[go: up one dir, main page]

EP0363246A1 - Apparatus for placing and withdrawing a plasma arc torch in an installation working under such a pressure and temperature that a direct intervention is impossible - Google Patents

Apparatus for placing and withdrawing a plasma arc torch in an installation working under such a pressure and temperature that a direct intervention is impossible Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0363246A1
EP0363246A1 EP89402600A EP89402600A EP0363246A1 EP 0363246 A1 EP0363246 A1 EP 0363246A1 EP 89402600 A EP89402600 A EP 89402600A EP 89402600 A EP89402600 A EP 89402600A EP 0363246 A1 EP0363246 A1 EP 0363246A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
torch
volume
pressure
nose
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP89402600A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0363246B1 (en
Inventor
Jean Feuillerat
Yves Hervé Guillaume Valy
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Airbus Group SAS
Original Assignee
Airbus Group SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Airbus Group SAS filed Critical Airbus Group SAS
Publication of EP0363246A1 publication Critical patent/EP0363246A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0363246B1 publication Critical patent/EP0363246B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21B—MANUFACTURE OF IRON OR STEEL
    • C21B5/00—Making pig-iron in the blast furnace
    • C21B5/001—Injecting additional fuel or reducing agents
    • C21B5/002—Heated electrically (plasma)

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and a device for placing and removing a plasma torch on an installation operating under high pressure and temperature conditions.
  • Plasma torches of the non-transferred arc type, are used in a certain number of installations or apparatuses, the operation of which involves pressures and temperatures which prohibit any direct intervention for the removal of the torch or its setting up .
  • the placement or removal of the plasma torch requires a change in the operating regime of the installation or of the apparatus, in particular a momentary reduction in the pressure and possibly working temperature conditions which are detrimental. in every way.
  • blast furnaces As a typical example of an installation in which plasma torches are used, mention may be made of blast furnaces and it is in this application that the invention will be described.
  • Plasma torches are used on blast furnaces to overheat the hot wind from the cowper before it is injected into the device.
  • the injection of the hot wind is carried out by means of a conduit, or nozzle, to which is connected by one end an inclined cuff, for example as described in FR-A-2,566,802 of the applicant, and the nose of the torch is inserted into the opposite end of this cuff.
  • This cuff should be as short as possible to reduce heat loss.
  • the wind flow in the nozzle must be reduced to a sufficiently low pressure, of the order of about 400 mb or less and, due to the temperature and the slight flow of hot gas, the operation s 'performs under difficult conditions, and results in production losses proportional to the duration of the change of regime of the blast furnace.
  • a volume of the nozzle was isolated by means of two valves disposed respectively upstream and downstream of the cuff receiving the nose of the torch, thus making it possible to bring this volume to atmospheric pressure to perform the necessary operations.
  • a valve was inserted on a longer cuff, immediately downstream from the nose of the torch, thus making it possible to use a valve of smaller dimensions than the previous ones, but requiring to lengthen the cuff, which increases heat losses at the connection interface and changes the mixing conditions.
  • valve as well as the refractory of the cuff are partly exposed to the thermal flow of the plasma, thus requiring it to be cooled effectively by means of expensive devices.
  • a short cuff having just the length of the nose of the torch was produced and a valve was inserted in the middle of its length.
  • the valve operates in poor conditions with regard to the ⁇ P, which results in deformations that hinder its operation, and leaks.
  • this arrangement prevents the valve from being closed when the torch is in place and hot gas leaks when the torch is removed, before the valve closes.
  • the object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks of known arrangements by providing an inexpensive method and device for placing and removing a plasma torch with an arc not transferred onto a cuff comprising a valve and communicating with a nozzle of an installation, or of a device operating under high pressure and temperature conditions: - which does not require modifying the operating regime of the device, - which is reliable and convenient and can be adapted on an existing device comprising a short cuff, without modification of the device.
  • the invention also relates to a device for implementing the method defined above, characterized in that it comprises, upstream of the valve, an expandable and retractable tubular member fixed in leaktight manner at one end, around the end of the cuff adapted to receive the nose of the torch and by its other end around this nose, means for balancing the pressure in said member with that prevailing downstream of the valve, and means for cooling said tubular member.
  • said annular member is fixed around the nose of the torch in a removable manner, additional sealing means being provided on said member and on the torch as well as means for mutual locking of said member on the torch.
  • said means for balancing the pressure in said member with that downstream of the valve comprises a conduit connecting the interior of said member to a source of compressed air by means of a pressure reducer- pilot connected to the downstream side of the valve by a tap.
  • Figure 1 a diagram of a known arrangement in which the reference 1 designates a hot wind injection nozzle in a blast furnace, comprising a wind inlet 2 and an inclined sleeve 3 for the connection of a plasma torch 4, of the non-transferred arc type, this sleeve being provided with a shut-off valve 5 situated approximately in the middle of its length.
  • the valve operates in poor conditions of ⁇ P, which have caused deformations of the valve shutter, resulting in difficulties in operating the valve, leaks and leaks.
  • FIG. 2 shows the device according to the invention for implementing the method defined above.
  • This device can be adapted to the arrangement of FIG. 1, practically without modification.
  • This tubular member 6 may consist for example of metallic annular elements mounted to slide one inside the other in a telescopic and sealed manner, as known per se.
  • the tubular member 6 is provided with a sealing collar 8 having in section a suitable shape for fitting tightly around a complementary sealing part 9 of the end of the torch 4 .
  • At least one guide rod 10 is provided fixed parallel to the axis of the cuff 3 and on which the flange 8 of the tubular member 6 can slide, as well as a flange 11 of the torch, set back from his nose 12.
  • the device also comprises at least one locking member 13 articulated on the edge of the flange 8 so as to be able to come into engagement with the flange 11 of the torch in order to maintain the latter in sealed contact with the flange; at least one other similar locking member 14 is articulated on the cuff 3 and adapted to cooperate outside the tubular member with the flange 11 of the torch, in order to retain the latter in the operating position, as is will describe below.
  • conduit 15 connecting the interior of the tubular member 6 to the atmosphere via a tap 17, and another conduit 18 connecting the interior of the member 6 to a source of compressed air 5 by means of a tap 19 and of a pilot pressure regulator 20 itself connected to the interior of the nozzle 1 by a duct 21 and a tap 22.
  • FIG. 2 shows the torch 4 in the non-use position, in which the valve 5 is closed and the torch remote from the flange 8.
  • valves 17, 19 and 22 are closed and the torch is made to slide on the guide 10 to bring the part 9 in tight contact with the flange 8 of the tubular member 6 and locks them together by means of the locking member 13, as shown in FIG. 3.
  • the tubular member 6 delimits between the nose of the torch and the cuff 3 a sealed enclosure or airlock 16 of variable volume, closed at one of its ends by the nose of the torch 4 and at its opposite end by valve 5, closed.
  • valves 19 and 22 are then opened in order to bring the airlock 16 to a pressure equal to that of the nozzle, or of the cuff downstream of the valve 5, by means of the pilot holder 20.
  • the valve When the pressures are equalized, the valve is opened and the torch is advanced, thereby reducing at the same time the volume of the airlock 16, which is retracted, by simultaneously using the plasma gas from torch 4, without striking the arc electric and thus brings its nose to a station in contact with the periphery of the opening of the cuff 3.
  • the torch is then locked in position by means of the locking member 14 on the flange 11, and the valve 17 is opened on the atmosphere so as to cool the interior of the airlock with air from the source S under a pressure controlled by the regulator-pilot 20 and approximately equal to that prevailing downstream of the valve 5.
  • tubular member 6 is made of metal, for example stainless steel, in several elements sliding one inside the other as known per se.
  • the annular member 23 is made of rubber, or other reinforced elastomer, for example a bellows brand "VIBROFIX” marketed by the company SNRI, all other elements are similar to those of the first mode of achievement.
  • the annular member 24 is mounted on a cuff 25 located behind the inlet 26 of hot wind and in the axis of the nozzle 27.
  • the entire device is also identical in all respects to the previous example, either with a telescopic metal airlock or with an elastomer bellows.
  • conduit 28 connecting the regulator 20 to the nozzle opens into the latter further downstream of the inlet 26 of hot wind ( Figure 6).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Plasma Technology (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Iron (AREA)
  • Gas Burners (AREA)
  • Arc Welding In General (AREA)
  • Feeding And Controlling Fuel (AREA)

Abstract

According to this process a closed volume (16) is produced, capable of being modified by means of an extensible and retractable tubular member (6) fastened on the one hand around the orifice of a sleeve (3) closed by a valve (5) upstream of the latter, and fastened removably around the nozzle (12) of the torch (4), on the other hand, and the pressure in the volume (16) upstream of the valve is balanced with that prevailing downstream of the latter by virtue of means (20, S), the valve is opened and the said volume (16) is reduced by moving forward at post the nozzle (12) of the torch and by locking together the torch (4) on a sealing member (7) of the sleeve. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention est relative à un procédé et à un dispositif pour la mise à poste et le retrait d'une torche à plasma sur une installation fonctionnant dans des conditions de pression et de température élevées.The present invention relates to a method and a device for placing and removing a plasma torch on an installation operating under high pressure and temperature conditions.

Des torches à plasma, du type à arc non transféré, sont utilisées dans un certain nombre d'installations, ou appareils, dont le fonctionnement implique des pressions et des températures qui interdisent toute intervention directe pour le retrait de la torche ou sa mise à poste.Plasma torches, of the non-transferred arc type, are used in a certain number of installations or apparatuses, the operation of which involves pressures and temperatures which prohibit any direct intervention for the removal of the torch or its setting up .

Dans ces conditions, la mise à poste ou le retrait de la torche à plasma nécessite un changement du régime de fonctionnement de l'installation ou de l'appareil, notamment une diminution momentanée des conditions de pression et éventuellement de température de travail qui sont préjudi­ciables à tous points de vues.Under these conditions, the placement or removal of the plasma torch requires a change in the operating regime of the installation or of the apparatus, in particular a momentary reduction in the pressure and possibly working temperature conditions which are detrimental. in every way.

Le développement industriel de la technique des torches à plasma étant, d'une façon générale, relativement récent, il n'existe actuellement que peu de dispositifs pour la mise en oeuvre de ces torches sur des appareils industriels.The industrial development of the plasma torch technique being, in general, relatively recent, there are currently only a few devices for the implementation of these torches on industrial devices.

A titre d'exemple caractéristique d'une installa­tion dans laquelle on utilise des torches à plasma on peut citer les hauts fourneaux et c'est dans cette application que l'invention sera décrite.As a typical example of an installation in which plasma torches are used, mention may be made of blast furnaces and it is in this application that the invention will be described.

Les torches à plasma sont utilisées sur les hauts fourneaux pour surchauffer le vent chaud provenant des cowper, avant son injection dans l'appareil.Plasma torches are used on blast furnaces to overheat the hot wind from the cowper before it is injected into the device.

L'injection du vent chaud est effectuée par l'in­termédiaire d'un conduit, ou busillon, auquel est raccordée par une extrémité une manchette inclinée, par exemple comme décrit dans FR-A-2.566.802 de la demanderesse, et le nez de la torche est introduit dans l'extrémité opposée de cette manchette.The injection of the hot wind is carried out by means of a conduit, or nozzle, to which is connected by one end an inclined cuff, for example as described in FR-A-2,566,802 of the applicant, and the nose of the torch is inserted into the opposite end of this cuff.

Cette manchette doit être la plus courte possible afin de réduire les pertes thermiques.This cuff should be as short as possible to reduce heat loss.

Pour effectuer la mise à poste et le retrait de la torche, le débit de vent dans le busillon doit être réduit jusqu'à une pression suffisamment faible, de l'ordre d'environ 400 mb ou moins et, du fait de la température et du léger débit de gaz chaud l'opération s'effectue dans les conditions difficiles, et entraîne des pertes de production proportionnelles à la durée du changement de régime du haut fourneau.To post and collect the torch, the wind flow in the nozzle must be reduced to a sufficiently low pressure, of the order of about 400 mb or less and, due to the temperature and the slight flow of hot gas, the operation s 'performs under difficult conditions, and results in production losses proportional to the duration of the change of regime of the blast furnace.

Différentes solutions ont été envisagées pour résoudre ce problème en utilisant une ou plusieurs vannes pour isoler le nez de la torche par rapport au busillon.Different solutions have been envisaged to solve this problem by using one or more valves to isolate the nose of the torch from the nozzle.

Dans une première solution on a isolé un volume du busillon au moyen de deux vannes disposées respectivement en amont et en aval de la manchette recevant le nez de la torche, permettant ainsi de mettre ce volume à la pression atmosphérique pour effectuer les opérations nécessaires.In a first solution, a volume of the nozzle was isolated by means of two valves disposed respectively upstream and downstream of the cuff receiving the nose of the torch, thus making it possible to bring this volume to atmospheric pressure to perform the necessary operations.

Cet agencement permet de manoeuvrer les vannes dans des conditions de Δ P acceptables, il presente cepen­dant un inconvénient important du fait qu'il nécessite une modification majeure des conduits du hauteur fourneau, dont le diamètre important impose l'emploi de vannes de grandes dimensions entraînant des frais élevés.This arrangement allows the valves to be maneuvered under acceptable Δ P conditions, but it has a significant drawback owing to the fact that it requires a major modification of the ducts of the furnace height, the large diameter of which requires the use of valves of large dimensions causing high fees.

Suivant une autre solution, on a intercalé une vanne sur une manchette plus longue, immédiatement en aval du nez de la torche, permettant ainsi d'utiliser une vanne de dimensions plus réduites que les précédentes, mais obli­geant à rallonger la manchette, ce qui augmente les pertes thermiques à l'interface de raccordement et modifie les conditions de mélange.According to another solution, a valve was inserted on a longer cuff, immediately downstream from the nose of the torch, thus making it possible to use a valve of smaller dimensions than the previous ones, but requiring to lengthen the cuff, which increases heat losses at the connection interface and changes the mixing conditions.

D'autre part dans cette position, la vanne ainsi que le réfractaire de la manchette sont en partie exposés au flux thermique du plasma, nécessitant ainsi de la refroi­dir efficacement au moyen de dispositifs coûteux.On the other hand in this position, the valve as well as the refractory of the cuff are partly exposed to the thermal flow of the plasma, thus requiring it to be cooled effectively by means of expensive devices.

Dans un troisième agencement on a réalisé une manchette courte ayant juste la longueur du nez de la torche et on a intercalé une vanne au milieu de sa longueur.In a third arrangement, a short cuff having just the length of the nose of the torch was produced and a valve was inserted in the middle of its length.

On a ainsi éliminé les pertes thermiques et soustrait la vanne aux effets nuisibles du jet de plasma.This eliminated heat losses and removed the valve from the harmful effects of the plasma jet.

Par contre la vanne fonctionne dans de mauvaises conditions en ce qui concerne le Δ P, d'où résultent des déformations qui entravent sa manoeuvre, et des fuites.On the other hand, the valve operates in poor conditions with regard to the Δ P, which results in deformations that hinder its operation, and leaks.

Enfin, cet agencement empêche de fermer la vanne lorsque la torche est en place et il se produit des fuites de gaz chaud lors du retrait de la torche, avant la ferme­ture de la vanne.Finally, this arrangement prevents the valve from being closed when the torch is in place and hot gas leaks when the torch is removed, before the valve closes.

L'invention a pour but de remédier à ces inconve­nients des agencements connus en fournissant un procédé et un dispositif peu coûteux pour la mise à poste et le retrait d'une torche à plasma à arc non transféré sur une manchette comportant une vanne et communiquant avec un busillon d'une installation, ou d'un appareil fonctionnant dans des condi­tions de pression et de température élevées :
- qui ne nécessite pas de modifier le régime de fonctionnement de l'appareil,
- qui soit fiable et commode et puisse être adapté sur un appareil existant comportant une manchette courte, sans modification de l'appareil.The object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks of known arrangements by providing an inexpensive method and device for placing and removing a plasma torch with an arc not transferred onto a cuff comprising a valve and communicating with a nozzle of an installation, or of a device operating under high pressure and temperature conditions:
- which does not require modifying the operating regime of the device,
- which is reliable and convenient and can be adapted on an existing device comprising a short cuff, without modification of the device.

Pour atteindre ces buts l'invention a pour objet un procédé pour la mise à poste d'une torche à plasma à arc non transféré sur une extrémité d'une manchette comportant une vanne et communiquant avec un busillon d'un appareil fonctionnant dans des conditions de température et de pres­sion élevées, caractérisé en ce que pour effectuer la mise à poste :

  • a) on matérialise un volume fermé, modifiable, en amont de la vanne entre celle-ci et l'extrémité de la torche,
  • b) on équilibre la pression dans ledit volume avec celle règnant en aval de la vanne,
  • c) on ouvre la vanne,
  • d) on réduit ledit volume en faisant avancer le nez de la torche à poste à travers ladite vanne.
To achieve these aims, the subject of the invention is a method for placing a plasma torch with an arc not transferred on one end of a cuff comprising a valve and communicating with a nozzle of an apparatus operating under conditions of high temperature and pressure, characterized in that to carry out the shifting:
  • a) a closed, modifiable volume is materialized, upstream of the valve between the latter and the end of the torch,
  • b) the pressure in said volume is balanced with that prevailing downstream of the valve,
  • c) the valve is opened,
  • d) reducing said volume by advancing the nose of the station torch through said valve.

L'invention a également pour objet un dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé défini ci-dessus, caracté­risé en ce qu'il comprend en amont de la vanne un organe tubulaire extensible et retractable fixé de façon étanche par une extrémité, autour de l'extrémité de la manchette adaptée pour recevoir le nez de la torche et par son autre extrémité autour de ce nez, des moyens pour équilibrer la pression dans ledit organe avec celle règnant en aval de la vanne, et des moyens pour refroidir ledit organe tubulaire.The invention also relates to a device for implementing the method defined above, characterized in that it comprises, upstream of the valve, an expandable and retractable tubular member fixed in leaktight manner at one end, around the end of the cuff adapted to receive the nose of the torch and by its other end around this nose, means for balancing the pressure in said member with that prevailing downstream of the valve, and means for cooling said tubular member.

D'une façon avantageuse ledit organe annulaire est fixé autour du nez de la torche de façon amovible, des moyens d'étanchéité complémentaires étant prévus sur ledit organe et sur la torche ainsi que des moyens de verrouillage mutuel dudit organe sur la torche.Advantageously, said annular member is fixed around the nose of the torch in a removable manner, additional sealing means being provided on said member and on the torch as well as means for mutual locking of said member on the torch.

Suivant une autre caractéristique de l'invention, lesdits moyens pour équilibrer la pression dans ledit organe avec celle en aval de la vanne comprennent un conduit reliant l'intérieur dudit organe a une source d'air comprimé par l'intermédiaire d'un détendeur-pilote relié au côté aval de la vanne par un robinet.According to another characteristic of the invention, said means for balancing the pressure in said member with that downstream of the valve comprises a conduit connecting the interior of said member to a source of compressed air by means of a pressure reducer- pilot connected to the downstream side of the valve by a tap.

La description qui va suivre, en regard des des­sins annexés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, permettra de bien comprendre comment l'invention peut être mise en pratique.

  • La figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe mon­trant un agencement connu d'une torche à plasma sur une man­chette solidaire d'un busillon d'injection de vent chaud dans un haut fourneau.
  • La figure 2 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 1, montrant le dispositif suivant l'invention.
  • Les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues schématiques en coupe montrant le fonctionnement du dispositif de la figure 1.
  • La figure 5 est une vue d'une variante.
  • La figure 6 est une vue d'une autre variante.
The description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of nonlimiting examples, will make it possible to understand clearly how the invention can be put into practice.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a known arrangement of a plasma torch on a cuff integral with a hot wind injection nozzle in a blast furnace.
  • Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, showing the device according to the invention.
  • Figures 3 and 4 are schematic sectional views showing the operation of the device of Figure 1.
  • Figure 5 is a view of a variant.
  • Figure 6 is a view of another variant.

On a représenté à la figure 1 un schéma d'un agencement connu dans lequel la référence 1 désigne un busillon d'injection de vent chaud dans un haut fourneau, comportant une entrée 2 de vent et une manchette inclinée 3 pour le raccordement d'une torche à plasma 4, du type à arc non transféré, cette manchette étant pourvue d'une vanne d'obturation 5 située à peu près au milieu de sa longueur.There is shown in Figure 1 a diagram of a known arrangement in which the reference 1 designates a hot wind injection nozzle in a blast furnace, comprising a wind inlet 2 and an inclined sleeve 3 for the connection of a plasma torch 4, of the non-transferred arc type, this sleeve being provided with a shut-off valve 5 situated approximately in the middle of its length.

Avec cet agencement la vanne fonctionne dans de mauvaises conditions de Δ P, qui ont provoqué des déforma­tions de l'obturateur de la vanne, ayant pour résultat des difficultés de manoeuvre de celle-ci des défauts d'étanché­ité et des fuites.With this arrangement, the valve operates in poor conditions of Δ P, which have caused deformations of the valve shutter, resulting in difficulties in operating the valve, leaks and leaks.

En outre, dans l'intervalle compris entre le début du recul de la torche 4 et la fermeture de la vanne 5 il se produit une fuite de gaz chaud à l'arrière de la manchette, qui rend les opérations difficiles. En effet les positions relatives des éléments en présence interdisent d'avoir simultanément la torche 4 en place et la vanne 5 fermée. Ce dispositif n'est donc pas satisfaisant.In addition, in the interval between the start of the recoil of the torch 4 and the closing of the valve 5, there is a leak of hot gas behind the cuff, which makes operations difficult. Indeed, the relative positions of the elements present prohibit having the torch 4 in place and the valve 5 closed simultaneously. This device is therefore not satisfactory.

On a représenté à la figure 2 le dispositif sui­vant l'invention pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé défini plus haut.FIG. 2 shows the device according to the invention for implementing the method defined above.

Ce dispositif peut être adapté sur l'agencement de la figure 1, pratiquement sans modification.This device can be adapted to the arrangement of FIG. 1, practically without modification.

Il comprend un organe tubulaire extensible et rétractable 6 fixé de façon étanche par une extrémité, par exemple au moyen de vis (non représentées) autour de l'ou­verture 7 de la manchette 3.It comprises an expandable and retractable tubular member 6 fixed in leaktight manner at one end, for example by means of screws (not shown) around the opening 7 of the cuff 3.

Cet organe tubulaire 6 peut être constitué par exemple d'éléments annulaires métalliques montés coulis­sants les uns dans les autres de manière télescopique et étanche, comme connu en soi.This tubular member 6 may consist for example of metallic annular elements mounted to slide one inside the other in a telescopic and sealed manner, as known per se.

A son extrémité opposée l'organe tubulaire 6 est pourvu d'une collerette d'étanchéité 8 ayant en section une forme appropriée pour s'ajuster de façon étanche autour d'une partie d'étanchéité complémentaire 9 de l'extrémité de la torche 4.At its opposite end, the tubular member 6 is provided with a sealing collar 8 having in section a suitable shape for fitting tightly around a complementary sealing part 9 of the end of the torch 4 .

D'une façon avantageuse, il est prévu au moins une tige 10 de guidage fixée parallèlement à l'axe de la manchette 3 et sur laquelle peut coulisser la collerette 8 de l'organe tubulaire 6 ainsi qu'une bride 11 de la torche, en retrait de son nez 12.Advantageously, at least one guide rod 10 is provided fixed parallel to the axis of the cuff 3 and on which the flange 8 of the tubular member 6 can slide, as well as a flange 11 of the torch, set back from his nose 12.

Le dispositif comprend également au moins un organe de verrouillage 13 articulé sur le bord de la colle­rette 8 de manière à pouvoir venir en prise avec la bride 11 de la torche afin de maintenir celle-ci en contact étan­che avec la collerette; au moins un autre organe de verrouil­lage analogue 14 est articulé sur la manchette 3 et adapté pour coopérer à l'extérieur de l'organe tubulaire avec la bride 11 de la torche, afin de retenir celle-ci en position de fonctionnement, comme on le décrira dans la suite.The device also comprises at least one locking member 13 articulated on the edge of the flange 8 so as to be able to come into engagement with the flange 11 of the torch in order to maintain the latter in sealed contact with the flange; at least one other similar locking member 14 is articulated on the cuff 3 and adapted to cooperate outside the tubular member with the flange 11 of the torch, in order to retain the latter in the operating position, as is will describe below.

Il est enfin prévu d'une part un conduit 15 reliant l'intérieur de l'organe tubulaire 6 à l'atmosphère par l'intermédiaire d'un robinet 17, et un autre conduit 18 reliant l'intérieur de l'organe 6 à une source d'air compri­mé 5 par l'intermédiaire d'un robinet 19 et d'un détendeur-­pilote 20 relié lui-même à l'intérieur du busillon 1 par un conduit 21 et un robinet 22.Finally, there is provided on the one hand a conduit 15 connecting the interior of the tubular member 6 to the atmosphere via a tap 17, and another conduit 18 connecting the interior of the member 6 to a source of compressed air 5 by means of a tap 19 and of a pilot pressure regulator 20 itself connected to the interior of the nozzle 1 by a duct 21 and a tap 22.

La figure 2 montre la torche 4 en position de non utilisation, dans laquelle la vanne 5 est fermée et la torche éloignée de la collerette 8.FIG. 2 shows the torch 4 in the non-use position, in which the valve 5 is closed and the torch remote from the flange 8.

Pour mettre la torche 4 à poste sur la manchette, on ferme les robinets 17, 19 et 22 et on fait coulisser la torche sur le guide 10 pour amener la partie 9 en contact étanche avec la collerette 8 de l'organe tubulaire 6 et on les verrouille ensemble au moyen de l'organe de verrouil­lage 13, comme représenté à la figure 3.To put the torch 4 in position on the cuff, the valves 17, 19 and 22 are closed and the torch is made to slide on the guide 10 to bring the part 9 in tight contact with the flange 8 of the tubular member 6 and locks them together by means of the locking member 13, as shown in FIG. 3.

Dans cette position, l'organe tubulaire 6 délimite entre le nez de la torche et la manchette 3 une enceinte ou sas étanche 16 de volume variable, fermé à l'une de ses extrémités par le nez de la torche 4 et à son extrémité op­posée par la vanne 5, fermée.In this position, the tubular member 6 delimits between the nose of the torch and the cuff 3 a sealed enclosure or airlock 16 of variable volume, closed at one of its ends by the nose of the torch 4 and at its opposite end by valve 5, closed.

On ouvre alors les robinets 19 et 22 afin d'amener le sas 16 à une pression égale à celle du busillon, ou de la manchette en aval de la vanne 5, au moyen du détenteur-­pilote 20.The valves 19 and 22 are then opened in order to bring the airlock 16 to a pressure equal to that of the nozzle, or of the cuff downstream of the valve 5, by means of the pilot holder 20.

Lorsque les pressions sont égalisées, on ouvre la vanne et on fait avancer la torche en réduisant ainsi en même temps le volume du sas 16, qui est rétracté, en mettant en oeuvre simultanement le gaz plasmagène de la torche 4, sans amorcer l'arc électrique et on amène ainsi son nez à poste en contact avec la périphérie de l'ouverture de la manchette 3.When the pressures are equalized, the valve is opened and the torch is advanced, thereby reducing at the same time the volume of the airlock 16, which is retracted, by simultaneously using the plasma gas from torch 4, without striking the arc electric and thus brings its nose to a station in contact with the periphery of the opening of the cuff 3.

On verrouille alors la torche en position au moyen de l'organe de verrouillage 14 sur la bride 11, et on ouvre le robinet 17 sur l'atmosphère de manière à refroi­dir l'intérieur du sas avec de l'air provenant de la source S sous une pression commandée par le détendeur-pilote 20 et à peu près égale à celle règnant en aval de la vanne 5.The torch is then locked in position by means of the locking member 14 on the flange 11, and the valve 17 is opened on the atmosphere so as to cool the interior of the airlock with air from the source S under a pressure controlled by the regulator-pilot 20 and approximately equal to that prevailing downstream of the valve 5.

On comprend bien entendu que le processus de retrait de la torche s'effectue exactement dans l'ordre inverse.We understand of course that the process of removing the torch is done exactly in reverse order.

Dans ce mode de réalisation l'organe tubulaire 6 est réalisé en métal, par exemple en acier inoxydable, en plusieurs éléments coulissant les uns dans les autres comme connu en soi.In this embodiment the tubular member 6 is made of metal, for example stainless steel, in several elements sliding one inside the other as known per se.

Dans la variante représentée à la figure 5, l'or­gane annulaire 23 est réalisé en caoutchouc, ou autre élas­tomère renforcé, par exemple un soufflet de marque "VIBROFIX" commercialisé par la Société SNRI, tous les autres éléments sont anologues à ceux du premier mode de réalisation.In the variant shown in Figure 5, the annular member 23 is made of rubber, or other reinforced elastomer, for example a bellows brand "VIBROFIX" marketed by the company SNRI, all other elements are similar to those of the first mode of achievement.

Suivant encore une autre variante représentée à la figure 6, l'organe annulaire 24 est monté sur une man­chette 25 située en arrière de l'entrée 26 de vent chaud et dans l'axe du busillon 27. L'ensemble du dispositif est par ailleurs en tous points identique à l'exemple précédent, soit avec un sas télescopique en métal, soit avec un souf­flet en élastomère.According to yet another variant shown in Figure 6, the annular member 24 is mounted on a cuff 25 located behind the inlet 26 of hot wind and in the axis of the nozzle 27. The entire device is also identical in all respects to the previous example, either with a telescopic metal airlock or with an elastomer bellows.

Dans cette variante, cependant, le conduit 28 reliant le détendeur 20 au busillon débouche dans celui-ci plus loin en aval de l'entrée 26 de vent chaud (figure 6).In this variant, however, the conduit 28 connecting the regulator 20 to the nozzle opens into the latter further downstream of the inlet 26 of hot wind (Figure 6).

Il apparaîtra évident pour les techniciens que bien que l'invention soit particulièrement applicable sur des appareils pourvus d'une manchette courte, elle peut également être appliquée dans le cas d'une manchette longue.It will appear obvious to technicians that although the invention is particularly applicable to devices provided with a short cuff, it can also be applied in the case of a long cuff.

Claims (8)

1. Procédé pour la mise à poste d'une torche à plasma à arc non transféré sur une extrémité d'une manchette comportant une vanne et communiquant avec un busillon d'un appareil fonctionnant dans des conditions de température et de pression élevées, et son retrait, caractérisé en ce que pour effectuer la mise à poste : a) on matérialise un volume fermé modifiable, en amont de la vanne entre celle-ci et l'extrémité de la torche, b) on équilibre la pression dans ledit volume avec celle règnant en aval de la vanne, c) on ouvre la vanne, d) on réduit ledit volume en faisant avancer le nez de la torche à poste à travers ladite vanne, et en ce que pour effectuer le retrait de la torche : e) on augmente ledit volume en faisant reculer le nez de la torche, f) on ferme la vanne, g) on ramène ledit volume à la pression atmosphé­rique, inférieure à celle règnant en aval de la vanne, h) on ouvre ledit volume. 1. Method for placing a non-transferred arc plasma torch on one end of a cuff comprising a valve and communicating with a nozzle of an apparatus operating under conditions of high temperature and pressure, and its withdrawal, characterized in that to carry out the shift: a) a modifiable closed volume is produced, upstream of the valve between the latter and the end of the torch, b) the pressure in said volume is balanced with that prevailing downstream of the valve, c) the valve is opened, d) reducing said volume by advancing the nose of the station torch through said valve, and in that to effect the withdrawal of the torch: e) increasing said volume by moving the nose of the torch back, f) the valve is closed, g) reducing said volume to atmospheric pressure, lower than that prevailing downstream of the valve, h) said volume is opened. 2. Dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé défini suivant la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en amont de la vanne (5) un organe tubulaire exten­sible et rétractable (6) fixé de façon étanche par une extré­mité autour de l'extrémité (7) de la manchette (3) adaptée pour recevoir le nez (12) de la torche (4) et par son autre extrémité autour de ce nez, des moyens (19, 20, 22, S) pour équilibrer la pression dans ledit organe (6) avec celle règnant en aval de la vanne (5), et des moyens (17, 19, 20, 22, S) pour refroidir ledit organe tubulaire (6).2. Device for implementing the method defined according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises upstream of the valve (5) an expandable and retractable tubular member (6) fixed in leaktight manner by one end around the end (7) of the cuff (3) adapted to receive the nose (12) of the torch (4) and by its other end around this nose, means (19, 20, 22, S) for balancing the pressure in said member (6) with that prevailing downstream of the valve (5), and means (17, 19, 20, 22, S) for cooling said tubular member (6). 3. Dispositif suivant la revendication 2, caracté­risé en ce que ledit organe tubulaire (6) est fixé autour du nez de la torche (4) de façon amovible, des moyens d'étan­chéité complémentaires (8, 11) étant prévus sur ledit or­gane (6) et sur la torche (4) ainsi que des moyens (13) de verrouillage mutuel dudit organe sur la torche.3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said tubular member (6) is fixed around the nose of the torch (4) removably, additional sealing means (8, 11) being provided on said member ( 6) and on the torch (4) as well as means (13) for mutual locking of said member on the torch. 4. Dispositif suivant la revendication 2, caracté­risé en ce que lesdits moyens pour équilibrer la pression dans ledit organe (6) avec celle en aval de la vanne (5) comprennent un conduit (18) reliant l'intérieur dudit organe (6) à une source d'air comprimé (S) par l'intermédiaire d'un détendeur-pilote (20) relié au côté aval de la vanne (5) par un robinet (22).4. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said means for balancing the pressure in said member (6) with that downstream of the valve (5) comprise a conduit (18) connecting the interior of said member (6) to a source of compressed air (S) via a pilot regulator (20) connected to the downstream side of the valve (5) by a tap (22). 5. Dispositif suivant la revendication 3, caracté­risé en ce que l'organe d'étanchéité (7) à l'extrémité de la manchette (3) s'étend en saillie à l'intérieur dudit organe tubulaire (6).5. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the sealing member (7) at the end of the cuff (3) extends projecting inside said tubular member (6). 6. Dispositif suivant l'une quelconque des reven­dications 2 à 5, caractérisé en ce que ledit organe tubu­laire (6, 24) est formé d'éléments métalliques coulissant télescopiquement les uns dans les autres.6. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that said tubular member (6, 24) is formed of metallic elements sliding telescopically into each other. 7. Dispositif suivant l'une quelconque des reven­dications 2 à 5, caractérisé en ce que ledit organe annu­laire (23) est un soufflet réalisé en un élastomère renforcé.7. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that said annular member (23) is a bellows made of a reinforced elastomer. 8. Dispositif suivant l'une quelconque des reven­dications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il est monté sur une manchette (25) alignée axialement sur le busillon (27).8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is mounted on a sleeve (25) aligned axially on the nozzle (27).
EP89402600A 1988-10-03 1989-09-22 Apparatus for placing and withdrawing a plasma arc torch in an installation working under such a pressure and temperature that a direct intervention is impossible Expired - Lifetime EP0363246B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8812899A FR2637443B1 (en) 1988-10-03 1988-10-03 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR POSITIONING AND REMOVING A PLASMA TORCH ON AN APPARATUS OPERATING UNDER PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS FORBIDDEN DIRECT INTERVENTION
FR8812899 1988-10-03

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0363246A1 true EP0363246A1 (en) 1990-04-11
EP0363246B1 EP0363246B1 (en) 1993-05-05

Family

ID=9370622

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP89402600A Expired - Lifetime EP0363246B1 (en) 1988-10-03 1989-09-22 Apparatus for placing and withdrawing a plasma arc torch in an installation working under such a pressure and temperature that a direct intervention is impossible

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US4997475A (en)
EP (1) EP0363246B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH0665195B2 (en)
CA (1) CA1310075C (en)
DE (1) DE68906347T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2039902T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2637443B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
LU88280A1 (en) * 1993-05-27 1994-12-01 Wurth Paul Sa Device for introducing a lance into a pressure tank, in particular a blast furnace
US9599333B2 (en) * 2013-11-08 2017-03-21 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Burner retraction system

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB303510A (en) * 1928-01-06 1929-12-05 Thery Rene Improvements in or relating to furnaces heated by oil burners
US2924269A (en) * 1956-10-01 1960-02-09 United States Steel Corp Blast furnace stove gas-port and burner nozzle connection
GB1231684A (en) * 1968-04-30 1971-05-12
US4477248A (en) * 1983-08-04 1984-10-16 Dulac Robert R Oil burner shutter
GB2166029A (en) * 1984-10-19 1986-04-23 Skf Steel Eng Ab The installation of plasma generators in shaft furnaces

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2566802B1 (en) * 1984-07-02 1986-12-05 Aerospatiale METHOD FOR THE HEATING OF THE BLOW GAS OF A BLAST FURNACE BY A PLASMA GENERATOR
US4769065A (en) * 1987-05-08 1988-09-06 Electric Power Research Institute Control of a plasma fired cupola

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB303510A (en) * 1928-01-06 1929-12-05 Thery Rene Improvements in or relating to furnaces heated by oil burners
US2924269A (en) * 1956-10-01 1960-02-09 United States Steel Corp Blast furnace stove gas-port and burner nozzle connection
GB1231684A (en) * 1968-04-30 1971-05-12
US4477248A (en) * 1983-08-04 1984-10-16 Dulac Robert R Oil burner shutter
GB2166029A (en) * 1984-10-19 1986-04-23 Skf Steel Eng Ab The installation of plasma generators in shaft furnaces

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2637443B1 (en) 1990-11-02
JPH0665195B2 (en) 1994-08-22
DE68906347D1 (en) 1993-06-09
DE68906347T2 (en) 1993-08-12
EP0363246B1 (en) 1993-05-05
FR2637443A1 (en) 1990-04-06
CA1310075C (en) 1992-11-10
US4997475A (en) 1991-03-05
ES2039902T3 (en) 1993-10-01
JPH02168596A (en) 1990-06-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2687454C (en) Nacelle rear assembly for turbojet engine
EP0296032A1 (en) Burning system with high exhaust gas exit speed
EP0969239A1 (en) Disconnection device for pressure fluid handling installation
EP0363246B1 (en) Apparatus for placing and withdrawing a plasma arc torch in an installation working under such a pressure and temperature that a direct intervention is impossible
FR2499297A1 (en) THERMALLY WALL-THROUGH-THERAPY THERAPY BY LASER BEAM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME
FR2995361A1 (en) DEVICE FOR CLOSING AN OPENING OF AN ENCLOSURE WALL FOR ACCESSING A ROTARY SHAFT.
EP0065922B1 (en) Primary pump for a pressurized water reactor, having a seal arrangement for its shaft
FR3036442A1 (en) TURBOMACHINE COMPRISING A VENTILATION SYSTEM
FR2528161A1 (en) ROTARY OVEN WITH REPLACABLE SEALING DEVICES, SEALING DEVICES FOR THIS OVEN AND PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING THESE DEVICES
CA2767635C (en) Device for closing fuel-dump circuit of an aircraft
EP3841022B1 (en) Handling assembly and method for handling an aircraft propulsion assembly
EP0363247B1 (en) Apparatus for positioning and withdrawing a plasma arc torch in an installation working at such a pressure and temperature that a direct intervention is impossible
FR2672117A1 (en) VACUUM INDUCTION FUSION DEVICE COMPRISING COOLING AND POWER SUPPLY CONNECTIONS MANUFACTURED SIMULTANEOUSLY.
EP0533515B1 (en) Sealing means between the coke oven door and the door frame
EP0073168A2 (en) Torch for cutting, welding or heating
EP2178761A1 (en) Locking device
EP0084785B1 (en) Quenching metal or an alloy on a belt
EP0254659A1 (en) Tip for a probe and method and apparatus for handling this probe in a melt furnace
FR2544026A2 (en) Assembly for drawing off a liquid by means of a pressurised gas
EP0238412B1 (en) Method and device for working at a gas conduit in operation
EP0171487B1 (en) Device for the external closing of a vessel for molten metal
CA2179535A1 (en) External cooling device for plasma torch
FR2816689A1 (en) Fluid pressure reduction device for fluid line in hospital, has rotary ring which is operated to cause connection or disconnection of primary and secondary modules
FR3091726A1 (en) Exhaust gas purification device comprising a removable cartridge, and exhaust line comprising such a device
JP2883178B2 (en) Sealing device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19891003

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BE DE ES GB IT SE

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: AEROSPATIALE SOCIETE NATIONALE INDUSTRIELLE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19920918

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): BE DE ES GB IT SE

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19930505

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 68906347

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19930609

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2039902

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
EAL Se: european patent in force in sweden

Ref document number: 89402600.4

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 19970901

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19970909

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19970913

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 19970925

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 19970929

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980922

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980923

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF THE APPLICANT RENOUNCES

Effective date: 19980923

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980930

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: AEROSPATIALE SOC. NATIONALE INDUSTRIELLE

Effective date: 19980930

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19980922

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 89402600.4

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990701

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20001009

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050922