Process for cold rolling an aluminum product and related cold rolling plant

Abstract

A process of cold rolling an aluminum product, e.g. a strip, which crosses at least one rolling stand, wherein a lubricant is applied to the strip close to said at least one rolling stand by means of a plurality of applying means, said lubricant comprising an emulsion of oil and water. A related rolling plant is also described.

Claims

1. A process of cold rolling a product made of aluminum; or aluminum alloys; through at least one rolling stand, wherein a lubricant is applied to the product in proximity of said at least one rolling stand by means of a plurality of first applying means, said lubricant comprising an emulsion of oil and water; the process comprising: wherein Δv=v.sub.s-v.sub.r is a difference between the feeding speed, v.sub.s, of the rolled product; measured at an output of the at least one rolling stand, and the peripheral speed, v.sub.r, of the working rolls of said at least one rolling stand, measured during a rolling operation, and Δv.sub.0=v.sub.s0-v.sub.r0 is a theoretical value of said difference, each time the relation [(Δv*v.sub.r0)/(v.sub.r*Δv.sub.0)]−1<L, where L is equal to a value between 0.0005 and 0.002, is not met, providing only oil to the aluminum product upstream of said at least one rolling stand in a product feeding direction by a plurality of second applying means until said relation is met again.

2. The process according to claim 1, wherein L=0.001.

3. The process according to claim 1, wherein said feeding speed, v.sub.s, of the rolled product is continuously measured by means of first sensors thus generating first data; wherein said peripheral speed, v.sub.r, of the working rolls is continuously measured by means of second sensors thus generating second data; and wherein a control system continuously receives said first data and said second data, determines whether said relation is met, and, if said relation is not met, actuates the plurality of second applying means.

4. The process according to claim 1, wherein said emulsion of oil and water is contained in a first tank which supplies the plurality of first applying means and wherein said emulsion is mixed.

5. A cold rolling plant for rolling aluminum or aluminum alloy comprising: at least one rolling stand; a plurality of first applying means arranged close to said at least one rolling stand and adapted to inject an emulsion of oil and water on the product; first sensors for detecting first data, said first data being values of the feeding speed, v.sub.s, of the rolled product exiting the at least one rolling stand; second sensors for detecting second data, said second data being values of the peripheral speed, v.sub.r, of the working rolls of said at least one rolling stand; a plurality of second applying means arranged close to said at least one rolling stand and adapted to inject only oil on the product; a control system adapted to: receive said first data and said second data, calculate the difference Δv=v.sub.s-v.sub.r, determine if the relation [(Δv*v.sub.r0)/(v.sub.r*Δv.sub.0)]−1<L is met, Δv.sub.0=v.sub.s0-v.sub.r0 being the theoretical value of said difference and L being equal to a value between 0.0005 and 0.002, and, if said relation is not met, actuate said plurality of second applying means.

6. The plant according to claim 5, wherein there are provided: a first tank adapted to contain said emulsion and supply the plurality of first applying means by means of a first dosing device; a second tank adapted to contain only oil and supply the plurality of second applying means by a second dosing device.

7. The plant according to claim 5, wherein drying means are provided, placed downstream of the at least one rolling stand, considering the product feeding direction; and upstream of a winding reel and adapted to remove water from the rolled product.

8. The plant according to claim 5, wherein the at least one rolling stand is reversible rolling stands, both said plurality of first applying means and said plurality of said second applying means are arranged at both sides of said rolling stand along the product feeding direction both above and below a product feeding plane.

9. The plant according to of claim 5, wherein the at least one rolling stand is at least two rolling stands, placed one after the other, both said plurality of first applying means and said plurality of second applying means are arranged only at product input side of each rolling stand both above and below a product feeding plane.

10. The plant according to claim 5, wherein said plurality of second applying means are arranged in a position which is proximal to the working rolls of the rolling stand but is distal from a product feeding plane, while said first applying means are arranged in a position which is distal from the working rolls but is proximal to the product feeding plane.

11. The plant according to claim 5, wherein said plurality of second applying means are arranged in a position which is distal from the working rolls of the rolling stand but is proximal to a product feeding plane, while said first applying means are arranged in a position which is proximal to the working rolls but is distal from the product feeding plane.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in light of the detailed description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a rolling process and of a related plant, disclosed by way of non-limiting examples, with the aid of the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 depicts a flow chart related to a dynamic control system of the layer of lubricant on a product being rolled;

(3) FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of a plant according to the invention;

(4) FIG. 3 depicts a first embodiment of part of the plant according to the invention;

(5) FIG. 4 depicts a second embodiment of part of the plant according to the invention.

(6) The same reference numerals in the Figures identify the same elements or components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(7) The rolling process of the present invention, for rolling products made of aluminum or aluminum alloys, provides for the aluminum product, e.g. a strip, to cross at least one rolling stand 1, thus producing a rolled product, and for a lubricant to be applied to the product, close to said at least one rolling stand 1, by means of a plurality of first applying means 2, upstream of the rolling compartment considering the feeding direction of the product itself.

(8) The lubricant advantageously comprises, or consists of, an emulsion of oil and water. Some additives can optionally be provided in the emulsion.

(9) Moreover, when required, there is provided a dynamic correction of the amount of lubricant, applied immediately upstream of the at least one rolling stand, always considering the feeding direction of the product itself.

(10) In particular, Δv=v.sub.s−v.sub.r being the difference between the feeding speed v.sub.s of the rolled product, measured at the output of the at least one rolling stand 1, preferably immediately at the output of the rolling stand, and the peripheral speed v.sub.r of the working rolls 3 of said at least one rolling stand 1, measured during the rolling operation,

(11) and Δv.sub.0=v.sub.s0−v.sub.r0 being the design value of said difference, i.e. the difference between the theoretical feeding speed v.sub.s0 of the rolled product exiting from the at least one rolling stand 1, preferably immediately at the output of the rolling stand, and the theoretical peripheral speed v.sub.r0 of the working rolls 3 of said at least one rolling stand 1,

(12) each time the relation [(Δv*v.sub.r0)/(v.sub.r*Δv.sub.0)]−1<L, where L is equal to a value between 0,0005 and 0,002, is not met, an application of only oil to the aluminum product advantageously is provided, upstream of the at least one rolling stand considering the product feeding direction, by a plurality of second applying means 6, until said relation is met again.

(13) Preferably, the oil applied for the dynamic correction of the amount of lubricant so as to keep constant the thin film of lubricant, i.e. the thin gap occupied by the lubricant comprised between the surface of the strip and the surface of the working roll, is the same oil used in the water-based emulsion.

(14) Preferably, but not necessarily, the value of L can be equal to 0.001.

(15) The feeding speed v.sub.s of the rolled product is measured, for example by means of first sensors 4, thus producing first data. By mere way of example, such first sensors 4 can be laser velocimeters, photocells or tachometric wheels.

(16) The peripheral speed v.sub.r of the working rolls 3 is measured, for example by means of second sensors 5, thus producing second data. By mere way of example, such second sensors 5 can be encoders of the electric motor which moves the working rolls themselves. The measurement of the peripheral speed v.sub.r can preferably be obtained through the rotation speed of the motor which moves the working rolls while considering a possible reduction ratio between the transmission and the working rolls.

(17) The feeding speed v.sub.s and the peripheral speed v.sub.r can substantially be continuously detected, for example every 5 to 15 ms, preferably every 10 ms.

(18) The theoretical feeding speed v.sub.s0 and the theoretical peripheral speed v.sub.r0 are easily calculated in known manner by those skilled in the art, and for this reason, the calculation thereof is not herein described. Generally, starting from some initial design data, such as for example the thicknesses of the strip entering into and exiting from the rolling stand, the mechanical features of the material, the tensions applied to the strip, the theoretical feeding speed v.sub.s0 and the theoretical peripheral speed v.sub.r0, and therefore the expected forward slip and friction coefficient, are easily calculated. It is simply worth noting that the initial data are easy to be found and available on the rolling card which all manufacturers need to have in order to manage the plant.

(19) A control system 20, preferably a closed-loop control system, receives the first data, i.e. the values of v.sub.s, and the second data, i.e. the values of v.sub.r; verifies if the aforesaid relation is met, and, if said relation is not met, temporarily actuates the plurality of second applying means 6 until the relation is met again.

(20) The reception of the first data and second data and the verification of the relation to be met can substantially continuously be performed, for example every 5 to 15 ms, preferably every 10 ms.

(21) To better explain the method of the aforesaid dynamic correction of the amount of lubricant, it is worth noting that the forward slip is the phenomenon whereby a product, preferably a strip, at the output of the rolling compartment, has a feeding speed v.sub.s which is greater than the peripheral speed v.sub.r of the working rolls.

(22) The forward slip “fs” is defined as follows:

(23) $fs=\frac{v_s-v_r}{v_r}=\frac{\Delta v}{v_r}$

(24) Introducing the subscript “0” for the calculated (or theoretical) speeds, similarly the following is defined:

(25) $f{s}_0=\frac{v_{s0}-v_{r0}}{v_{r0}}=\frac{\Delta v_0}{v_{r0}}$

(26) The control system therefore assesses the ratio:

(27) $\frac{fs-f{s}_0}{f{s}_0}.$

(28) As shown in the flow chart in FIG. 1, if this ratio is greater than a given threshold, fixed between 0.05% and 0.2%, for example at 0.1%, then the control system imparts a command to the second applying means 6 to apply an additional amount of oil. In essence, the deviation between measured quantities (without subscript) and calculated quantities (subscript “0”) is to be kept at very low values. If, for example, the feeding speed of the strip detected is much greater than the calculated speed, it is probable that the thin film of lubricant is broken in certain areas of the rolling compartment and, accordingly, that there is the problematic working rolls-aluminum product contact. In order to remediate this undesired circumstance, the system introduces pure oil to reform the thin layer of lubricant. Such an application of pure oil is to be considered occasional (it could be performed in the transient steps) and short in duration with respect to the entire rolling process. It advantageously is performed in a few moments to avoid potentially dangerous circumstances. The application of pure oil lasts until the relation [(Δv*v.sub.r0)/(v.sub.r*Δv.sub.0)]−1<L is met again.

(29) The emulsion of oil and water preferably is contained in a first tank 7 which supplies the plurality of the first applying means 2, and in said first tank said emulsion optionally is mixed by means of at least one mixing device 21.

(30) The following is a description of an embodiment of a rolling plant adapted to perform the above-described process.

(31) With reference to FIG. 2, the rolling plant of products made of aluminum, or aluminum alloy, comprises: at least one rolling stand 1; a plurality of first applying means 2, arranged in proximity of said at least one rolling stand 1 and adapted to apply an emulsion of oil and water on the product, for example a strip 13.

(32) Advantageously, the following are also provided: first sensors 4 for detecting the first data, i.e. the values of the feeding speed v.sub.s of the rolled strip exiting the at least one rolling stand 1; second sensors 5 for detecting the second data, i.e. the values of the peripheral speed v.sub.r of the working rolls 3 of said at least one rolling stand 1; a plurality of second applying means 6, arranged in proximity of said at least one rolling stand and adapted to apply only oil on the strip; a control system 20 adapted to receive said first data and said second data, calculate the difference Δv=v.sub.s−v.sub.r, verify if the relation [(Δv*v.sub.r0)/(v.sub.r*Δv.sub.0)]−1<L is met, L being equal to a value between 0,0005 and 0.002, and, if said relation is not met, actuate said plurality of the second applying means 6.

(33) Optionally, a first tank 7 contains the emulsion and supplies the plurality of the first applying means 2, preferably by means of a first dosing device 10 arranged between tank 7 and applying means 2.

(34) A second tank 8 can also be provided, which contains only oil and, when requested by the control system, supplies the plurality of the second applying means 6, optionally by means of a second dosing device 9 arranged between tank 8 and applying means 6.

(35) At least one mixing device 21 can be provided inside the tank 7 and/or inside the tank 8.

(36) Preferably, at least one solenoid valve 14 is provided between the emulsion tank 7 and the applying means 2, or between the dosing device 10 and the applying means 2.

(37) Similarly, at least one solenoid valve 15 can be provided between the oil tank 8 and the applying means 6, or between the dosing device 9 and the applying means 6.

(38) The solenoid valve 15 and/or the solenoid valve 14 are controlled by the aforesaid control system 20.

(39) The oil applying means 6 optionally can always be loaded with oil so that, when actuated by the control system 20 through the solenoid valve 15, they apply a predetermined amount of oil.

(40) In an advantageous variant drying means 11 are provided, placed downstream of the at least one rolling stand 1, considering the product feeding direction, and upstream of a winding reel 12. Such drying means 11 are adapted to remove water from the rolled product. For example, at least one drying device of the CJD (Confined Jet Dryer) type can be used, which is configured to expel at least one compressed air jet in direction which is opposite to the feeding direction of the aluminum product.

(41) In the case of a single rolling stand 1, this advantageously can be a reversible stand arranged between two reels 16, 12 which perform the task of unwinding or winding, respectively, the product according to the feeding direction of the product being rolled. In this case, the applying means 2 and the applying means 6 are arranged at both sides of the rolling stand 1 along the product feeding direction, preferably both above and below the product feeding plane (FIG. 3). The drying means 11 can be arranged between each reel 16, 12 and the rolling stand 1.

(42) If the rolling stand 1 were to operate in only one direction, the applying means 2 and the applying means 6 would be arranged only at the input side of the aluminum product into the rolling stand 1, preferably both above and below the product feeding plane. In this case, the drying means 11 would only be arranged between the rolling stand 1 and the winding reel 12, the rolling stand being arranged between the unwinding reel 16 and the winding reel 12.

(43) Similarly, if at least two rolling stands 1 were provided, placed one after the other, a configuration known as a “tandem mill”, both the applying means 2 and the applying means 6 would be arranged only at the product input side of each rolling stand, preferably both above and below the product feeding plane. Instead in the variant in FIG. 4, a plurality of reversible rolling stands 1 are provided, whereby here the applying means 2 and the applying means 6 are arranged at both sides of each rolling stand 1 along the product feeding direction, preferably both above and below the product feeding plane (FIG. 4).

(44) More generally, the control system 20 can indifferently be applied to “four” stands (also known as 4-Hi), “six” stands (6-Hi) and cluster stands (“Sendzimir”) in 12- or 20-roll configuration (12-Hi and 20-Hi, respectively). While the first two types of rolling stands can be grouped, giving rise to tandem mills, the cluster stands are always individual stands.

(45) In some embodiments of the invention, it is preferable for the applying means 6 to be arranged in a position which is proximal to the working rolls 3 of the rolling stand 1 but distal from the product feeding plane with respect to the applying means 2. Similarly, the applying means 2 are arranged in a position which is distal from the working rolls 3 but proximal to the product feeding plane with respect to the injection means 6.

(46) For example, the distance between the applying means 6 and the vertical plane containing the rotation axes of the working rolls of the corresponding rolling stand is between D/4 and 3D, preferably between D/3 and 2D, D being the diameter of the working rolls 3; while the distance between said applying means 6 and the product feeding plane is between D/10 and D/2, preferably between D/5 and D/3.

(47) Instead, the distance between the applying means 2 and the vertical plane containing the rotation axes of the working rolls of the corresponding rolling stand is between D/3 and 4D, preferably between D/2 and 3D; while the distance between said applying means 2 and the product feeding plane is between D/10 and D/2, preferably between D/8 and D/4.

(48) In other embodiments, however, the applying means 6 are arranged in a position which is distal from the working rolls 3 of the rolling stand 1 but proximal to the product feeding plane, while the applying means 2 are arranged in a position which is proximal to the working rolls 3 but distal from the product feeding plane. Here, the aforesaid ranges of distances mentioned in the preceding paragraph can be considered inverted.

(49) By way of example, both the plurality of the applying means 2 and the plurality of the applying means 6 comprise, or consist of, injection devices, for example comprise rows of nozzles which preferably extend along the width of the aluminum product, i.e. transversely to the product feeding plane.