Automatic sanding hopper systems and methods

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention relate to automatic sanding hopper systems and methods for supplying sand to a tap hole in a furnace. The automatic sanding hopper system may automatically open a chimney door to provide access to a furnace through a chimney hole. A hopper assembly in the sanding hopper system may automatically move to a position in which a plunger may automatically actuate to clear or clean out the chimney hole. The hopper assembly may thereafter automatically move to a position in which a sand dispenser delivers sand through the chimney hole, into the furnace, and into the tap hole in the furnace. A sensor device may determine whether or not the tap hole is properly filled with sand. The hopper assembly may automatically retract and the chimney door may automatically close to begin another steelmaking heat.

主权项

1. A sanding hopper system, comprising:
a hopper support structure; at least one rail operatively coupled to the hopper support structure; a hopper assembly comprising a hopper and a hopper transport component, wherein the hopper transport component is operatively coupled to the at least one rail, wherein the hopper assembly is configured to move between at least a retracted position and a sand dispensing position over a chimney hole in the furnace through the relative movement of the hopper transport component with respect to the at least one rail, and wherein the hopper of the hopper assembly is configured to hold sand; a plunger, wherein the plunger is configured for removable positioning over the chimney hole for removing steelmaking by-products from the chimney hole; and a sand dispenser operatively coupled to the hopper assembly, wherein the sand dispenser is configured for removable positioning over the chimney hole, and when the hopper assembly is in the sand dispensing position for supplying sand to a tap hole in the furnace between steelmaking heats.