EP3502282A1 - Tiltable metallurgical vessel and method for fixing and releasing tiltable metallurgical vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of metallurgical plants, specifically a metallurgical vessel (1) which is fixed to a support ring (2). The object of the invention is a metallurgical vessel (1) with a support ring (2) and a method for fixing and to release, which avoids compulsive forces. The tiltable metallurgical vessel (1) with a round cross section is surrounded by a supporting ring (2), at least partially. The support ring (2) has a distance to the metallurgical vessel (2) in the radial direction. The metallurgical vessel (2) has at least three brackets (10), each with a pin (10) on. The support ring (2) has at least three receiving openings (14) which receive the pins (10). These receiving openings (14) allow a displacement of the pin (10) in the radial direction. By at least three, in the interior of the support ring (2) arranged floating bearing locking device (20), the pins (10) are secured against falling out of the receiving opening (14) and the bracket (12).

Description

Name of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of metallurgical plants, specifically a metallurgical vessel for liquid metals.

On the one hand, the invention relates to a tiltable metallurgical vessel with a round cross-section, wherein the metallurgical vessel of a support ring - at least partially - is surrounded and the support ring in the radial direction has a distance from the metallurgical vessel.

On the other hand, the invention relates to a method for fixing a tiltable metallurgical vessel to a support ring, and to a method for releasing a tiltable metallurgical vessel from the support ring.

State of the art

For the production of metals - especially in steelmaking - tiltable metallurgical vessels are used. These metallurgical vessels are held by a supporting ring surrounding these vessels. The support ring has a distance from the vessel, because - by high operating temperatures of the liquid metal - the metallurgical vessel expands. The metallurgical vessel is provided with a lining for receiving liquid steel. This lining must be renewed at certain intervals. Especially with metallurgical vessels for the AO (argon oxygen decarburization) process, for the production of stainless steels, a frequent change of the lining is required. In order not to lose too much production time, the metallurgical vessel becomes separated from the support ring and mounted a new vessel with renewed lining. To attach the metallurgical vessel to the support ring, there are different designs. In the EP29878 B1 is shown a frictional connection, which is maintained by hinged screws. The disadvantage of this connection is that the loosening of the screws takes place manually and thus the metallurgical vessel must first be cooled before assembly workers can loosen the screws. In order to be able to carry out this loosening of the folding screws, the assembly workers also have to carry out a few safety measures in order to minimize the risk of accidents. All of this work and action takes time and thus reduces productivity. In the EP 1533389 A1 an automatic tensioner is disclosed. In this case, locking brackets are welded to the metallurgical vessel, which is penetrated by a stud - which is attached to the support ring - interspersed. The stud has a wedge-shaped passage opening in the horizontal direction, as well as the locking console has an opening. Through this passage opening a wedge is inserted through the locking console and the stud. The wedge is moved by a hydraulic cylinder - which is fixed to the support ring - moves. The disadvantage of this device is that larger heat-induced deformations of the metallurgical vessel lead to deformation of the locking console and / or stud bolt and connecting and disconnecting the locking console and studs is only with difficulty, or until cooling must be awaited - until the metallurgical vessel again almost the original dimensions has taken.

Summary of the invention

The object of this invention is to provide a tiltable exchangeable metallurgical vessel, which is fixed to a support ring, so that, despite large temperature differences, a reliable fixing of the metallurgical container with the support ring and also a reliable release is enabled.

The object is achieved in the aforementioned tiltable metallurgical vessel in that the metallurgical vessel has at least three consoles with at least one pin. The support ring also has at least three receiving openings. The pins can penetrate into these receiving openings, wherein the receiving openings allow a displacement of the pin in the radial direction. The metallurgical vessel has a circular cross-section and the support ring has - at least partially - a circular design. The support ring may be circular or open on one side and be a U-shaped or horseshoe-like design. When heated, the metallurgical vessel expands in diameter, which leads mainly to a radial displacement of the brackets and thus the pin.
A floating bearing arranged inside the support ring locking device ensures that the pin is secured against falling out of the receiving opening and the console. In addition, the floating bearing locking device can clamp the pin such that over the pin, the console is pressed onto the support ring.

The receiving openings should be designed so that they are larger than the dimensions of the pin. In the radial direction of the support ring, the receiving opening is made significantly larger than the dimensions of the pin in this direction. Radial direction is understood in relation to this invention, the direction of the inner radius of the support ring in the direction of the outer radius of the support ring. By means of this embodiment, relative movements, between the support ring and the metallurgical vessel, which arise as a result of deformation or thermal expansion, are made possible.

When the metallurgical vessel is re-walled, the temperature range at the outer surface is at room temperature and in operation when liquid metal is in the metallurgical vessel at temperatures of up to 400 ° C. By heat radiation of the metallurgical vessel, especially the support ring heats up at the side facing the metallurgical vessel. This also leads to expansions of the support ring. The relative movements are thus triggered both by movements of the metallurgical vessel, as well as by the support ring. The floating inside the support ring mounted locking device is used to follow the relative movements during operation. In this context, floating is understood to mean everything that is suitable for permitting relative movements. This floating bearing locking device, when the metallurgical vessel is detached from the support ring, temporarily held by holding devices. Such temporary holding devices can, for example, be encompassing guides which do not hinder the compensation of the relative movements-preferably in the radial direction-during operation. Would this locking device mounted stationary - as in the EP 1533389 A1 - this can lead to problems. Due to relative movements between the support ring and the metallurgical vessel, it can lead to deformations of a component and thus the release of the locking device would no longer be possible, or it could lead to damage of other components. When fixing the metallurgical vessel on the support ring, a more secure securing of the pin can be ensured by the floating-mounted locking device. As a fuse element, a pin, wedge or the like can be provided. The pin must be carried out accordingly, so that the connection of the fuse element is made possible with the pin.
During operation of the metallurgical vessel, when liquid metal is in it, thermal expansions occur. The metallurgical vessel is moved during operation - for example, by tilting, occurring vibrations and the like. - what to Changes in the loads of pins and support ring leads. These changes in the loads additionally favor a slipping of the floating locking devices. These movements help prevent the occurrence of coercive forces, as these are prevented by the slipping of the floating locking device.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the pin should have a wedge pressing surface and the floating bearing locking device a wedge. The wedge is brought to secure the pin, against falling out of the receiving opening and the console, associated with the wedge pressing surface. Possible embodiments of the wedge pressing surface are a lateral passage opening or at least one lateral groove. The lateral passage opening or the lateral groove are preferably designed wedge-shaped.
The floating bearing of the locking device allows compensation to allow the wedge to align while in contact with the wedge pressing surface. This has the advantage that no constraining forces must be exerted if the orientation of the wedge and the wedge pressing surface do not coincide exactly. During insertion of the wedge, the floating locking console automatically aligns itself. Just before a desired end position of the wedge is reached on the wedge pressing surface, the locking device is pressed against an end position limit. This Endlagenbegrenzung makes it possible to exert a corresponding force, so that the wedge can be pressed onto the wedge pressing surface of the pin. During the bringing together of the wedge and the wedge pressing surface, the floating bearing locking device can also already abut against the end position limit. Under connecting is understood - for example, in a lateral passage opening - that the wedge is pressed into the lateral passage opening. The wedge and the wedge press surface become like that stated that a bias in the longitudinal direction of the pin is achieved, so the console is pressed onto the support ring.
In the context of this invention is understood by a side passage opening everything that is suitable for a wedge can penetrate. The lateral passage opening should extend over the entire cross section, so that at least part of the wedge can penetrate the pin. For the release of the tenon - wedge connection also an end position limitation is necessary. The end position limit for the release is advantageously opposite the end position limit for fixing.

A preferred embodiment provides that the locking device consists of a base body with a base opening through which the pin can penetrate. A cylinder is mounted on the body and the cylinder is directly connected to the wedge. This embodiment has the advantage that the pin penetrates the base body opening of the base body and, upon actuation of the cylinder, the wedge is pressed onto the wedge pressing surface. The base opening serves as an end position limit, which serves to press the wedge - through the cylinder - according to the wedge pressing surface. An edge or an edge surface of the main body opening - which is opposite to a mounting of the cylinder - is pressed against the pin during pressing. This ensures that the cylinder can apply the appropriate force to press the wedge. This embodiment is a very simple and space-saving design. This embodiment is particularly suitable for small metallurgical vessels, with a correspondingly small support ring.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the receiving openings of the support ring are elongated holes. These slots extend in the radial direction. This is a particularly preferred embodiment of the relative movement of pins and To ensure support ring and thus avoid forcing forces.

Advantageously, the dimension of the receiving opening in the radial direction is at least twice as large as the dimension of the pin in the radial direction. It should at least be ensured that in the radial direction, a relative movement of at least the dimension of the pin in the radial direction, is possible.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a spacer sleeve, through which the pin protrudes, is used on the console.
The pin is supported on the spacer sleeve instead of on the console. The spacer sleeve is designed so that the pin can protrude, but a head of the pin is supported on the sleeve. It is also conceivable that the spacer sleeve between the console and the support ring is located.
This embodiment has the particular advantage that in case of unforeseen events - for example in case of defect of the cylinder - the pin can be cut above the support ring in order to lift the metallurgical vessel can. The spacer sleeve should be at least 50mm high. Through this spacer, the accessibility is quite possible and the support ring and the remaining metallurgical vessel are not damaged by the cutting. The cutting can be done in this embodiment, for example, with a flame cutter.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the locking device has a position monitoring device. By this position monitoring device is always ensured that the pin is secured against falling out of the receiving opening and the console.

A special design provides that the metallurgical vessel four consoles with spigot and the support ring four Has receiving openings. To increase safety, a fourth bracket with spigot is attached to ensure the secure connection of support ring and metallurgical vessel in case of failure of a pin. The fourth pin is designed to be redundant and increases the security of the connection of the support ring and metallurgical vessel, thus a safe operation is still guaranteed in case of failure of a pin - wedge connection or cracks in a console.

A further preferred embodiment provides that the position monitoring device takes place by means of a pressure measuring device and a position monitoring device of the cylinder. The pressure measuring device serves to ensure that a certain minimum pressure is applied to the cylinder during operation. The pressure measuring device also monitors that a maximum pressure is not exceeded. Exceeding a specified maximum pressure could result in a problem in removing the wedge from the wedge pressing surface. If the wedge is pressed in excessively, the force to pull out the wedge may not be sufficient. The position monitoring device can be made for example by direct measurement of a position of a piston rod of the cylinder or by measuring the flow rate of the fluid, with which the cylinder is acted upon. By measuring the flow rate, the position of the wedge can be determined.

A particularly preferred embodiment for the metallurgical vessel is an argon-oxygen converter which has a capacity of up to 180 tons. Argon Oxygen Converters (AOD) require frequent replacement because the brick lining is subject to high wear. The metallurgical vessels are usually smaller than metallurgical vessels for other steelmaking processes. The smaller metallurgical vessels for AOD converter thus also have a smaller support ring. The space requirement within the support ring is lower, bringing the described floating bearing locking device is particularly well suited for AOD converter.

The object of the invention is also achieved by the method mentioned, which comprises the subsequent steps. A metallurgical vessel having at least three pins is connected to a support ring. The support ring has receiving openings for pins. The pins penetrate when placing the vessel in the receiving openings. Once the metallurgical vessel rests on the support ring, is secured by floating in the interior of the support ring locking devices, each pin against falling out of the console and the receiving opening, secured, whereby a fixation of the metallurgical vessel is performed on the support ring. Each pin should be secured so that as possible no play between support ring and console occurs. This means that the fuse is made such that the pin is biased as possible. A movement along a longitudinal axis of the pin should be prevented. The support ring and the metallurgical vessel are fixed together in this way. During operation of the metallurgical vessel, relative movements between the pin and the support ring are followed by the floating bearing locking device, so that by this relative displacement, the floating bearing locking device follows the relative movement of the pin, opposite the support ring. In this case, relative movements in the radial direction of the support ring, between bracket with pin and support ring, are made possible, which arise for example by thermal expansion. Allowing these relative movements, serves to avoid unwanted deformations of components of the connection of metallurgical vessel and support ring.

An advantageous embodiment of the method provides that the floating-mounted locking device by means of a position monitoring device constantly is monitored. As a result, possible problems of securing the pin against falling out of the console and the receiving opening, during operation can be detected quickly.

A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the floating-mounted locking device has a wedge and the wedge with a maximum of 75% of an available maximum force - is pressed - for removing the wedge.
By limiting the force to a maximum of 75% of the maximum available force - to remove the wedge, it is ensured that for the removal of the wedge - from the lateral passage opening or a lateral groove of the pin - are still power reserves available. When using a double-acting cylinder, due to the piston rod, only one reduced force is possible for one direction. The piston rod reduces the effective area of the piston.

The object of the invention is achieved by the aforementioned method for releasing a fixation of the metallurgical vessel from the support ring. The fixation of pins by floating mounted locking devices is released. For example, in a stud-wedge connection, the wedges are removed from the wedge-pressing surface of the studs by the floating-type locking devices. Following the metallurgical vessel is lifted from the support ring. Due to the design with floating locking devices, the release is much easier, as permanent deformations are largely avoided by the floating locking devices.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Konverters mit einem Tragring
• Fig. 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines metallurgischen Gefäßes mit einem geschlossenen Tragring und vier am Umfang angeordneten Konsolen und Zapfen.
• Fig. 3 vergrößerte schematische Ansicht von einer schwimmend gelagerte Verriegelungsvorrichtung und eines Zapfens
• Fig. 4 Draufsicht auf die schwimmend gelagerte Verriegelungsvorrichtung
• Fig. 5a - 5d verschiedene Ausführungsformen von Zapfen mit Keilpressflächen und dazugehörigen Keilen
• Fig. 6 eine schematische Darstellung eines metallurgischen Gefäßes mit einem offenen Tragring mit vier am Umfang angeordneten Konsolen und Zapfen
• Fig. 7 eine schematische Darstellung eines metallurgischen Gefäßes mit offenem Tragring im kalten und warmen Zustand.
• Fig. 8 vergrößerte schematische Ansicht von einem metallurgischen Gefäß mit offenem Tragring im kalten und warmen Zustand.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments, reference being made to the following figures, which show:

• Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a converter with a support ring
• Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a metallurgical vessel with a closed support ring and four arranged on the circumference brackets and pins.
• Fig. 3 enlarged schematic view of a floating bearing locking device and a pin
• Fig. 4 Top view of the floating bearing locking device
• Fig. 5a - 5d various embodiments of pins with wedge pressing surfaces and associated wedges
• Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a metallurgical vessel with an open support ring with four circumferentially arranged brackets and pins
• Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a metallurgical vessel with open support ring in the cold and warm state.
• Fig. 8 enlarged schematic view of a metallurgical vessel with open support ring in the cold and warm state.

Description of the embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a metallurgical vessel 1 and a support ring 2. The metallurgical vessel 1 has three brackets 12 and is connected to the support ring 2, which has three receiving openings 14, by three pins 10. The pins 10 are each secured with a floating locking device 20 against falling out of the console and the receiving opening 14 of the support ring. The floating-type locking device 20 has a cylinder 22 and a wedge 21. The pin 10 is fixed by the wedge 21.

In Fig. 2 a further embodiment for the connection of a metallurgical vessel 1 with a support ring 2 is shown. This embodiment differs in that the support ring 2 is closed. Another difference is that between pin 10 and console 12, a spacer sleeve 13 is attached. This spacer sleeve 13 serves to ensure that in the event of failure of the floating locking device 20, the pin 10 and the spacer sleeve 13 can be cut, for example, with a welding torch. The receiving openings 14 - designed as elongated holes - extend in the radial direction to allow a relative movement of the bracket and pin relative to the support ring. A position monitoring device 28 ensures that the wedge 21 - pin 10 connection is always upright, so that falling out of the pin from the bracket 12 and the receiving opening 14 is prevented. All other reference numerals have already been in the description of FIG. 1 explained.

In Fig. 3 the connection of pin 10 and the floating-mounted locking device 20 is shown enlarged. On a base body 23, the cylinder 22 is mounted. The cylinder 22 is directly connected to a wedge 21. This main body 23 has a main body opening 24 which has an end position limit 25, as well as an end position limit for the release 29 is shown. The pin has a wedge pressing surface 11, which serves the pin 10 - via the wedge 21 - firmly press and thereby fix the connection between the support ring 2 and metallurgical vessel. The pin 10 and the base opening 24 each have insertion bevels. This insertion bevels 27, 15, serve to ensure that the floating bearing locking devices 20 are centered during insertion of the pins 10. These chamfers 27, 15 represent only one possibility, it is also conceivable that other insertion aids are used. If the wedge 21 does not press on the wedge pressing surfaces 11, the floating-type locking device 20 is held in position by holding devices 26. It is also conceivable, for example, that the holding device 26 -as shown-is a encompassing guide 26 and at the same time acts as an end-position limit when the base body 23 has no base body opening 24.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the floating bearing locking device 20. In this illustration, the essential components such as cylinder 22, wedge 21, base 23 with the base opening 24 and end position limit 25 are shown. The reference numerals in Fig. 4 were already in Fig. 3 explained.

In Fig. 5a and 5b possible embodiments of the pin 10 and the wedge pressing surface 11 are shown. In the Fig. 5a it is a passage opening 16 through the pin 10 is shown. In the Fig. 5b are the wedge pressing surfaces 11, two lateral grooves 17. These are only two examples illustrate how these wedge pressing surfaces 11 are executed. It is also conceivable that the pin 10 has only one lateral groove 17. In the Fig. 5c is a possible embodiment for a wedge 21 - for the passage opening 16 of Fig. 5a - shown. In Fig. 5d is a possible embodiment for a wedge 21 - 17 for the two lateral grooves Fig. 5b - shown.

In Fig. 6 an embodiment of a metallurgical vessel 1 with a support ring 2 and four brackets 12 is shown. This embodiment variant has the advantage that in case of failure of a console 12, a pin 10 or the floating-mounted locking device (not shown) still safe operation, of the support ring 2 fixed metallurgical vessel 1, is guaranteed.

In Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 schematically the expansion of the metallurgical vessel 1 is shown. In the operation has the warm metallurgical vessel 3 a larger diameter - represented by the dash-dotted lines.
Also, the open support ring 2 changes its shape, by a heat radiation of the warm metallurgical vessel 3- from a U-shape to a V-shape. In the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 the change of the support ring is shown as a warm support ring 4. As a result, the position of the pin 10 relative to the receiving opening 14 changes Fig. 8 this relative movement is shown enlarged, as well as the movement of the floating-mounted locking device 20 - shown schematically in the lower area. In Fig. 8 It can also be seen that the relative movement of pin 10 and receiving opening 14 in the region of the open side can be less than, for example, in the lower region where the locking device 20 is shown. In Fig. 8 the radial displacement of the pin 10 in the receiving opening 14 is shown. The movement of the floating locking device 20 to follow this radial displacement is in FIG Fig. 8 also evident.

While the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Metallurgical vessel

2

support ring

3

warm metallurgical vessel

4

warm support ring

10

spigot

11

Wedge pressing surface

12

console

13

Stand Off

14

receiving opening

15

chamfer

16

lateral passage opening

17

groove

20

floating locking device

21

wedge

22

cylinder

23

body

24

Body opening

25

End position

26

holder

27

chamfer

28

Position monitoring unit

29

End position limit for release

Claims (14)

Tiltable metallurgical vessel having a round cross-section, wherein the metallurgical vessel 1 by a support ring (2), at least partially, and the support ring (2) in the radial direction at a distance from the metallurgical vessel (1), characterized in that the metallurgical vessel (1) at least three brackets (12) each having a pin (10), the support ring (2) has at least three receiving openings (14) which are adapted to receive the pins (10), wherein the receiving openings (14) a displacement of Allow pin (10) in the radial direction, and at least three in the interior of the support ring (2) arranged floating bearing locking device (20) are present, which the pins (10) against falling out of the receiving opening (14) and the console (12) to back up. Tiltable metallurgical vessel according to claim 1,
characterized in that - The pin (10) has a wedge pressing surface (11), preferably a lateral passage opening (16) or at least one lateral groove (17), the floating bearing locking devices (20) have a wedge (21), - The floating-mounted locking device (20) is adapted to bring the wedge (21) for securing the pin (10) against falling out of the receiving opening (14) and the bracket (12) with the wedge pressing surface (11) in combination. Tiltable metallurgical vessel according to claim 2,
characterized in that the floating bearing locking device (20) comprises a base body (23) having a base body opening (24) through which the pin (10) can pass, and a cylinder (22) mounted on the base body (23), and the cylinder (22) is directly connected to the wedge (21). Tiltable metallurgical vessel according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the receiving openings (14) of the support ring (2) are slots. Tiltable metallurgical vessel according to claim 1 - 4,
characterized in that the pin (10) in the radial direction of the metallurgical vessel (1) has a dimension and the receiving opening (14) in the radial direction at least twice as large as the dimension of the pin (10) in the radial direction. Tiltable metallurgical vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the bracket (12) has a spacer sleeve (13) through which the pin (10) protrudes, is attached. Tiltable metallurgical vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floating bearing locking device (20) has a position monitoring device (28). Tiltable metallurgical vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metallurgical vessel (1) has four brackets (12) with pins (10), the supporting ring (2) has four receiving openings (14) and inside the supporting ring (2). four floating locking devices (20) are present. Tiltable metallurgical vessel according to claim 2,
characterized in that the position monitoring device (28), by means of a pressure measuring device and a position monitoring device of the cylinder (22) takes place. Tiltable metallurgical vessel according to claim 1, characterized
characterized in that the metallurgical vessel (1) is an argon oxygen converter with a capacity of up to 180t. Method for fixing a tiltable metallurgical
Container on a support ring according to claim 1-10, characterized in that the metallurgical vessel (1) is brought in such a way with the support ring (2) that pins (10) penetrate into receiving openings (14) as soon as the metallurgical vessel (1 ) rests on the support ring (2), and thereafter by floating locking devices (20) each pin (10) against falling out of the console (12) and the receiving opening (14) is secured. Method for fixing a tiltable metallurgical
Container on a support ring according to claim 11, characterized in that the floating bearing locking device (20) by means of a position monitoring device (28) is constantly monitored. Method for fixing a tiltable metallurgical
Container on a support ring according to claim 12, characterized in that the floating bearing locking device (20) has a wedge (21) for securing the pin (10), and the wedge (21) with a maximum of 75% of the available maximum force, which is possible for a removal of the wedge (21) is pressed. A method for releasing a fixation of a tiltable metallurgical vessel to a support ring according to claim 1-10, characterized in that the fixing of pins (10) by floating locking devices (20) is released and then the metallurgical vessel (1) is lifted off the support ring (2).

Images