US2623531A - Spray cooling device - Google Patents

Description

D 30, 1952 R. H. wADDlNGToN ETAL 2,623,531

SPRAY COOLING DEVICE:

Filed ocx. 2, 194s 2 sxmE'rs-sxmz'r 1 y INVENTORS im Pff/Glowry #en/wrm G @fm 30, 1952 R. H. wADDlNGToN ETAL 2,523,531

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Patented Dec. 30, 1952 SPRAY COOLING DEVICE Ralph Henry Waddington, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, and Kenwood AGreigel, Woodbridge, N. J., assgnors to The International Nickel Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application October 2, 1948, Serial No. 52,573 In Canada June 4, 1948 The present invention relates to an improved jet cooling device adapted for the cooling of progressively moving hot metal ingots, bars or shapes, such as those produced in casting machines wherein continuous castings of metals or alloys are formed by solidifying and progressively discharging from a cooling and forming mold, especially one having vertically split sections which are vibrated transverse to the movement of hot metal.

A substantial advance in the art of continuously casting metals has been attained by the use of a vibrating, vertically-split mold in which molten metal is poured into the top of the mold and the ngot formed is continuously and progressively withdrawn from the bottom of the mold cavity. The rate at which the molten metal may be poured into the mold, however, is necessarily limited by the rate of withdrawal of the finished ingot and the rate of withdrawal of the finished ingot is in turn limited by the rate at which the ingot solidifles and cools.

We have discovered that cooling of an ingot emerging from a mold cavity is considerably improved when such cooling is eiected by a` plurality of downwardly-directed, radially converging bands or streams of water or other cooling medium applied against the surface of the emerging ingot bar or shape with suilicient pressure to break the steam film on the cast bar, and our invention includes the provision of a jet cooling device for producing such a plurality of bands.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cooling device for directing a plurality of jets of cooling iluid against the surface of an ingot emerging from a continuous casting machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a device in which the jets are in the form of flat, shallow streams or bands and directed inwardly and angularly against the ingot n the general direction of its movement.

A further object is to provide a cooling device by means of 'which the fiat, shallow streams or bands are applied to the surface of the ingot with considerable velocity.

6 Claims. (Cl. 134-122) Other objects and advantages of the invention l will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a side elevational view, partly in section of the cooling device embodying the present invention assembled on the ingot withdrawal end of a continuous casting machine;

Fig. 2 is a more detailed elevational view,

partly in section, of the spraying device embodying the present invention;

Fig. 3 depicts an enlarged vertical' sectional view of one wall of the jet cooling device embodying the present invention showing the jet slot details.

Generally speaking, the jet cooling device embodying the present invention is particularly adapted for use with a continuous casting machine comprising an open-ended mold cavity, into the top end of which molten metal is introduced and wherein the finished casting is withdrawn from the lower end of the cavity at substantially the same rate as the rate of solidication of the molten metal.

In accordance with the present invention, an annularsleeve-like nozzle member, preferably in the form of a truncated cone provided with a plurality of elongated slots or openings through the walls thereof in circumferentially disposed rows, encircles the casting as it emerges from the die cavity. The openings or discharge ports are preferably vertically staggered in alternating rows and are preferably directed downwardly at a substantial angle in relation to the vertical sides of the emerging casting, preferably at an angle of about 35 to the axis of the emerging casting. Means are provided for passing water f or other cooling medium through the discharge ports and onto the surfaces of the emerging casting and the total area of opening in the slots is preferably less than the total area of opening in the pipe or other conduit through which the cooling medium is supplied, thereby imparting an appreciable velocity to the plurality of iiat shallow streams or bands of cooling fluid as they impinge on the emerging casting. As a result of the staggered verticaldisposition of the slots, all

of the surfaces of the emerging casting are effectively sprayed and cooled.

Referring now to Fig. 1, the jet cooling device embodying the present invention is arranged in an assembly designated by the reference character I and consists 'of the slotted annular ring or discharge nozzle 2 supported by the flange 3 on an outer cooling fluid chamber member 4, the inner wall l of which forms, with the annular ring 2, an inner fluid chamber i. Water or other appropriate cooling uid is supplied under pressure to the cooling fluid ring 4 by any appropriate means, such as a standard water pipe inlet 'I of 1%" diameter. The inner wall I is provided with a plurality of apertures l through which transfer cf the cooling medium from within the chamber member 4 to inner fluid 3 chamber 6 takes, place. As will be understood. the inner wall I may be omitted. in which case the annular ring 2 would become the inner wall of the then undivided iiuid chamber. The nozzle ring 2 is formed with a plurality of circumferentially arranged rows of elongated passages or slots I2. the slots in alternate rows being vertically staggered in relation to each other. The arrangement and details of the slots may be more clearly seen in Figs. 2 and 3, in which it will be seen that each of the elongated passages consists of an outer circumferential channel or groove I in the exterior of wall II of the annular ring 2, and an elongated slot l2 passing from the base of the channel I0 and opening through the inner wall I2 of the ring 2. The slot is preferably directed downwardly at a relatively sharp angle, for example, at 50 `tc the inner wall I 3 of annular ring 2, as shown in Fig. 3'. Since the angle of inclination of the wallof ring 2 may be varied within'somewhat wide limits, the angleof inclination ofthe .slots I2-is desirably determined with relation to the longitudinal axis of theemerging casting and, as stated hereinbefore. this angle is preferably about 35. As may be seen in Fig. 2, they slots I2 Iare preferably in the form of a long, relatively narrow opening, for example. 11A long by 15" wide. but in any oase the dimensions and the number of such openings are such, as stated hereinbefore, that the total area of slot opening is less than the total area of opening in.,the cooling medium inletI 1 and it is preferred that the total area of slot opening be about less than .the area in the cooling medium inlet. The lower extremity or discharge of the porty slot I2 on the inner wall I3 of ring-2 preferably communicates inwardly through a groove or recess Il as seen in Fig. 3 so that the stream of cooling medium leavingthe slot I2 is unimpeded as it emerges from the slot. v

The annular ring 2 is preferably in the shape of a truncated cone as shown in the-drawings. The preferred form of the ring 2 as a truncated cone is functionally advantageous in that it provides an lincreased space areay for steam expansion and increased contact of the-steam withthe lower water jets for more effective condensation of the vapors. l

The assembly I is provided with a lower annular wall I5 and a base I6 whichytogether form a collection chamber I1 into whichfthe water or other cooling medium is directed lfrom the 1inished casting, and suitable drainage outlets I8 are provided through whichthe cooling medium is carried away. It is preferred 'that the total area of outlet provided in outlets I2 be considerably greater than the total area of the slots `I2 so that there will be substantially no accumulation of water or other cooling' medium in the chamber I1. A suitable opening I 9 in the base II is provided through which the cooled casting passes in its continuous withdrawal from the casting machine and a gasket 20 of suitable contour is provided and forms a fluid-tight seal with the withdrawing casting 28. Intermediate the annular ring 2 and the collection chamber I1, suitable guide rolls 2| are provided. It has been found advantageous to place the guide rolls as close to4 the mold outlet as is possible, since by this arrangement the emerging casting 28 is maintained straight, and cracks due to bending of the casting are avoided. For convenience and ei'iiciency of operation. therefore, the guide rolls The assembly I may be joined with the die cavity outlet of the casting machine by any convenient means such as a flanged ring bolted to a similar ring on the casting machine. Preferably, however, a gas ring 22 is provided between the die cavity outlet and the assembly I, this gas ring being provided with a flange 23 by means of which it may be attached to a similar flange (not shown) on the casting machine. Depending from the flange 2l and integral therewith is an annular leg 24 adapted to engage in gas-tight union with an annular lug 25 on the annular ring 2. The gas ring 22 is provided with a rectangular or otherwisesuitably contoured channel member 2B, integral with the leg 24 and extending radially therefrom, and a sight glass is fitted intov this channel member. A gas inlet (not shown) is provided in the channel member 26 and agas outlet (not shown) is provided on the-opposite side of the gas ring 22. A reducing or other suitable gas is circulated within the gas ring 22 during operation of the casting machine. 'I he upper,end of annular ring 2 is provided with a, gasket or seal 21 which, as shown, consists of an annularV gasket, a gasket ring and a bolt or other-.retaining means. The gas ring, however, and the method for its assembly do not form a part'of the present invention.

In operation, a dummy bar or starting plug is inserted into the die cavity from below and pouring`of the molten metal into the die cavity is started. Starting of the withdrawal mechanism is proceeded with when the initially poured metal has solidified sumciently to couple with the starting plug. With, the starting ofthe withdrawal mechanism, water inlet 1 is opened and cooling fluidows through the apertures 8 and thence through the elongated slots I2, or directly through these slots if inner wall 5 is dispensed with. Since, as stated hereinbefore, the total area of opening in the slots I2 is less than the totalarea off-,opening in the water inlet 1, the long, shallow streams or bands of water issuing fromthe inner wall of the. slotted annular ring 2 willimpinge with an appreciable velocity on the surface of the emerging casting.

Although the water jet cooling device of the present invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be, understood that Vvarious modifications and variations xmaybe resorted ,.to, as those skilled in the artwill readily understand. Such modicationsnd variations are to be considered within the scopey of the invention as described by the specification and defined by the appende claims.

1. A device adapted for cooling a hot metal ingot, bar. shape or the like as it is' progressed therethrough comprising a member provided with a chamber and a coolant intake. opening thereto, said chamber member having an inner wall coaxial with-and formed to encircle the shape in spaced' relation thereto and formed with a plurality of vertically spaced rows of circumferentially spaced` and elongated slots extending through'the wall at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the shape and in the direction of its movement. the slots of the adjacent rows being in circumferentially staggered relation, and said inner wall being of truncated conical formation havingits axis extended generally vertically and outwardly nared in the direction of movement of the shape as it is passed therethrough.

are disposed within the assembly I as shown. 2. A device adapted for cooling a hot metal ingot, bar, shape or the like as it is progressed therethrough comprising an annular member provided with a coolant chamber, said annular member having any inner wall `coaxial with and formed to encircle the shape in spaced relation thereto and formed with a plurality of vertically spaced rows of circumferentially-spaced and elongated slots extending through the wall at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the shape and inclined in the direction of its movement, the slots of the adjacent rows being in circumferentially staggered relation, and said inner Wall being of truncated conical formation having its axis extended generally vertically and outwardly flared in the direction of movement of the shape as it is passed therethrough, means for introducing a cooling fluid to the chamber under pressure and means disposed beneath the annular member for collecting and removing the coolant.

3. A device adapted for cooling a hot metal ingot, bar or shape as it progresses therethrough comprising an annular member provided with a chamber and a coolant intake opening and with an inner wall coaxial with and formed to encircle the shape in spaced relation thereto, said inner wall being formed with a plurality of vertically spaced rows of circumferentially spaced elongated slots extending therethrough at a downward angle to the longitudinal axis of said shape, the slots of the adjacent rows being in circumferentially staggered relation, the total area of opening in said slots being less than the ingot to form jets of said cooling medium, the slots of the adjacent rows being in circumferentially staggered relation, the total area of openings in said slots being about 10% less than the total area of openings in said fluid passing means whereby the jets are projected at substantial velocity onto the surfaces of the ingot, said inner wall being of truncated conical formation having its axis extended generally vertically and outwardly flared in the direction of movement of the ingot as it is passed therethrough, and means beneath said channel member for collecting and removing the spent fluid of said jets.

6. A device adapted for cooling a hot vertically descending metal ingot, bar, shape or the like emerging from an auxiliary machine comprising an annular member coaxially encircling said shape, said member having an upper cooling medium circulating chamber portion provided with a cooling medium inlet thereto, a lower y cooling medium disposal chamber portion having total area of intake opening into the chamber so as to direct jets of the coolant to implnge on the surfaces of said shape at substantial velocity, said inner wall being of truncated conical formation having its axis extended generally vertically and outwardly flared in the direction of movement of the shape as it is passed therethrough, and -means beneath the chamber member for collecting and removing of the coolant.

4. A device adapted for cooling a hot metal ingot, bar or shape as it progresses therethrough comprising an annular member provided with a chamber and a coolant intake opening and with an inner wall coaxial with and formed to encircle the shape in spaced relation thereto, said inner wall being formed with a plurality of vertically spaced rows of circumferentially spaced elongated slots extending therethrough at a downward angle of about to the longitudinal axis of said shape and said slots of alternate rows being disposed in staggered relation, the total area of opening in said slots being less than the total area of intake opening into the chamber so as to direct jets of the coolantto directly impinge on the full surface area of said shape at substantial velocity, said inner wall being of truncated conical formation having its axis extended generally vertically and outwardly flared in the direction of movement of the shape as it is passed therethrough, and means beneath the chamber member for collecting and removing of the coolant.

5. A device adapted for the cooling of an ingot, bar, shape or the like emerging from a continuous casting machine, comprising an annular chamber member encircling the ingot and having an inner wall coaxial with and adjacent the ingot, means for passing a fluid cooling medium under pressure into said chamber member, said inner wall being formed with a plurality of vertlcally spaced rows of circumferentially spaced elongated slots extending through the wall at a downward angle of about 35 to the axis of the a cooling medium outlet therein of substantially greater capacity than said inlet, a plurality of rollers intermediate said chambers serving to maintain the axial alignment of said emerging shape, said upper chamber portion having an inner wall coaxial with and lying adjacent the sides of said emerging shape and formed with a plurality of vertically spaced rows of circumferentlally spaced elongated slots extending through the wall at a downward angle of about 35 to the axis of said shape, the total area of openings in said slots being about 10% less than the total area of opening in said cooling medium inlet, the slots of the adjacent rows being in circumferentially staggered relation, said inner wall being of truncated conical formation having its axis extended generally vertically and outwardly flared in the direction of movement of the shape as it is passed therethrough, and means for supplying a cooling mediu-m under pressure to said upper chamber through said inlet.

RALPH HENRY WADDINGTON. KENWOOD GEIGEL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 19,747 Heppes Nov, 5, 1935 238,515 McElroy Mar. 8, 1881 1,304,947 Dear May 27, 1919 1,521,390 Reynolds Dec. 30, 1924 1,698,858 Smith Jan. 15, 1929 1,808,160 Cope June 2, 1931 2,009,078 Ziska July 23, 1935 2,019,281 Walcher Oct. 29, 1935 2,031,790 Pranke Feb. 25, 1936 2,136,158 Thomas Nov. 8, 1938 2,287,825 Postlewaite June 30, 1942 2,294,161 Crowe Aug. 25, 1942 2,295,272 Somes Sept. 8, 1942 2,310,384 Arnoldy Feb. 9, 1943 2,329,188 Denneen et al Sept. 14, 1943 2,376,515 Somes May 22, 1945 2,424,640 Spooner July 29, 1947 2,456,984 Mueller Dec. 21, 1948 2,478,357 Bagley et al. Aug. 9, 1949 2,542,237 Dewey Feb. 20, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country i Date 469,383 Great Britain July 23, 1937

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