DE102009058929A1 - Thin-walled multi-part reactor vessel has break point for releasably connecting at container portion with another container portion, where precision-stiffening ring has metal profile section bent to ring - Google Patents

Abstract

The thin-walled multi-part reactor vessel has a break point for releasably connecting at a container portion with another container portion. A precision-stiffening ring (R) has a metal profile section bent to the ring. The ends of the ring are connected to each other. The enclosed ring has a forged structure circulating from a part profile section. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a peripherally enclosed precision-stiffening ring for a thin-walled multi-part reactor vessel; and (2) an apparatus for manufacturing a thin-walled multi-part reactor vessel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a thin-walled multi-part pipe or reactor vessel, precision stiffening rings therefor, and method and apparatus for their preparation according to the preambles of claims 1, 4, 9 and 16. Accordingly, the invention relates to a thin-walled multi-part pipe or reactor vessel, hereinafter referred to as a reactor vessel, with at least one first separation point for releasably connecting at least a first container part with at least one second container part. The at least one first container part consists of a jacket made of a thin-walled sheet material. The jacket has at least one front-side open first container part end, which forms a first separation point side. The first container part end is fixedly connected to a circumferentially closed first stiffening ring for connecting the at least one first container part to the at least one second container part at or near the at least one separation point.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Thin-walled, multi-part reactor vessels, despite their thinness, must permit a good connection at the separation points. The EP 1 477 427 B1 solves this problem in that the container parts to be joined together have a jacket of thin-walled stainless steel sheet, which each have a radially outwardly projecting flanged edge at the container ends to be joined. An intrinsically rigid ring is inserted between the crimping edges of the adjacent container parts and the ensemble is compressed axially by cross-sectionally V- or trapezoidal clamping bands, the crimping edges can create elastic due to their flexibility on contact surfaces of the intrinsically stiff ring. For vacuum-tight sealing of the separation point, a sealing ring is clamped radially outside or radially inside the intrinsically stiff ring between the sub-containers. Although such a multi-part reactor vessel are also suitable for high temperature applications with a suitable selection of the sealing ring material, but it is necessary to provide an inherently rigid in cross section intrinsic safety ring, against which the flanged edges of the adjacent container parts can elastically clamp. In addition, it is necessary in this multi-part reactor vessels, the two to be connected container ends to move a considerable amount axially from each other to the most conical contact surfaces between the flanged edges and the intrinsically rigid ring far enough apart that one of the container parts transverse to the container axis of an existing Container assembly is removable.

Multi-part reactor vessels are also known from the field of exhaust systems of internal combustion engines, especially in motor vehicles and combustion engines driven equipment. The working temperatures are in the range of about above 100 ° C and usually below 1000 ° C. The container part ends to be connected at the separation point are crimped, and take between the conical Aufbördelflanken a trapezoidal cross-section sealing ring made of high temperature resistant material and are clamped together by V or trapezoidal clamping rings. Here, the sealing ring of a similar soft material that can be plastically deformed during clamping between the flanged flanges in case of need and has no significant inherent rigidity.

More recent, thin-walled, multi-part reactor vessel or reactor vessel installations for combustion exhaust gases may consist of components that perform various tasks, such as silencing, exhaust gas catalysis, and / or dust particle filtration. The operating temperatures of such multipart reactor vessels may be several hundred degrees Celsius. In order to save the effort for intermediate rings of the type mentioned above and to avoid the flaring of the container coats on the container shell ends, it has been proposed to provide the container to be separated at the separation point container shell ends of two container parts each with a stiffening ring and fixed the container ends with the respective stiffening ring , z. B. by welding, and equip the stiffening rings with flat frontal peripheral contact surfaces, which serve as a joining surface at the separation point for the container parts to be joined and sealingly against each other during axial clamping with a V or trapezoidal clamping ring. At such precision stiffening rings extremely high demands are made on dimensional accuracy and flatness. These can be ensured by exciting processing by z. B. from a tube of suitable dimensions and material composition such rings by turning, so machining deformation are tapped.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

In order to become independent of the availability of tubing of appropriate diameter, wall thickness and material composition, the invention proposes a thin-walled multi-part tube or reactor vessel, precision stiffening rings therefor, and methods and Device for their preparation according to claims 1, 4, 9 and 16, respectively. The invention is based on the basic idea to manufacture the precision stiffening rings of metal profile sections by the metal profile sections initially made in a suitable length, then bent into a ring and the section ends are firmly connected. The thus closed stiffening ring blank receives the required cross-sectional contour in that the ring blank produced from the metal profile section is plastically deformed in a die.

In this so-called swaging, a die half is fixed fixed in a press and has the contours on one side of the stiffening ring to be produced, while the movable press part, for. As a hydraulically or pneumatically driven punch bearing the counter tool. The inserted into the die ring blank is plastically deformed by the swaging of its original cross-sectional shape in the desired, predetermined by the combination of tools desired cross-section and thereby receives circulating a typical metallic forged structure.

It has been found that in this way precision stiffening rings of extremely high dimensional stability and flatness arise, which retain these properties even with a mechanical post-processing of subsequent contact surfaces without excessive handling precautions, for. B. in a clamping of the precision stiffening rings are to be observed in a machining center. The cross-sections of such precision stiffening rings generally have small dimensions, of z. B. only a few millimeters in the axial and radial directions and can be very significant diameter of z. B. have an order of 300 mm. They therefore react extremely sensitively even with only low impact loads, such as the accidental dropping of such a ring on a hard surface with undesirable form deviations.

For the purposes of the invention are understood by thin-walled multi-part reactor vessels such containers whose shell material has a thickness of a few, z. B. 0.1 to 10 millimeters, in particular 0.5 to 5 millimeters. The area ratios of the shell cross-sectional areas to the clear container cross-sectional areas are preferably in a range between 1:70 and 1: 1500, in particular between 1: 100 and 1: 800. It must not in containers according to the invention, any, z. B. chemical reactions take place. In so far, reactor vessels within the meaning of the invention are understood to mean all thin-walled multipart, in particular tubular, vessels.

When forming the metal profile sections into closed rings and welding at the point of contact, only the usual requirements have to be met. The cutting of such sections from a supply can be carried out with an accuracy in the 1 / 10th millimeter range without further ado. Also the connection process at the section ends, e.g. B. by welding, and the associated cross-sectional and structural changes of the ring blank are surprisingly largely uncritical.

Metal wires or rods with a round cross-section have proved to be particularly advantageous for producing the ring blanks. The availability of such metal wires in various cross-sections and material compositions is relatively good, and the exact cross-sections can be defined fairly accurately during drawing, during wire manufacture. Also, the bendability of round wires into a ring and the welding at the section ends are unproblematic. A special bending plane related to the wire cross-section can not be maintained. Typical wire cross sections are between 4 and 20 millimeters, preferably between 8 and 14 millimeters.

Basically, it is also possible with ring blanks made of metal wires or rods - and even those with a round cross-section - to reshape them into finished precision stiffening rings by means of die-forming without post-processing on fitting and sealing surfaces. This is preferably done by a double stroke, so two Gesenkformschritte one behind the other, and most preferably by a Hauptumformschritt and a subsequent Kalibrierschlag - in the same Gesenkformen or after each other in a first die and then in a precision die-forming. If the ring blank is first subjected to an annealing treatment, a calibration strike can already be sufficient, i. H. With a single die-forming step, a high cross-sectional precision is already achieved. This can also be followed by a post-processing step, such as grinding and / or turning.

Particularly less expensive is an embodiment in which metal wires or rods are used with a cross section for producing the ring blanks, which already has an approximated to the nominal cross section of the finished precision stiffening ring raw cross-section.

In addition to cross-section adapted and round wires come for the production of the ring blanks but also other profile wires into consideration, such as. B. such with a polygonal or the desired cross section of the precision stiffening ring even more contour-matched profile wires or rods. Also here a high dimensional stability and stability of the ring blanks is achieved by the swaging.

The material waste in the production of precision stiffening rings is extremely low in the invention, which is particularly advantageous because of the usually expensive alloys. The cross-sectional area ratio of the merely formed precision stiffening rings to the post-processed precision stiffening rings may be 1: 1 or nearly 1: 1. Cross-sectional surface ratios after surface finishing up to about 2: 1 are generally acceptable. Particularly high dimensional stability of the stiffening rings with little post-processing effort result at cross-sectional area ratios of 1.001: 1 to 1.1: 1, in particular between 1.01: 1 to 1.05: 1.

In the sense of the invention, "swaging" is understood to mean any plastic forming process in which the cross section of the original metal profile section is plastically deformed into the desired cross-sectional profile. The swaging molds usually enclose the ring cross-section after the end of the forming process. Particularly advantageous for the material structure of the precision stiffening ring are hot forming operations. In particular, a sudden high temperature within the raw material is achieved by a sudden reshaping, which leads to particularly favorable microstructures. In principle, however, cold forming is also conceivable.

The final or post-processing of the plastically deformed in its nominal cross section precision stiffening ring can, for. B. by turning or grinding to the desired final dimension at the essential contact points for the subsequent reactor vessel. For this purpose, the formed rings are advantageously tensioned axially or over a mandrel, in order to obtain the roundness of the ring and a particular small so-called flat lay of less than 0.5 millimeters, preferably less than 0.2 millimeters. It is possible by the invention, however, the rash still essential, z. B. to 0.1 millimeters and less. Alternatively or cumulatively to this post-processing, a calibration already mentioned above can also be carried out.

The above-mentioned and the claimed components to be used according to the invention described in the exemplary embodiments are not subject to special conditions of size, shape, material selection and technical design, so that the selection criteria known in the field of application can be used without restriction

Further details, features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the subclaims, as well as from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which - by way of example - an embodiment of a precision stiffening ring and a multi-part reactor vessel equipped therewith is shown. Also, individual features of the claims or of the embodiments may be combined with other features of other claims and embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the drawing show

1A / B Block diagrams for the production process of thin-walled multipart reactor vessels, in particular for the production of the stiffening rings;

2A a precision stiffening ring in perspective;

2 B from the precision stiffening ring 2A a cross section as well

3A / B Two metallic reactor vessel parts with separation point in sections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For the production of inventive thin-walled multipart reactor vessel is after 1A in a first production line 1 a container shell made of thin-walled sheet material, such as stainless steel sheets in tube form with open ends. In a second production line is first in a station 2 a rolled up to the coil or present as a rod metal profile divided into metal profile sections of predetermined length. Instead, prepared lengths can be provided elsewhere. In a bending station 3 the metal profile sections become rings of the desired cross-sectional shape, e.g. B. circular or oval or polygon with rounded corners or the like bent until the section ends touch or stand at a small distance from each other. Subsequently, in a welding station 4 one welded to the other end of the section. Optionally, a processing station 4A connect to adapt the cross section at the connection point to the rest of the material cross section. Alternatively, a welding preparation can take place to avoid this adaptation.

In a die-forming or forging device 5 are the for the respective desired ring diameter and the desired Cross-sectional shape adapted pairs of molds inserted. The closed ring of the metal profile section is knocked into the die and thereby plastically transformed into the desired cross-sectional shape of a ring blank. Subsequently, the formed ring in a Aufspannstation 6 for fine machining, z. B. in a processing station, such as a lathe 7 to be stretched. The following are the precision stiffening rings from the finishing station 7 in a joining station 8th with the container shells from the production line 1 joined together at the open ends. In a subsequent welding station 9 The container shells and the finished precision stiffening rings are welded together. Then you can - usually only at the final assembly 10 , That is done at a completely different location the distortion of two container parts at a separation point.

1B represents two further alternatives for producing a precision stiffening ring.

Out 2A / B is exemplified a finished precision stiffening ring.

3A / B let two multi-part reactor vessels perspectively cut in the cut, the precision stiffening rings - unlike those after 3A - As can be seen, even one or more times stepped shaped. Such and similar thin-walled multipart reactor vessels may be in particular part of an exhaust gas purification system of an internal combustion engine, in particular also for sound damping, for exhaust gas catalysis and / or for dust particle filtration.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

production line

2

cutting station

3

bending station

4

welding station

4A

processing station

4B

weld preparation

5

swaging

5A

Calibration swaging

6

Clamping station

7

processing station

8th

joining station

9

welding station

10

Final assembly

11

heat treatment

B

reactor vessel

B1

container part

B2

container part

BE1

Container portion end

M

coat

R

Precision stiffening ring

S

Weld

T

separation point

V

V-ring

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1477427 B1 [0002]

Claims (19)

Thin-walled multipart reactor vessel (B) with at least one first separation point (T) for detachably connecting at least one first container part (B1) to at least one second container part (B2), wherein the at least one first container part (B1) consists of a jacket (M) a thin-walled sheet material which forms an open, the first separation point (T) forming at least at one end first Behälterteilende (BEI) and in which the first Behälterteilende with a circumferentially closed first precision stiffening ring (R) for connecting the at least one first a second container part at or near the at least one separation point (T) is firmly connected. characterized in that the precision stiffening ring (R) consists of a metal profile section bent into a ring, the ends of which are firmly connected to one another and in that the closed ring of the partial profile section has a circumferential forging structure. Thin-walled multipart reactor vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that the closed ring of the partial profile section has at least one chip lifting or smoothing post-processed profile surface. Thin-walled multipart reactor vessel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the jacket material of the reactor vessel has a thickness of 0.1 to 10 millimeters, in particular 0.5 to 5 millimeters and / or that the area ratios of the shell cross-sectional areas to the clear container cross-sectional areas in a Range between 1:70 to 1: 1500, in particular between 1: 100 and 1: 800 are. Circumferentially closed precision stiffening ring for a thin-walled multi-part reactor vessel (B) having at least one separation point (T) for releasably connecting a first container part (B1), which consists of a jacket (M) of a thin-walled sheet material and an open the first separation point (T ) having a second container part (B2), wherein the stiffening ring (R) at or near the at least one separation point (T) with a first Behälterteilende (BE1) of the first container part (B1) is firmly connected, characterized, that the precision stiffening ring (R) consists of a bent into a ring metal section, the ends of which are firmly connected to each other and that the closed ring of the metal profile section has a circumferential forged structure. Circumferentially closed precision stiffening ring according to claim 4, characterized in that the closed ring of the metal profile section has at least one chip lifting or smoothing post-processed profile surface. Circumferentially closed precision stiffening ring, according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that its axial length is between 20 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 14 mm and 8 mm, and that its radial width between 20 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 14 mm and 8 mm. Circumferentially closed precision stiffening ring, according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that its flattening is less than 0.5 millimeters, preferably less than 0.2 millimeters and more preferably less than 0.1 millimeters. Circumferentially closed precision stiffening ring, according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the ring inner diameter between 1000 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 500 mm and 100 mm. A method for producing a circumferentially closed precision stiffening ring (R) for a thin-walled multi-part reactor vessel (B) having at least one separation point (T) for releasably connecting a first container part (B1), which consists of a shell (M) made of a thin-walled sheet material and an open front end forming the first separation point (T), with a second container part (B2), wherein the precision stiffening ring (R) at or near the at least one separation point (T) with a first Behälterteilende (BEI) of the first container part (B1 ), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized, a metal profile section of predetermined length is provided and turned into a curved one, that the opposite ends of the non-closed ring are firmly connected to each other, so that a stiffening ring blank is formed and that the stiffening ring blank is plastically deformed by die forming to the circumferentially closed precision stiffening ring (R) to form a forging ring surrounding the ring. A method for producing a circumferentially closed precision stiffening ring (R), according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one Hauptumformschritt can follow at least one calibration stroke in the same die or in Präzisions-Gesenkformen. A method for producing a circumferentially closed precision stiffening ring (R), according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the stiffening ring blank is first subjected to a heat treatment before a swaging. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the stiffening ring blank is produced from a metal wire or rod having a round or polygonal cross section or from a metal wire or rod with an approximate to the nominal cross section of the finished precision stiffening ring raw cross section. Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the stiffening ring blank of a metal wire or rod with a maximum cross-sectional width of 4 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 14 mm. Method according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that at least one profile surface of the circumferentially closed stiffening ring (R) is machined by machining or smoothing. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the cross-sectional area ratio of the merely formed precision stiffening rings to the reworked precision stiffening rings, 1: 1 or nearly 1: 1 or between 1.001: 1 to 1.1: 1, in particular between 1.01: 1 to 1.05: 1. Apparatus for producing a circumferentially closed precision stiffening ring (R) for a thin-walled multi-part reactor vessel (B) having at least one separation point (T) for releasably connecting a first container part (B1) consisting of a shell (M) of a thin-walled sheet material and an open front end forming the first separation point (T), with a second container part (B2), wherein the precision stiffening ring (R) at or near the at least one separation point (T) with a first Behälterteilende (BEI) of the first container part (B1 ), characterized in that a production line is provided with a cutting station ( 2 ), in which a metal profile wound up to a coil or present as a rod product is subdivided into metal profile sections of predetermined length, with a bending station ( 3 ), in which the metal profile sections are bent into rings of the desired cross-sectional shape, until the section ends touch or are at a small distance from each other, with a welding station (FIG. 4 ), in which one is welded to the other end of the section, with a die-forming or -schmiedevorrichtung ( 5 ), in which for the respective desired ring diameter and the desired cross-sectional shape an adapted pair of molds is inserted and in which the closed ring blanks are beaten into the die and thereby plastically transformed into the desired cross-sectional shape of the precision stiffening ring. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that to the welding station ( 4 ) a processing station ( 4A ), in which the annular cross section at the connection point is adapted to the rest of the material cross section, or that the welding station ( 4 ) Station precedes a welding preparation station. Apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the production line further comprises a clamping station ( 6 ), in the formed rings for finishing, z. B. in a lathe 7 , and a finishing station ( 7 ), in which at least one surface of the precision stiffening rings are finely machined. Device according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that further comprises a joining station ( 8th ), in which the precision stiffening rings are joined together with open-ended reactor vessel jackets, and a subsequent welding station (US Pat. 9 ), in which the reactor vessel shells and the precision stiffening rings are welded together.

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