Claims:We Claim:

1. A nozzle (100) for injecting inert gas into a metallurgical furnace (11) containing molten metal, the nozzle (100) comprising:
an elongated body (1), configured to channelize the inert gas into the molten metal, the elongated body (1) is defined with an inlet end (2) and an outlet end (3) defining a divergent section (4); and
a core (5), concentrically disposed in the elongated body (1) and extends from the inlet end (2) to the divergent section (4) of the outlet end (3) of the elongated body (1), the core (5) defines a plurality of passages (7) along the inner surface of the elongated body (1), to channelize the inert gas and the divergent section (4) defines a void space (6) around the core (5) to receive the inert gas from the plurality of passages (7) such that a mushroom-like profile (10) is formed in the molten metal when the inert gas impinges the molten metal for agitating the molten metal in the metallurgical furnace (11).

2. The nozzle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated body (1) is disposed in the metallurgical furnace (11) such that, the outlet end (3) is submerged in the molten metal.

3. The nozzle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the core (5) is defined with a cruciform profile.

4. The nozzle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of passages (7) are defined along an outer surface of the core (5).

5. The nozzle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of passages (7) is defined by two adjoining sides of the cruciform profiled core (5).

6. The nozzle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet end (2) is connected to a tuyere configured to supply inert gas.

7. The nozzle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mushroom-like profile (10) in the molten metal is configured to form a porous barrier between the molten metal and the outlet end (3) of the elongated body (1).

8. The nozzle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mushroom-like profile (10) in the molten metal is defined with pores (8) to channelize the inert gas injected from the outlet end (3) of the elongated body (1).

9. The nozzle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzle (100) is made of a metallic material.

10. A basic oxygen furnace (11) comprising a nozzle (100) for injecting inert gas as claimed in claim 1.

Dated this 31st day of March 2021
GOPINATH A S
IN/PA – 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
AGENT OF THE APPLICANT(S)
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of metallurgy. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a metallurgical furnace for producing molten metal. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a nozzle for injecting inert gas into the metallurgical furnace containing molten metal.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A metallurgical furnace is employed in metal manufacturing industries to produce a required metal. Generally, the metallurgical furnace is defined as a vessel, to which raw materials are fed and other elements are introduced for producing a molten metal. The other elements may be injected into the metallurgical furnace in various forms such as, solid, liquid, and gaseous form, depending on nature of supplement and considering phase of molten metal being produced in the metallurgical furnace. One such supplement injected into the metallurgical furnace in the gaseous form may be including, but not limited to, oxygen and inert gases, which may be configured to oxidize the molten metal and provide inert surrounding for induced chemical reaction and agitation of the molten metal, to process the molten metal into require metal or alloy.

Generally, the inert gasses are supplied into the metallurgical furnace through openings provided at the bottom of the metallurgical furnace. The openings at the bottom of the metallurgical furnace are introduced with tuyeres. The tuyeres are configured to channelize inert gases from an inert gas source into the molten metal in the metallurgical furnace to agitate the molten metal.

Further, the tuyeres are subjected to high temperatures as the tuyeres are in contact with the molten metal. As the tuyeres are provisioned at the bottom of the metallurgical furnace, the molten metal may intrude into the tuyeres due to gravity and damage the tuyeres. Conventionally, the inert gasses entering the metallurgical furnace, upon contacting the molten metal forms solid accretion at a dispensing portion of the tuyeres. The solid accretion formed prevents molten metal from entering the tuyeres. However, formation of the solid accretion depends on the flow rate of the inert gasses channelized through the tuyeres, as less flow rate of the inert gasses may not form the solid accretion that block the tuyeres which leads to pressure build up in the tuyeres and decrease the life of the tuyeres. Further, when the flow rate of the inert gasses channelized through the tuyeres is too high, the solid accretion or deposit may form but separate due to high pressure of injecting gas and may lead to continuous thermal stress induced at tuyeres which reduces the life of the tuyere.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a nozzle as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the nozzle as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a nozzle for injecting inert gas into a metallurgical furnace containing molten metal is disclosed. The nozzle includes an elongated body, configured to channelize the inert gas into the molten metal. The elongated body is defined with an inlet end and an outlet end defining a divergent section. Further, a core is concentrically disposed in the elongated body and extends from the inlet end to the divergent section of the outlet end of the elongated body. The core defines a plurality of passages along the inner surface of the elongated body, to channelize the inert gas and the divergent section defines a void space around the core to receive the inert gas from the plurality of passages such that a mushroom-like profile is formed in the molten metal when the inert gas impinges the molten metal for agitating the molten metal.

In an embodiment, the elongated body is disposed in the metallurgical furnace such that, the outlet end is submerged in the molten metal.

In an embodiment, the core is defined with a cruciform profile.

In an embodiment, the plurality of passages are defined along an outer surface of the core. Further, each of the plurality of passage is defined by two adjoining sides of the cruciform profiled core.

In an embodiment, the inlet end is connected to a tuyere configured to supply inert gas.

In an embodiment, the mushroom-like profile in the molten metal is configured to form a porous barrier between the molten metal and the outlet end of the elongated body.

In an embodiment, the mushroom-like profile in the molten metal is defined with pores to channelize the inert gas injected from the outlet end of the elongated body.

In an embodiment, the nozzle is made of a metallic material.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a nozzle for injecting inert gas into a metallurgical furnace containing molten metal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the nozzle of Figure 1.

Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a core disposed in a divergent section of the nozzle illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 4 illustrates a rear view of the core disposed in an elongated body of the nozzle illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of a mushroom-like profile formed inside the molten metal when the inert gas is supplied from the nozzle of Figure 1.

Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of the metallurgical furnace connected with the nozzle of Figure 1.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, mechanisms, systems, assemblies, methods, and processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a mechanism, an assembly, or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a nozzle for injecting inert gas into a metallurgical furnace containing molten metal is disclosed. The nozzle includes an elongated body, configured to channelize the inert gas into the molten metal. The elongated body is defined with an inlet end and an outlet end defining a divergent section. Further, a core is concentrically disposed in the elongated body and extends from the inlet end to the divergent section of the outlet end of the elongated body. The core defines a plurality of passages along the inner surface of the elongated body, to channelize the inert gas and the divergent section defines a void space around the core to receive the inert gas from the plurality of passages such that a mushroom-like profile is formed in the molten metal when the inert gas impinges the molten metal for agitating the molten metal. The mushroom-like profile formed in the molten metal protects the nozzle from the molten metal and enables flow of inert gasses onto the molten metal without damaging the nozzle the mushroom-like profile is configured to form a porous barrier between the molten metal and the outlet end of the nozzle.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

A tuyere may be a tube through which gasses are blown into a metallurgical furnace (11) containing molten metal. The gasses may be one of but not limited to inert gasses and any other gasses required for processing the molten metal in the metallurgical furnace (11). The inert gasses injected by the tuyeres (12) causes stirring of the molten metal and initiates chemical reaction which enhances the performance of the metallurgical furnace (11).

Figures 1 and 2 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure which illustrate a nozzle (100) for injecting the inert gas into the metallurgical furnace (11) [as seen in Figure 6] containing the molten metal. The nozzle (100) may be a part of the tuyeres (12) associated with the metallurgical furnace (11) or may be separately connectable to the tuyeres (12). The nozzle (100) includes an elongated body (1) which is configured to channelize the inert gasses into the molten metal. The elongated body (1) of the nozzle (100) may be defined with an inlet end (2) and an outlet end (3). In an embodiment, the inlet end (2) of the elongated body (1) may be connected to the tuyere and configured to receive inert gasses from the tuyeres (12). Further, the outlet end (3) may be disposed in the metallurgical furnace (11) such that, the outlet end (3) may be submerged in the molten metal [as seen in Figure 6]. Additionally, the elongated body (1) may be defined with a diverging section at the outlet end (3) [as seen in Figure 1].

In an embodiment, the nozzle (100) may be defined with an annular profile along the length of the elongated body (1). Further, the nozzle (100) may be defined with a profile such as but not limited to circular, rectangular, triangular and any other profile suitable for channelizing the inert gasses into the metallurgical furnace (11).

In an embodiment, the divergent section (4) may be an integral part of the elongated body (1) having an increasing diameter towards the outlet end (3). Further, the divergent section (4) may be a separate section connectable to the elongated body (1).

Referring to Figures 3 and 4 the nozzle (100) may include a core (5) which may be concentrically disposed in the elongated body (1). The core (5) may be defined with a cruciform profile or plus shaped profile and may be adapted to extend from the inlet end (2) to the divergent section (4) of the outlet end (3) of the elongated body (1). Further, the core (5) may be configured to define a plurality of passages (7) along the inner surface of the elongated body (1) to channelize the inert gasses from the inlet end (2) to the outlet end (3) of the elongated body (1). Furthermore, the plurality of passages (7) may be defined along an outer surface of the core (5), where each of the plurality of passages (7) may be defined by two adjoining sides of the cruciform profiled core (5). In an exemplary embodiment, at least portions of the core (5) may be adapted to be in peripheral contact with the inner surface of the elongated body (1) at the inlet end (2) [as seen in Figure 4]. Additionally, the core (5) may be adapted to define a void space (6) at the divergent section (4) of the elongated body (1). The void space (6) may be defined around the core (5), between the core (5) and the inner surface of the elongated body (1) at the divergent section (4) [as seen in Figure 3]. The void space (6) defined at the divergent section (4) may be configured to receive the inert gasses from the plurality of passages (7).

In an embodiment, core (5) with the cruciform profile defines at least four passages (7) along the inner surface of the elongated body (1) to channelize the inert gasses from the inlet end (2) to the outlet end (3).

In an embodiment, the shape of the core (5) may be including, but not limited to, the cruciform profile, circular profile, rectangular profile, triangular profile, and any other profile suitable for channelizing the inert gasses with a required flow rate.

Further, as the outlet end (3) of the nozzle (100) may be disposed in the metallurgical furnace (11), the divergent section (4) may be in contact with the molten metal. The inert gasses from the tuyeres (12) are channelized through the plurality of passages (7) and reach the outlet end (3) where the inert gasses are channelized through the divergent section (4). The inert gasses flowing through the divergent section (4) flows in a divergent path and impinges the molten metal. The inert gasses in the divergent path upon impinging the molten metal, may form solid accretion or a deposition forming mushroom-like or umbrella profile (10) [as seen in Figures 5 and 6]. For example, the inert gasses channelized through the nozzle (100) impinging the molten metal may push the molten metal away from the outlet end (3) of the nozzle (1000. The molten metal being pushed may be displaced hemispherically to resemble the mushroom-like profile (10). Further, the inert gasses impinged on the molten metal may have a lower temperature than the molten metal, and results in rapid cooling of the molten metal and results in the molten metal being displaced to solidify and form solid accretions having the mushroom-like profile (10).

Referring now to Figure 5, the mushroom-like profile (10) formed upon impinging the inert gasses on the molten metal may be porous. The porous mushroom-like profile may be formed due to the immediate and continuous impinging of the inert gasses from the nozzle (100) which are channelized during formation of the mushroom-like profile (10). The inert gasses being channelized through the mushroom-like profile (10) forms pores (8) which act as channels for the inert gasses to flow. The pores (8) are configured to channelize the inert gasses injected from the outlet end (3) of the elongated body (1) onto the molten metal for agitating the molten metal. Further, the mushroom-like profile (10) formed in the molten metal may be configured to form a porous barrier between the molten metal and the outlet end (3) of the elongated body (1) which prevents flow of the molten metal into the nozzle (100).

In an embodiment, the pores (8) may be formed from the outlet end (3) of the nozzle through the whole length of the mushroom-like profile. Further, the pores (8) may be initiated from the outlet end (3) of the nozzle (100).

In an embodiment, the mushroom-like profile (10) formed due to the divergent section (4) of the nozzle (100) may resemble a hemispherical shape. The hemispherical shape of the mushroom-like profile (10) is configured to cover the divergent section (4) at the outlet end (3) of the nozzle (100) so as to prevent damage of the nozzle (100).

In an embodiment, the number passages (7) and the shape of the void space (6) may be dependent on the profile of the elongated body (1) and the dimensions of the elongated body (1). Further, the required flow rate of the inert gasses and the dimensions of the mushroom-like profile (10) formed in the molten metal may be varied with change in the profile of the elongated body (1) and the dimensions of the elongated body (1).

In an embodiment, the elongated body (1) and the core (5) of the nozzle (100) may be made of a metallic material. Further, the nozzle (100) and the tuyeres (12) may be made of stainless steel and may be surrounded by a refractory lining.

In an embodiment, the flow rate of the inert gasses channelized through the nozzle (100) may be in a sonic range to prevent molten metal from flowing into the nozzle (100).

In an embodiment, the flow rate of the inert gas channelized through the plurality of passages (7) and the void space (6) may be determined based on the flow rate required to restrict the molten metal from entering the nozzle (100). In an embodiment, the ferro-static pressure at the bottom of the metallurgical furnace (11) may be in the range of 2 Kg/cm2 and whereby the inert gas injected through the nozzle (100) may have an injection pressure higher than the ferro-static pressure. In an embodiment, the mushroom-like profile (10) may be subjective to the dimensions of the nozzle (100). For example, to form the mushroom-like profile (10) having a cross sectional area of 75.4 mm2 from the plurality of passages (7), the flow rate of the inert gasses through the nozzle (100) may be required to be at least 1.5 Nm3/min and in the range of 1.5-5 Nm3/min.

In an embodiment, the nozzle (100) may be employed in a basic oxygen furnace (11) to inject inert gasses, to stir and mix the molten metal. The mixing of the molten metal causes bath chemistry and temperature homogenisation which reduces overall processing time of the molten metal in the basic oxygen furnace (11). Further, the nozzle (100) may be arranged in the bottom of basic oxygen furnace (11) to improve the refining effect of molten steel.

The construction of the nozzle (100) aids in agitating the molten metal by supplying the inert gasses and increases the life of the tuyeres (12) and aid in promoting uniformity of molten metal composition inside the furnace (11) for increased number of heating cycles.

In an embodiment, the large surface area due to the divergent section (4) of the elongated body (1) and the core (5) of the nozzle (100) enable faster nucleation of the mushroom-like profile (10) and stable mushroom-like profile (10) growth in the molten metal. The mushroom-like profile (10) formed in the molten metal increases the life of the nozzle (100).
In an embodiment, stable mushroom-like profile (10) formation increases the life of the tuyeres (12) by limiting hot metal penetration into the tuyeres (12) and reduces wear of the refractory lining.
Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Nozzle
1 Elongated body
2 Inlet end
3 Outlet end
4 Divergent section
5 Core
6 Void space
7 Passage
8 Pores
10 Mushroom-like profile
11 Furnace
12 Tuyeres