GB1598220A - Automatic coke oven machinery positioning system - Google Patents
Automatic coke oven machinery positioning system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB1598220A GB1598220A GB1895278A GB1895278A GB1598220A GB 1598220 A GB1598220 A GB 1598220A GB 1895278 A GB1895278 A GB 1895278A GB 1895278 A GB1895278 A GB 1895278A GB 1598220 A GB1598220 A GB 1598220A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- target
- oven
- central processing
- processing unit
- control unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10B—DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION OF CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS FOR PRODUCTION OF GAS, COKE, TAR, OR SIMILAR MATERIALS
- C10B41/00—Safety devices, e.g. signalling or controlling devices for use in the discharge of coke
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Coke Industry (AREA)
- Control Of Position Or Direction (AREA)
Description
(54) IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO AN AUTOMATIC
COKE OVEN MACHINERY POSITIONING SYSTEM
(71) We. KOPPERS COMPANY, INC., a
Corporation organised under the laws of the
State of Delaware, U.S.A., of Koppers Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, United
States of America. do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:
This invention relates to a system for automatically positioning machinery, in particular the machinery associated with a coke oven battery.
According to the invention there is provided an automatic coke oven machinery positioning system including a target on a fixed member and a target viewer on a moveable member, said moveable member being commanded by instructions emitted from a co-ordinating unit which acts in response to information received from an information input terminal, the co-ordinating unit including a central processing unit capable of assessing and comparing data from various parts of the co-ordinating unit; an information storage and retrieval unit connected to the central processing unit via an input/output interface for transferring reference data to the central processing unit; a first control unit adapted to direct the target viewer on command from the central proccssing unit and adapted to store information relating to target images; a second control unit adapted to direct movement of the moveable member on command from the central processing unit; and an electrical signal terminal capable of emitting a signal on movement of the moveable member for assessment by the central processing unit, and said moveable member being directed by commands from the central processing unit so that alignment of the moveable member with the fixed member is achieved when said target viewer perceives an image of the target which directly corresponds with a reference target image selected by the first control unit.
According to the invention there is also provided a method of automatically positioning an automatic coke oven machinery positioning system including a target on a fixed member and a target viewer on a moveable member which includes the steps of relaying operational data related to a selected target from an information input terminal to a central processing unit for assessment and conversion into command signals; commanding a first control unit to locate a reference image of a selected target; commanding a second control unit to direct the moveable member to move until further commanded by the central processing unit; monitoring the position and velocity of the moveable member as it approaches the selected target; commanding the second control unit to reduce the velocity of the moveable member when a predetermined distance from the selected target; commanding the target viewer to take over sensing of the approach of the moveable member to the selected target; commanding the second control unit to further reduce the velocity of the moveable member; monitoring the rate of approach of the target viewer to the selected target; commanding the second control unit to reduce the velocity of the moveable member to zero when the target perceived by the target viewer is aligned with the image retained in the first control unit; and verifying that the moveable member has been aligned with the correct target selected in the operational data.
The invention will now be described by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I is a diagrammatic illustration of a system for automatically positioning and spotting coke oven machinery, in particular related to a pusher machine,
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a sequence in the operation and of the system as shown, in Figure 1.
In Figure 1, each oven 10 of a coke oven battery 12 has associated therewith, on a door jamb thereof. a target (not shown).
Each target includes an arrangement of a plurality of spaced-apart parallel bars arranged in a distinct pattern. Each target is unique in its pattern such that each oven 10 can be distinguished.
A target viewer 14 in the form of a digital line camera capable of distinguishing between targets is mounted on a moveable portion of the machinery such that a view of the target is accessible to the sensing means of the viewer 14. The optical system of the camera has a field of view greater than the dimensions of any of the targets such that the field of view encompasses a view of the target and the doorjamb on each side of the door of the associated oven 10.
The target viewer 14 is connected to a control unit 16 which is adapted to store information relating to each target, and to align the target viewer 14 with a required target on response to a command signal. The control unit 16 is electrically connected to an input/output interface 18. The interface 18 is in turn connected to a central processing unit 20 which is capable of co-ordinating the actions of the system. The central processing unit 20 uses digital numbers as a language.
In order to present information to the unit 20 an information input terminal 22 is provided in the form of an operator console having a cathode ray tube display unit with a keyboard, the cathode ray tube display unit presenting an array of monitoring information to the operator.
It should be appreciated that the information input terminal 22 can be a remote computer thus availing the system of total automation.
The moveable portion of the coke oven pusher machine is propelled, i.e. moved, along track 23 (Fig. 2) by a conventional direct current traction motor 24 connected to a motor drive control unit 26 which includes a reference level comparator which operates as part of the interface 18.
The motor drive control unit 26 is also connected to a transfer switch 28 which is capable of allowing the motor drive control unit 26 to operate on command from the central processing unit 20 or from a manually operated console 30 providing the system with a manual override and check facility.
Also connected into the system is an information storage and retrieval unit 32 in the form of a tape drive utilising magnetic tape which acts in conjunction with the central processing unit 20.
It should be appreciated that the information storage and retrieval unit can also be for example a disc drive unit or a paper tape punch unit.
In order to provide the system with an electrical input signal there is provided an electrical signal terminal 34 in the form of a pulse tachometer driven by an idler wheel included in the motor drive control unit 26.
In this arrangement of the invention the electrical signal terminal emitts a digital signal train of pulses.
In order for operation of the system to succeed, a reference programme must first be presented to the central processing unit 20 via the information storage and retrieval unit 32, such that the central processing unit can co-ordinate the later actions of the system.
The reference programme includes information relating to an arbitrary fixed zero reference point and an address point for each oven 10.
The zero reference point is established such that when the moveable portion of the pusher machine is propelled along the tracks 23 the electrical signal terminal 34 emits a signal train of pulses which are transmitted to the central processing unit 20 where they are counted both in absolute terms and in relation to time. Also the polarity of the pulses emitted is assessed. From this information the central processing unit can establish from the polarity of the pulses which direction the pusher machine is being propelled in, and from the number of pulses emitted what the distance of the pusher machine is from the reference zero point.
Thus the central processing unit can establish at anytime the position of the moveable portion of the machinery in relation to the reference zero point.
The address point of each oven 10 is related to the reference zero point in terms of directional distance by the signal train of pulses emitted from the terminal 34. Thus the central processing unit 20 can also establish the directional distance that the pusher machine is from a particular oven and so direct the machinery along the track 23 to a particular oven 10.
Operation of a sequence in the operation of the system is initiated by an operator at the information input terminal 22. The operator feeds into the termal 22 the address point of the particular oven to whence the pusher machine is required to proceed. The operator checking the accuracy of the input on the cathode ray tube display unit before releasing the instructions to the central processing unit 20.
Once the operator's instructions are released into the unit 20, by use of feedback of information relating to the reference programme from the information storage and retrieval unit 32, the unit 20 establishes where the pusher machine is and the distance and direction it should move to arrive at the particular oven selected by the operator.
The unit 20 then assesses the information necessary to carry out the operators instructions and issues a series of command signals relating thereto.
A command signal in the series is then transmitted to the control unit 16 which responds by selecting the required target reference image in its memory relating to the address point of the particular oven 10, the particular target reference image being represented by a distinct electrical signal array.
Once the control unit 16 has established the correct target reference image it directs the target viewer 14 to search for the target which corresponds to the particular target reference image.
Another command signal in the series is transmitted to the motor drive control unit 26 via the reference level comparator in the input/output interface 18. The reference level comparator acts to produce a signal command chain for the motor drive control unit to operate on.
The reference level comparator directs the motor drive control unit 26 to apply full power of the correct polarity to the traction motor 24 so as to overcome static inertia.
Once the pusher machine is moving the motor drive control unit 26 reports this information to the reference level comparator which then directs the motor drive control unit to maintain a given current to the traction motor 24 thereby maintaining the velocity of the machinery constant.
When the pusher machine is moving the electrical signal terminal 34, under direction from the central processing unit 20, transmits a signal train of directionally distinguishable pulses to the central processing unit 20 thereby allowing the central processing unit 20 to co-ordinate and establish by comparison with feedback from the reference programme stored in the information storage and retrieval unit the location of the pusher machine and the velocity at which it is approaching the address point of the particular oven.
When the pusher machine approaches a predetermined distance from the address point, the unit 20 issues a command signal to the motor drive control unit 26 via the reference level comparator to reduce the velocity of the machine, in response to information received from the signal terminal 34. The reference level comparator reacts by directing a reduction in the current supplied to the traction motor 24. When the desired velocity has been reached, the reference level comparator reports the information back to the central processing unit 20 which responds by commanding the target viewer 14 to take over the sensing of the approach of the pusher machine to the address point, thereby relegating the electrical signal terminal to a purely monitoring function.
During movement of the pusher machine along the tracks 23 the target viewer 14 has been searching by viewing each target in an in line manner for the instructed target which relates to the target reference image stored within the control unit 16.
When the target viewer 14 finds the target identical to the target reference image, a signal is sent from the target viewer 14 to the control unit 16. The control unit 16 then transmits this information to the central processing unit 20. The unit 20 then establishes by comparison of the reference programme and the operators instructions that the target viewer 14 is viewing the correct target. Once the information is verified then the central processing unit commands the motor drive control unit 26 via the reference level comparator to further reduce the velocity of the machinery. The reference level comparator responds by directing the motor drive control unit 26 to further reduce the current applied to the traction motor 24.
Braking means can also be used as a means of reducing the velocity of the pusher machine these being actuated by direction from the reference level comparator. Information relating to the velocity of the pusher machine is then transferred by the reference level comparator to the central processing unit 20 such that by comparison of the information received with feedback from the information storage and retrieval unit 32, the central processing unit can command that the supply of current to the traction motor 24 be stopped thereby stopping movement of the pusher machine because the machinery has reached the selected address point.
Whilst the pusher machine has been moving at the further reduced velocity, the sensing means of the target viewer 14 has been perceiving the selected target in an in line manner first as a distant object and then as a plurality of spaced-apart parallel bars. A picture in terms of electrical signals of what the target viewer 14 is perceiving is relayed to the central processing unit 20 via the control unit 16. The central processing unit 20 thereby at this stage acting as a control link between the respective control units 16 and 26.
The rate of approach of the machinery to the position in which the target reference image stored in the control unit 16 coincides with the image of the target viewed by the target viewer 14 is transmitted to the central processing unit 20 via the reference level comparator which again responds by directing the motor drive control unit 26 to control the amount of current supplied to the traction motor 24.
At the address point determined by the central unit 20, in comparison with the operators instruction and reference programme, the unit 20 commands the motor drive control unit 26 via the reference level comparator that the velocity of the pusher machine should be zero. The reference level comparator responds by directing the motor drive control unit 26 to cut the supply of comment to the traction motor 24 thereby spotting the pusher machine at the correct oven.
Also at the address point the target viewed by the target viewer 14 will be superimposed with the target reference image, thereby aligning the pusher machine with the correct oven.
Once the address point has been reached information to this effect is relayed to the central processing unit 20 which verifies the information and if found to be correct will then command locking means to be applied so as to hold the machinery in alignment with the oven.
It should be appreciated that once the pusher machine is positioned at the correct oven, and once the central processing unit 20 has verified the information, it will command via the input/output interface 18 that the push sequence of the operation be initiated.
Once the push sequence has been initiated coke will be transferred from the oven to an awaiting larry car.
If, the pusher machine overshoots the correct oven, the target perceived by the target viewer 14 will not superimpose on the target reference image stored in the control unit 16. The information being relayed to the central processing unit 20 such that the central processing unit can command the movement of the traction motor 24 via the referenoe level comparator in the input/output interface 18. Hence, allowing the alignment of the target reference image with the target perceived by the target viewer 14.
It should also be appreciated that when the central processing unit 20 is operating as a control link between the control units 16 and 26, the transfer switch 28 can be actuated and control taken over by an operator at the manually operated console 30.
With reference to Figure 2 of the drawings it is to be assumed that the pusher machine 40 has completed its operation in relation to its last push and is now ready to travel from oven 50 of the coke oven battery 12 to the next oven 60 to be pushed.
The operator at the information input terminal feeds in the address point of the oven 60 and releases the information to the central processing unit. The pusher machine is then activated, as described in preceding paragraphs in relation to moveable machinery, and proceeds after an initial acceleration at a constant velocity from a point 0 to a point XrY, where its velocity is reduced.
After the pusher machine 40 has reached XrnYi, the target viewer receives the command to take over sensing the target associated with the oven 60. As described earlier a further reduction in the velocity of the pusher machine 40 will then take place as shown at point XY2. The control of the velocity of the pusher machine 40 is then control linked by the central processing unit between the target viewer and the traction motor associated with the pusher machine 40, the rate of approach between the target viewer and the target on the oven 60 being monitored by the central processing unit.
At the address point X, of the oven 60 determined by the central processing unit in comparison with the reference programme and the operators instructions the velocity of the pusher machine 40 should be zero i.e.
the pusher machine 40 should be spotted at the oven 60. In addition the target of the oven 60 viewed by the target viewer at the address point X, will be superimposed with the target image contained in the control unit associated with the target viewer i.e. the pusher machine 40 is aligned with the oven 60.
The co-ordinates X, relate to the reference programme of the system and the co-ordinates Y1, Y2 relate to the instructions entered by the operator at the information input terminal.
It should be noted that as each time the pusher machine 40 moves, it follows the same sequence of events, the initial X, can become the new reference zero point. Hence the operator at the information input terminal or a remote computer can instruct the central processing unit to co-ordinate the system to operate on a given sequence of ovens to be pushed.
It should be appreciated that the movement of the pusher machine is only one in a sequence of events in the operation of a coke oven battery under the control of an operator and a co-ordinating unit. Other sequences include the opening of the oven doors of a selected oven prior to the spotting of the pusher machine; cleaning of the oven doors; positioning of a larry car to receive coke from the selected oven; pushing the coke; and transferring the coke first to the larry car then to a coke wharf.
It should be further appreciated that ål- though the foregoing description is directed mainly to the operation of a pusher machine the system according to the invention is equally well suited to the operation of, for example, a larry car, door machine, coke guide, coke quenching car and other auxiliary apparatus associated with a coke oven battery.
WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. An automatic coke oven machinery
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.
Claims (16)
1. An automatic coke oven machinery
positioning system including a target on a fixed member and a target viewer on a moveable member, said moveable member being commanded by instructions emitted from a co-ordinating unit which acts in response to information received from an information input terminal. the co-ordinating unit including a central processing unit capable of assessing and comparing data from various parts of the co-ordinating unit; an information storage and retrieval unit connected to the central processing unit via an input/output interface for transferring reference data to the central processing unit; a first control unit adapted to direct the target viewer on command from the central processing unit and adapted to store information relating to target images; a second control unit adapted to direct movement of the moveable member on command from the central processing unit; and an electrical signal terminal capable of emitting a signal on movement of the moveable member for assessment by the central processing unit, and said moveable member being directed by commands from the central processing unit so that alignment of the moveable member with the fixed member is achieved when said target viewer perceives an image of the target which directly corresponds with a reference target image selected by the first control unit.
2. An automatic coke oven machinery positioning system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the input/output interface includes a reference level comparator adapted to respond to information and to relate commands between the central processing unit and the second control unit.
3. An automatic coke oven machinery positioning system as claimed in Claim I and 2 wherein the second control unit is connected to a propulsion means which moves the moveable member on command from the central processing unit.
4. An automatic coke oven machinery positioning system as claimed in Claims 1 to 3 wherein the co-ordinating unit further includes a transfer switch which is capable of transferring commands for action by the second control unit to a manually operated console.
5. An automatic coke oven machinery positioning system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the information input terminal includes an operator console.
6. An automatic coke oven machinery positioning system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the information input terminal in clue. a remote computer.
7. An automatic coke oven machinery positioning system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein locking means are provided to hold the moveable member in alignment with the fixed member.
8. An automatic coke oven machinery positioning system wherein the or each target includes a unique pattern of a plurality of spaced-apart parallel bars.
9. An automatic coke oven machinery positioning system substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.
10. A method of automatically positioning an automatic coke oven machinery positioning system including a target on a fixed member and a target viewer on a moveable member which includes the steps of relaying operational data related to a selected target from an information input terminal to a central processing unit for assessment and conversion into command signals; commanding a first control unit to locate a reference image of a selected target; commanding a second control unit to direct the moveable member to move until further commanded by the central processing unit; monitoring the position and velocity of the moveable member as it approaches the selected target; commanding the second control unit to reduce the velocity of the moveable member when a predetermined distance from the selected target; commanding the target viewer to take over sensing of the approach of the moveable member to the selected target; commanding the second control unit to further reduce the velocity of the moveable member; monitoring the rate of approach of the target viewer to the selected target; commanding the second control unit to reduce the velocity of the moveable member to zero when the target perceived by the target viewer is aligned with the image retained in the first control unit; and verifying that the moveable member has been aligned with the correct target selected in the operational data.
11. A method of automatically positioning an automatic coke oven machinery positioning system as claimed in Claim 10 which further includes the step of applying locking means to hold the moveable member in alignment with the fixed member.
12. A method of automatically positioning an automatic coke oven machinery positioning system as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the operational data is relayed into the information input terminal by a human operator.
13. A method of automatically positioning an automatic coke oven machinery positioning system as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the operational data is relayed to the central processing unit by a remote computer which is included in the information input terminal.
14. A method of automatically positioning an automatic coke oven machinery positioning system as claimed in Claim 10 wherein commands for action by the second control unit are transferred via a transfer switch from a manually operated unit.
15. A method of automatically positioning an automatic coke oven machinery positioning system as claimed in Claims 12 or 13 wherein the operational data includes commands for sequentially directing the movement of the moveable member from a first selected target to other selected targets once it has completed a sequence of events relating to the first selected target.
16. A method of automatically positioning an automatic coke oven machinery positioning system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US80074077A | 1977-05-26 | 1977-05-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB1598220A true GB1598220A (en) | 1981-09-16 |
Family
ID=25179233
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1895278A Expired GB1598220A (en) | 1977-05-26 | 1978-05-11 | Automatic coke oven machinery positioning system |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| FR (1) | FR2392102A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1598220A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2176285A (en) * | 1983-05-24 | 1986-12-17 | Rieter Ag Maschf | Automat location system |
| GB2186102A (en) * | 1986-07-16 | 1987-08-05 | Rieter Ag Maschf | Control system for operating station service device |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2486091A1 (en) * | 1980-07-01 | 1982-01-08 | Halberthal | Remote automatic control of coke oven battery by computer - where oven discharger wagon, chute wagon, and coke collection wagon have detectors for magnetic identification plates on ovens |
| GB2121982B (en) * | 1982-03-26 | 1986-05-21 | Sumikin Coke Co Ltd | Automatic control system for operation of cokery machinery |
| DE3402690A1 (en) * | 1984-01-26 | 1985-08-01 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | ARRANGEMENT FOR THE FINE POSITIONING OF COOKING MACHINES |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1116122A (en) * | 1964-11-24 | 1968-06-06 | Ass Elect Ind | Improvements in or relating to the operation of coke ovens |
| NL7009106A (en) * | 1969-06-27 | 1970-12-29 | ||
| NL162958C (en) * | 1972-05-30 | 1980-07-15 | Hoogovens Ijmuiden Bv | METHOD FOR OPERATING A COCES FACTORY |
-
1978
- 1978-05-10 FR FR7813901A patent/FR2392102A1/en active Granted
- 1978-05-11 GB GB1895278A patent/GB1598220A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2176285A (en) * | 1983-05-24 | 1986-12-17 | Rieter Ag Maschf | Automat location system |
| GB2186102A (en) * | 1986-07-16 | 1987-08-05 | Rieter Ag Maschf | Control system for operating station service device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| FR2392102A1 (en) | 1978-12-22 |
| FR2392102B1 (en) | 1980-07-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS | Patent sealed | ||
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |