EP3165618B1 - Station pour écrémer, agiter et prélèvement d'échantillon dans un creuset - Google Patents

Station pour écrémer, agiter et prélèvement d'échantillon dans un creuset Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3165618B1
EP3165618B1 EP15382539.3A EP15382539A EP3165618B1 EP 3165618 B1 EP3165618 B1 EP 3165618B1 EP 15382539 A EP15382539 A EP 15382539A EP 3165618 B1 EP3165618 B1 EP 3165618B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
crucible
skimming
stirring
tool
sample taking
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.)
Revoked
Application number
EP15382539.3A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3165618A1 (fr
Inventor
Jose Maria Artola Careaga
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Befesa Aluminio SL
Original Assignee
Befesa Aluminio SL
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Filing date
Publication date
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Application filed by Befesa Aluminio SL filed Critical Befesa Aluminio SL
Priority to ES15382539.3T priority Critical patent/ES2694161T3/es
Priority to EP15382539.3A priority patent/EP3165618B1/fr
Publication of EP3165618A1 publication Critical patent/EP3165618A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3165618B1 publication Critical patent/EP3165618B1/fr
Revoked legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D43/00—Mechanical cleaning, e.g. skimming of molten metals
    • B22D43/005—Removing slag from a molten metal surface
    • B22D43/007—Removing slag from a molten metal surface by using scrapers

Definitions

  • the present invention is encompassed within the technical field of the treatment for molten aluminum obtained from the potlines before being delivered to the casthouse furnace in order to assure the quality thereof, and more specifically within the aluminum skimming operation, for cleaning and removing the dross from the aluminum crucible ,treatment to reduce alkalis and sample taking.
  • the invention relates, in particular, to crucible skimming, stirring and sample taking station including a robot and artificial vision means for automatically removing the dross and "bath" from the surface of the molten aluminum of the crucible, treating the metal to eliminate alkalis by adding aluminium fluoride or other reagents, stirring to homogenize and taking a sample, if necessary.
  • the ingot casting process for aluminum includes a step in which the molten aluminum obtained from the potlines is delivered to the casthouse furnaces by special trucks in crucibles or ladles. This molten aluminum will be poured from the furnaces into the ingot caster.
  • the bath floating on the aluminum in the crucibles is the electrolyte (cryolite) which is collected together with the molten aluminum, and floats over it.
  • this aluminum in the crucible has to be skimmed.
  • Skimming operation is normally carried out in the casthouse prior to pour molten aluminum into the casting equipment. In order to minimize the accumulation of dross in the furnaces, skimming operation can also be carried out directly in the crucibles, before transferring the metal to the furnaces.
  • Document US6375712B1 discloses an improved apparatus and method for the removal of light metals, as sodium, lithium, calcium and magnesium, form virgin aluminum tapped form a Hall Heroult reduction cell using LiF-modified or LiF+MgF2. The method is performed in a crucible or at a station intermediate between the cells and furnaces in a cast house.
  • Document US5536295 discloses an apparatus for the processing of molten metal including a crucible furnace for receiving magnesium scrap and for converting the magnesium scrap into molten metal, a robotic arm positioned so as to extend into the molten metal in the crucible furnace and having a three-axis range of motion.
  • the robotic arm has a connector formed thereon so as to receive a tool.
  • Document EP1623778 discloses an automatic deslagging apparatus, particularly for plants for processing nonferrous metals, having an anthropomorphic robot, coupled to a positioning and chasing unit which is adjacent to a conveyor belt that comprises trays.
  • Document EP2626685 discloses a method and device for automatic release of sample bodies. The method involves separating region of probe pipe held by retention device from casing (11) of sample by a separation device. The coating filling material (6) is introduced from separated region of probe into casing removing device. A spinner device (12) is provided for spinning sample in casing against impact element (14). The sample is removed in sample removal region (15) from casing by a spinner device. The device automatically conveys liquid metal melt sample.
  • the present invention provides an advantage with respect to the current skimming machines, providing a crucible skimming, stirring and sample taking station, for removing the dross from molten aluminum in a crucible, which can work with any shape of crucible and adapts automatically to the shape of any crucible.
  • This crucible skimming, stirring and sample taking station has a robot, which has in turn an articulated arm configured to take and move a skimming tool in the three dimensions X, Y, Z, for automatically removing the dross from the molten aluminum in the crucible.
  • the crucible skimming, stirring and sample taking station of the present invention has a reactive dosifying system which adds reactive components into the molten aluminum of the crucible, and a stirring tool, which is interchangeable with the skimming tool, so the articulated arm of the robot is configured to take and move the stirring tool in the three dimensions X, Y, Z, for automatically stirring the molten aluminum with the reactive components.
  • This operation achieves the reduction of alkali elements dissolved in the molten aluminum inside the crucible.
  • the station has a sample taking tool, which is also interchangeable with the skimming and stirring tools, so the articulated arm of the robot is configured to take and move the sample taking tool in the three dimensions X, Y, Z for automatically taking a sample of aluminium.
  • this sample taking tool take a small quantity of aluminum in a determined shape, which may be put in a spectrograph to determine the elements of the aluminum alloy.
  • the station comprises additionally position detecting means which are connected to the robot for detection of the position of the crucible on the horizontal plane X, Y. So, since the robot locates the position of the crucible, neither the crucible nor the skimming machine has to be positioned accurately by an operator, and less skill is needed by the operator. Besides, there is a high reduction of errors and processing time.
  • a collecting box is provided inside the station so that the robot throws away the dross removed from the crucible.
  • a control desk allows the user to monitor, control and operate all the skimming and additional operations, including displaying the position of the crucible on the horizontal plane X, Y, and sending this information to the robot.
  • the crucible skimming, stirring and sample taking station comprises level measuring means for measuring the distance along the vertical axis Z to the dross surface, and for measuring the aluminum height in the crucible after the dross has been removed from said crucible.
  • the level measuring means may consist of a laser device.
  • the tools that is, skimming, stirring and sample taking tools
  • they are originally placed in at least a tools stand, which is located in a prefixed position, and detectors are provided at the positions of these tools in order to control taking and releasing of the tools by the robot.
  • the skimming, stirring and sample taking operations are automatically driven by the robot.
  • the robot takes the selected tool that is moved in the three dimensions X, Y, Z in order to remove the dross from the surface of the molten aluminum in the crucible, or to stir the aluminium, or to take a sample of said aluminium. Once the operation is finished, the tool is placed back in its original position.
  • another detector is provided to control the use of said sample taking tool.
  • the level measuring means will send the information of the aluminum height for the sample taking operation.
  • the crucible skimming, stirring and sample taking station is a robot system that makes in one station and in the same location a set of operations in the crucibles that holds molten aluminum, which has been collected from electrolysis.
  • This set of operations are skimming, stirring for alkali removal and aluminum sample taking, and they are currently carried out at different locations and using different machines, so, the station object of the present invention provides a high reduction of space and processing time.
  • the object of the present invention is a crucible skimming, stirring and sample taking station, for molten aluminum in a crucible 3.
  • the crucible skimming station has a robot 1, comprising in turn an articulated arm 2, which is configured to take and move a tool 6,7,10 in the three dimensions X, Y, Z, for automatically removing the dross from the molten aluminum in the crucible 3.
  • the tool is selected among a skimming tool 6, a stirring tool 7, and a sample taking tool 10.
  • the skimming tool 6 may consists of a paddle, although it might consists of any other tool suitable for taking and removing the bath from the molten aluminum in the crucible 3.
  • the crucible skimming, stirring and sample taking station has a reactive dosifying system 12 which adds reactive components into the molten aluminum of the crucible 3, and a stirring tool 7 interchangeable with the skimming tool 6.
  • the articulated arm 2 of the robot 1 is configured to take this stirring tool 7 and move it in the three dimensions X, Y, Z, for automatically stirring the molten aluminum with the reactive components.
  • the station of the present invention has a sample taking tool 10 which is also interchangeable with the skimming tool 6 and stirring tool 7, so the articulated arm 2 of the robot 1 is configured to take and move the sample taking tool 10 in the three dimensions X, Y, Z for automatically taking a sample of aluminium.
  • Position detecting means means 4 are connected to the robot 1 for detection of the position of the crucible 3 on the horizontal plane X, Y.
  • the position detecting means 4 is complemented with at least a CCTV camera to monitor the skimming station and all the operations carried out in it.
  • a collecting box 8 is provided inside the station so that the robot throws away the dross removed from the crucible.
  • a control desk 11 is provided at the station, which allows the user to control and operate all the skimming, stirring and sample taking operations.
  • the crucible skimming, stirring and sample taking station comprises level measuring means 5 for measuring the distance along the vertical axis Z to the dross surface, and for measuring the aluminum height in the crucible 3 after the dross has been removed from said crucible 3.
  • the level measuring means may consist of a laser device.
  • FIG. 1 shows schematically the tool stand 9.
  • the station has safety means, as drippings splash guard, which has two positions, home and operation, and is actuated by means of a pneumatic cylinder activated by a correspondent pneumatic solenoid valve, with controls on the control desk 11.
  • the station is closed by a fence all around.
  • the truck entry and exit is covered by two safety light curtains linked with the main safety circuit and with controls on the control desk 11.
  • the operation according a particular embodiment of the crucible skimming, stirring and sample taking station is the following: Initially, the station is in initial conditions, that means: robot 1 at home position, dross splash guard released, collecting box 8 placed, tool stand 9 with tools 6,7,10 placed, fence door closed, and traffic light green.
  • Traffic light will turn to red indicating that the access to the robot 1 influence area is denied.
  • Position detecting means 4 will detect the position of the crucible 3 on the horizontal plane X, Y, as well as level measuring means 5 will detect the aluminum height inside the crucible 3, including the dross.
  • the operator will check at the control desk 11 that the starting point is adequate and will press acceptance button.
  • the cycle can be repeated the times required if operator considers, checking the CCTV at the control desk 11.
  • the operator will place the sample taking tool 10, by pressing its correspondent pushbutton, then will select “take sample” function, and will press the "start cycle” pushbutton.
  • the robot 1 releases the skimming tool 6 or the stirring tool 7 in the original place thereof, changing to the sample taking tool 10, then takes aluminum from the crucible 3 dropping it into a box for the sample taking. After that, the robot 1 will release the sample taking tool 10 in its correspondent stand and will go back to home position, being ready for a new cycle.
  • Traffic light will turn to green, allowing the driver to leave the truck from the station.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Metals (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)

Claims (5)

  1. Station d'écrémage, d'agitation et de prise d'échantillon dans un creuset, pour retirer la crasse de l'aluminium en fusion dans un creuset (3), caractérisée en ce que
    - elle comprend
    - un robot (1) comprenant à son tour un bras articulé (2)
    - des moyens de détection de position (4) reliés au robot (1) pour la détection de la position du creuset (3) sur le plan horizontal X, Y,
    - un outil d'écrémage (6) pour retirer le bain de l'aluminium en fusion dans le creuset (3),
    - une boîte de collecte (8) dans laquelle le robot (1) jette le bain retiré du creuset (3),
    - un système de dosage réactif (12) qui ajoute des composants réactifs dans l'aluminium en fusion du creuset (3),
    - un outil d'agitation (7),
    - un outil de prise d'échantillon (10)
    - et un bureau de contrôle (11) pour le contrôle de la station,
    - et en ce que le bras articulé (2) du robot (1) est configuré pour prendre et déplacer dans les trois dimensions X, Y, Z l'outil d'écrémage (6), l'outil d'agitation (7), et l'outil de prise d'échantillon (10).
  2. Station d'écrémage, d'agitation et de prise d'échantillon dans un creuset, selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend au moins une caméra CCTV pour surveiller ladite station.
  3. Station d'écrémage, d'agitation et de prise d'échantillon dans un creuset, selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-2, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend des moyens de mesure du niveau (5) configurés pour mesurer la distance le long de l'axe vertical Z à la surface de la crasse, et pour mesurer la hauteur de l'aluminium dans le creuset (3) après que la crasse a été retirée dudit creuset (3).
  4. Station d'écrémage, d'agitation et de prise d'échantillon dans un creuset, selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de mesure du niveau (5) comprennent un dispositif laser.
  5. Station d'écrémage, d'agitation et de prise d'échantillon dans un creuset, selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-4, caractérisée en ce que l'outil d'écrémage (6) est une pale.
EP15382539.3A 2015-11-03 2015-11-03 Station pour écrémer, agiter et prélèvement d'échantillon dans un creuset Revoked EP3165618B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES15382539.3T ES2694161T3 (es) 2015-11-03 2015-11-03 Estación de desnatado, agitado y toma de muestras de crisoles
EP15382539.3A EP3165618B1 (fr) 2015-11-03 2015-11-03 Station pour écrémer, agiter et prélèvement d'échantillon dans un creuset

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP15382539.3A EP3165618B1 (fr) 2015-11-03 2015-11-03 Station pour écrémer, agiter et prélèvement d'échantillon dans un creuset

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3165618A1 EP3165618A1 (fr) 2017-05-10
EP3165618B1 true EP3165618B1 (fr) 2018-08-01

Family

ID=54545054

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EP15382539.3A Revoked EP3165618B1 (fr) 2015-11-03 2015-11-03 Station pour écrémer, agiter et prélèvement d'échantillon dans un creuset

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EP (1) EP3165618B1 (fr)
ES (1) ES2694161T3 (fr)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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CN109648051A (zh) * 2017-10-11 2019-04-19 佛山市巨晨机械设备有限公司 全自动刮皮机
JP6828670B2 (ja) * 2017-12-12 2021-02-10 新東工業株式会社 溶解作業装置及び溶解作業方法
CN107868923B (zh) * 2017-12-23 2019-05-14 冶金自动化研究设计院 一种板带连续热涂镀产线在线机器人捞渣装置
CN108277363B (zh) * 2018-04-18 2019-11-29 阿坝铝厂 一种铝液混合炉用搅拌扒渣机
CN111923062B (zh) * 2020-08-11 2021-07-20 温州大学 一种多自由度的锌锭扒渣机器人
CN111923063B (zh) * 2020-08-11 2021-07-16 温州大学 一种锌合金扒渣机器人及其工作方法
CN112247648A (zh) * 2020-09-28 2021-01-22 巢湖云海镁业有限公司 一种镁铝合金加工用碎屑收集及熔炼设备
CN112170828A (zh) * 2020-11-06 2021-01-05 青州晨泰机械设备科技有限公司 一种全能型智能熔炼捞渣机器人
CN112170830A (zh) * 2020-11-06 2021-01-05 青州晨泰机械设备科技有限公司 一种全能型金属熔炼捞渣机器人
CN115479800B (zh) * 2022-09-27 2023-06-16 临沂利信铝业有限公司 一种铝熔炼炉加工用扒渣装置

Citations (9)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5536295A (en) 1995-05-15 1996-07-16 Garfield Alloys, Inc. Robotic device for molten metal processing
US6375712B1 (en) 1998-05-27 2002-04-23 Helge O. Forberg Method of removal of light metals from aluminum
EP1623778A1 (fr) 2004-08-04 2006-02-08 Meccano System S.R.L. Dispositif automatique pour la décrassage, en particulier pour opérer une installation pour traiter des métaux non-ferreux
EP1798007B1 (fr) 2005-11-16 2008-06-18 Abb Research Ltd. Méthode pour changer l'outil d'un robot industriel et système comprenant un robot industriel et un outil
WO2008124840A1 (fr) 2007-04-10 2008-10-16 Inductotherm Corp. Système de commande de traitement intégré pour fours pour fusion de métaux par induction électrique
DE102009051145A1 (de) 2008-10-29 2010-05-06 Sms Siemag Aktiengesellschaft Roboterisierte hüttenmännische Anlage
WO2010060475A1 (fr) 2008-11-26 2010-06-03 Abb Research Ltd. Robot industriel
JP2011033315A (ja) 2009-08-05 2011-02-17 Toyota Motor Corp 自動滓回収装置
EP2626685A1 (fr) 2012-02-08 2013-08-14 Siemens VAI Metals Technologies GmbH Procédé et dispositif destinés au relevé automatisé de corps de test

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US5536295A (en) 1995-05-15 1996-07-16 Garfield Alloys, Inc. Robotic device for molten metal processing
US6375712B1 (en) 1998-05-27 2002-04-23 Helge O. Forberg Method of removal of light metals from aluminum
EP1623778A1 (fr) 2004-08-04 2006-02-08 Meccano System S.R.L. Dispositif automatique pour la décrassage, en particulier pour opérer une installation pour traiter des métaux non-ferreux
EP1798007B1 (fr) 2005-11-16 2008-06-18 Abb Research Ltd. Méthode pour changer l'outil d'un robot industriel et système comprenant un robot industriel et un outil
WO2008124840A1 (fr) 2007-04-10 2008-10-16 Inductotherm Corp. Système de commande de traitement intégré pour fours pour fusion de métaux par induction électrique
DE102009051145A1 (de) 2008-10-29 2010-05-06 Sms Siemag Aktiengesellschaft Roboterisierte hüttenmännische Anlage
WO2010060475A1 (fr) 2008-11-26 2010-06-03 Abb Research Ltd. Robot industriel
JP2011033315A (ja) 2009-08-05 2011-02-17 Toyota Motor Corp 自動滓回収装置
EP2626685A1 (fr) 2012-02-08 2013-08-14 Siemens VAI Metals Technologies GmbH Procédé et dispositif destinés au relevé automatisé de corps de test

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2694161T3 (es) 2018-12-18
EP3165618A1 (fr) 2017-05-10

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