THERMAL LAUNDER FOR THE TRANSFER OF WHITE METAL IN A SMELTING FURNACE

Abstract

This invention patent application addresses a thermal launder that allows the transport of white metal (WM) or other molten material to a converter or furnace or from these to a transfer pot while keeping it molten, with a viscosity that allows the material to continue flowing en route.

Claims

1. Thermal launder that allows white metal (WM) or other molten material to be transported from a melting furnace to a converter furnace, or from a melting furnace to a transfer pot, keeping it in a molten state and conserving its viscosity throughout the route, which is composed of a structure (1) comprised of a cover (2) and a transport duct (3), which form, when said cover (2) is closed, the thermal launder itself. In the upper part of said cover (2), heating elements (4) are installed, surrounded by the upper insulation (5), which is covered by a structural housing (6), CHARACTERIZED in that said transport duct (3) is comprised of four elements arranged in series, which are defined by a transport layer (7), then a refractory layer (8), followed by an insulation layer (9) and a structural layer (10).

2. Thermal launder that allows the transport of white metal (WM) or other molten material in accordance with claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said transport layer (7) is comprised of a material that has high thermal conductivity and high chemical and mechanical strength.

3. Thermal launder that allows the transport of white metal (WM) or other molten material in accordance with claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said material is silicon carbide or SiC.

4. Thermal launder that allows the transport of white metal (WM) or other molten material in accordance with claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said refractory layer is composed of a refractory cement material that provides mechanical compressive strength and serves as a thermal insulator.

5. Thermal launder that allows the transport of white metal (WM) or other molten material in accordance with claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said insulating layer is composed of an insulating material, mainly ceramic fiber.

6. Thermal launder that allows the transport of white metal (WM) or other molten material in accordance with claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said structural layer (10) is composed of a carbon steel material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] FIG. 1: represents a profile diagram of a thermal launder between a CT converter and a transport pot.

[0008] FIG. 2: represents a cross-section view of the invention's thermal launder.

[0009] FIG. 3: represents an exploded view of the invention's thermal launder.

[0010] FIG. 4: represents a perspective view of the middle and lower areas of the invention's thermal launder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The thermal launder for the transport of white metal (WM) or other molten material to a converter or furnace, keeping it in a molten state and conserving its viscosity en route, is composed of a structure (1) comprised of a cover (2) and a transport duct (3), which form, when the cover (2) is closed, the thermal launder itself. In the upper part of the cover (2), heating elements (4) are installed, surrounded by the upper insulation (5), which is covered by a structural housing (6).

[0012] The transport duct (3) is comprised of four elements arranged in series, which are defined by a transport layer (7) comprised of a material that has high thermal conductivity and high chemical and mechanical strength, such as, for example, silicon carbide (SiC), the function of which is to resist abrasion caused by the molten material. Then there is a refractory layer (8) comprised of a refractory cement material whose function is to provide mechanical compressive strength and to serve as a thermal insulator. Next there is an insulation layer (9) comprised of an insulating material, mainly ceramic fiber. It functions as the thermal insulation to protect the next layer from high temperatures and corresponds to a structural layer (10) comprised of a carbon steel material. Its function is to provide mechanical and structural strength, in addition to offering protection from external impacts due to its assembly in the plant.

[0013] The thermal launder can be placed between a melting furnace and a conversion furnace. For example, it can be placed between a Teniente converter and a continuous converter or between a melting converter and a transfer pot, as illustrated conceptually in FIG. 1.

[0014] The advantages that this invention's solution represents consist of: [0015] It is encapsulated. [0016] Since it does not have heating elements in the area under the heating system, it is not subject to leaking white metal or the material being transported. [0017] Quick access to the heating elements. [0018] In the event of an operational failure of the heaters, the system can continue draining white metal without stopping the process and without affecting the availability of the molten material in subsequent processes. [0019] There is greater efficiency since the launder contact surface is heated directly with the white metal or molten metal. [0020] This set of elements allows the temperature to be conserved along the entire route, maintaining the fluidity of the material and decreasing accretions, thus [reducing] operators' exposure to repairs.