KR20240009932A - Method and apparatus for extracting cemented carbide bodies from components - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for recovering at least one cemented carbide from a component, comprising: first clamping the component in a clamping device; and thereafter simultaneously or periodically heating and vibrating the component to remove the at least one cemented carbide body from the component. Additionally, an apparatus for recovering at least one cemented carbide body from a component having an axial axis, comprising: a vibration device for vibrating the component in a direction perpendicular to the axial axis, wherein the at least one cemented carbide body is positioned along the axial axis; a clamping device for positioning the component to vibrate in a direction perpendicular to it, and at least one heating device for heating the component while simultaneously vibrating the component.

Description

Method and apparatus for extracting cemented carbide bodies from components

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for extracting at least one cemented carbide body from a component, in particular but not limited to extracting at least one spent cemented carbide body from a mining or construction component.

Cemented carbide bodies are widely used in components such as drill tools, cutting tools, mining and machining tools and highly wear-resistant parts. However, if cemented carbide bodies become too worn, they become ineffective and the component is discarded. Since tungsten and cobalt in cemented carbide bodies are both strategic rare metals, there is significant value and environmental benefit in extracting cemented carbide bodies from their components. Cemented carbide scrap is considered an important secondary resource of cobalt and tungsten metals. Therefore, when these components are discarded, they can be collected and processed for recycling to recover the waste cemented carbide, which can then be recycled to produce new components.

Known extraction methods, such as those disclosed in US 4170513, involve using a sulfuric acid bath to remove a portion of the steel surrounding the inserts, followed by heating the component in a furnace and subsequently vibrating the heated component to knock out the inserts. By doing so, the cemented carbide bodies are recovered from the worn components. However, there are some problems with this type of process. Extraction times are long and not all bodies are extracted, meaning that the process needs to be repeated, adding additional processing time and costs or the recovery yield is not as high as desired. A further problem is that heated components need to be moved manually from the furnace to the vibrating device, which is a health and safety hazard.

Therefore, it is desirable to find new methods for extracting cemented carbide bodies from components that are safer, faster, and result in higher extraction yields, where all components can be cleaned in one process and form a heated structure. It does not involve manual handling of elements.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for extracting cemented carbide bodies from components that are safer, faster, more environmentally friendly and have a higher extraction yield, and an apparatus for use in the method.

These objects are achieved, in the first aspect of the present application, by providing a method for recovering at least one cemented carbide body from a component comprising the following steps:

a) First clamping the component in the clamping device, and then

b) Simultaneously or periodically heating and vibrating the component to remove at least one cemented carbide body from the component.

Advantageously, by simultaneously or periodically heating and vibrating the components, it takes a much shorter time for the at least one cemented carbide body to be extracted. Typically, a component will have a plurality of cemented carbide bodies attached and the extraction yield of bodies from the component using this method is much higher, i.e. the output of cemented carbide bodies recovered per hour is increased. An additional advantage of this method is that it does not require manual handling of the heated components, making the recovery process safer. This method works by locally heating the component in the area where heating is needed for extraction of the cemented carbide bodies, thus reducing the energy input required compared to preheating the entire component in a furnace before vibrating the component. Additionally, this method is safer and requires less manpower.

In one embodiment, induction heating is used to heat the component. Advantageously, induction heating allows heating to be directed to specific area(s) of the component to which the cemented carbide bodies are attached. Therefore, it minimizes the required energy input and makes this an energy-efficient process.

Alternatively, flame heating is used to heat the component. Advantageously, flame heating is a very simple and inexpensive heating method to use.

In one embodiment, in step b) the component is heated to a temperature between 600 and 1000°C. The temperature is preferably between 700 and 900°C. Advantageously, this temperature range allows the most efficient extraction of the cemented carbide inserts from the component without completely melting the steel of the component or using unnecessarily high energy. The temperature at which a component is heated can be measured using an IR gun, for example. Different components may require different temperatures. Preferably, the component is heated to the lowest possible temperature.

In one embodiment, between steps a) and b), there is an additional step in which the component is preheated before heating and vibrating the component are carried out simultaneously. Advantageously, the addition of preheating reduces the overall recovery time. Preferably, the preheating temperature is between 600 and 1000°C, and more preferably between 700 and 900°C.

In one embodiment, induction heating is used to preheat the component. Advantageously, induction heating allows heating to be directed to specific area(s) of the component to which the cemented carbide bodies are attached. Therefore, it minimizes the required energy input and makes this an energy-efficient process.

Alternatively, flame heating is used to preheat the component. Advantageously, flame heating is a very simple and inexpensive heating method to use.

Alternatively, furnace heating is used to preheat the component.

In one embodiment, the vibration of the component is controlled by compressed air. Advantageously, this directs more forces to the cemented carbide bodies, which therefore means that they are recovered from the component in the most time and energy efficient manner.

Alternatively, the vibration of the component is controlled by an electric motor or any other suitable means.

In one embodiment, the component is rotated radially and/or axially during step b). Therefore, the component heats and vibrates and rotates simultaneously. This can be particularly advantageous when the component includes cemented carbide bodies that protrude in multiple directions, for example in the case of a rotary cone.

According to a second aspect of the present application, there is an alternative method for recovering at least one cemented carbide body from a component that achieves the objectives described above comprising the following steps:

a) first, clamping the component in a clamping device,

b) secondly, heating the at least one cemented carbide body using induction heating, and thereafter

c) Third, vibrating the component to remove at least one cemented carbide body from the component.

Advantageously, induction heating allows heating to be directed to specific area(s) of the component to which the cemented carbide bodies are attached. Therefore, it minimizes the required energy input and makes this a more environmentally friendly, safer, energy and time efficient process.

In one embodiment, in step b) the component is heated to a temperature between 600 and 1000°C. The temperature is preferably between 700 and 900°C. In one embodiment, the vibration of the component is controlled by compressed air. In one embodiment, the component is rotated radially and/or axially during step b).

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus for recovering at least one cemented carbide from a component having an axial axis, the apparatus comprising:

a vibration device for vibrating the component in a direction having an angle of less than 30° with respect to the axial axis; A clamping device for positioning the components so that the cemented carbide bodies vibrate in a direction having an angle of less than 30° with respect to the axial axis; and at least one heating device for heating the component while simultaneously vibrating the component.

Advantageously, this device allows the component to be vibrated and heated simultaneously. This setting also means that the component is limited to vibrate and move only in the most advantageous direction, for example vertically or with an angle of less than 30°.

In one embodiment, the clamping device includes a plate with a drop-shaped opening; Advantageously, this allows a wide range of component sizes and geometries to be maintained using the same clamping device. The design of the clamping device minimizes movement of the component relative to the clamping device. Furthermore, such a clamping device allows the central point of the component relative to the heater to remain relatively unchanged even if components of different sizes are clamped, which advantageously allows the heating device to remain relatively unchanged when components of different sizes are processed. It does not need to be repositioned, which means saving processing time.

In one embodiment, the clamping device includes a threaded component. Advantageously, this provides secure clamping to keep the component in the required position.

In one embodiment, the vibration device is a compressed air controlled vibration device. Advantageously, this directs more forces to the cemented carbide bodies, which therefore means that they are recovered from the component in the most time and energy efficient manner.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises a vertical block and at least one guide rod positioned between the vibration device and the clamping device. Advantageously, this allows the vibrations to be directed in a direction perpendicular to the axial axis.

In one embodiment, the heating device is an induction heater, otherwise known as a radio frequency heater. Advantageously, the induction heating device can be positioned at the desired location to locally heat the component at the correct location to remove the cemented carbide bodies in the most time and energy efficient manner. Additionally, induction heating devices do not diffuse any heat into the vibrating device, and all of the heat can be directed to the component.

Specific implementations of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and by way of example only.
1 is a schematic diagram of the device.
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the clamping device.

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device (8) for recovering at least one cemented carbide body (2) from a component (4) with an axial axis (40). The device (8) is configured in any direction of rotation, more preferably perpendicular to the axial axis (40) with an angle of less than 30°, preferably less than 20°, relative to the axial axis (40). a vibration device (10) for vibrating the element (4); At least one cemented carbide body ( 2) a clamping device (6), otherwise known as a fixture, for positioning the component (4) so that it vibrates; and at least one heating device (12) for heating the component (4) simultaneously or periodically while vibrating the component (4). The clamping device 6 is typically made of steel and is fixed to the frame 36 and is suitable for clamping cold or preheated components 4. The clamping device 6 can also be movable, so that the component 4 can be rotated as required, and the rotation can be controlled using a programmable rotator.

Preferably, the vibration device 10 is a compressed air controlled vibration device 10 . The pressure and flow rate of compressed air can be controlled to optimize the vibration so that the energy is directed to the removal of the at least one cemented carbide body 2. Preferably, PLC controlled valves are used to optimize vibration. Alternatively, vibration device 10 may be controlled using an electric motor or through any other suitable means. Alternatively, vibration device 10 is an electric motor or any other suitable vibration device.

The cleaning process for extracting the inserts takes place by vibrating the clamping device 6 and the component 4 with an oscillatory movement controlled in force and speed by the vibration device 10 in a steered and controlled pulsed process.

Preferably, the vibration device 10 is attached to the clamping device 6 so that vibration of the component 4 takes place via the clamping device 6 . Alternatively, the vibration device 10 may be connected directly to the component 4 such that vibration of the component 4 is effected directly on the component 4 .

Optionally, there is at least one vertical block 26 and at least one guide rod 28 positioned between the vibration device 10 and the clamping device 6 . Typically, the vertical blocks are made of steel or aluminum, but may be made of any other suitable material capable of directing vibration in a desired direction.

Optionally, a damping element 38, such as a disc spring or rubber damper, may be positioned axially between the vibration device 10 and the at least one vertical block 26 to reduce the impact of vibrations on the frame 36. there is.

Preferably, the heating device 12 is an induction heater, otherwise known as a high-frequency heater. Induction heating is the process of heating a conductive object by electromagnetic induction, through heat generated in the object by eddy currents. An induction heater consists of an electromagnet and an electronic oscillator that passes a high-frequency alternating current (AC) through the electromagnet. A rapidly alternating magnetic field penetrates an object and creates currents called eddy currents inside the conductor. Eddy currents flowing through the resistance of the material heat the material by Joule heating.

The heating device 12 is movable in both vertical and horizontal directions, either manually or automatically.

Induction heaters typically have circular or U-shaped coils, but the coils may be molded into any other suitable shape or size to suit the geometry of the component 4 being processed. Typically, induction heaters include a single coil, but multiple coils may also be used. Heating device 12 is preferably held in place using a heating device holder 14. The heating device holder 14 allows positioning the heating device 12 in a precise position with respect to the component 4 such that an optimal distance between the heating device 12 and the component 4 is achieved, i.e. short circuiting is avoided. It can be moved manually or automatically as close as possible to achieve the most efficient heating without generating heat. Alternatively, the heating device 12 can be held in place by hand.

Alternatively, the heating device 12 may be a flame heater that can be positioned by hand or using a heating device holder 14. For example, acetylene and compressed air flame heaters can be used, these types of flame heaters produce a flame hot enough to sufficiently heat component 4 to the required temperature, but the Any other type of flame heater may be used, although it may not be hot enough to melt the steel, making extraction of the cemented carbide (2) inserts more difficult. Alternatively, a combination of induction heating and flame heating may be used.

A safety cage (not shown) can be installed to guide the at least one hot extracted cemented carbide body 2 down into a funnel (not shown) and into a collection box (not shown) which can be insulated.

Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the clamping device 6, comprising: a plate 16 with a drop-shaped opening 18; comprising a threaded component (42), in this case a nut (20) welded on a plate (16) to receive the fastening bolt (22); The tightening bolt 22 includes a hardened center pin 24 for pressing into the component to hold it securely in place. The hardened center pin (24) is free to rotate around when a force from the tightening bolt (22) is applied. Alternative designs for the threaded component 42 or any other suitable non-threaded clamping device 6, for example a lever-type device, may also be used.

It is desirable for heat input into the clamping device 6 to be kept to a minimum. Accordingly, the clamping device 6 may be water-cooled.

The method for recovering at least one cemented carbide body (2) from a component (4) comprises the steps of: a) clamping the component (4) in a clamping device (6). and then b) simultaneously or periodically heating and vibrating the component (4) to remove at least one cemented carbide body (2) from the component (4).

In one embodiment, heating and vibration can be done simultaneously. In other embodiments, heating and vibration can be done simultaneously. Periodically means that the component 4 is first heated to a target temperature range specific to the component 4 and then the heating is paused and immediately thereafter or quickly thereafter, for example for less than one minute, vibrations occur. This means that the heating is started, then the vibration is paused, and immediately afterwards or quickly thereafter, for example in less than one minute, the heating is heated again and the cycle is repeated until all the cemented carbide bodies (2) have been recovered. . Alternatively, a combination of simultaneous and periodic heating and vibration may be used. The at least one carbide body (2) may be, but is not limited to, a mining insert, cutting pick or blade shaped carbide unit, and may be any other carbide body (2) attached to the component (4). You can.

Components (4) are typically mining or construction components, for example top hammer drill bits or legs, down-the-hole (DTH) drill bits or legs, cone bits, cutting picks, raise boring shells. shell), a rotary drill cone or leg, a horizontal directional drill (HDD) bit or leg, or a reamer block leg, but may also be any other component (4) to which at least one cemented carbide body (2) is attached. Component 4 is typically made of steel, and once all cemented carbide bodies 2 are removed, the steel from component 4 can also be recycled.

The recovery method can be used for components (4) in which at least one cemented carbide insert (2) has been pressed or brazed in place or held in any other way.

Typically, this recovery process will be used to recover at least one cemented carbide body (2) from used components (4), in which case these are typically referred to as blunt components (4). However, if necessary, this method can also be used to remove at least one cemented carbide body (2) from a new, unused component (4).

The component 4 is oscillated in a direction perpendicular to the axial axis 40 and the component is clamped in position with the cemented carbide bodies 2 facing downward. Components (2) in which the cemented carbide bodies (2) are located in multiple directions, for example in the case of a rotary or HDD cone, such that all the cemented carbide bodies (2) are at some point located downwards (4). ) may need to be rotated.

Typically, in step b), component 4 is heated to a temperature between 600 and 1000° C., more preferably between 700 and 900° C. The component (4) can continue to be heated until all of the cemented carbide bodies (2) have been recovered.

The relative position of the component (4) with respect to the heating device (12) allows heating different areas of the component (4) as needed to optimize the rate of recovery of the at least one cemented carbide body (2) from the component (4). This may change during operation. When induction heating is used, the coil should be placed as close to the component (4) as possible to achieve the most efficient heating, so that minimal heat input is required with the fastest extraction time, but not so close that contact will be made and shorted. not. The size and shape of the coil should be selected to maximize heating efficiency.

Programmable rotation devices can be used so that the rotation can be pre-programmed to perform to suit the geometry of the particular component being processed.

Optionally, between steps a) and steps b), there is an additional step in which component (4) is preheated. If a preheating step is included, this can be carried out with the cemented carbide bodies 2 facing downward or upward, i.e. in the same position as in step b), or reversed. The preheating step is preferably carried out using induction heating, but can also be carried out using flame heating or in a furnace. If necessary, it is also possible to use a combination of induction heating, flame heating and furnace heating for preheating. If preheating is used, component 4 will typically be heated to 600 to 1000° C., preferably 700 to 900° C.

The recovered at least one cemented carbide body 2 may then be collected and allowed to fall into a collection box (not shown), where they are left to cool. Once all cemented carbide bodies 2 have been removed, the component 4 is moved to the release position, from which the component 4 is dropped to cool.

Alternatively, the method for recovering at least one cemented carbide body (2) from the component (4) includes: first, clamping the component in a clamping device (6); Second, heating the at least one cemented carbide body (2) using induction heating; and then thirdly, vibrating the component (4) to remove at least one cemented carbide body (2) from the component (4).

It is also possible with any of the methods described herein to set up the device 8 so that at least one cemented carbide body 4 can be removed from multiple components 4 simultaneously. For example, a plurality of components 4 can be fixed to the plate, for example by welding, in order to process them all at once.

Claims (15)

A method for recovering at least one cemented carbide body (2) from a component (4), comprising:
a) first clamping the component in the clamping device (6), and then
b) simultaneously or periodically heating and vibrating the component (4) to remove the at least one cemented carbide body (2) from the component (4)
A method for recovering at least one cemented carbide body from a component, comprising a. According to claim 1,
A method for recovering at least one cemented carbide body from a component, wherein induction heating is used to heat the component (4). According to claim 1,
A method for recovering at least one cemented carbide body from a component, wherein flame heating is used to heat the component (4). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A method for recovering at least one cemented carbide body from a component, wherein in step b) the component (4) is heated to a temperature between 600 and 1000° C. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Between steps a) and steps b), there is an additional step of preheating the component (4) before simultaneous heating and vibration of the component is carried out. According to claim 5,
A method for recovering at least one cemented carbide body from a component, wherein induction heating is used to preheat the component (4). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A method for recovering at least one cemented carbide body from a component, wherein the vibration of the component (4) is controlled by compressed air. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Method for recovering at least one cemented carbide body from a component, wherein the component (4) is rotated radially and/or axially during step b). A method for recovering at least one cemented carbide body (2) from a component (4), comprising:
a) first, clamping the component in a clamping device (6),
b) secondly, heating said at least one cemented carbide body (2) using induction heating, and thereafter
c) Thirdly, vibrating the component (4) to remove the at least one cemented carbide body (2) from the component (4).
A method for recovering at least one cemented carbide body from a component, comprising a. A device (8) for recovering at least one cemented carbide body (2) from a component (4) having an axial axis (40), comprising:
A vibration device (10) for vibrating the component (4) in a direction having an angle of less than 30° relative to the axial axis (40),
A clamping device (6) for positioning the component (4) such that the at least one cemented carbide body (2) is vibrated in a direction having an angle of less than 30° with respect to the axial axis (40),
At least one heating device (12) for heating the component (4) while simultaneously vibrating the component (4)
Device (8), including. According to claim 11,
The clamping device 14 is,
Device (8) comprising a plate (16) with a drop-shaped opening (18). The method of claim 10 or 11,
Apparatus (8), wherein the clamping device comprises a threaded component (42). The method of claim 11 or 12,
Apparatus (8), wherein the vibration device (10) is a compressed air controlled vibration device. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13,
Device (8) further comprising a vertical block (26) and at least one guide rod (28) positioned between the vibration device (10) and the clamping device (6). The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14,
Apparatus (8), wherein the heating device (12) is an induction heater.

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