COOLING APPARATUS

Abstract

An apparatus for cooling a material includes: at least one reactor, substantially tubular, which is rotatable and which includes a rotating tubular structure defining inside it a chamber for receiving and passing through the material to be cooled; and means for indirectly cooling the material passing through said chamber by means of a cooling fluid, the means for indirect cooling comprise at least one dispensing device for the cooling fluid. The at least one dispensing device includes at least two dispensing mouths defined by respective slots, with substantially longitudinal development, for the escape of the refrigerant fluid, the device being arranged with respect to the tubular structure in so that the flow outgoing from said two slits affects and laps two respective areas, distinct from each other, of the external surface of the tubular structure.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1), for cooling a material (M), comprising: at least one reactor (2), substantially tubular, which is rotatable and which comprises a rotating tubular structure (3) defining a chamber (4) therein for receiving and passing through the material to be cooled, means (6) for indirectly cooling the material passing through said chamber (4) by means of a cooling fluid, said means (6) for indirect cooling comprise at least one dispensing device (60) for the cooling fluid, wherein said at least one dispensing device (60) comprises at least two dispensing mouths (62) defined by respective slots (63), with substantially longitudinal development, for the escape of the cooling fluid, said device being arranged with respect to the tubular structure (3) in so that the flow outgoing from said two slits affects and laps two respective areas, distinct from each other, of an external surface of the tubular structure (3).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one dispensing device (60) is arranged with respect to the tubular structure (3) so as to cascade a flow of blade-shaped cooling fluid on said areas of the external surface of the tubular structure (3).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one dispensing device (60) is fixed and is positioned above said tubular structure (3) which is rotating.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured in such a way that the cooling fluid coming out of said at least one dispensing device (60) acts on the external surface of the tubular structure (3) along a longitudinal development thereof according to a direction which is opposite to that with which the material to be cooled passes through/advances in the chamber (4) defined inside the tubular structure (3).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one collection tank (66) which is positioned below said at least one dispensing device (60), to thereby collect the cooling fluid which has escaped from said at least one dispensing device and which has come into contact with the tubular structure (3).

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said tubular structure (3) comprises at least two tubular modules (30, 30) connected in sequence to each other and in that a dispensing device (60) for each module (30, 30).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a protective casing (69) which is fixed and which externally wraps, at least in part, the rotating tubular structure (3) of the reactor (2).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said at least one dispensing device (60) is mounted on said casing (69) so that said casing (69) also acts as a support for said at least one dispensing device (60).

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said dispensing device (60) does not comprise nozzles configured to spray flat jet, full cone or hollow cone sprays of cooling fluid.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each dispensing device (60) comprises two laminar elements (64, 64) facing each other and spaced apart so as to define between them a passage chamber for the cooling fluid.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said two laminar elements (64, 64) are configured so as to define, preferably between their respective edges (67, 67), said at least two slots (63) from which respective blade-shaped flows of cooling fluid exit.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two slots (63) of the dispensing device (60) are arranged at the sides, symmetrically, with respect to a vertical plane passing through an axis (X) of longitudinal development of the tubular structure (3).

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tubular structure (3) is made of at least two tubular modules (30) connected in sequence, each dispensing device (60) being operatively associated with at least one tubular module (30).

14. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each tubular module (30, 30) is provided with its own dispensing device (60) which is configured in such a way that a blade of fluid coming out of slots (63) of each module have a development in length substantially corresponding to the development in length of each module (30, 30), to thus affect the tubular wall of each module along an entire longitudinal development thereof.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of Peltier cells (99) which are mounted on the external surface of at least one zone of the tubular structure (3) so as to be hit by the cooling fluid flow that comes out of said at least one dispensing device (60), said Peltier cells (99) thus generating electrical energy by exploiting the temperature difference between the cooling fluid and the external surface of the tubular structure (30), which is internally in contact with the material to be cooled.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0046] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the apparatus according to the invention, illustrated, purely by way of example and by way of non-limiting example, in the attached drawings in which:

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the cooling apparatus according to the invention,

[0048] FIG. 2 shows it in a perspective view without the fixed base frame and the casing of the tubular reactor,

[0049] FIG. 3 shows a vertical section of it in perspective view,

[0050] FIG. 4 shows the section of FIG. 3 from a different perspective and without the casing of the tubular reactor,

[0051] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a detail of the cooling means,

[0052] FIG. 6 shows the detail of FIG. 5 in a different perspective view,

[0053] FIG. 7 shows the dispensing device in perspective view,

[0054] FIG. 8 shows the device of FIG. 7 with the refrigerant fluid,

[0055] FIG. 9 shows the device of FIG. 7 applied on the tubular reactor of the apparatus according to the invention,

[0056] FIG. 10 shows the cooling apparatus according to the invention with the screening segment,

[0057] FIG. 11 shows the apparatus of FIG. 10 without the casing and with schematically indicated the path of the cooling fluid,

[0058] FIG. 12 shows a variant embodiment of the cooling apparatus according to the invention in which a panel of the casing has been removed from a module of the tubular reactor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND OF SOME OF ITS PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] The present invention relates to an improved cooling apparatus 1, for cooling a material, in particular for cooling white or black slag.

[0060] The term white slag hereinafter refers to a waste deriving from the steel refining processes, during the production chain of the steel itself. In particular, white slag is a waste material very rich in lime and therefore advantageously recoverable. The term black slag here means the slag that forms, above the steel melting bath, as a result of the oxidation of the scrap and of the compounds generated by the additives inserted in the charge of the electric furnace to produce steel starting from the scrap. In particular, black slag is a waste material that contains various components and, in particular, contains lime (CaO) or lime-based compounds. Conveniently, the black slag is about 70-95%, preferably about 80-90%, formed by the following components: CaO (lime), SiO2 and Al2O3 and MgO; suitably, the quantities of the individual components vary according to the composition of the black slag.

[0061] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 according to the present invention can be operatively associated with a steel production plant and/or its derivatives or variants.

[0062] The apparatus 1 will be described below with particular reference to the treatment of steel slag, however it is understood thatin a corresponding waymaterials, waste or even non-waste, derived from other metal alloys or metals (for example copper and aluminum).

[0063] Preferably, the cooling apparatus 1 is suitable for use in a plant for the recovery of the white slag that is generated in the steel production and refining phase and/or is suitable for use in a plant for the recovery of slag, black that is generated inside the electric furnace during the steel production phase.

[0064] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 is suitable for treating materials that are generated in the production phase of steel or other metal alloys and, preferably, materials that are formed/found on/at the bottom of a ladle furnace and which comprises the so-called white slag, containing lime or lime-based compounds. Preferably, the material found on the bottom of the ladle furnace comprises white slag and a molten or semi-molten/viscous (i.e. liquid or fluid) metal alloy. In particular, the metal alloy can preferably be steel but it could be other metal alloys, for example aluminum or copper.

[0065] The cooling apparatus 1 according to the invention comprises at least one rotating reactor (or drum) 2 having a substantially tubular development (preferably cylindrical).

[0066] The rotating reactor 2 comprises at least one tubular structure 3 with a wall which internally delimits a chamber 4 for receiving and passing through the material to be cooled. The tubular structure 3 extends between an inlet opening 5 for the material to be cooled and an outlet opening 5 for the cooled material.

[0067] Preferably, the tubular structure 3 has a circular cross-section, but it could also be polygonal.

[0068] Conveniently, in order to cool the material in an optimal manner, the reactor 2 is rotatably mounted on a support frame 15 and can be operated in rotation around the main axis X by motorization means 16. Conveniently, the main axis X corresponds to longitudinal axis of development of the reactor 2.

[0069] Advantageously, the support frame 15 is mobile, in particular it is pivoting, with respect to a fixed structure 17 which is intended to be placed on the ground and which comprises at least a lower support base 18 (cf. FIG. 1) and is preferably made of metallic material. The lower support base 18 of the fixed structure 17 is preferably arranged parallel to the support surface on which the entire apparatus 1 rests. Advantageously, as described in more detail below, on the lower support base 18 of the fixed support structure 17 can be at least one tank 66 for collecting the refrigerant fluid must be mounted.

[0070] Preferably, the support frame 15 with the reactor 2 can be moved between a condition in which the main axis X of the reactor is substantially horizontal to at least one condition in which the axis X is partially inclined with respect to the horizontal, in particular by a greater height in correspondence with the inlet opening 5 to a lower level in correspondence with the outlet opening 5. Conveniently, motorization means 92 (for example hydraulic or electromechanical jacks) can be provided to vary the inclination of the support frame 15 with the reactor 2 with respect to the horizontal.

[0071] Conveniently, a conveyor 80 can be provided at the inlet opening 5 of the reactor 2 to send the material to be treated inside the reactor. Advantageously, a movable lid 71 can be provided at the inlet mouth of the conveyor 80, to open and close the inlet of the conveyor itself in this way selectively.

[0072] Conveniently, as shown in FIGS. 10-12, the apparatus 1 can comprise a cooling segment 81 suitable for cooling the material, and a screening segment 82, placed in cascade to the cooling segment. In the screening segment 82, the selection and separation of fragments and powders of the material, in particular of the white or black slag, having a size smaller than a predetermined size is carried out. Conveniently, the screening segment 82 can comprise a screen, preferably rotating with the tubular reactor 2. Conveniently, the screen can be of the type described in Italian patent applications 102020000028850 and/or 102020000028844.

[0073] Conveniently, the apparatus 1 comprises cooling meansindicated as a whole with the number 6of the tubular structure 3 which delimits the chamber 4 inside. The cooling means 6 of the apparatus 1 indirectly cool, by means of a cooling fluid, the material that passes through the chamber 4, i.e. without direct contact between the refrigerant fluid and the material to be cooled.

[0074] Conveniently, the means 6 for indirectly cooling the material passing through said chamber 4 comprise at least one dispensing device 60 configured to send on the external surface of at least one area of said tubular structure 3 a flow of cooling fluidpreferably waterwhich is shaped blade 65 (see FIG. 8).

[0075] By blade shaped flow we mean that the flow has a substantially laminar conformation, i.e. two dimensions (length and width) are much greater than the other dimension (thickness).

[0076] Conveniently, each dispensing device 60 is fixed with respect to the rotating tubular structure 3.

[0077] Preferably, each dispensing device 60 is arranged with respect to the tubular structure 3 so as to cascade a flow of blade-shaped refrigerant fluid on an area of the external surface of the tubular structure 3. Conveniently, for this purpose, each dispensing device 60 is mounted externally above the upper extremity zone of the tubular structure 3. Preferably, the dispensing devices 60 are arranged at a height or geodetic level higher than the tubular reactor 2 so that the blade of cooling fluid that comes out of each device 60 falls mainly by gravity onto the tubular structure 3 of the tubular reactor 2, then descending by gravityand thus lappingthe lower lateral zones of the structure itself. Conveniently, in an embodiment not shown, the dispensing device 60 could be arranged laterally so that the blade water flow emerging from the device thus invests the lateral areas of the tubular structure 3.

[0078] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 according to the the invention also comprises means 10 for feeding at least one cooling fluid (preferably water) to the dispensing devices 60.

[0079] Conveniently, the supply means 10 are fluidically connected at the inlet to the dispensing devices 60 to thus supply the latter with the refrigerant fluid.

[0080] Preferably, the supply means 10 can comprise at least one distribution circuit 61 of the cooling fluid arranged at least partially around a reactor 2 and configured to receive a cooling fluid (preferably mains water) from an external supply or from at least one collection tank 66 provided in said apparatus, while at the outlet it is connected with the dispensing devices 60. Conveniently, the distribution circuit 61 comprises a plurality of tubes, one for each dispensing device 60.

[0081] Advantageously, at least a part of the supply means 10 can receive the refrigerant fluid from the same water network that feeds a steel production plant and/or the like.

[0082] The cooling fluid advantageously comprises water, in particular already used or usable in the steel production plant.

[0083] Preferably, each dispensing device 60 is provided with at least one dispensing mouth 62 which is defined by a slot 63 with a substantially longitudinal development. Conveniently, the slot 63 can have a straight or even non-straight longitudinal profile, i.e. with curved or angled portions. Preferably, the dispensing mouth 62 defines a substantially elongated nozzle.

[0084] Conveniently, moreover, the dispensing device 60 is of the type which causes the cooling fluid to come out by rain, and not by spraying; suitably, the refrigerant fluid exiting from the dispensing device 60 laps the external surface of the tubular structure 30.

[0085] More in detail, unlike the known solutions, no nozzles are provided which spray the water or the refrigerant fluid with a flat jet, full cone or hollow cone, which are unable to spray evenly and with a layer of uniform thickness the external surface of the wall of the tubular structure, and there is also the risk of clogging of the nozzle, with consequent cooling problems.

[0086] Advantageously, the cooling means 6 are configured in such a way that from the dispensing devices 60 they come out with the best energy efficiencysince the water blade dispensing spout requires a lower kinetic load than any other type of nozzleflows of refrigerant fluid configured with a blade of a certain thickness and length that is always constant over time, and this preferably also as a function of limited variations in the pressure and flow rate of the water or refrigerant fluid, thus also eliminating the risk of clogging of the dispensing outlets of said devices.

[0087] Conveniently, each dispensing device 60 comprises two laminar elements, respectively 64 and 64, preferably two pieces of sheet metal, facing each other (preferably overlapping) and spaced apart so as to define a passage chamber for the cooling fluid. Furthermore, the two laminar elements 64 and 64 are configured so as to define, preferably between their respective edges 67 and 67, said at least one slot 63 from which a blade-shaped flow of refrigerant fluid emerges.

[0088] Conveniently, a first laminar element (the outermost or upper one) 64 is provided with a connecting portion 72 for the fluidic connection with a pipe of the distribution circuit 61 of the refrigerant fluid. Conveniently, said first laminar element (the outermost or upper one) 64 comprises two planes inclined or curved downwards in mutually opposite directions.

[0089] Preferably, the other laminar element (the innermost or lower one) 64 comprises two inclined or curved planes downwards in opposite directions so as to be able to thus define two corresponding slots 63. Basically, the other laminar element (the innermost or lower one) 64 has a substantially sloping conformation.

[0090] Conveniently, the lateral edges of the laminar elements 64 and 64 can be folded substantially downwards so as to define between them slots 63 of various widths, from which blades of refrigerant fluid of corresponding thicknesses come out, thus regulating the flow of said fluid without creating turbulent motions that would compromise the cooling of the material with the same flow head.

[0091] Advantageously, each dispensing device 60 comprises at least two slots 63 for the outflow of a blade-shaped flow of refrigerant fluid and, suitably, said device is arranged with respect to the tubular structure 3 so that the flow outgoing from said at least two slits affects two respective areas, distinct from each other, of the external surface of the tubular structure 3. In particular, for this purpose, the two slots 63 of the dispensing device 60 are arranged externally and laterally, preferably symmetrically, with respect to the vertical plane passing through the axis X of the tubular structure 3. Preferably, the dispensing device 60 can be arranged so that its two slots 63, which are parallel to each other, are also parallel with respect to the longitudinal development and rotation axis X of the tubular structure 3.

[0092] Operationally, as said, the refrigerant fluid which comes out of the cooling devices 60 acts on the tubular structure 3 of the chamber 4 in such a way as to externally cool the wall of said structure, and consequently also indirectly cool the material to be cooled contained in said chamber 4.

[0093] In particular, each stream of blade-shaped refrigerant fluid that comes out of the dispensing devices 60 strikes/falls on a first area of the tubular structure 3 to then slide/flowdue to the effect of gravity and/or rotation of the tubular structureand thus strike/lap a second area of said tubular structure which is adjacent to the first.

[0094] Advantageously, said at least one dispensing device 60 is mounted on the tubular reactor 2 so that the flow of blade-shaped coolant flowing out of each device falls from above onto an area of the tubular structure 3 of said reactor, preferably on the upper area of said structure.

[0095] Conveniently, in correspondence with the lower zone of the tubular structure 3 of the reactor 2 there is provided at least one tank 66 for collecting the cooling fluid which, after having escaped from said at least one dispensing device 60, has come into contact with the tubular structure 30. Conveniently, while the tubular structure 30 of the reactor 2 is rotating, said at least one collection tank 66 is fixed and, in particular, is mounted on the lower support base 18 of the fixed structure 17.

[0096] More in detail, the cooling fluid at temperature T1, coming from the water mains or relaunched by a pump from another collection tank, it comes out like a blade and from above on the external surface of the tubular structure 30, preferably licking both sides of the external surface of the wall defining the tubular structure, and descends by downward gravity where it detaches from the tubular structure 3 and falls into a corresponding collection tank 66 at a temperature T2, where T2 which is greater than T1.

[0097] Advantageously, the chamber 4 of the reactor 2 is configured to advance the material to be cooled (i.e. the white or black slag) in a first direction of movement. Conveniently, the cooling means 6 are configured to move the refrigerant fluid from a first section 7 to a second section 8 in a second direction at least partially opposite with respect to said first direction. In particular, the refrigerant fluid acts externally on the chamber 4 crossing it along its longitudinal development in a direction which is opposite to that with which the material to be cooled crosses/advances inside said chamber 4. In substance, suitably, the apparatus 1 is configured so that the heat exchange between the material to be cooled inside the chamber 4 and the cooling fluid occurs in countercurrent, i.e. in opposite directions of advancement along the longitudinal development of the reactor 2.

[0098] In accordance with the shape preferential embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the reactor 2 preferably has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends along the main axis X between a first end, in which the inlet opening 5 is made, and a second end, in which it is made the outlet opening 5.

[0099] Preferably, the first direction of movement of the material to be cooled is substantially parallel to the main axis X and turned from the inlet opening 5 towards the outlet opening 5.

[0100] The tubular structure 3 can be made in a single tubular body or, as shown in the figures, by two or more tubular modules 30 connected in sequence to each other. In particular, in the latter case, the tubular modules 30 are provided with extremal flanges 31 for mutual fastening. Preferably, each dispensing device 60 is operatively associated with at least one tubular module 30.

[0101] Preferably, the union of the two flanges 31 of two adjacent tubular modules 30 also defines the contact/sliding base on which act the support wheels and the wheels of the motorization means 16 configured to cause the rotational movement of the tubular structure of the reactor 2.

[0102] Conveniently, several collection tanks 66 and 66 can be provided, each of which is positioned below at least one corresponding module 30 and 30 and intended to collect the refrigerant fluid that has licked the walls of the tubular structure of the corresponding module. Conveniently, the collection tanks 66 and 66 can be fluidically separated or they can be in fluid communication with each other.

[0103] Conveniently, the first underlying collection tank 66 to at least a first module 30 is fluidically connected to a pump 90 which is configured to re-launch the refrigerant fluid collected in said tank 66 towards the dispensing device 60 of at least a second module 30 which is adjacent (but in any case different) with respect to said first module 30.

[0104] Conveniently, the second collection tank 66 underlying at least a second module 30 can be fluidically connected to a further pump 91 to return the refrigerant fluid used in the apparatus to the water network or to a cooling basin.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 11, the material to be cooled M at high temperature (Tin) enters the chamber 4 at the inlet opening 5 and exits the latter at a lower temperature Tout (<Tin) at the outlet opening 5, to then pass inside the screening segment 82. The refrigerant fluid coming from the supply means 10, and in particular from the water mains, enters the first section 7 (which can comprise one, two or more first modules 30) which is closest to the outlet 5 of the material from chamber 4; therefore, the refrigerant fluid that comes out of the dispensing devices 60 of the first section 7 comes into contact externally with the walls of the first modules 30, which in turn are in contact internally with the material present in the chamber 4, thus causing the cooling of the latter and the heating of the refrigerant fluid. Then, the cooling fluidwhich heats up externally to the first modules 30falls into the first collection tank 66 and from there it is re-launched by the pump 90 towards the dispensing devices 60 of the second modules 30 of the second section 8 which is closest to the entrance opening. Therefore, the refrigerant fluid that comes out of the dispensing devices 60 of the second section 8 comes into contact externally with the tubular structure 3 of the modules 30 of this section, which in turn is in contact internally with the material present in the chamber 4, thus causing the cooling of the latter and the heating of the refrigerant fluid. Then, the refrigerant fluidwhich heats up externally the tubular structure 3 of the second modules 30 of the second section 8falls into the second collection tank 66 and from here is re-launched by a further pump 91 to return to the mains water supply or in a cooling basin.

[0106] Conveniently, it is understood that the apparatus 1 could comprise more than two sections 7 and 8 (and therefore more than two collection tanks 66 and 66) and/or each section 7 and 8 could also include a single module or more of two modules 30 and 30.

[0107] Advantageously, each module 30 or 30 is provided with its own dispensing device 60. Preferably, said dispensing device 60 is configured in such a way that said at least one blade of refrigerant fluid that emerges from said dispensing device has a development in length substantially corresponding to the length development of each module 30 or 30, to thus affect the tubular wall of each module along its entire longitudinal development.

[0108] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 also comprises a casing 69 which acts as a protection and which externally wraps, at least in part, the tubular structure 3 of the reactor 2. Conveniently, the protection casing 69 is fixed, i.e. it is not rotating, and preferably is mounted on the support frame 15. Conveniently, the casing 69 can be made in several pieces which develop from each dispensing device 60 around the lateral areas of the tubular structure 3 of the reactor 2.

[0109] In particular, the casing 69 is spaced apart from to the external surface of the tubular structure 30. Conveniently, the casing 69 acts as a protection to prevent the refrigerant fluid which comes into contact with the tubular structure 3 from splashing or escaping into the external environment surrounding the apparatus 1.

[0110] Advantageously, the casing 69 can be configured in such a way as to direct the cooling fluid which falls by gravity towards the underlying tank towards the tubular structure 3.

[0111] Conveniently, the dispensing devices 60which are fixed (i.e. do not rotate with the tubular structure 30)are mounted on the casing 69 and, preferably, are supported by the latter. Conveniently, the dispensing devices 60which are fixed (i.e. they do not rotate with the tubular structure 30)can be mounted and supported by another element of the support structure of the apparatus 1.

[0112] Advantageously, the reactor 2 is made of thermally conductive material, in particular it is made of metallic material, such as for example steel.

[0113] Conveniently, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one electronic control unit (not shown) for the control and management of the apparatus itself. Advantageously, the electronic control unit comprises at least one microcontroller, such as for example a PLC (programmable logic controller) or the like.

[0114] Conveniently, the apparatus 1 comprises at least a first temperature sensor operatively associated with the reactor 2, electronically connected to the electronic control unit and configured to detect at least one temperature measurement of the reactor 2 and/or of the material to be cooled.

[0115] Conveniently, the apparatus 1 comprises at least a second temperature sensor which is electronically connected to the electronic control unit and is configured to detect at least one temperature measurement of the refrigerant fluid entering at least one dispensing device 60 and/or correspondingly of the collection tank 66.

[0116] Conveniently, at least one sensor can be provided for detecting the presence of refrigerant fluid in or inside each dispensing device 60; this sensor can be electronically connected to the electronic control unit and is configured to send the corresponding detection to the electronic control unit.

[0117] Conveniently, a sensor can be provided for measuring the flow rate/flow and/or pressure of the refrigerant fluid entering the dispensing devices 60; this sensor can be electronically connected to the electronic control unit and is configured to send the measurement of the flow rate/flow to the electronic control unit.

[0118] Advantageously, a valve can be provided at the inlet and/or in correspondence of each dispensing device 60 which is electronically connected to the electronic control unit to command its opening and closing, and thus regulate the flow rate/flow and pressure of the refrigerant fluid escaping from the corresponding device.

[0119] Preferably, the electronic control unit is configured to receive the temperature measurement of said first and/or second temperature sensors and/or of said flow/flow and/or pressure sensor and/or of said presence detection sensor of refrigerant fluid and, suitably, it also comprises at least one processing module programmed to process the measurements and readings received, and thus generate a corresponding command signal for said valves so that a thickness of refrigerant fluid flows out of each dispensing device 60 which it is substantially constant along the entire length of the slot 63 of the dispensing mouth 62 of the device itself.

[0120] The electronic control unit is advantageously configured to receive the temperature measurement of said first and/or second temperature sensors and/or of said flow/flow and/or pressure sensor and/or of said sensor for detecting the presence of cooling fluid, and correspondingly controlling said valves, the motorization means 16 for varying the rotation speed of the reactor 2 and/or the inclination of the reactor.

[0121] Conveniently, said at least one electronic unit is electronically connected to the motorization means 16 and is programmed to control them to vary the speed of rotation of the reactor 2 and/or the inclination of the reactor with respect to the horizontal.

[0122] The electronic control unit is programmed to control the rotation of the reactor 2 according to a first direction of rotation, for example clockwise, or counterclockwise.

[0123] Otherwise, the electronic control unit can be programmed to rotate the reactor 2 in more than one direction of rotation, alternately, in order to mix the material inside the chamber 4 and increase the cooling efficiency of the apparatus 1 according to the invention.

[0124] Obviously, the electronic control unit can be connected to the sensors and to the motorization means in any manner known per se to those skilled in the art and therefore not described in detail below. For example, the electronic control unit may provide a wired connection or a wireless connection (wireless) without thereby departing from the protection scope of this patent.

[0125] Advantageously, in a possible embodiment (see FIG. 12), the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of Peltier cells 99 which are mounted on the external surface of at least one zone of the tubular structure 3, preferably in correspondence with the section and/or module placed at or near the inlet opening 5 of the material to be cooled inside the chamber 4. Conveniently, therefore, the Peltier cells 99 are hit by the flow of refrigerant fluid that leaves the dispensing devices 60. Therefore, suitably, the Peltier cells 99 thus generate electrical energy by exploiting the temperature difference between the cooling fluid and the external surface of the tubular structure 30, which is internally in contact with the material to be cooled. Basically, this allows you to generate electricity starting from the thermal energy generated by the cooling of the material.

[0126] Advantageously, the electrical energy thus generated by the Peltier cells 99 can be reused inside the apparatus 1, preferably for example to power the sensors with which the apparatus itself is provided.

[0127] Conveniently, the Peltier cells 99 are distributed in a uniform and orderly manner on the external surface of at least one section of the tubular structure 3 or even along the entire tubular extension of the structure itself.

[0128] As is clear from what the cooling apparatus according to the invention is particularly advantageous, in that: [0129] it allows to overcome the drawbacks of the known solutions; [0130] is able to increase energy efficiency, while maintaining high quality standards of the material obtained and safety for operators and equipment; [0131] it allows to obtain a high energy efficiency; [0132] it is constructively completely reliable; [0133] it allows to cool the white or black slag in an optimal way, that is it obtains an optimal cooling of the white or black slag while obtaining the aforementioned high energy efficiency; [0134] it is easy to implement and with low costs. [0135] is able to treat white or black slag in the various and possible physical conditions in which it can occur, for example in the solid, semisolid-pasty or liquid state, according to requirements and needs; [0136] it is quick and easy to maintain and, at the same time, allows to improve energy efficiency in the recovery of white or black slag, while maintaining high quality standards of the material obtained; [0137] it is an alternative and an improvement with respect to the known solutions.

[0138] The present invention has been illustrated and described in some of its preferred embodiments, but it is understood that executive variations may be applied to them in practice, without however departing from the scope of protection of the present patent for industrial invention.

[0139] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept; moreover, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0140] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.