EP3586567A1 - Heating apparatus for metal products - Google Patents

Heating apparatus for metal products

Info

Publication number
EP3586567A1
EP3586567A1 EP18705419.2A EP18705419A EP3586567A1 EP 3586567 A1 EP3586567 A1 EP 3586567A1 EP 18705419 A EP18705419 A EP 18705419A EP 3586567 A1 EP3586567 A1 EP 3586567A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
polar extensions
polar
electric
magnetic
aperture
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP18705419.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3586567B1 (en
Inventor
Fabio Guastini
Andrea Codutti
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.)
Rotelec SA
Original Assignee
Rotelec SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rotelec SA filed Critical Rotelec SA
Publication of EP3586567A1 publication Critical patent/EP3586567A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3586567B1 publication Critical patent/EP3586567B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/36—Coil arrangements
    • H05B6/365—Coil arrangements using supplementary conductive or ferromagnetic pieces
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/10—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications
    • H05B6/101—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications for local heating of metal pieces
    • H05B6/103—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications for local heating of metal pieces multiple metal pieces successively being moved close to the inductor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/36—Coil arrangements
    • H05B6/42—Cooling of coils
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/36—Coil arrangements
    • H05B6/44—Coil arrangements having more than one coil or coil segment

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a heating apparatus for metal products used in the steel-making field, for example in casting plants, rolling plants, combinations thereof or other plants, where it is necessary to heat a metal product on each occasion and at different points.
  • the heating apparatus uses electromagnetic induction to heat the metal products.
  • the metal products in question include billets, blooms, wide plate, metal products or semi-worked products with a square, rectangular or polygonal cross section, in which there are edges.
  • known induction heating apparatuses do not allow to obtain a distribution of the heat power which is uniform throughout the whole volume of the metal product, nor do they allow to control the distribution of the power either point-by-point or selectively.
  • the metal products have a considerable lack of heat uniformity in correspondence with the edges, which can therefore be colder than the other zones of the metal product.
  • the heating can be carried out both in the casting step itself or downstream.
  • Induction heating apparatuses are also known, configured to heat two opposite edges at a time, or which have two or more ferromagnetic cores each provided with two polar extensions.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to provide an induction heating apparatus able to heat one or more edges of the metal product, at different points and on each occasion, heating it selectively and in a desired manner, guaranteeing a uniform result.
  • Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an induction heating apparatus able to make the heat distribution uniform for all the edges, also differentiating the heat power transferred to them.
  • Another purpose is to provide a heating apparatus able to heat treat one or more edges simultaneously, in relation to the heat treatment required on each occasion.
  • Another purpose is to provide an induction heating apparatus able to heat specific and defined zones of metal products having various cross sections, at the same time maintaining a good performance in the transfer of heat power, also as required or desired.
  • the Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.
  • the present invention concerns an induction heating apparatus comprising a magnetic core having a through aperture and at least four polar extensions disposed at equal angles along the perimeter of the through aperture.
  • the polar extensions are located on the same lying plane and are connected in physical and/or functional continuity with each other by connection portions, each polar extension being provided with a corresponding electric coil with electric power independent of the coils of the other polar extensions, and able to define on each occasion the polarity, frequency and power delivered by the respective polar extension.
  • This configuration allows to use the induction heating apparatus to selectively heat, and with the desired and suitably differentiated electric power, one or more edges of metal products having four or more edges, such as for example billets, blooms, wide plate, metal products or semi-worked products with a square or rectangular cross section, or possible metal or mechanical artefacts.
  • the polar extensions are selectively mobile with respect to the through aperture; advantageously, but not restrictively, the mobility of the polar extension is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the transit axis where the metal product transits.
  • the mobility of the polar extension allows to adapt and optimize the distance of the individual polar extension with respect to the surface of the metal product, so as to adapt the transit space of the through aperture in relation to the specific cross section of the metal product to be treated.
  • the magnetic core comprises one or more magnetic sectors between which cooling plates are interposed, each of said magnetic sectors comprising the desired plurality of magnetic sheets.
  • the electric coils are cooled by cooling pipes in which a cooling liquid transits.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heating apparatus according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a section view of a heating apparatus according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3-6 are four section views that show schematically four configurations of use of a heating apparatus according to the present invention.
  • - figs. 7-9 are three section views that show schematically three configurations of a possible embodiment of a heating apparatus
  • FIG. 10 is a section view of a variant embodiment of a heating apparatus
  • - fig. 11 is a section view of a variant embodiment of a heating apparatus in a configuration of use
  • - figs. 12 and 13 are two section views of two variant embodiment of a heating apparatus.
  • Embodiments described here with reference to the drawings concern a heating apparatus 10 for a metal product 1 1.
  • metal product 11 we mean a metal product or semi-worked product such as for example a billet or bloom, melted metal products or semi-worked products with a square or rectangular or polygonal cross section, with one or more edges 12.
  • the heating apparatus 10 comprises a magnetic core 13 with a through aperture 14 through which the metal product 11 is made to transit.
  • the magnetic core 13 can comprise a plurality of magnetic sheets 15, overlapping and clamped to each other to form a single body, or a whole consisting of a plurality of magnetic sectors 16, in a known manner.
  • the magnetic sheets 15 can be made of ferromagnetic material, such as for example iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys thereof or other suitable materials.
  • the magnetic core 13 can be realized completely, or in part, in one or more magneto-dielectric compact materials, which are not in sheets form.
  • the magneto-dielectric compact material can comprise ferromagnetic metallic powders included in an insulating matrix.
  • the magnetic core 13 comprises one or more magnetic sectors 16 between which there are cooling plates 17, each of said magnetic sectors 16 comprising the desired plurality of magnetic sheets 15.
  • the cooling plates 17 can be the active or passive cooling type, and can also be configured to screen the heating apparatus 10.
  • the magnetic core 13 has at least four polar extensions 18, disposed at equal angles along the perimeter of the through aperture 14.
  • the polar extensions 18 extend for the whole length of the magnetic core 13 so that, when the heating apparatus 10 is functioning, it can heat the whole longitudinal portion of the metal product 1 1 in transit inside the through aperture 14.
  • the polar extensions 18 are disposed on the sides of the square defined by the perimeter of the through aperture 14 and facing toward the inside of the through aperture 14.
  • each polar extension 18 it is possible to define an upper end and a lower end.
  • the polar extensions 18 are configured to act between the upper end and the lower end.
  • the extended action of the polar extensions 18 allows to heat one or more edges 12 along the longitudinal extension of the metal product 1 1.
  • the polar extensions 18 are located on the same lying plane.
  • the lying plane is defined as the plane where all the upper ends or all the lower ends of the polar extensions 18 lie.
  • connection portions 19 are part of the magnetic core 13.
  • connection we mean both that the polar extensions 18 are connected to each other in continuity with the connection portions 19, and also that the polar extensions 18 are connected in functional continuity with the connection portions 19, i.e. the lines of magnetic flow 22 can circulate between them, even if there is a minimum air gap.
  • connection portions 19 and the polar extensions 18 are two or more bodies and are connected structurally or functionally with each other to obtain a continuous magnetic flow.
  • Each polar extension 18 is provided with a corresponding electric coil 20 connected to an independent electric power source 21 able on each occasion to define the polarity (see the direction of the lines of magnetic flow 22) of the respective polar extension 18 and the possible specific feed power.
  • the polar extensions 18 and the connection portions 19 can constitute a magnetic core 13 in a single body, or in several bodies connected structurally or functionally with each other to obtain a continuous magnetic flow.
  • each of the electric coils 20 comprises an electric cable 23 connected to an electric power source 21, said electric cable 23 being wound around one of the polar extensions 18 to form a reel with one or more spirals.
  • the electric coils 20, which are correlated to a range of frequencies and powers, can all be the same or different depending on the specific and point-by- point requirements of each in relation to the metal products 11 to be treated.
  • the electric coils 20 can be, or can be made, replaceable.
  • the coils are characterized according to the direction of the electric current: "x" indicates an entering electric current and " ⁇ " indicates an exiting electric current.
  • the electric cables 23 can be realized in a tubular form in a conducting material, such as a material having high electro conductivity as copper, and the electric cables 23 are cooled with a cooling liquid made pass through them.
  • these in order to slow down the deterioration of the electric cables 23, these can be located inside respective cooling pipes 24 in which a cooling liquid passes.
  • the cooling pipes 24, which can have shapes connected with the free spaces around the polar extensions 18, can be fed with a cooling fluid, such as for example water, treated or not, or oil or other fluid that conducts temperature, by means of power outlets 24a connected to one or more power sources.
  • a cooling fluid such as for example water, treated or not, or oil or other fluid that conducts temperature
  • the shape and size of the polar extensions 18 are configured to generate a magnetic field transverse to the direction of advance of the metal product 1 1 in relation to the morphology of the metal product 11.
  • the polar extensions 18 can have the surfaces from which the lines of magnetic flow 22 exit/enter substantially parallel in pairs, and facing toward the through aperture 14 of the magnetic core 13. According to a variant, one or more polar extensions 18 are shaped according to the physical shape of the metal product 11 to be treated.
  • the surfaces of one or more polar extensions 18 may be shaped wedge, with beveled edges, with a parabolic shape or a hyperbolic shape be it convex or concave.
  • one or more polar extensions 18 can comprise a replaceable portion provided of a shaped surface according to the metal product 11 to be treated, said shaped surface being faced, in use, toward the through aperture 14.
  • At least one of the polar extensions is conformed in a personalized manner depending on the profile of the metal product 11.
  • one or more specific polar extensions 18 can have a surface facing toward the lateral surface of the metal product 11 with a shape mating with said lateral surface.
  • the personalization is obtained on each occasion with specific additional portions to the polar extension 18 itself, paying attention to the functional continuity.
  • the specific additions can be portions of polar extension 18 conformed specifically according to the metal product 1 1 to be treated, or the heat treatment to be carried out.
  • one or more of the polar extensions 18 can be replaced both for maintenance reasons and also for specific reasons of personalization.
  • fig. 3 shows the case where only one electric coil 20 is powered, which induces electric currents near two adjacent edges 12.
  • Fig. 4 shows the case where two adjacent electric coils 20 are powered, with the direction of the electric current opposite each other. In this case, the electric currents induced allow to heat one edge 12 with a greater intensity than the two edges 12 adjacent to it.
  • Fig. 5 shows the case where all the electric coils 20 are powered each with an electric current having an opposite direction to the electric current passing in the electric coils 20 adjacent to it. In this case, the electric currents induced allow to heat all four edges 12.
  • Fig. 6 shows the case where all the electric coils 20 are powered each with an electric current with the opposite direction to that of the electric current passing in one of the electric coils 20 adjacent to it, and in the same direction as the electric current passing in the other adjacent electric coil 20.
  • the induced currents allow to heat two opposite edges 12.
  • the polar extensions 18 are selectively mobile with respect to the through aperture 14.
  • the polar extensions 18 are selectively mobile orthogonally to the through aperture 14, as shown by way of example in figs. 7-11.
  • the polar extensions 18 can be moved by means of corresponding independent actuators 26, possibly linear, so as to adapt the distance between the specific polar extension 18 and the surface of the metal product 1 1.
  • This configuration allows to optimize the position of the polar extensions 18 so as to heat the desired edges 12 to a desired depth, at the same time guaranteeing a high performance in the transfer of the heat power.
  • the mobile polar extensions 18 also have a seating for the electric coil 20.
  • a containing body 27 can be provided in the through aperture 14, able to contain the metal product 11 during its passage in the heating apparatus 10.
  • the containing body 27 can be configured to guide the metal product along a defined path.
  • the containing body 27 can be made of a screening material able to allow the lines of magnetic flow 22 to pass, but not to disperse the heat generated in the metal product 11.
  • the containing body 27 can also function as a physical barrier to guarantee that the polar extensions 18 do not come into contact with the metal product 11. It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of heating apparatus 10, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • General Induction Heating (AREA)
  • Tunnel Furnaces (AREA)
  • Furnace Details (AREA)
  • Vertical, Hearth, Or Arc Furnaces (AREA)

Abstract

Heating apparatus (10) for heating selectively and with the desired heat power one or more edges (12) of a metal product (11) by means of electromagnetic induction, said heating apparatus comprising a magnetic core (13) having a through aperture (14) and at least four polar extensions (18).

Description

"HEATING APPARATUS FOR METAL PRODUCTS"
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns a heating apparatus for metal products used in the steel-making field, for example in casting plants, rolling plants, combinations thereof or other plants, where it is necessary to heat a metal product on each occasion and at different points. The heating apparatus uses electromagnetic induction to heat the metal products.
By way of non-restrictive example, the metal products in question include billets, blooms, wide plate, metal products or semi-worked products with a square, rectangular or polygonal cross section, in which there are edges.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the production of metal products, such as billets, blooms or other similar products, it is known that the products are heated, or kept at a predefined temperature, in order to obtain a metal product without cracks and having the desired characteristics each time.
This can be obtained by using suitable induction heating apparatuses which, depending on the magnetic field generated by them on each occasion and, in particular, by means of the electric currents induced in the metal product, allow to heat part of the section of the metal product due to the Joule effect.
However, known induction heating apparatuses do not allow to obtain a distribution of the heat power which is uniform throughout the whole volume of the metal product, nor do they allow to control the distribution of the power either point-by-point or selectively.
In fact, following known heat treatments, the metal products have a considerable lack of heat uniformity in correspondence with the edges, which can therefore be colder than the other zones of the metal product.
These differences in temperature can cause surface cracks or other unwanted imperfections in the metal product.
Furthermore, especially in metal products obtained by continuous casting, where the edges of the metal product differ in their position, such as intrados edges and extrados edges, the resultant metal products often suffer from lack of heat uniformity that also differs in relation to the specific edge. In this context, it is obviously necessary to have at least all the edges in the same heat conditions, but it is also obviously necessary that they must be heated at all points and differently due to the particular process requirements.
The heating can be carried out both in the casting step itself or downstream. Induction heating apparatuses are also known, configured to heat two opposite edges at a time, or which have two or more ferromagnetic cores each provided with two polar extensions.
Among these, the solution shown in document US 5.412.183 provides to heat the metal product on staggered planes and at the same time.
Furthermore, these known solutions do not allow to differentiate the heating of the individual edges selectively, also possibly differentiating the heat power transferred to the individual edges as required on each occasion.
There is therefore a need to perfect the state of the art and to make available a heating apparatus which overcomes at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an induction heating apparatus able to heat one or more edges of the metal product, at different points and on each occasion, heating it selectively and in a desired manner, guaranteeing a uniform result.
Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an induction heating apparatus able to make the heat distribution uniform for all the edges, also differentiating the heat power transferred to them.
Another purpose is to provide a heating apparatus able to heat treat one or more edges simultaneously, in relation to the heat treatment required on each occasion.
Another purpose is to provide an induction heating apparatus able to heat specific and defined zones of metal products having various cross sections, at the same time maintaining a good performance in the transfer of heat power, also as required or desired.
The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.
In accordance with the above purposes, the present invention concerns an induction heating apparatus comprising a magnetic core having a through aperture and at least four polar extensions disposed at equal angles along the perimeter of the through aperture.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the polar extensions are located on the same lying plane and are connected in physical and/or functional continuity with each other by connection portions, each polar extension being provided with a corresponding electric coil with electric power independent of the coils of the other polar extensions, and able to define on each occasion the polarity, frequency and power delivered by the respective polar extension.
This configuration allows to use the induction heating apparatus to selectively heat, and with the desired and suitably differentiated electric power, one or more edges of metal products having four or more edges, such as for example billets, blooms, wide plate, metal products or semi-worked products with a square or rectangular cross section, or possible metal or mechanical artefacts.
According to a possible embodiment, the polar extensions are selectively mobile with respect to the through aperture; advantageously, but not restrictively, the mobility of the polar extension is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the transit axis where the metal product transits.
The mobility of the polar extension allows to adapt and optimize the distance of the individual polar extension with respect to the surface of the metal product, so as to adapt the transit space of the through aperture in relation to the specific cross section of the metal product to be treated.
In this way, it is possible to obtain great heating efficiency and safety levels, even if the walls of the metal products on the one hand are not straight and/or on the other hand are not orthogonal with respect to each other.
According to possible embodiments, the magnetic core comprises one or more magnetic sectors between which cooling plates are interposed, each of said magnetic sectors comprising the desired plurality of magnetic sheets.
According to possible variants, the electric coils are cooled by cooling pipes in which a cooling liquid transits.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
- fig. 1 is a perspective view of a heating apparatus according to the present invention;
- fig. 2 is a section view of a heating apparatus according to the present invention;
- figs. 3-6 are four section views that show schematically four configurations of use of a heating apparatus according to the present invention;
- figs. 7-9 are three section views that show schematically three configurations of a possible embodiment of a heating apparatus;
- fig. 10 is a section view of a variant embodiment of a heating apparatus;
- fig. 11 is a section view of a variant embodiment of a heating apparatus in a configuration of use;
- figs. 12 and 13 are two section views of two variant embodiment of a heating apparatus.
To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments described here with reference to the drawings concern a heating apparatus 10 for a metal product 1 1.
By metal product 11 we mean a metal product or semi-worked product such as for example a billet or bloom, melted metal products or semi-worked products with a square or rectangular or polygonal cross section, with one or more edges 12.
According to the invention, the heating apparatus 10 comprises a magnetic core 13 with a through aperture 14 through which the metal product 11 is made to transit.
The magnetic core 13 can comprise a plurality of magnetic sheets 15, overlapping and clamped to each other to form a single body, or a whole consisting of a plurality of magnetic sectors 16, in a known manner.
The magnetic sheets 15 can be made of ferromagnetic material, such as for example iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys thereof or other suitable materials.
The magnetic core 13 can be realized completely, or in part, in one or more magneto-dielectric compact materials, which are not in sheets form.
For example, the magneto-dielectric compact material can comprise ferromagnetic metallic powders included in an insulating matrix.
According to possible embodiments, the magnetic core 13 comprises one or more magnetic sectors 16 between which there are cooling plates 17, each of said magnetic sectors 16 comprising the desired plurality of magnetic sheets 15.
The cooling plates 17 can be the active or passive cooling type, and can also be configured to screen the heating apparatus 10.
The magnetic core 13 has at least four polar extensions 18, disposed at equal angles along the perimeter of the through aperture 14.
In one embodiment, the polar extensions 18 extend for the whole length of the magnetic core 13 so that, when the heating apparatus 10 is functioning, it can heat the whole longitudinal portion of the metal product 1 1 in transit inside the through aperture 14.
According to a possible embodiment, if the through aperture 14 is substantially square, also with possible rounded edges, the polar extensions 18 are disposed on the sides of the square defined by the perimeter of the through aperture 14 and facing toward the inside of the through aperture 14.
For each polar extension 18 it is possible to define an upper end and a lower end. The polar extensions 18 are configured to act between the upper end and the lower end.
The extended action of the polar extensions 18 allows to heat one or more edges 12 along the longitudinal extension of the metal product 1 1.
According to the invention, the polar extensions 18 are located on the same lying plane. The lying plane is defined as the plane where all the upper ends or all the lower ends of the polar extensions 18 lie.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the polar extensions 18 are connected with each other by means of connection portions 19 that are part of the magnetic core 13.
By the term "connected" we mean both that the polar extensions 18 are connected to each other in continuity with the connection portions 19, and also that the polar extensions 18 are connected in functional continuity with the connection portions 19, i.e. the lines of magnetic flow 22 can circulate between them, even if there is a minimum air gap.
According to possible embodiments, the connection portions 19 and the polar extensions 18 are two or more bodies and are connected structurally or functionally with each other to obtain a continuous magnetic flow.
Each polar extension 18 is provided with a corresponding electric coil 20 connected to an independent electric power source 21 able on each occasion to define the polarity (see the direction of the lines of magnetic flow 22) of the respective polar extension 18 and the possible specific feed power.
According to possible embodiments, the polar extensions 18 and the connection portions 19 can constitute a magnetic core 13 in a single body, or in several bodies connected structurally or functionally with each other to obtain a continuous magnetic flow.
This configuration, substantially with no break in continuity in the magnetic connection between the polar extensions 18 and the connection portions 19, allows the lines of magnetic flow 22 to close through the connection portions 19, so as to minimize energy losses.
This allows the magnetic flow 22, generated by one polar extension 18, to close in one or both the polar extensions 18 adjacent to it.
According to possible embodiments, each of the electric coils 20 comprises an electric cable 23 connected to an electric power source 21, said electric cable 23 being wound around one of the polar extensions 18 to form a reel with one or more spirals.
The electric coils 20, which are correlated to a range of frequencies and powers, can all be the same or different depending on the specific and point-by- point requirements of each in relation to the metal products 11 to be treated.
According to a variant, the electric coils 20 can be, or can be made, replaceable.
In the accompanying drawings, the coils are characterized according to the direction of the electric current: "x" indicates an entering electric current and "·" indicates an exiting electric current.
According to possible embodiments, the electric cables 23 can be realized in a tubular form in a conducting material, such as a material having high electro conductivity as copper, and the electric cables 23 are cooled with a cooling liquid made pass through them.
According to possible embodiments, in order to slow down the deterioration of the electric cables 23, these can be located inside respective cooling pipes 24 in which a cooling liquid passes.
The cooling pipes 24, which can have shapes connected with the free spaces around the polar extensions 18, can be fed with a cooling fluid, such as for example water, treated or not, or oil or other fluid that conducts temperature, by means of power outlets 24a connected to one or more power sources.
With reference to figs. 3-6, four possible configurations of use are shown, in which the magnetic field and the corresponding lines of magnetic flow 22 are generated, selectively activating one or more of the electric coils 20. The activation can also concern the power delivered.
Depending on the direction of the electric current, its intensity, its frequency and on which electric coils 20 it passes through, respective electric currents are induced in the metal product 1 1, and in particular in correspondence with its edges 12.
The electric currents induced heat respective areas 25 on each occasion and point-by-point, due to the Joule effect, also in proximity to the edges 12. More particularly, in the drawings the reference number 25 indicates the area of the edges subjected to heating, where the variable size of the dotted circle shows a bigger or smaller area affected due to a bigger or smaller power transferred by the corresponding polar extensions 18 affecting that specific area.
The shape and size of the polar extensions 18 are configured to generate a magnetic field transverse to the direction of advance of the metal product 1 1 in relation to the morphology of the metal product 11.
In one formulation, the polar extensions 18 can have the surfaces from which the lines of magnetic flow 22 exit/enter substantially parallel in pairs, and facing toward the through aperture 14 of the magnetic core 13. According to a variant, one or more polar extensions 18 are shaped according to the physical shape of the metal product 11 to be treated.
According to possible of non-restrictive example embodiments, the surfaces of one or more polar extensions 18 may be shaped wedge, with beveled edges, with a parabolic shape or a hyperbolic shape be it convex or concave.
These conformations effectively allow to direct the magnetic flow towards the metal product 11 by increasing the efficiency in the power transfer from the polar extension 18 to the metal product 11.
According to possible embodiments, one or more polar extensions 18 can comprise a replaceable portion provided of a shaped surface according to the metal product 11 to be treated, said shaped surface being faced, in use, toward the through aperture 14.
According to possible variants, at least one of the polar extensions is conformed in a personalized manner depending on the profile of the metal product 11. In other words, according to possible variants, one or more specific polar extensions 18 can have a surface facing toward the lateral surface of the metal product 11 with a shape mating with said lateral surface.
According to another variant, the personalization is obtained on each occasion with specific additional portions to the polar extension 18 itself, paying attention to the functional continuity.
For example, the specific additions can be portions of polar extension 18 conformed specifically according to the metal product 1 1 to be treated, or the heat treatment to be carried out.
According to another variant, one or more of the polar extensions 18 can be replaced both for maintenance reasons and also for specific reasons of personalization.
In relation to the example configurations, fig. 3 shows the case where only one electric coil 20 is powered, which induces electric currents near two adjacent edges 12.
Fig. 4 shows the case where two adjacent electric coils 20 are powered, with the direction of the electric current opposite each other. In this case, the electric currents induced allow to heat one edge 12 with a greater intensity than the two edges 12 adjacent to it. Fig. 5 shows the case where all the electric coils 20 are powered each with an electric current having an opposite direction to the electric current passing in the electric coils 20 adjacent to it. In this case, the electric currents induced allow to heat all four edges 12.
Fig. 6 shows the case where all the electric coils 20 are powered each with an electric current with the opposite direction to that of the electric current passing in one of the electric coils 20 adjacent to it, and in the same direction as the electric current passing in the other adjacent electric coil 20. In this case, the induced currents allow to heat two opposite edges 12.
According to a possible embodiment, the polar extensions 18 are selectively mobile with respect to the through aperture 14.
According to possible advantageous embodiments, the polar extensions 18 are selectively mobile orthogonally to the through aperture 14, as shown by way of example in figs. 7-11.
According to possible embodiments, the polar extensions 18 can be moved by means of corresponding independent actuators 26, possibly linear, so as to adapt the distance between the specific polar extension 18 and the surface of the metal product 1 1.
This configuration allows to optimize the position of the polar extensions 18 so as to heat the desired edges 12 to a desired depth, at the same time guaranteeing a high performance in the transfer of the heat power.
In fig. 10, the case is shown by way of example in which it is useful and necessary that the electric coil 20 is as close as possible to the surface on which the magnetic flow 22 has to operate.
In this case, the mobile polar extensions 18 also have a seating for the electric coil 20.
According to these embodiments, it is possible to dispose two polar extensions 18 near a specific edge 12 and power one of the two electric coils 20, so as to induce electric currents only in the edge 12 intended to be heated (see fig. 11). It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the heating apparatus 10 as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.
For example, according to possible variants, a containing body 27 can be provided in the through aperture 14, able to contain the metal product 11 during its passage in the heating apparatus 10.
The containing body 27 can be configured to guide the metal product along a defined path.
The containing body 27 can be made of a screening material able to allow the lines of magnetic flow 22 to pass, but not to disperse the heat generated in the metal product 11.
The containing body 27 can also function as a physical barrier to guarantee that the polar extensions 18 do not come into contact with the metal product 11. It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of heating apparatus 10, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claims

1. Heating apparatus for metal products (1 1), able to heat selectively and with the desired heat power one or more edges (12) of said metal product (11) by means of electromagnetic induction, said heating apparatus comprising a magnetic core (13) having a through aperture (14) and at least four polar extensions (18) disposed at equal angles along the perimeter of said through aperture (14), characterized in that said polar extensions (18) are located on the same lying plane and are connected with each other by connection portions (19), each of said polar extensions (18) being provided with a corresponding electric coil (20) connected to an independent electric power source (21) able to define on each occasion at least the polarity, frequency and power delivered by said polar extension (18).
2. Apparatus as in claim 1, characterized in that said polar extensions (18) and said connection portions (19) constitute said magnetic core in a single body.
3. Apparatus as in claim 1, characterized in that said connection portions (19) and said polar extensions (18) are two or more bodies and are connected structurally or functionally with each other to obtain a continuous magnetic flow.
4. Apparatus as in claim 3, characterized in that said polar extensions (18) are selectively mobile with respect to said through aperture (14).
5. Apparatus as in claim 4, characterized in that said polar extensions (18) are selectively mobile orthogonally with respect to said through aperture (14) by means of corresponding independent actuators (26).
6. Apparatus as in any claim from 3 to 5, characterized in that said polar extensions (18) are selectively replaceable.
7. Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that at least one of said polar extensions (18) is conformed in a personalized manner depending on the profile of said metal product (11).
8. Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said magnetic core (13) comprises one or more magnetic sectors (16) between which there are cooling plates (17), each of said magnetic sectors (16) comprising a plurality of magnetic sheets (15).
9. Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that each of said electric coils (20) comprises an electric cable (23) connected to said electric power source (21) and is located inside respective cooling pipes (24) in which a cooling liquid passes.
10. Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that each of said electric coils (20) is replaceable.
EP18705419.2A 2017-02-22 2018-02-22 Heating apparatus for metal products Active EP3586567B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102017000020203A IT201700020203A1 (en) 2017-02-22 2017-02-22 HEATING SYSTEM FOR METAL PRODUCTS
PCT/EP2018/054369 WO2018153976A1 (en) 2017-02-22 2018-02-22 Heating apparatus for metal products

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EP3586567A1 true EP3586567A1 (en) 2020-01-01
EP3586567B1 EP3586567B1 (en) 2021-08-11

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EP (1) EP3586567B1 (en)
KR (1) KR102219105B1 (en)
CN (1) CN110506449B (en)
IT (1) IT201700020203A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2018153976A1 (en)

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KR102659990B1 (en) * 2018-11-08 2024-04-22 엘지전자 주식회사 Induction heating device having improved ferrite core shape
IT201900006433A1 (en) * 2019-04-29 2020-10-29 Rotelec Sa HEATING APPARATUS FOR METALLIC PRODUCTS

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2583249B1 (en) * 1985-06-07 1989-04-28 Siderurgie Fse Inst Rech DEVICE FOR INDUCTIVELY HEATING THE RIVES OF A METALLURGICAL PRODUCT AND VARIABLE GAP INDUCTOR
FR2590434A1 (en) * 1985-11-20 1987-05-22 Siderurgie Fse Inst Rech Inductor and device for inductive reheating of edges of a metallurgical product
FR2661849B1 (en) * 1990-05-10 1995-03-17 Siderurgie Fse Inst Rech METHOD AND DEVICES FOR INDUCTION HEATING OF A METALLURGICAL PRODUCT IN AN ELONGATE SHAPE.
JP2935087B2 (en) * 1993-12-17 1999-08-16 住友重機械工業株式会社 Induction heating device
JP2002299031A (en) * 2001-03-28 2002-10-11 Kobe Steel Ltd High-frequency induction heating coil, high-frequency induction heating device and method of manufacturing welded pipe
JP4942571B2 (en) * 2007-07-11 2012-05-30 三菱電機株式会社 Induction heating device
US10107438B2 (en) * 2011-11-10 2018-10-23 Shawcor Ltd. Apparatus containing multiple sequentially used infrared heating zones for tubular articles
CN203504792U (en) * 2013-04-28 2014-03-26 海尔集团技术研发中心 Coil apparatus preventing electromagnetic leakage
JP6146139B2 (en) * 2013-05-28 2017-06-14 高周波熱錬株式会社 Multistage shaft member heating apparatus, heating method, and heating coil
AU2013407780B2 (en) * 2013-12-13 2017-02-16 Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation Induction heater

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CN110506449A (en) 2019-11-26
EP3586567B1 (en) 2021-08-11
WO2018153976A1 (en) 2018-08-30
KR102219105B1 (en) 2021-02-24
CN110506449B (en) 2022-04-05
KR20190120280A (en) 2019-10-23
IT201700020203A1 (en) 2018-08-22

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