metal |
| HUE028952T2 (en) * | 2008-04-17 | 2017-01-30 | Stopinc Ag | Closing plate and sliding closure on the spout of a receptacle for molten metal |
| CH699511A2 (en) * | 2008-09-05 | 2010-03-15 | Stopinc Ag | Copper anode furnace with sliding closure. |
| JP6802033B2 (en) * | 2016-10-20 | 2020-12-16 | 黒崎播磨株式会社 | Plate holding device, holding structure and holding method |
-
1979
- 1979-01-15 CA CA000319617A patent/CA1136829A/en not_active Expired
- 1979-09-17 IN IN655/DEL/79A patent/IN153103B/en unknown
- 1979-09-18 ZA ZA00794942A patent/ZA794942B/en unknown
- 1979-09-25 JP JP12305779A patent/JPS5597864A/en active Granted
- 1979-09-25 BE BE2/58099A patent/BE878976A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| BE878976A (en) | 1980-03-25 |
| ZA794942B (en) | 1980-09-24 |
| IN153103B (en) | 1984-06-02 |
| JPH0260432B2 (en) | 1990-12-17 |
| JPS5597864A (en) | 1980-07-25 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |