MXPA04001269A - Adjustable form. - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus of the present invention comprises an adjustable form adapted for use in creating a refractory lining in a metallurgical vessel. The form includes a substructure defined by a plurality of struts and braces covered on its exterior perimeter by a plurality of panels. A plurality of connectors permits variation of the substructures exterior perimeter. The panels are secured to the substructure so that alteration of the shape of the substructure causes the affected panels to slide over one another. Advantageously, the panels remain free of fasteners or other protrusions, thereby facilitating removal of the apparatus from the vessel after the lining has hardened.

Description

ADJUSTABLE MOLD The present application claims the priority of the provisional patent application of E.U.A serial number 60 / 446,481, which was filed on February 1, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a mold adapted for use in a metallurgical vessel and, more specifically, to a mold for placing a refractory lining in such a vessel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention describes an apparatus for molding a flowable refractory lining material on the interior surfaces of a metallurgical vessel. The flowable materials include refractory, powder, granular, spreadable, throwable and castable materials. Commonly, the flowable materials comprise refractory powder or granular refractory materials which, when mixed with water, are adapted for straining, tamping or sprinkling. The flowable materials also include any tisotropic material that becomes fluid when vibrated, but is solid in other circumstances. The thixotropy may be depending, for example, on the chemical composition, the distribution of the grain sizes, the water content, the additives, etc. The metallurgical vessels typically comprise a metal concave part and a refractory lining on the inner surface of the metal concave part. Such vessels are adapted to contain or receive a flow of molten metal including, for example, buckets, tundishes, boiler homes, degassing vessels and rafts. The refractory lining should be applied to the inner surface with a minimum thickness or the metal concave piece could be compromised. On the other hand, too thick a coating material is uneconomic, expensive and decreases the capacity of the vessel. The production of the appropriate thickness of coating often requires the use of a mold placed within the interior volume of the vessel. The mold can be manufactured even specifically for a particular vessel. The mold can be used to apply a new coating or repair or replace an old coating. The repair involves applying a new refractory lining on the surface of an old liner. The replacement includes removing the old coating and forming a new refractory lining. In any case, the installation of the coating on the interior surfaces of the vessel typically includes placing a mold in the interior volume of the vessel, so that the mold and the interior surface define a space for the coating material. In a first method, the mold is placed first in the interior volume of the vessel. The mold and the interior surface define a space to receive a flowable material. The flowable material is immediately placed inside the space, thus forming the coating. In a second method, the flowable material is first placed into the vessel and the mold is pushed into the vessel. The flowable material conforms to the space created between the mold and the interior surface of the vessel. In either procedure, the mold is removed from the vessel, when the coating is sufficiently solid. Alternatively, the mold may be interchangeable or retained in the vessel during casting. Of course, the production of the coating can also take place in a plurality of stages. The prior art typically describes molds comprising a rigid apparatus having a defined geometric structure. The mold is designed to be placed in a vessel regardless of the condition or the actual geometric structure of the inner surface. For example, document E.U.A. 4,019,847 teaches about the vibrating mold that compacts the coating as the mold is pushed down to the interior surface of the vessel. The mold comprises a defined conformation. The vessel is first loaded with a refractory mixture and the mold is placed with counterweight on the refractory mixture and allowed to sink gradually to the vessel with vibration. The vibration fluidizes the refractory mixture and brings the mixture into the space between the container and the mold. The vibrating mold makes the mixture rise to fill the space. After the vibration, the mold is removed from the vessel, thus molding a coating material inside the vessel. Unfortunately, the spatial relationship between the vibrating mold and the vessel is not well controlled, so the coating thickness may be inconsistent. Frequently, several fixed molds are produced that can adapt the variations within a metallurgical vessel. This solution results in an increased cost due to the number of molds and increases the space needed to store and handle such molds. Alternatively, molds of the prior art may include adjustable panels. Flanges or fasteners on the panels allow dimensional change. The procedure includes disassembling the fasteners on the panels, manually extending the flanges, installing some adjustment wedges to preserve the desired conformation and reassembling the fasteners. The confined space inside the vessel makes fasteners difficult to reach on the panels, making the adjustment procedure laborious and difficult. In addition, fasteners and flanges protrude beyond the panels, so that their footprints can remain on the finished liner. This can hinder the removal of the mold and can reduce the effectiveness of the coating. Given the difficulties with adjustable molds, manufacturers may sacrifice flexibility and opt for more than one fixed mold. The rigid molds of the prior art do not conform to the different configurations of the vessel or the inner surface. The resulting thickness of the coating material may be inconsistent, thus creating significant waste or potentially hazardous conditions. Prior art adjustable molds include fasteners and flanges that are uncomfortable to use, are exposed to the coating and can complicate removal of the mold. The object of the present invention is to provide a coating apparatus, which overcomes the aforementioned defects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention describes an apparatus adapted for use to create a refractory lining in a metallurgical vessel. The apparatus includes a plurality of struts partially covered by at least a plurality of panels, which are secured to the struts. The panels define an external dimension of the device. The struts include at least one adjustable strut that allows adjustment of the outer dimension of the apparatus. The adjustable strut comprises a first rib and a second rib adapted to move relative to the first rib. The panels are adapted to move one in relation to another, as the device changes dimension.

Conveniently and unlike the prior art, the panels do not require a fastener or flange outside the outer dimension of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the panels are adapted to slide one over another, as the adjustable strut is adjusted. The struts are joined together with the panels or with a plurality of braces. The struts are typically oriented at substantially right angles to the struts. Conveniently, a combination of struts and struts produces a substructure on which the panels can be secured. In one embodiment, the connector desirably connects the first and second ribs of the adjustable strut, whereby the dimension of the adjustable strut can be adjusted. Preferably, the apparatus includes a plurality of adjustable struts. In another embodiment, the substructure includes an adjustable strap between the struts. The adjustable strap allows for dimensional changes along a different axis of the adjustable strut. Obviously, you can combine the adjustable strap with the adjustable strut. The connector and the adjustable brace may comprise a mechanical device that allows adjustment, including bolts, screws, rivets, etc. You can also use solders and adhesives. Typically, the connector comprises an overlap of the strut ribs. The holes in the overlap region allow adjustment. The holes can be lengthened to facilitate adjustment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a side view on the length of the apparatus omitting the side panels. Figure 2 shows a front view of a strut.

Figure 3 shows one end of the apparatus, including the end panels. Figure 4 shows a top view of a top connection between the two ribs of a strut along G-G. Figure 5 shows a top view of a lower connection between two ribs of a strut along H-H.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The apparatus of the present invention comprises an adjustable mold, adapted for use in the creation of a refractory lining in a metallurgical vessel. The mold includes a plurality of struts, including at least one adjustable strut and a plurality of panels secured to the struts, thereby defining an outer dimension of the mold. The panels can be secured directly to the struts or to a single structure comprising a plurality of struts and struts. The struts are oriented at substantially straight angles to the struts. In either case, the panels move one in relation to another, as the adjustable strut is altered. Advantageously, the panels are free of fasteners or other protrusions, thus facilitating removal of the apparatus from the vessel, after the coating has hardened. Figure 1 shows a side view of one embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is adapted for use in an elongated vessel, generally rectangular, having two ends, such as a tundish. It should be appreciated that alternative pressures of the present invention can also be used in vessels having cylindrical, hemispherical or other non-rectangular conformations. The apparatus 1 includes two ends 4 and a plurality of struts 2 on the length of the apparatus 1. The apparatus also includes end struts 3 at each end 4. A plurality of struts 6 is oriented over the length of the apparatus 1. The struts 6 join the struts 2 together, and the struts 2 and the straps 6 define a substructure. The number and placement of struts and struts depend, for example, on the configuration of the vessel and the mechanical requirements. Conveniently, the substructure is substantially conformed to the vessels for which it would be used. The struts are typically in a direction substantially perpendicular to the struts, but may include non-perpendicular struts 6a, as desired or required by the design. A strut comprises a member extending at least between the adjacent struts. Preferably, the struts extend through a plurality of struts. The brace fixes the struts one in relation to another. A brace may comprise an adjustable brace that allows the alteration of the distance between at least two props, thereby changing the length of the apparatus. The apparatus may include a plurality of braces having adjustable braces. In this way, the adaptability of the substructure increases.

Figure 2 shows a strut 2 comprising a first rib 21a and a second rib 21b. The ribs 21 define an outer perimeter between the BCDE points. The ABEF points define a cover or cap 22 that is frequently used with the mold. The cover 22 is adapted to isolate the vessel during the hardening of the coating material. In actual practice, the coating material is often heated to at least about 371 ° C in order to accelerate the setting of the coating material. The lid 22 retains the heat inside the interior volume of the vessel. The ribs 21 can be firmly secured relative to one another, but at least one strut 2 will include a connector 5. A connector 5 will allow the ribs 21 on one strut to move relative to each other, thereby altering the outer dimensions of the ribs 21. apparatus. The illustrated embodiment includes an upper connector 5a and a lower connector 5b. Some alternative embodiments include, for example, a single connector, a single connector in combination with a hinge structure or more than two connectors. The fitting of a connector 5 varies the outer perimeter of the strut 2 uniformly or non-uniformly. For example, expanding the lower connector 5b without changing the upper connector 5a would enlarge the lower part of the strut relative to the upper part. Alternatively, the fact of expanding the connectors 5 both upper and lower would simultaneously enlarge, but would not affect in another aspect, the relative dimensions of the outer perimeter.

The connectors comprise any type of fastener that is capable of being released and subsequently resumed by any means. The fasteners include bolts, screws, rivets, solders and adhesives. Conveniently, some portions of each rib will overlap. Figures 4 and 5 show a lower link 41 and an upper link 51, respectively. The connectors typically comprise a lapped portion 42. The lapped portion 42 may be welded or adhered. Disadvantageously, solders and adhesives can be difficult to remove and may require specialized equipment or long established times. Preferably, the connection must be mechanical. In one embodiment, the overlapping portion 42 includes at least one hole through each rib 21. The hole is adapted to receive a mechanical fastener 43. At least one of such ribs 21 may include a hole 44 in the form of an elongated oval which allows adjustment, that is, the relative movement of the ribs 21 from one to the other. A combination of bolt and washer can firmly secure the ribs together. Alternatively, a rib may contain a tapped hole for a bolt or threaded thyme. Rivets can also be used. Advantageously, the bolts and screws are easily removable with common tools. The placement of the connect in the middle part of the substructure allows an operator to have easy access for adjustment. The panels cover at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the struts and define the outer dimensions of the apparatus. The panels typically include side panels and end panels. Optionally, one or more lower panels may be present. The panels are firmly secured directly or indirectly to the struts, so that changes in the perimeter of the struts cause the change of the external dimension of the apparatus defined by the panels. The panels can be adapted to such changes, for example, by transposing one another along an axis of adjustment. Figure 3 shows the end panels 31 overlapping. As the dimensions of the apparatus change, the end panel 31 b slides over the end panel 31 aa. Notably, there are no protrusions or fasteners present on the surface of the end panel 31. This facilitates the removal of the mold after the placement of a refractory lining in a metallurgical vessel. In practice, the apparatus is placed inside the inner volume of a metallurgical vessel. The operators determine the thickness of a refractory lining that is desired in each position of the vessel. Operators loosen connectors and / or adjustable straps, as needed. They expand or contract the ribs, as desired. The length of the mold changes, altering the spatial distribution between the struts. The panels slide correspondingly one over the other, thus defining a new outer dimension for the mold. They tighten or fix the connectors and adjustable straps, thus establishing the new outer dimension. The outer surface of the mold and the inner surface of the vessel define a space in which a flowable material can be placed. After placement, the flowable material hardens and the mold can be removed. Conveniently, the adjustable mold allows for narrower conformations at the base of the refractory lining. This can be important, for example, when the upper surface of the lining wears more quickly than the lower surface. Slag floats on molten metal and is often more draining / corrosive than molten metal. The ability of the mold to vary its width and length allows to use a non-interchangeable mold in situations of narrower conformations in the base. Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. It is to be understood therefore that, within the scope of the following claims, the invention may be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described.

Claims (1)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for forming a refractory lining of a metallurgical vessel, the apparatus having an outer dimension and characterized in that it comprises: (a) a plurality of struts defining an outer perimeter, wherein at least one strut is an adjustable strut comprising a first rib adapted to move relative to a second rib along a first axis; (b) a plurality of panels covering at least a portion of the outer perimeter, thus defining the outer dimension, the panels comprising at least two adjustable panels capable of relative movement, as the first and second ribs are adjusted of the adjustable strut. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus also comprises a plurality of adjustable struts. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the second rib comprises a substantially symmetrical image of the first rib. 4. - The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least one adjustable connector joins the first and second ribs of the adjustable strut. 5. - The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that a plurality of connectors joins the first and second ribs of the adjustable strut. 6. - The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that a plurality of braces connects the struts, the struts and braces forming a substructure. 7. - The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least one brace includes an adjustable brace, whereby the external dimension of the apparatus can be changed along the second axis. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further characterized in that a plurality of braces have adjustable braces. 9 - The apparatus according to claim 4, further characterized in that the connector comprises a mechanical fastener selected from the group consisting of a bolt, a screw, a rivet, a spot weld and an adhesive. 10. - The apparatus according to claim 9, further characterized in that at least a portion of the first and second ribs form an overlap area and the mechanical fastener joins the overlapped area. 11. - The apparatus according to claim 10, further characterized in that the overlapped area defines a hole in both the first and the second rib, the holes being able to be aligned, and the mechanical fastener comprising a bolt passing through of the aligned holes, thus securing the ribs firmly together. 12. - The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least one hole is an elongated oval. 13. - The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the apparatus includes a bottom panel secured to the bottom of the apparatus. 4. - An adjustable mold for placing a refractory lining of a metallurgical vessel, the mold having two ends, one length, one width, and characterized in that it comprises: (a) a plurality of adjustable struts, each strut comprising a connector that slidably connects a first rib and a second rib of the strut, the struts defining an outer perimeter; (b) a plurality of side panels extending over the length; and (c) at least two end panels that overlap at each end and extend over the width at each end, the end panels being adapted to slide one over another, as the outer perimeter changes. 15. - The adjustable mold according to claim 14, further characterized in that a plurality of struts is oriented substantially over the length and the struts join the struts. 16. - The apparatus according to claim 15, further characterized in that the mold includes at least one adjustable brace, with which the length of the apparatus can be changed. 17. - The apparatus according to claim 16, further characterized in that the side panels overlap and are adapted to slide one over another, as the length changes. 8. - A method of coating a metallurgical vessel having an interior surface with a fiuible material, using an adjustable mold having an exterior dimension and comprising a plurality of struts, wherein at least one strut is an adjustable strut comprising a first rib adapted to move relative to the second rib, the struts defining an outer perimeter, a plurality of panels covering at least a portion of the outer perimeter, thus defining the outer dimension, and the panels comprising at least two panels capable of relative movement, as the first and second ribs of the adjustable strut are adjusted, the method comprising: (a) placing the adjustable mold in an interior volume of the metallurgical vessel, thereby creating a space between the interior surface of the metallurgical vessel. the vessel and the external dimension of the mold; (b) adjust the mold to define the space; (c) place the fiuible material in the space; (d) allow the fiutable material to set. 19 - The method according to claim 18, further characterized in that it further comprises removing the mold after the fiutable material sets.