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US3895785A
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US
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Method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter
Assignee: United States Steel Corp
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Filing: 1972-12-04
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Granted: 1975-07-22
•
Expires: 1992-12-04
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter of the type having bottom tuyeres, each tuyere consisting of a center jet surrounded by annulus jets is disclosed. Controls are provided for blowing oxygen through the center jets and a fuel gas, such as propane, through the annulus jets during the refining step. Gases, such as nitrogen and compressed air, are blown through the jets during other parts of the steel making process. By means of switching circuits, the flow of each selected set of gases is established before the previously selected set can be cut off, one set of gases is automatically substituted for another if there is a loss of pressure at the tuyeres, nitrogen is substituted for oxygen and fuel if the flow of either of the latter two gases falls below a predetermined value and tilting of the converter to an upright position is prevented unless there is adequate pressure in the tuyeres. The disclosed apparatus ensures that molten metal will not enter or damage the tuyeres thereby preventing severe damage to the equipment and possible hazards to operating personnel.
Inventors
- 👤 William A Kolb
- 👤 Pete Vignovich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 16:27
CPC Classifications
C; C21; C21C; C21C5/00; C21C5/28; C21C5/30; C21C5/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 52
Claim 1
Independent Claim
186 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter of the type having at least one tuyere therein, said tuyere consisting of a center jet positioned within an annulus jet, and said tuyere being submerged below the level of the molten metal in the converter at least a portion of the time, comprising a. selector means for selecting a first or a second set of fluids to be coupled to said tuyere, b. fluid cOntrol means for coupling sources of said first and second sets of fluids to said tuyere, and c. switching means connecting said selector means to said fluid control means for selectively coupling said first or second sets of fluids to said tuyere in accordance with the position of said selector switch, said switching means including fluid transfer control means for maintaining flow of one of said first and second sets of fluids after the other of said sets of fluids has been selected until flow of said other set of fluids has been established, said apparatus preventing a molten charge in said converter from entering said tuyere and causing damage thereto.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
186 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter of the type having at least one tuyere therein, said tuyere consisting of a center jet positioned within an annulus jet, and said tuyere being submerged below the level of the molten metal in the converter at least a portion of the time, comprising a. selector means for selecting a first or a second set of fluids to be coupled to said tuyere, b. fluid cOntrol means for coupling sources of said first and second sets of fluids to said tuyere, and c. switching means connecting said selector means to said fluid control means for selectively coupling said first or second sets of fluids to said tuyere in accordance with the position of said selector switch, said switching means including fluid transfer control means for maintaining flow of one of said first and second sets of fluids after the other of said sets of fluids has been selected until flow of said other set of fluids has been established, said apparatus preventing a molten charge in said converter from entering said tuyere and causing damage thereto.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 1 wherein said fluid transfer control means comprises time delay relay means for maintaining flow of said one set of fluids for a predetermined interval after said other set of fluids has been selected.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 1 wherein said fluid transfer control means comprises means for measuring the flow of said other set of fluids and maintaining the flow of said one set of fluids until the flow of said other set of fluids exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 1 wherein said fluid transfer control means comprises means for measuring the flow of said second set of fluid and substituting said first set of fluids when the flow of said second set of fluids is below a predetermined value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 4 wherein said fluid transfer control means furtherin comprises means for measuring the pressure at said tuyere and transferring from the selected set of fluids to the other when the pressure at said tuyere is below a predetermined value.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
52 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 1 wherein said fluid transfer control means comprises means for measuring the pressure at said tuyere and transferring from the selected set of fluids to the other when the pressure at said tuyere is below a predetermined value.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said tuyere is a bottom submerged tuyere.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said tuyere is a submerged side tuyere.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said tuyere is a side tuyere directed toward a carbon monoxide zone above said iron base melt.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said apparatus is a bottom blown converter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said apparatus is an electric-arc melting furnace.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said apparatus is an open hearth furnace.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said apparatus is a tiltable open hearth furnace.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said apparatus is a molten metal mixer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said tuyere is a tuyere disposed adjacent a pour opening of said apparatus to prevent the formation of skulls adjacent said pour opening during pouring of said molten metal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
140 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter of the type having at least one tuyere at the bottom thereof, said tuyere consisting of a center jet positioned within an annulus jet, comprising a. means for selectively coupling first or second fluid sources to said center jet, b. means for selectively coupling said first or a third fluid source to said annulus jet, c. means for detecting inadequate flow of said first fluid to said center jet and adding said second and third fluids to said center and annulus jets respectively, and d. means for detecting inadequate flow of said second fluid to said center jet and adding said first fluid to said center and annulus jets, said apparatus preventing damage to the tuyere in the event flow of a selected fluid to said center jet is inadequate.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
140 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter of the type having at least one tuyere at the bottom thereof, said tuyere consisting of a center jet positioned within an annulus jet, comprising a. means for selectively coupling first or second fluid sources to said center jet, b. means for selectively coupling said first or a third fluid source to said annulus jet, c. means for detecting inadequate flow of said first fluid to said center jet and adding said second and third fluids to said center and annulus jets respectively, and d. means for detecting inadequate flow of said second fluid to said center jet and adding said first fluid to said center and annulus jets, said apparatus preventing damage to the tuyere in the event flow of a selected fluid to said center jet is inadequate.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
96 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 16 wherein said first fluid source is coupled to said center jet through a first flow control means and a first valve means and to said annulus jet through a second flow control means and a second valve means, said second fluid source is coupled to said center jet through a third flow control means and a third valve means, and said third fluid source is coupled to said annulus jet through a fourth flow control means and a fourth valve means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 17 wherein the means for detecting a condition wherein the flow rate of said first or second fluids is inadequate comprises first and second flow switches in said first and third flow control means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
87 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 18 wherein said means for adding said second and third fluids to said center and annulus jets respectively when the flow of the selected first fluid is inadequate comprises means connecting said first flow switch to said third and fourth valve means, said third and fourth valve means opening to permit flow of said second and third fluids respectively when the flow measured by said first flow switch is below a predetermined value.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
82 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 18 wherein said means for adding said first fluid to said center and annulus jets respectively when the flow rate of the second fluid is inadequate comprises means connecting said second flow switch to said first and second valve means, said first and second valve means opening to permit flow of said first fluid when the flow measured by said second flow switch is below a predetermined value.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
107 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 18 which further comprises means for detecting inadequate flow of said third fluid comprising a third flow switch in said fourth flow control means, and means coupling said second and third flow switches to said first and second valve means for substituting said first fluid at said center and annulus jets when the flow rate of said second or third fluids is inadequate, said first and second valve means opening to permit flow of said first fluid when the flow measured by said second or third flow switch is below a predetermined value.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
73 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 21 wherein second delay means is further provided for coupling said second and third flow switches to said third and fourth valve means, said third and fourth valve means closing after a predetermined delay to prevent flow of said second and third fluids when the flow measured by said second or third flow switch is below a predetermined value.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
61 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 16 wherein means are further provided for detecting a condition wherein the pressure of said first, second or third fluids is inadequate, said means comprising first and second pressure measuring means coupled to said center and annulus jets respectively to measure the pressure of the fluids therein.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
97 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 23 wherein means are provided for substituting said second and third fluids to said center and annulus jets respectively when the pressure of the selected first fluid is inadequate said means comprising means connecting said first and second pressure measuring means to said third and fourth valve means, said third and fourth valve means opening to permit flow of said second and third fluids respectively when the pressure measured by either of said first and second pressure means is below a predetermined Value.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
74 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 24 wherein first delay means is further provided for coupling said first and second pressure measuring means to said first and second valve means, said first and second valve means closing after a predetermined delay to prevent flow of said first fluid when the pressure measured by either of said first and second pressure means is below a predetermined value.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
97 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 23 wherein means are provided for substituting said first fluid to said center and annulus jets when the pressure of the selected second or third fluid is inadequate comprising means connecting said first and second pressure measuring means to said first and second valve means, said first and second valve means opening to permit flow of said first fluid to said center and annulus jets when the pressure measured by either of said first and second pressure means is below a predetermined value.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
77 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 26 wherein second delay means is further provided for coupling said first and second pressure measuring means to said third and fourth valve means, said third and fourth valve means closing after a predetermined delay to prevent flow of said second or third fluids when the pressure measured by either of said first and second pressure measuring means is below a predetermined value.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 16 which further comprises means for selectively coupling a fourth fluid source to said center jet.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
117 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 28 wherein said first fluid source is coupled to said center jet through a first flow control means and a first valve means and to said annulus jet through a second flow control means and a second valve means, said second fluid source is coupled to said center jet through a third flow control means and a third valve means, said third fluid source is coupled to said annulus jet through a fourth flow control means and a fourth valve means, and said fourth fluid source is coupled to said center jet through a fifth flow control means and a fifth valve means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
58 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 28 wherein said first fluid is nitrogen, said second fluid is oxygen, said third fluid is a fuel selected from the group consisting of natural gas, propane and butane and said fourth fluid is selected from the group consisting of air, nitrogen and argon.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
228 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a tiltable steel refining converter of the type having at least one tuyere therein, said tuyere consisting of a center jet positioned within an annulus jet, and said tuyere being submerged below the level of the molten metal in the converter at least a portion of the time, comprising first flow control means and first valve means, third flow control means and third valve means, and fifth flow control means and fifth valve means for coupling first, second and fourth fluid source respectively to said center jet, second flow control means and second valve means, and fourth flow control means and fourth valve means coupling said first fluid source and a third fluid source respectively to said annulus jet, first and second pressure measuring means coupled to said center and annulus jets respectively to measure the pressure of the fluids therein, and a selector switch having first, second and third positions, said first position being connected to said fifth and second valve means for coupling said fourth and first fluid sources to said center and annulus jets respectively, said second position being connected to said first fluid source to said center and annulus jets, and said third position being connected to said tHird and fourth valve means for coupling said second and third fluid sources to said center and annulus jets respectively.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
228 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a tiltable steel refining converter of the type having at least one tuyere therein, said tuyere consisting of a center jet positioned within an annulus jet, and said tuyere being submerged below the level of the molten metal in the converter at least a portion of the time, comprising first flow control means and first valve means, third flow control means and third valve means, and fifth flow control means and fifth valve means for coupling first, second and fourth fluid source respectively to said center jet, second flow control means and second valve means, and fourth flow control means and fourth valve means coupling said first fluid source and a third fluid source respectively to said annulus jet, first and second pressure measuring means coupled to said center and annulus jets respectively to measure the pressure of the fluids therein, and a selector switch having first, second and third positions, said first position being connected to said fifth and second valve means for coupling said fourth and first fluid sources to said center and annulus jets respectively, said second position being connected to said first fluid source to said center and annulus jets, and said third position being connected to said tHird and fourth valve means for coupling said second and third fluid sources to said center and annulus jets respectively.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
86 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a tiltable steel refining converter as defined by claim 31 which further comprises first relay means coupling said first flow control means and said selector switch to said third and fourth valve means for opening said third and fourth valve means to provide flow of said second and third fluids when said first flow control means detects that the flow of said first fluid is below a predetermined amount and said selector switch is in said second or third position.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
84 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a tiltable steel refining converter as defined by claim 31 which further comprises second relay means coupling said third flow control means and said selector switch to said first and second valve means for opening said first and second valve means to provide flow of said first fluid when said third flow control means detects that the flow of said second fluid is below a predetermined amount and said selector switch is in said second or third position.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
90 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a tiltable steel refining converter as defined by claim 31 which further comprises means motor means for tilting said converter, and motor control means coupled to said motor means, said motor control means being connected to said first and second pressure measuring means and to said selector switch to permit said converter to be rotated from a substantially horizontal position to an upright position only when there is adequate pressure on said tuyere and said selector switch is in said second or third position.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
138 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a tiltable steel refining converter as defined by claim 31 wherein said first, third, fourth and fifth flow control means each comprises a flow measuring device for providing an output voltage corresponding to the flow of fluid through said flow control means; a motor-operated valve positioned in series with the associated valve means for further controlling the flow of fluid to said tuyere; a potentiometer having an arm for setting the desired flow rate therein; and an amplifier having a first input coupled to the output of said flow measuring device, a second input coupled to the arm of said potentiometer and an output coupled to said motor-operated valve, said valve being positioned when the output voltage of said flow measuring device differs from the voltage at the arm of said potentiometer.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
130 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a tiltable steel refining converter as defined by claim 35 wherein said first flow control means further comprises a first flow switch coupled to the output of said flow measuring device, said flow switch changing its state when the voltage at the output of said flow measuring device corresponds to a predetermined value; and a flow control relay coupling the second input of said amplifier to the arm of said potentiometer when said relay is deenergized and to ground when said relay is energized, said relay being energized and closing said motor-operated valve when said selector switch is in its first position or, with said selector switch in its second position, said first or second pressure measuring means indicate low pressure at said tuyere.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
160 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a tiltable steel refining converter as defined by claim 35 wherein said third and fourth flow control means each further comprises second and third flow switches coupled respectively to the outputs of the corresponding flow measuring devices, said second and third flow switches changing their states when the voltages at the outputs of the corresponding flow measuring devices correspond to predetermined values; and a flow control relay coupling the second inputs of the amplifiers in said third and fourth control means to the arms of the corresponding potentiometers when said relay is energized and to groUnd when said relay is deenergized, said relay being deenergized and closing the motor-operated valve in said third and fourth flow control means when said first or second pressure measuring means indicates low pressure at said tuyeres or said second or third flow switches indicates that the flow of said second or third fluids is below a predetermined value.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus recited in claim 31 wherein said tuyere is a bottom submerged tuyere.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus recited in claim 31 wherein said tuyere is a submerged side tuyere.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus recited in claim 31 wherein said tuyere is a side tuyere directed toward a carbon monoxide zone above said iron base melt.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus recited in claim 31 wherein said apparatus is a bottom blown converter.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus recited in claim 31 wherein said apparatus is an electric-arc melting furnace.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus recited in claim 31 wherein said apparatus is an open hearth furnace.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus recited in claim 31 wherein said apparatus is a tiltable open hearth furnace.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus recited in claim 31 wherein said apparatus is a molten metal mixer.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus recited in claim 31 wherein said tuyere is a tuyere disposed adjacent a pour opening of said apparatus to prevent the formation of skulls adjacent said pour opening during pouring of said molten metal.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
177 words
Apparatus for refining steel comprising a. a converter having at least one tuyere at the bottom and one at the side thereof, each of said tuyeres consisting of a center jet positioned within an annulus jet, b. means for selectively coupling sources of nitrogen, oxygen and air to the center jet of said bottom tuyere, c. means for selectively coupling sources of nitrogen and fuel to the annulus jet of said bottom tuyere; d. means for selectively coupling sources of oxygen to the center jet of said side tuyere and fuel to the annulus jet of said side tuyere, e. means for detecting inadequate flow rate of nitrogen at said bottom tuyere and adding oxygen at the center jet and fuel at the annulus jet of said bottom tuyere; and f. means for detecting inadequate flow rate of oxygen or fuel and substituting therefor nitrogen in the center and annulus jets of said bottom tuyere, said apparatus preventing damage to the bottom tuyere when flow conditions at said tuyere are inadequate for proper operation of said converter.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
177 words
Apparatus for refining steel comprising a. a converter having at least one tuyere at the bottom and one at the side thereof, each of said tuyeres consisting of a center jet positioned within an annulus jet, b. means for selectively coupling sources of nitrogen, oxygen and air to the center jet of said bottom tuyere, c. means for selectively coupling sources of nitrogen and fuel to the annulus jet of said bottom tuyere; d. means for selectively coupling sources of oxygen to the center jet of said side tuyere and fuel to the annulus jet of said side tuyere, e. means for detecting inadequate flow rate of nitrogen at said bottom tuyere and adding oxygen at the center jet and fuel at the annulus jet of said bottom tuyere; and f. means for detecting inadequate flow rate of oxygen or fuel and substituting therefor nitrogen in the center and annulus jets of said bottom tuyere, said apparatus preventing damage to the bottom tuyere when flow conditions at said tuyere are inadequate for proper operation of said converter.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
67 words
Apparatus for controlling the operation of a steel refining converter as defined by claim 47 wherein means are further provided for detecting a condition wherein the pressure of said nitrogen, oxygen or fuel at said bottom tuyeres is inadequate, said means comprising first and second pressure measuring means coupled to the center and annulus jets of said bottom tuyeres to measure the pressure of the gases therein.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-07-21 | 1979-01-20 | 1979-07-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-07-21 | 1983-01-20 | 1983-07-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-07-21 | 1987-01-20 | 1987-07-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |