US3584679A

US3584679A - Continuous casting apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3584679A
Application number: US769657A
Authority: US
Inventors: William G Wilson
Original assignee: Babcock and Wilcox Co
Current assignee: Babcock and Wilcox Co
Priority date: 1968-10-22
Filing date: 1968-10-22
Publication date: 1971-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 1988-06-15
Also published as: GB1238837A; FR2022294A1

Abstract

An improved continuous casting apparatus featuring an aftercooler that can be pivoted from its normally vertical operating position of alignment with the mold to an inclined position spaced-apart from the mold so as to permit easy removal and replacement of the aftercooler.

Description

United States Patent Inventor William G. Wilson [56] Beaver Falls, Pa.

Appl. No. 769,657

Filed 01.1.22, 1968 Patented June 15, 1971 Assignee The Babcock & Wilcox Company v New York, N.Y. 1,089,314

CONTINUOUS CASTING APPARATUS 7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl

Int. Cl Field of Search References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1967 Foldessy 1 164/282 X 2/1970 Rokop et al. 164/89 X FOREIGN PATENTS 9/1954 France 164/282 8/1966 Switzerland 164/282 Primary Examiner-J. Spencer Overholser Assistant Examiner-R. Spencer Annear Attorney-J. M. Maguire ABSTRACT: An improved continuous casting apparatus featuring an aftercooler that can be pivoted from its normally vertical operating position of alignment with the mold to an inclined position spaced-apart from the mold so as to permit easy removal and replacement of the aftercooler.

PATENTEU JUH 1 515m SHEET 1 OF 3 INVENTOR William Wilson AT URNEY ATENTEU JUN} 5197:

SHEET 2 [IF 3 AEV AFT F|G.4 31A CONTINUOUS CASTING APPARATUS BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to continuous casting apparatus, and more particularly to a continuous casting installation wherein the aftercooling section is so arranged as to be rapidly removable.

The continuous casting of metals is gradually gaining acceptance throughout the world as a convenient and economical means of producing billets and slabs of various shapes. Generally, and as exemplified by US. Pat. No. 3,200,456, the continuous casting process involves pouring molten metal from a ladle into a tundish, from whence the metal is poured into and passes through a water-cooled mold wherein at least partial solidification of the metal is effected, resulting in an embryo casting having a frozen skin of sufficient thickness to confine the molten metal core. This casting then passes downwardly through an elongate aftercooling section such as one of the type illustrated in US. Pat. No. 2,770,021, having disposed therein vertical rows of spray nozzles for directing jets of water onto the casting to continue the cooling process at a controlled, rapid rate. The aftercooling section also includes a stack of rolls which engage the skin of the embryo casting to prevent its swelling or becoming distorted during the cooling process. Following the aftercooling section the now substantially completely solidified casting is engaged by and passes through a set of withdrawal rolls which control the rate of descent and formation of the casting. A suitable cutoff mechanism and ingot handling device are normally disposed below the withdrawal rolls.

When it is desired to change the cross-sectional size or shape of the ingot being produced, it is necessary that the multiplicity of rollers in the aftercooling section itself be replaced by another having its rollers arranged to accommodate the embryo casting of the desired cross section. The adjustment of these rollers is in itself a time consuming job, and is rendered extremely awkward by the fact that the aftercooling section is in operative position in the continuous casting installation. Moreover, if the time consuming adjustment of the aftercooling section is made while the section is in situ, the entire continuous casting installation must necessarily be out of service during the extensive readjustment period.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a continuous casting apparatus wherein the aftercooling section may be readily and rapidly removed and replaced or removed for purposes of readjustment of the rollers and spray nozzles to accommodate the desired size and shape of casting. By providing such rapid removal and replacement means, the downtime of the continuous casting installation for purposes of casting size changes will be minimized, and use of the equipment can be optimally scheduled.

The various features of novelty which characterize the in vention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a schematic elevation view, partly in section, of an improved continuous casting apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal view, broken and partly in section, of a typical modular length unit of the aftercooler shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional plan view of the aftercooler length unit shown in FIG. 2 as taken along line 3-3 therein.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view, partly in section, of the lower portion of the continuous casting apparatus shown in FIG. 1,

and illustrating the details of the base means supporting the aftercooler section therein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODlMENTS OF THE INVENTION As shown in FIG. l, the continuous casting apparatus 10 is represented as being of the single strand type and includes a known pouring apparatus such as a ladle 11 and a tundish 12 for the delivery of molten metal to a continuous casting mold 13.

The molten metal is solidified, at least in part, within the mold 13 and emerges from the lower open end thereof as an embryo casting 14 having a frozen skin surrounding its core.

During normal operation of the continuous casting apparatus 10, the embryo casting 14 passes from mold 13 downwardly into and through an aftercooler unit 15 which is supported by a base 16 in an upright generally vertical attitude in precise underlying alignment with mold 13.

The embryo casting 14 or ingot reaching the lower end of mold 13 will have a frozen skin of sufficient thickness to confine the molten core therein. In passing through the aftercooler 15, the casting 14 is cooled by streams of water pro jected against its wall surface by nozzles (see FIG. 2) l7 and its wall surface is constrained by rollers 18 which are intended to prevent swelling ofthe casting 14 under the influence of the ferrostatic head in the core.

In leaving the aftercooler 15, the casting 14 passes through base 16 and an opening 20 in the floor 21 upon which base 16 is mounted.

The rate of movement of casting 14 from mold 13 and through aftercooler 15 is regulated by a set of withdrawal rolls (not shown) located beneath the floor 21 and positioned for gripping engagement with the exterior of casting 14.

The length of aftercooler 15 and the water output of nozzles 17 are proportioned such that casting 14 is completely solidified upon passing through aftercooler 15 and in leaving the withdrawal rolls it is cut to length for ease of handling by an oxygen lance (not shown) or the like. The cut lengths of casting 14 can then be removed by any suitable conventional handling mechanism (not shown) for transportation to storage or points of further processing.

Aftercooler 15, in accordance with the invention is constructed of a plurality of longitudinal sections 31 connected together end-to-end in tandem superposed relation to one another. The lowermost aftercooler section 31A is connected to the upper platform 32 of base 16, the upper platform 32 being in turn pivotally connected to the lower platform 33 of base 16 by means of

trunnion parts

34 and 35.

As better seen in FIG. 4, both the

platforms

32 and 33 have

central apertures

60 and 61 respectively positioned such that when aftercooler 15 is in vertical alignment with mold 13, the

apertures

60 and 61 define an open passageway which is aligned with floor opening 20, thereby permitting the casting 14 to exit aftercooler 15, pass downwardly through base 16 into the space below floor 21 where it can be cut to the desired length and transported away.

The connections of aftercooler sections 31 to one another and to the platform 32 are preferably made with releaseable fastening means 19, such as bolts, slotted pins and wedges, etc., to facilitate erection and disassembly of the aftercooler unit 15.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate by way of example the structural details of a typical aftercooler section 31 in which it can be noted that each aftercooler section 31 has an upper flange 36, a lower flange 37, and a plurality of columns 38 connected to

flanges

36 and 37 and extending therebetween to support the rollers 18 and water distribution headers 39, which extend throughout the height of each of the sections 31 and to which the nozzles 17 are connected.

To assure alignment of the aftercooler sections 31 with one another, the upper flanges 36 has a counterbore 40 that receives a machined boss 41 on the lower flange 37 of the superadjacent aftercooler section 3B. Likewise, to receive and align the assembled aftercooler 15 with the casting 14

exit apertures

60, 61 in the base 16, the upper platform 32 has a flange 42 which is similar to the flange 36 used in the aftercooler sections 31.

In each section 31 there is provided a water distributor manifold 43 having an inlet 44 that can be quickly and easily connected to a water supply hose (not shown), and having piping 45 connected to headers 39.

One of the principle advantages of the invention lies in the fact that the aftercooler 15, in its fully assembled state can be removed and replaced quickly and conveniently whenever the need arises, as for example, in changing the size and/or crosssectional shape of the casting 14, or in the event that a liquid metal breakout occurs. In the latter case, the liquid in the core of the partially solidified casting 14 breaks through the solidified skin at a point below the bottom of mold 13 causing liquid metal to spill over the nozzles 17 and guide rollers 18 of aftercooler 15, and requiring immediate cleanup and removal of the spilled metal. There it will be appreciated that the downtime for servicing and maintenance of the overall casting apparatus can be attained when the aftercooler can be removed from underneath the mold 13.

With the aftercooler support arrangement afforded by the instant invention, the aftercooler 15 can be pivoted away from its normal vertical operating position. in alignment with the opening in the bottom of mold 33, into an inclined position, as shown in dashed outline in FlG. 1. In this latter position, the aftercooler 15 can be removed from the casting site and passed through an opening 46 in the pouring floor 47 be means of a crane hoist 48.

To permit hoisting of aftercooler 15, an oppositely positioned set of lifting lugs 49 are attached to one of its sections 31 so that a sling 50 borne by crane 48 can be secured to aftercooler l5.

Another lug' 51 is attached to this same section 31 so that the aftercooler 15 can be swung between its vertical and inclined positions by means of a winch 53 supported by a column 54, and its associated cable 52 connected to lug 51.

On column 54 there is provided a projecting bracket 55 that engages aftercooler 15, preferably along the edge of one of its

flanges

36, 37, to serve as a mechanical stop and for maintaining the aftercooler 15 in its position of precise vertical alignment with the opening in mold 13.

When the aftercooler 15 is raised into the vertical position, the winch 53 can be locked so that the aftercooler 15 is secured against bracket 55 by cable 52 to insure that alignment of aftercooler 15 with the mold 13. Conventional releaseable fastening means (not shown) can be provided on bracket 55 and on the portions of aftercooler 15 adjacent thereto.

To retain aftercooler R5 in a predetermined inclined position above the horizontal, there is provided on the lower platform 33 a block 56 having an edge 57 that bears against an edge 58 of upper platform 32 when aftercooler i5 is tilted down into an inclined position. Thus, the

edges

57 and 58 define a mechanical stop limiting the pivotal movement of the upper platform 32 relative to the lower platform 33 to prevent aftercooler 15 from falling beyond a position, which will afford suitable hoisting clearance around the casting apparatus 13.

While in accordance with the provisions of the statutes there is illustrated and described herein a specific embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made in the form of the invention covered by the claims, and that certain features of the invention may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of the other features.

What I claim is:

1. In a continuous casting apparatus including a mold for forming a continuous embryo casting having a frozen skin surrounding its core, and means for supplying to said mold molten material used in forming such casting, the improvement which comprises a base means having a rxed portion and a movable portion pivotably connected thereto about an axis which is in alignment with the longitudinal axis of said mold, an aftercooler means including a casting support means disposed in underlying relation to said mold and releasably fastened to said movably portion for support thereby and for movement relative to said mold about said pivot axis, said aftercooler means being moveable between a position of alignment with said mold, to receive the basting therefrom, and a position spaced-apart from said mold to accommodate removal and replacement of said aftercooler means.

2. The improvement according to claim R wherein said aftercooler means is in a generally vertical attitude when in said position of alignment with said mold, and is in an inclined attitude when in said spaced-apart position.

3. The improvement according to claim 2 including mechanical stop means positioned in a predetermined relation to said mold and disposed for engagement with said aftercooler means to maintain same in said position of alignment with the mold.

4. The improvement as defined in claim 2 wherein said aftercooler means has a longitudinal passage for accommodating the downward movement therethrough of the casting from the mold, and including in said base means parts defining an open passage aligned with the passage of said aftercooler means to accommodate the downward exit of the casting therefrom through the base means when said aftercooler means is in said position of alignment with the mold.

5. The improvement as defined in claim 4 wherein said base means includes a lower platform positioned in fixed relation to said mold, and an upper platform releaseably connected to said aftercooler means and pivotally connected to said lower platform.

6. The improvement according to claim 5 wherein said base means includes parts defining a mechanical stop limiting the pivotal movement of said upper platform relative to said lower platform to maintain said aftercooler means in a predetermined inclined position spaced apart from said mold.

7. The improvement according to claim 1 wherein the pivot axis is defined by trunnions extending on opposite sides of said aftercooler means, and trunnion bearings mounted on said base means support said trunnions.

Claims

1. In a continuous casting apparatus including a mold for forming a continuous embryo casting having a frozen skin surrounding its core, and means for supplying to said mold molten material used in forming such casting, the improvement which comprises a base means having a fixed portion and a movable portion pivotably connected thereto about an axis which is in alignment with the longitudinal axis of said mold, an aftercooler means including a casting support means disposed in underlying relation to said mold and releasably fastened to said movably portion for support thereby and for movement relative to said mold about said pivot axis, said aftercooler means being moveable between a position of alignment with said mold, to receive the basting therefrom, and a position spaced-apart from said mold to accommodate removal and replacement of said aftercooler means.

2. The improvement according to claim 1 wherein said aftercooler means is in a generally vertical attitude when in said position of alignment with said mold, and is in an inclined attitude when in said spaced-apart position.