US3800852A

US3800852A - Cooling device for a continuous casting machine

Info

Publication number: US3800852A
Application number: US00128792A
Authority: US
Inventors: I Properzi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-04-09
Filing date: 1971-03-29
Publication date: 1974-04-02
Anticipated expiration: 1991-04-02
Also published as: AT319500B; FR2085950A1; DE2116844A1; CH539475A; NL7104204A; SU414773A3; BE765489A; SE359040B; FR2085950B1; CA951487A; GB1336395A

Abstract

A cooling device for a continuous casting machine comprising a number of nozzles placed in a row one after another in a given arc of a circle near a border of a belt partially wound around a casting drum. The nozzles impinging a substantially continuous cooling liquid blade onto the belt in a direction transverse to the belt through a gap extending along a length of the belt and formed between said belt and an arcuated body placed near said belt. Deflection means are also provided to return drainage to a collector. The formed liquid blade or lamina licking the belt improves remarkably the cooling efficiency and the operation conditions.

Description

United States Patent 1 Properzi Apr. 2, 1974 COOLING DEVICE FOR A CONTINUOUS CASTING MACHINE [76] Inventor: Ilario Properzi, Via Vittor pisani-8,

Milan, Italy [22] Filed: Mar. 29, 1971 [21] Appl. N0.: 128,792

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Apr. 9, 1970 Italy 23100/70 [52] US. Cl. 164/278, 164/283 [51] Int. Cl 822d 11/06 [58] Field of Search 164/278, 283, 348, 126, 164/128, 144, 297, 87, 154, 122, 276

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,333,629 8/1967 Ward 164/278 3,474,853 10/1969 Hazelett 164/278 3,279,000 10/1966 Cofer 164/254 X 3,596,702 8/1971 Ward 164/126 3,605,867 9/1971 Gerding 164/87 10/1971 Lenaeus 164/87 Primary Examiner-J. Spencer Overholser Assistant Examiner.lohn S. Brown Attorney, Agent, or FirmDr. G. Modiano; Dr. A.

Josif [57] ABSTRACT A cooling device for a continuous casting machine comprising a number of nozzles placed in a row one after another in a given arc of a circle near a border of a belt partially wound around a casting drum. The nozzles impinging a substantially continuous cooling liquid blade onto the belt in a direction transverse to the belt through a gap extending along a length of the belt and formed between said belt and an arcuated body placed near said belt. Deflection means are also provided to return drainage to a collector. The formed liquid blade or lamina licking the belt improves remarkably the cooling efficiency and the operation conditions.

7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures WENIE APR 2:914

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sum 3 OF 3 INVENTOR rio PROPERZI Ilo BY AGENT COOLING DEVICE FOR A CONTINUOUS CASTING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a cooling device for a continuous casting machine, and more precisely to a device for the supplying of cooling liquid on the outside of the metallic belt, winding around the casting drum, for a given angle.

In my U.S. Patent application 728,864, filed on May 13, 1968, and now US. Pat. No. 3,583,474 a device is provided, in which nozzles, placed around the casting drum, direct cooling liquid jets on the outside of the belt wound, for a given are of a circle, on the same drum. The cooling liquid jets are directed in a direction transverse to the belt itself.

The nozzles can be arranged in a single row so as to direct the jets in the same direction or in opposite rows. The first arrangement has shown in practice to be the most suitable to afford very advantageous improvements of a better efficiency in thermic exchange.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The main object of the present invention is precisely that of conceiving a cooling device of an improved type, of secure operation and suitable to guarantee a uniform and regular cooling of the ingot during its formation, relative to its portions of contact with the belt.

Another object of the invention is that of conceiving a device, by means of which, the formation of vapour in the cooling zone of the belt, is reduced to a minimum, so as to considerably reduce the danger of defects or malformations in the ingot, produced in consequence of a disuniform thermic exchange.

A further object of the invention, is that of conceiving a device by means of which the cooling liquid jets are directed and guided in a way to avoid formations of steam clouds or sprays which may allow cooling at unsuitable points or impede visibility where a direct visual control is necessary on behalf of the operators.

These and still further objects are achieved by a cooling device for a continuous casting machine, according to the invention, comprising a plurality of nozzles placed one in a row to the other near a border of a belt partially wound on a casting drum, which nozzles are arranged in a way to direct cooling liquid jets in a direction transverse to said belt, the said jets being guided by a plate-like arcuated body defining an interspace for the formation of alamina of a substantially continuous cooling liquid licking for a given arc of a circle, said belt, substantially for all the width of said belt, deflection means being likewise connected to said plate-like arcuated body to diverge said lamina of cooling liquid towards a drainage collector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will better appear from the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a cooling device for a continuous casting machine, according to the invention, illustrated by way of indicative and not limiting examples in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the cooling device according to the invention applied to a machine for continuous casting;

FIG. 2 shows, in a larger scale, a transverse section taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows, in a still larger scale and in a transverse section, a detail of the device according to the invention; and

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates, in projection, the distribution of the jets of the device on the belt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to such Figures, the cooling device according to the invention, is mounted on two

sectorlike members

1 and 2, around a casting drum or wheel 3 having a peripheral groove 4. Within said groove 4, the liquid metal is cast, and it gradually forms the continuous ingot, there held, in the formation phase, by a metallic belt 5 which adheres for a given are portion to the said casting drum 3 and is deviated by two transmission rollers 6 (said belt 5 is further deviated at a given distance from the drum 3, by means of a pulley, not shown).

The drum 3 is cooled at the inside by means of a series of nozzles 7 applied to a support structure 8 together with which the internal cooling device is formed.

Each of said two

sectors

1 and 2 relative to the external cooling device is sustained by a respective pin 9 fixed to a support structure including a plate 10 movably mounted to and fro on respective guides rigid to a fixed plate 11 (FIG. 2). The movement of the movable plate 10 occurs according to a radial direction and is obtained by means of a fluid dynamic cylinder 12, connected by one part, at 13, to the same plate, and by another part at 14, to the fixed plate 11. Each of the

sectors

1 and 2 is connected to its relative pin 9 by means of a sleeve 15 which can slide for a short distance on the pin itself without nevertheless being able to rotate relative to it because of the presence of a key 15a. The axial movement of the sleeve allows adjustment by interplacing rings 16 between the sleeve itself and stop projecting parts; one of such projecting parts is formed by a locking element 17 in the form of a cylindrical cover, connected by means of screws 18 to the pin 9. It is evident, taking the rings 16 from one part or from another relative to the sleeve 15, that this sleeve can be moved parallely, for small amounts, to the axis of the casting drum 3. Ring 16 may be split.

The angular position of the pin 9 and therefore of the

relative sector

1 or 2 can be adjusted by providing a friction locking of the same pin to the movable plate 10. For this reason, the enlarged base portion of the pin 9 is connected to the plate 10 by means of a metal ring 19 fixed with screws 20. By tightening these screws 20, a friction locking of the pin 9 on the plate 10 is obtained, while by loosening the same screws the pin 9 can be rotated for a short distance about its own axis, so as to exactly adjust the distance of the

sector

1 or 2 with respect to the casting drum 3, for all the development of the same sector.

To the movable plate 10, a screw 21 is connected, which forms an adjustable upper limit for engagement with the body of the fluid dynamic cylinder 12. By screwing or unscrewing said screw 21, the distance of the

relative sector

1 or 2 with respect to the casting drum 3 is regulated. It should be noted that the arrangement shown in .FIG. 2 is an operation arrangement, while, for allowing the changing of the belt 5, the

wheel 3 or other maintenance operations or inspections, the fluid dynamic cylinder 12 is operated in a way to outwardly move the plate and therefore the sector l or 2, supported from it in a radial direction.

Each

sector

1 or 2 is formed, according to the present invention, from a plurality of nozzles placed one in a row to the other near a border of the belt 5 and mounted at substantially radial axes with respect to the casting drum 3. As is clearly visible in FIG. 3, each nozzle 22 has a spoon-like substantially arcuated hollow 22a at the outlet hole 22b defining conveying means for the cooling liquid jets so as to diverge and direct the jets towards the belt 5. Each nozzle 22 is further connected to a valve element 23 suitable to control the cooling fluid sent by means of a collector 24. The valve elements 23 allow the nozzles 22 to be connected or disconnected at will, so as to adjust the cooling effect.

The water jets 25 coming from the nozzles 22 thus undergo an enlargement and a deviation because of the spoon-like hollow 22a which produces a water blade or lamina of small thickness directed transversally and tangentially on the belt 5. The enlargement of the jets provides that a nearly continuous blade of water is formed, adhering to the belt 5. To ensure a greater adherence and a more regular flow of the water blade, a plate-like arcuated element 26, is provided for each

sector

1 or 2. Said element 26 is placed along the belt 5 at a short distance therefrom and extends concentrically to the belt 5. The belt 5 and the element 26 define therebetween an interspace for the passage of the cooling water (FIGS. 2 and 3). The width in section of the element 26 is near to that of the belt 5, so as to form, during its operation, a water blade 25a (FIG. 3) which is maintained adherent to the belt 5, practically for all of its width.

The element 26 is bevelled at 26a and 26b for a better conveyence of the Water jets, whilst the arcuated projection 27 is provided, which laterally surrounds the element 26 and defines deflection means in such a way so as to convey the water which has already lapped on the belt 5, through the discharge passage defined between the projection 27 and the arcuated element 26 towards a collection canal 28. At this collection canal 28, holes 29 are provided, placed a short distance from each other, for the drainage of water towards a lower collection tank (not shown). Some of the holes 29 can be closed, for example by means of a plate fixed with screws or the like, so as to impede the drainage of water at some points of the cooling device, depending upon the angular position of this cooling device with respect to the inletting of the molten metal.

The connecting of the cooling device, according to the invention, to water feeding ducts, occurs at connectors 30a (FIG. 1) applied to the

sectors

1 and 2.

The structure according to the invention, further pro-,

vides protection for the nozzles 22, formed from an arcuated and shaped element 30. Said element 30 partially covers the nozzles 22 in a way so as to impede the fall on them of possible liquid metal splashes, which could damage the nozzles themselves.

From the foregoing, the operation of the cooling device according to the invention is evident.

The water coming from the collector 24 is diverged from the nozzles 22 into jets 25 which enlarge until forming a nearly continuous blade of water 25a. This water perfectly adheres to the belt 5 providing an efficient cooling.

Because of the particular structure of the nozzles 22, there is a minimum load loss, while the water blade, which is formed at the belt 5, is of small thickness in a radial direction. The water layer comprised between the belt 5 and the arcuated element 26 is renewed quickly, because working pressures of several atmospheres are provided so that the removal of heat is very efficient.

A projection 27, causes a deviation of the water jets towards the collection canal 28, and projecting slightly beyond the belt 5 towards the axis of the casting drum 3, advantageously impedes the formation of splashes or steam clouds beyond the projection itself. This is particularly useful in that it avoids unwanted coolings, for example on the liquid metal at the inlet zone, and ensures a perfect visibility in the zones, where, a direct observance is necessary on behalf of the operators.

As can be seen, the two

sectors

1 and 2 of the external cooling device, ensure an efficient cooling action on the belt adhering to the casting drum 3 between the transmission rollers 6, that is between the inlet and outlet zones of the continuous ingot.

The thickness of the water blade 25a, can be simply adjusted for each

sector

1 or 2, by adjusting the screw 21, while the uniformity of such a thickness can be obtained by suitably rotating, by small movements, the pin 9. The truing up can then be obtained, as said, by moving the sleeve 15 on the pin 9.

The invention as conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and changes all falling within the inventive concept.

Thus for example, supplementary nozzles can be connected to the

sectors

1 and 2, for the cooling of the lateral portions of the groove 4 in the drum 3.

In practice the materials used as well as the dimensions can be any according to the requirements and furthermore all the elements can be substituted with other technically equivalent means.

I claim:

1. A cooling device for a continuous ingot casting machine of the type having a rotatable casting wheel with a peripheral groove and a belt having an inner face describing a concave curve and enclosing an arc portion of said groove for defining a rotatable mold therewith, comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged to direct cooling liquid jets against said belt substantially transversally to the outer face thereof describing a convex curve along said are portion, and deflection means for deflecting the cooling liquid jets leaving said outer convex curved face into a drainage collector, wherein, according to the improvement, said cooling device further comprises a plate-like arcuated element extending along at least a part of said are portion facing said outer convex curved face of said belt at a distance therefrom and defining therewith a substantially uniform interspace extending across the transverse extension of said outer convex curved face of said belt for the formation of a continuous lamina of cooling liquid between said element and said outer convex curved face of said belt, and means arranged sidewards of said element between said nozzles and said interspace defining a conveying path for said cooling liquid jets towards said interspace.

2. A cooling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said nozzles have outlet holes arranged to eject cooling liquid jets preferably substantially radially to said casting wheel and wherein said means defining a conveying path for said cooling liquid jets comprise a substatially spoon-like arcuated hollow arranged near said outlet holes and shaped for deviating said jets towards said interspace and enlarging said jets in a tangential direction with respect to said wheel.

3. A cooling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said deflection means comprise an arcuated projection arranged spaced from said arcuated element at the side thereof and projecting slightly beyond said belt towards said casting wheel axis, said arcuated projection causing a deviation of the cooling liquid lamina towards said drainage collector and avoiding the formation of steam clouds and of splashes of cooling liquid.

4. A device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an arcuated and shaped element partially surrounding said nozzles for protection from splashes of liquid metal.

5. A cooling device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a support structure having at least a sectorlike member including at least said nozzles and said plate-like arcuated element and a pin arranged substantially parallel to the axis of the casting wheel and supporting said sector-like member, said pin being capable of partial rotation about its axis with respect to said support structure for angular adjustment of said sectorlike member.

6. A cooling device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said sector-like member is provided with a sleeve member mounted axially displaceable on said pin.

7. A cooling device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said support structure is movable in a to and fro direction substantially radially to the casting wheel and connected to adjustable stop means for the adjustment of the interspace between said belt and said plate-like arcuated element.

Claims

1. A cooling device for a continuous ingot casting machine of the type having a rotatable casting wheel with a peripheral groove and a belt having an inner face describing a concave curve and enclosing an arc portion of said groove for defining a rotatable mold therewith, comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged to direct cooling liquid jets against said belt substantially transversally to the outer face thereof describing a convex curve along said arc portion, and deflection means for deflecting the cooling liquid jets leaving said outer convex curved face into a drainage collector, wherein, according to the improvement, said cooling device further comprises a plate-like arcuated element extending along at least a part of said arc portion facing said outer convex curved face of said belt at a distance therefrom and defining therewith a substantially uniform interspace extending across the transverse extension of said outer convex curved face of said belt for the formation of a continuous lamina of cooling liquid between said element and said outer convex curved face of said belt, and means arranged sidewards of said element between said nozzles and said interspace defining a conveying path for said cooling liquid jets towards said interspace.

5. A cooling device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a support structure having at least a sector-like member including at least said nozzles and said plate-like arcuated element and a pin arranged substantially parallel to the axis of the casting wheel and supporting said sector-like member, said pin being capable of partial rotation about its axis with respect to said support structure for angular adjustment oF said sector-like member.