TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refinement apparatus and a refinement method,
and more particularly, to a refinement apparatus and a refinement method, which are
capable of exactly calculating a size of naked molten metal and appropriately adjusting
a gas flow rate based on the calculated size during a LF refinement process.
B. BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Molten steel produced from a converter refinement process is transferred to a ladle
furnace (LF) refinement process for constituent adjustment, temperature control, and
inclusion removal. Thereafter, the constituent of the molten steel is adjusted by
inputting a ferro-alloy or a carbon material to the molten steel, and a temperature
is adjusted by performing strong bubbling or generating arc in the LF refinement process.
These processes are performed at an initial time and an intermediate time of the process.
[0003] At an end time of the LF refinement process, weak bubbling (or 'clean bubbling')
is performed on the molten steel to float and separate inclusions mixed with the molten
steel. A flow rate range of an argon gas used for the weak bubbling has a standard
reference according to the kind of molten steel and a structural characteristic of
LF refinement equipment, and a flow rate of the argon gas is precisely adjusted within
the standard reference according to subjective judgment of a worker.
[0004] The gas injected to the molten steel is escaped from the molten steel through a molten
steel surface of the molten steel. Here, slag covering the molten steel surface may
be partially spaced apart from the molten steel surface by a gas. As the slag is spaced
apart from the molten steel surface, the molten steel surface of the molten steel
is exposed to the external air, and this portion is referred to as naked molten steel.
[0005] When bubbling of the gas is performed on the molten steel, the naked molten steel
is inevitably generated in a certain degree in order to uniformly stir the entire
molten steel.
[0006] When a refractory plug injecting an argon gas to the molten steel is damaged, and
a crack is generated in the refractory plug, the argon gas may be leaked through the
crack, and the leaked argon gas may be concentrated on a predetermined area of the
molten steel surface to unnecessarily increase a size of the naked molten steel of
the predetermined area. That is, the naked molten steel may increase in size more
than necessary due to the leakage of the argon gas. Here, a large amount of external
air is introduced to the molten steel through the naked molten steel. The large amount
of external air introduced to the molten steel causes generation of external inclusions.
[0007] Also, when the refractory plug is clogged, a flow rate of the argon gas injected
to the molten steel may decrease more than necessary, so that a size of the naked
molten steel becomes less than a proper size. In this case, the inclusions are not
floated and separated.
[0008] Thus, the naked molten steel having a proper size is required to be maintained in
consideration of a state of the slag in order to minimize introduction of the external
air while maximizing floating and separating of the inclusions. To this end, the flow
rate of the argon gas is necessarily controlled in light of the state of the refractory
plug.
[0009] Background technologies of the present invention are disclosed in patent documents
below.
(Patent document 1) KR10-1779150 B1
(Patent document 2) KR10-2015-0050822 A
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0011] The present disclosure provides a refinement apparatus and a refinement method, which
are capable of exactly calculating a size of naked molten metal of molten steel surface
and appropriately adjusting a gas flow rate based on the calculated size.
TECHNICAL SOLUTION
[0012] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a refinement apparatus includes: a container
unit having an open upper portion and an inner space in which a melt is refined; a
nozzle unit installed on the container unit to blow a gas; a camera unit installed
above the container unit to photograph a molten steel surface of the melt; and a control
unit configured to calculate a size of naked molten steel on the molten steel surface
by using a molten steel surface image obtained from the camera unit and installation
information and performance information of the camera unit. wherein the installation
information comprises an installation height and an installation angle of the camera
unit and the performance information comprises a view angle and a resolution of the
camera unit wherein the molten steel surface image is a single viewpoint molten steel
surface image, wherein the control unit comprises:_a deriver configured to derive
the installation height with respect to the molten steel surface;_a first calculator
configured to calculate a pixel size of a photographed area of the camera unit by
using an installation height, an installation angle, a view angle, and a resolution
of the camera unit; _an analyzer configured to analyze the number of pixels of the
naked molten steel area contained in the molten steel surface image;_a second calculator
configured to calculate the size, which has a two-dimensional value, of the naked
molten steel by multiplying the pixel size and the number of pixels; and_a flow rate
controller configured to obtain a diameter of a circle having the same size as the
size, which has a two-dimensional value, of the naked molten steel to determine the
obtained diameter as a converted size having a one-dimensional value by using mathematical
equation 4, and adjust a flow rate of a gas supplied to the nozzle unit according
to the converted value,

wherein sqrt represents square root, and D
eq represents the converted size.
[0013] The refinement apparatus may further include a cover unit mounted to cover the open
upper portion of the container unit, a through-hole may be defined at one side of
the cover unit, and one camera unit may be disposed above the through-hole.
[0014] The refinement apparatus may further include an electrode bar mounted to pass through
the cover unit, the electrode bar may be disposed at a central portion of the cover
unit, the through-hole may be defined at an edge of the cover unit, and the camera
unit may be installed in an inclined manner.
[0015] The camera unit may include: a camera configured to photograph the molten steel surface
and generate a molten steel surface image; a housing configured to accommodate the
camera; a purge path configured to inject a purge gas between the housing and the
camera; and a cooling path configured to circulate a coolant inside the housing.
[0016] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a refinement method using a refinement
apparatus includes: preparing a container unit in which a melt is accommodated; bubbling
while blowing a gas to the melt; generating a molten steel surface image by photographing
a molten steel surface of the melt using a camera, wherein the generating of the molten
steel surface image generates a single viewpoint molten steel surface image by photographing
the molten steel surface using one camera; calculating a size of naked molten steel
on the molten steel surface by using the molten steel surface image and the installation
information and the performance information of the camera, wherein the generating
of the molten steel surface image generates a single viewpoint molten steel surface
image by photographing the molten steel surface using one camera, wherein the calculating
of the size of the naked molten steel comprises: deriving the installation height
with respect to the molten steel surface; calculating a pixel size of a photographed
area of the camera by using an installation height, an installation angle, a view
angle, and the resolution of the camera ; analyzing the number of pixels of a naked
molten steel area contained in the molten steel surface image; calculating the size,
which has a two-dimensional value, of the naked molten steel by multiplying the pixel
size and the number of pixels, and converting the size, which has a two-dimensional
value, of the naked molten steel into a size, which has a one-dimensional value, of
the naked molten steel, wherein the converting the size, which has a two-dimensional
value, of the naked molten steel into a size, which has a one-dimensional value, of
the naked molten steel comprises: converting a shape of the naked molten steel into
a circular shape having the same size as the size of the naked molten steel and obtaining
a diameter of the circular shape converted from the shape of the naked molten steel
to obtain the converted size by using mathematical equation 4, wherein the refinement
method further comprises adjusting a flow rate of a gas supplied to the nozzle unit
according to the converted value after the converting of the size, which has a two-dimensional
value, of the naked molten steel into the size, which has a one-dimensional value,
of the naked molten steel,

wherein sqrt represents square root, and Deq represents the converted size.
[0017] The generating of the molten steel surface image may include photographing the molten
steel surface using the camera in an inclined state by inclining the camera with respect
to a vertical direction and generating a molten steel surface image.
[0018] The calculating of the pixel size may include: obtaining a first length in an inclined
direction of the photographed area by using the installation height, the installation
angle, and the view angle; obtaining a second length in a non-inclined direction of
the photographed area by using the installation height and the view angle; obtaining
a size of the photographed area by using the first length and the second length; obtaining
the pixel size by using a size of the photographed area and the resolution.
[0019] The analyzing of the number of the pixels may include: binarizing the molten steel
surface image into a bright portion and a dark portion and drawing a closed line at
a boundary between the bright portion and the dark portion; and counting the number
of pixels inside the closed line.
C. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a first operation view of a refinement apparatus in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a second operation view of the refinement apparatus in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a third operation view of the refinement apparatus in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the refinement apparatus in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a method for calculating a pixel size of a photographed
area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a process of analyzing the number of pixels of a naked
molten steel area from a molten steel surface image in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
D. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied
in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. In the figures,
the dimensions of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity of illustration.
Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
[0022] FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are first, second, and third operation views, respectively, of
a refinement apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Also, FIG. 4 is
a partially enlarged view of the refinement apparatus in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
[0023] Hereinafter, the refinement apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
will be described. Hereinafter, a LF refinement apparatus will be described as an
example of the refinement apparatus. The refinement apparatus may be applied to various
treatment apparatuses performing a treatment process of all sorts of objects to be
treated.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the refinement apparatus in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment includes: a container unit 10 having an open upper portion and an inner
space for refining melt M; a nozzle unit 11 installed in the container unit 10 and
capable of blowing a gas g; a camera unit 70 installed above the container unit 10
to photograph a molten metal surface of the melt M; and a control part (not shown)
calculating a size of a naked molten metal of the molten metal surface by using a
molten metal surface image obtained from the camera unit 70, installation information
of the camera unit 70, and performance information of the camera unit 70.
[0025] Also, the refinement apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment may further
includes: a cover unit 20 mounted to cover the open upper portion of the container
unit 10 and including a through-hole 22 at one side and an input hole 21 at the other
side; an electrode bar 30 mounted to pass through the cover unit 20; gate parts 62
and 63, which are mounted to the cover unit 20 to cover the through-hole 22 and stacked
with each other and each of which is movable in a horizontal direction; an input unit
40 installed above the input hole 21; an opening and closing part 61 disposed between
the input hole 21 and the input unit 40 to horizontally move; and a sampling unit
50 disposed above the through-hole 22.
[0026] Also, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the camera unit 70 may be disposed
above the through-hole 22, the gate part 62 and 63 may be disposed between the camera
unit 70 and the through-hole 22, and the sampling unit 50 may be disposed above the
camera unit 70. The electrode bar 30 may be disposed at a central portion of the cover
unit 20. Also, each of the input unit 40, the sampling unit 50, and the camera unit
70 may be spaced apart from the electrode bar 40 and disposed at an edge of the cover
unit 20 to avoid interference with the electrode bar 30. The control part may adjust
a flow rate of the gas g supplied to the nozzle unit 11 by using a calculated size
of the naked molten steel.
[0027] The container unit 10 may include a ladle. The ladle may have a bottom plate and
a side wall. The bottom plate may extend in a horizontal direction and have a predetermined
area. For example, the bottom plate may have a circular plate shape. The side wall
may extend along a circumference of the bottom plate and protrude upward by a predetermined
height. For example, the side wall may have a hollow cylindrical shape.
[0028] The container unit 10 may have an open upper portion and a space defined by the bottom
plate and the side wall, in which the melt M is refined. The melt M may include molten
steel produced in a converter refinement process. Also, the melt M may include various
kinds of materials in addition to the molten steel. The melt M may be accommodated
in the container unit 10.
[0029] The nozzle unit 11 may include a porous refractory plug (or referred to as a 'porous
plug'). The nozzle unit 11 may blow the gas g to the melt M. One nozzle unit 11 or
a plurality of nozzle units 11 may be provided. The nozzle unit 11 may pass through
the bottom plate of the container unit 10.
[0030] The nozzle unit 11 may be connected to a gas pipe, and the gas pipe may be connected
to a gas supply source (not shown). A control valve (not shown) may be mounted to
the gas pipe to control the flow rate of the gas g flowing through the gas pipe. The
control valve may have an opening degree that is controlled by the above-described
control part (not shown).
[0031] The nozzle unit 11 may perform bubbling by relatively strongly blowing the gas g,
e.g., an argon (Ar) gas, to the melt M. The melt M may be uniformly stirred by the
strong bubbling of the gas g, and a temperature of the melt M may be reduced. Alternatively,
the nozzle unit 11 may perform bubbling by relatively weakly blowing the gas g to
the melt M. Inclusions in the melt M may be floated and separated by the weak bubbling
of the gas g.
[0032] A layer of a slag S exists at the molten metal surface of the melt M. Here, the surface
of the melt M may be exposed upward as the slag S is spaced apart from the molten
metal surface by the gas g escaped through the molten metal surface during the bubbling
of the gas g. That is, a naked molten metal N may be formed at the molten metal surface
of the melt M during the bubbling of the gas g.
[0033] Here, the naked molten metal N is inevitably generated to smoothly stir the entire
melt M. When a blown amount of the gas g is reduced not to generate the naked molten
metal N, a congestion area of the melt M is generated inside the container unit 10.
[0034] A size of the naked molten metal N that is inevitably generated on the molten metal
surface by a predetermined amount of gas g blown to the melt M in order to sufficiently
stir the melt M when the nozzle unit 11 is normally operated is referred to as a reference
size. When the size of the naked molten metal N is greater than the reference size,
as external inclusions caused by external air introduced through the naked molten
metal N increases, the inclusions in the melt M may increase. When the size of the
naked molten metal N is less than the reference size, the melt M may not be sufficiently
stirred, and the floating-separation of the inclusions may be slow down. The reference
size may be varied according to the kind of the melt M, e.g., the kind of steel, a
volume of the container unit 10, and a porosity of the nozzle unit 11.
[0035] The reference size may be theoretically determined by using properties of the slag
S, the gas g, and the melt M or experimentally determined through a scaled model experiment
of the LF refinement process. Alternatively, the reference size may be experientially
derived from a result obtained by using a molten steel sampling record and size information
of the naked molten steel obtained from a previously performed LF refinement process.
[0036] However, various methods for determining the reference size may be provided. The
reference size may be preset to the control part. The reference size may be referred
to as a normal size.
[0037] The gas g may include various gases in addition to the argon gas. For example, the
gas g may include all sorts of inert gases for bubbling. Also, the gas g may include
various gases for refining the melt M. Although the melt M and the slag S are scattered
during the bubbling of the gas g, the melt M and the slag S may be blocked by the
cover unit 20 from being discharged.
[0038] The cover unit 20 may be installed above the container unit 10. The cover unit 20
may be supported by a crane (not shown) or all sorts of elevation units (not shown).
The cover unit 20 may be adjusted in height in a vertical direction by the crane or
all sorts of elevation units. Here, the all sorts of elevation units may include a
hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder.
[0039] The cover unit 20 may have an open lower portion. The cover unit 20 may have an area
capable of covering the open upper portion of the container unit 10. The cover unit
20 may be mounted to cover the open upper portion of the container unit 10. The cover
unit 20 may include a cooling path (not shown). The cooling path may circulate a coolant
(cooling water) therein. That is, the cover unit 20 may be a water cooling cover unit.
The cooling path may be embedded in the cover unit 20 or connected to the cover unit
20. The cover unit 20 may have a truncated cone shape having an open lower portion.
Alternatively, the cover unit 20 may have various shapes. Each of the through-hole
22 and the input hole 21 may be disposed at an edge of the cover unit 20.
[0040] The through-hole 22 and the input hole 21 may be formed at both sides of the edge
of the cover unit 20, respectively, and spaced apart from each other in a horizontal
direction. Here, the through-hole 22 may pass through one side of the edge of the
cover unit 20 in the vertical direction. Also, the input hole 21 may pass through
the other side of the edge of the cover unit 20 in the vertical direction.
[0041] Also, insertion holes for inserting the electrode bar 30 may be formed at a central
portion of the cover unit 20. The electrode bar 30 may be mounted to pass through
each of the insertion holes at the central portion of the cover unit 20 in the vertical
direction. At least a lower portion of the electrode bar 30 may be disposed at a lower
portion of the cover unit 20. The electrode bar 30 may be supported by a crane (not
shown) or all sorts of elevation units (not shown). The electrode bar 30 may be adjusted
in height by the crane or all sorts of elevation units. The electrode bar 30 may be
spaced apart from the slag S and the melt M when ascended and immersed in the slag
S and the melt M when descended. The electrode bar 30 may be provided in plurality,
e.g., three.
[0042] The electrode bar 30 may be connected to a power supply unit (not shown) and receive,
e.g., three phase current. The electrode bar 30 may generate arc. Here, the melt M
may increase in temperature by heat caused by the arc. While the temperature of the
melt M increases, a splash s' may be generated between the container unit 10 and the
cover unit 20. Here, the splash s' may be minimized or prevented from being leaked
to the outside by the cover unit 20. Also, the high-temperature heat caused by the
arc may be also blocked by the cover unit 20 from being dissipated to the outside.
[0043] The input unit 40 may input a ferro-alloy or a carbon material to adjust a constituent
of the melt M. The input unit 40 may be disposed above the input hole 21 to move in
the vertical direction. The input unit 40 may include a hopper 41 in which an input
material such as a ferro-alloy or a carbon material is accommodated and an input pipe
42 mounted to the hopper 41. The input pipe 42 may have a diameter that is insertable
to the input hole 21. The input pipe 42 may have one end mounted to a lower portion
of the hopper 41 and the other end extending toward the input hole 21 in the vertical
direction. When an input material C is inputted to the melt M, the constituent of
the melt M may be adjusted.
[0044] The opening and closing part 61 may be installed on the cover unit 20 to open and
close the input hole 21. The opening and closing part 61 may be connected to a driving
unit (not shown) such as a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or a linear motor.
The opening and closing part 61 may move by the driving unit in a horizontal direction.
This movement may allow the input hole 21 to be opened and closed.
[0045] The sampling unit 50 may be provided above the through-hole 22 to move in the vertical
direction. The sampling unit 50 may pass through the through-hole 22 and be immersed
into the melt M to collect a portion of the melt M when descended. The sampling unit
50 may include a probe capable of collecting the melt M. The constituent of the melt
M may be analyzed from a sample of the melt M, which is collected by the sampling
unit 50. The sampling unit 50 may further include a temperature measuring unit for
measuring a temperature of the melt M. The temperature measuring unit may be disposed
at a predetermined position of the probe. The sampling unit 50 may be supported by
a driving unit (not shown) such as a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or
a linear motor. The sampling unit 50 may be spaced upward from the camera unit 70
when ascended to avoid collision with the camera unit 70.
[0046] The gate parts 62 and 63 may include a lower gate part 62 and an upper gate part
73. Here. The lower gate part 62 may be installed at one side of the cover unit 20
to cover the through-hole 22. Also, the upper gate part 63 may be installed above
the lower gate part 63. The lower gate part 62 and the upper gate part 63 may be connected
to a driving unit (not shown) to move together or individually.
[0047] When the sampling unit 50 is descended, all of the lower gate part 62 and the upper
gate part 63 may move in the horizontal direction to adjust opening and closing of
the through-hole 22. Also, when the camera unit 70 is operated, only the lower gate
part 62 may move to the outside of the through-hole 22, and the camera unit 70 may
face the melt M through the opening 64 defined in the upper gate part 63. Here, the
opening 64 may have an inner diameter less than that of the through-hole 22.
[0048] Hereinafter, a reason why the camera unit 70 and the control part are necessary for
the refinement apparatus will be firstly described.
[0049] When the gas g is blown to the melt M to perform bubbling by using the nozzle unit
11, a crack may be generated in the nozzle unit 11 or the nozzle unit 11 may be clogged.
Thus, the gas g may be excessively or insufficiently blown to the melt M.
[0050] The feature of excessively blowing the gas g to the melt M represents that, e.g.,
the flow rate of the gas g blown to an entire area of the melt M excessively increases,
or the blowing of the gas g is biased to a predetermined area of the melt M, which
is adjacent to a crack.
[0051] When the gas g is excessively blown to the melt M, the naked molten steel N greatly
increases. Thus, since inclusions are generated as external air is introduced to the
melt M through the naked molten steel N, an entire amount of inclusions may increase
or a speed of removing the inclusions from the melt M may decrease.
[0052] When the gas g is insufficiently blown to the melt M, as the melt M is stirred weaker
than expected, the inclusions are not sufficiently floated and separated. When the
gas g is insufficiently blown to the melt M, the size of the naked molten steel N
is less than the reference size.
[0053] Thus, it is necessarily checked that the size of the naked molten steel N maintains
the reference size for uniform stirring of the melt M and reducing generation of the
inclusions while the gas g is blown to the melt M. Also, when the size of the naked
molten steel N is deviated from the reference size, the flow rate of the gas g supplied
to the nozzle unit 11 is necessarily adjusted so that the size of the naked molten
steel N is adjusted into the reference size.
[0054] As a variation of the size of the naked molten steel N is traced, it may be known
whether a substantially blown amount of the gas g to the melt M is appropriate.
[0055] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a molten steel surface image of the melt
M may be obtained by using the camera unit 70. Also, the size of the naked molten
steel may be exactly calculated by using the control part (not shown), the flow rate
of the gas g may be adjusted, and the size of the naked molten steel may be properly
maintained.
[0056] Hereinafter, a reason why the camera unit 70 having a structure in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment is provided to the refinement apparatus will be described.
Also, the camera unit 70 and the control part (not shown) will be described.
[0057] For example, the size of the naked molten steel may be calculated by disposing the
camera unit 70 at a position at which a central portion of the molten steel surface
is shown in the vertical direction, photographing the molten steel surface image by
using the camera unit 70, and analyzing the photographed molten steel surface image
in order to exactly calculate the size of the naked molten steel from the molten steel
surface image of the melt M.
[0058] However, the electrode bar 30 has to be disposed at the central portion of the molten
steel surface for the refinement process of the melt M, e.g., the LF refinement process.
Thus, a feature of photographing the molten steel surface at the position (a position
directly above the central portion of the molten steel surface) at which the central
portion of the molten steel surface is shown in the vertical direction by using the
camera unit 70 is hardly performed
[0059] Alternatively, the size of the naked molten steel may be calculated by photographing
various images of the molten steel surface at a plurality of positions at which an
edge of the molten steel surface is shown downward with different viewpoints and using
the photographed various images of the molten steel surface in order to exactly calculate
the size of the naked molten steel from the molten steel surface image of the melt
M.
[0060] However, each of the electrode bar 30, the opening and closing part 61, and the gate
parts 62 and 63 are installed on the cover unit 20, and the input unit 40 and the
sampling unit 50 are installed above the cover unit 20. That is, an installation position
of the camera unit 70 is restricted to prevent interference between the camera unit
70 and each of the electrode bar 30, the opening and closing part 61, and the gate
parts 62 and 63. As described above, an extra space for installing the camera unit
70 may not be provided in the cover unit 20 due to a structural characteristic of
the cover unit 20. Thus, a plurality of camera units 70 may not be installed on the
cover unit 20. Therefore, the feature of photographing the molten steel surface at
a plurality of positions at which the edge of the molten steel surface is shown downward
with different viewpoints is extremely difficult to be performed.
[0061] Also, when numbers of camera units 70 are installed on the cover unit 20, a frequency
of the camera units 70 damaged by the splash s' and all sorts of scattering materials
may increase according to the number of the camera units 70. Thus, when the plurality
of camera units 70 are installed on the cover unit 20, burden of maintenance remarkably
increases. Also, the camera unit 70 may have a shape that is similar to a thin pin
or a round bar and a small diameter or size to reduce damage of the camera unit 70
under the above-described poor condition.
[0062] Thus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, one camera unit 70 may be installed
inclined to an upper portion of the upper gate part 63 for easy installation and maintenance
of the camera unit 70. Also, the camera unit 70 may have a round bar shape to minimize
the camera unit 70 from being exposed to the melt M.
[0063] Hereinafter, the camera unit 70 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment will be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0064] The camera unit 70 may be installed above the container unit 10. Here, one camera
unit 70 may be disposed above the through-hole 22. Here, the camera unit 70 may be
installed such that a central axis L2, which will be described later, is inclined
by a predetermined angle θ to a vertical axis L1. That is, the camera unit 70 may
be installed diagonally to the molten steel surface and disposed above the edge of
the molten steel surface instead of the central portion of the molten steel surface.
The camera unit 70 may have a pin shape. The camera unit 70 may photograph the molten
steel surface of the melt M and generate the molten steel surface image.
[0065] The camera unit 70 may be inclined to a first direction 1, e.g., an X-axis direction,
and may not be inclined to a second direction 2, e.g., a Y-axis direction. A third
direction 3 may be referred to as a z-axis direction or a vertical direction. Here,
each of the first direction 1 and the second direction 2 may be parallel to the horizontal
direction, and the third direction 3 may cross the horizontal direction.
[0066] The upper gate part 63 and the lower gate part 62 may be disposed between the camera
unit 70 and the through-hole 22. The upper gate part 63 and the lower gate part 62
may be stacked with each other and each move in the horizontal direction.
[0067] As an area of the camera unit exposed to the melt M decreases, a risk to be damaged
may decrease. Thus, the camera unit 70 may not be exposed to the melt M through the
through-hole 22 but exposed to the melt M through the opening 64, which is smaller
in size than the through-hole 22 and defined in one of the gate parts 62 and 63. The
camera unit 70 may be disposed above the opening 64 and fixed to a top surface of
the gate part in which the opening 64 is defined.
[0068] The through-hole 22 may have a predetermined size for the sampling unit 50 to pass
therethrough, and this size is too large for the camera unit 70. Thus, as the opening
64 having a smaller size than the through-hole 22 is defined in the upper gate part
63, and the camera unit 70 is exposed to the molten steel surface through the opening
64, the area of the camera unit 70 exposed to the melt M at a high temperature may
be significantly reduced.
[0069] Specifically, the opening 64 may pass through a central portion of the upper gate
part 63 in the vertical direction. Also, the camera unit 70 may be installed above
the opening 64. Also, the camera unit 70 may be fixed on the upper gate part 63 by
a predetermined bracket (not shown).
[0070] When the lower gate part 62 moves in the horizontal direction to open the through-hole
22, the camera unit 70 may photograph the molten steel surface of the melt M. More
specifically, the camera unit 70 may easily photograph the molten steel surface image
of the melt M through the opening 64 defined in the upper gate part 63 and the through-hole
22 disposed below the opening 64.
[0071] When the photographing of the camera unit 70 is finished, the lower gate part 62
is returned to close a portion between the through-hole 22 and the opening 64. When
the sampling unit 50 is descended, the camera unit 70, the upper gate part 63, and
the lower gate part 62 may move together in the horizontal direction and be spaced
apart from the through-hole 22.
[0072] The camera unit 70 may include a camera 72 generating the molten steel surface image,
a housing 72 in which the camera 72 is accommodated, a purge path 74 blowing a purge
gas between the housing 71 and the camera 72, and a cooling path 73 circulating a
coolant in the housing 71. The camera 72 may have a pin shape, and the central axis
L2 of the camera 72 may be inclined by a predetermined angle θ with respect to the
vertical axis L1. That is, the camera 72 may be installed diagonally in an up-and-down
direction (or the vertical direction). The housing 71 may have a hollow round bar
shape, and the camera 72 may be inserted into the housing 71. The cooling path 73
may be connected to a coolant supply source (not shown) and receive a coolant, e.g.,
water.
[0073] The housing 71 may have a lower end having a ring shape protruding downward from
the camera 72. When a purge gas is blown into a space between the camera 72 and the
lower end of the housing 71, the camera 72 may be protected from the splash s' and
all sorts of scattering materials.
[0074] To this end, the purge path 74 may pass through the protruding portion. Also, an
end (outlet) of the purge path 74 may be positioned at an inner circumference of the
protruding portion. The purge path 74 may be connected to a purge gas supply source
(not shown) and receive a purge gas. The purge gas may be at least one kind of gas
selected from an argon gas, a nitrogen gas, and air.
[0075] The molten steel surface image is a molten steel surface image with a single viewpoint.
That is, the camera 72 may photograph the molten steel surface to generate a single
viewpoint molten steel surface image. Here, the single point represents one viewpoint.
The single viewpoint image represents an image photographed at one position with one
viewpoint. As a concept opposite to the single viewpoint image, there is a stereo
image or a multi-viewpoint image.
[0076] The molten steel surface image may be referred to as a one-channel single viewpoint
molten steel surface image in consideration that the molten steel surface image is
photographed by one camera 72.
[0077] (a) and (b) of FIG. 5 are views for explaining a method for calculating a pixel size
of a photographing area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The photographing
area represent a photographing area of the camera 72. FIG. 6 is a view for explaining
a method for analyzing the number of pixels of a naked molten steel area from the
molten steel surface image in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0078] Hereinafter, the control unit in accordance with an exemplary embodiment will be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
[0079] The control unit (not shown) calculates the size of the naked molten steel by using
the molten steel surface image obtained from the camera unit 70, installation information
of the camera unit 70, and performance information of the camera unit 70 and adjust
the flow rate of the gas g supplied to the nozzle unit 11 by using the calculated
size of the naked molten steel.
[0080] The installation information of the camera unit 70 will be simply referred to camera
installation information or installation information. Specifically, the installation
information includes an installation height and an installation angle of the camera
72. The performance information of the camera unit 70 will be simply referred to camera
performance information or performance information. The performance information includes
a view angle and a resolution of the camera 72. The installation height of the camera
72 will be simply referred to as an installation height, and the installation angle
of the camera 72 will be simply referred to as an installation angle. Also, the view
angle of the camera 72 will be simply referred to as a view angle, and the resolution
of the camera 72 will be simply referred to as a resolution.
[0081] The installation angle may be measured from an installation structure of the camera
72, and the view angle and the resolution may be checked from a data sheet provided
from a distribution company or a manufacturing company of the camera 72. The installation
angle, the view angle, and the resolution may be preset to the control unit.
[0082] The view angle is an angle representing a range of a subject photographed by the
camera 72 by using an optical system such as a lens as a reference point. The resolution
represents the number of pixels constituting the photographed image. The pixel represents
a pixel of a minimum unit, which constitutes the photographed image.
[0083] The control unit may exactly calculate the size of the naked molten steel with only
one molten steel surface image at a single viewpoint, which is photographed from the
camera unit 70, by using the preset installation information and the preset performance
information. That is, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the size of the
naked molten steel may be exactly calculated from one molten steel surface image at
a single viewpoint instead of using an image with a multi-viewpoints or a plurality
of images with a single viewpoint. That is, the exact size of the naked molten steel
N may be calculated by the control unit with only one camera unit 70. Here, the size
of the naked molten steel N represents an area of the naked molten steel N.
[0084] Hereinafter, a constitution and an operation method of the control unit will be described.
The control unit may include a deriver a first calculator, an analyzer, a second calculator,
and a flow rate controller. Hereinafter, suggested numerical values are merely an
example for explaining an exemplary embodiment, and the exemplary embodiment is not
limited to the suggested numerical values.
[0085] The control unit has to analyze the number of pixels of an area of the naked molten
steel and calculate the size of the naked molten steel N according to the number of
pixels in order to exactly calculate the size of the naked molten steel from the molten
steel surface image. Here, the size of the pixel of the photographed area is necessary
to calculate the size of the naked molten steel according to the number of pixels.
Also, the installation height with respect to the molten steel surface of the melt
M is necessary to calculate the size of the pixel of the photographed area.
[0086] The deriver derives the installation height with respect to the molten steel surface
of the melt M. More specifically, the deriver may calculate or measure the installation
height with respect to the molten steel surface of the melt M by using an installation
position of the camera unit 70 and an amount of the melt in the container unit 10.
Specifically, the installation position of the camera unit 70 is an installation position
of the camera 72, and the amount of the melt is a weight of the melt. Hereinafter,
a method for calculating the installation height with respect to the molten steel
surface of the melt M will be described.
[0087] Referring to FIG 3, an installation height H with respect to the molten steel surface
includes a first height Ha from an upper end of the container unit 10 to the camera
72 and a second height Hb from the upper end of the container unit 10 to the molten
steel surface. The first height Ha may be calculated or measured from the shape and
the installation structure of each of the container unit 10 and the cover unit 20
and the installation position of the camera unit 70. The first height Ha may be preset
to the deriver.
[0088] The second height Hb may be calculated by using the amount of the melt in the container
unit 10, the weight of the melt M and the height of the molten steel surface information,
which are known in advance, and a proportional equation.
[0089] The weight of the melt M and the height of the molten steel surface information,
which are known in advance, are stated in table 1 below.
[Table 1]
| |
Weight (w) of melt |
Height (Hb) of molten steel surface |
| 1 |
345 ton |
400 mm |
| 2 |
250 ton |
1000 mm |
[0090] Here, the weight of the melt and the height of the molten steel surface are inversely
proportional to each other. This is because the height of the molten steel surface
decreases as the weight of the melt decreases, and the molten steel surface is spaced
apart from the upper end of the container unit 10.
[0091] The preset weight of the melt M and the preset height of the molten steel surface
information may be obtained from, e.g., results of a scaled model experiment or obtained
by substantially measuring the height of the molten steel surface of the melt M through
performing previous refinement processes of the melt M several times. Theses values
may be preset to the deriver.
[0092] The proportional equation is stated in mathematical equation 1 below.

[0093] Here, w1 is a first value of the preset weight of the melt, w2 is a second value
of the preset weight of the melt, Hb1 is a first value of the preset height of the
molten steel surface, and Hb2 is a second value of the preset height of the molten
steel surface. Also, wt represents the weight of the melt M accommodated in the container
unit 10. Also, Hbt is a second height value with respect to the melt M accommodated
in the container unit 10.
[0094] For example, when the weight of the melt M accommodated in the container unit 10
is 320 ton in a current process, the second height Hb is 558 mm according to the mathematical
equation 1 (round off below the decimal point). When the first height Ha is 1,434
mm, the height H with respect to the molten steel surface may be calculated to be
1,992 mm.
[0095] Here, the above numerical values are merely an example for explaining the deriver.
[0096] Also, the second height Hb may be obtained by using a volume of the melt M and a
shape and a size of an inner space of the container unit 10.
[0097] When the deriver measures the installation height with respect to the molten steel
surface of the melt M, the deriver may include a physical unit. For example, the deriver
may include an infrared distance measuring unit. In this case, the infrared distance
measuring unit may be attached to, e.g., the sampling unit 70 to measure a distance
between the camera unit 70 and the molten steel surface of the melt M.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 5, the first calculator calculates the size of the pixel of the
photographed area of the camera 72 by using the installation height H, the installation
angle, the view angle, and the resolution. Here, mathematical equation 2 and mathematical
equation 3 may be used. Here, the above installation angle represents an inclination
of the central axis L2 of the camera 72 with respect to the vertical direction.
[0099] Here, since the first calculator calculates the size of the pixel by using all of
the installation height, the installation angle, the view angle, and the resolution,
the size of the pixel of the photographed area of the camera 72 may be exactly calculated
in light of a structure in which the camera 72 is installed inclined to the edge of
the cover unit 20. For example, the first calculator may exactly calculate the size
of the pixel of the photographed area in light of the installation angle of the camera
72 based on the installation information and observation range of the camera 72.
[0100] The method for calculating the size of the pixel of the photographed area in the
first calculator when the resolution is 640 × 480 pixels, the installation angle θ1
is 15°, the view angle θ1 is 55°, and the camera unit 70 is inclined with respect
to a horizontal side among horizontal and vertical sides of the photographed area
of the camera unit 70 will be described in detail. Hereinafter, the photographed area
of the camera unit 70 will be simply referred to as a photographed area for convenience
of description. Here, the vertical side of the photographed area may be a side extending
in the X-axis direction, and the horizontal side of the photographed area may be a
side extending in the Y-axis direction.
[0102] Here, θ1 is the installation angle, and θ2 is the view angle. H is the installation
height with respect to the molten steel surface.
[0103] Firstly, a length of a horizontal side X of the photographed area is obtained. The
horizontal side X of the photographed area is a side in a direction in which the camera
unit 70 is inclined. The horizontal side X of the photographed area is divided into
a first segment X1 and a second segment X2 for easy calculation. The first segment
X1 is obtained by connecting a foot of a first perpendicular line L1X, which is drawn
to the horizontal side X of the photographed area from a point P1 at which the camera
unit 70 is installed, to one end of the horizontal side X. Also, the second segment
is obtained by connecting the foot of the first perpendicular line L1X to the other
end of the horizontal side X of the photographed area. L2 represents the central axis
of the camera unit 70. P2 represents a point at which the photographed area is disposed,
i.e., a molten steel surface level.
[0104] A length of the first segment X1 may be calculated by using the mathematical equation
2-1. An angle between the first hypotenuse L3 and the first perpendicular line L1X
may be obtained, and the length of the first segment X1 may be calculated by using
the tangent theorem as in the mathematical equation 2-1. Here, the first hypotenuse
L3 is a segment connecting the point P1 at which the camera unit 70 is installed to
one end of the horizontal side X of the photographed area.
[0105] A length of the second segment X2 may be calculated by using the mathematical equation
2-2. An angle between the second hypotenuse L4 and the first perpendicular line L1X
may be obtained, and the length of the second segment X2 may be calculated by using
the tangent theorem as in the mathematical equation 2-2. Here, the second hypotenuse
L4 is a segment connecting the point P1 at which the camera unit 70 is installed to
the other end of the horizontal side X of the photographed area.
[0106] The length of the horizontal side X of the photographed area is calculated by adding
the first segment X1 with the second segment X2 using the mathematical equation 2-3.
A value of 2,267 mm is obtained by calculating the length of the horizontal side X
of the photographed area when the weight of the melt M is 320 ton, the installation
height H is 1,992 mm, the resolution is 640 X 480 pixels, the installation angel θ1
is 15°, and the view angle θ1 is 55°. Here, values below the decimal point are rounded
off when calculated.
[0107] A length of the vertical side Y of the photographed area is obtained. The length
of the vertical side Y of the photographed area is obtained by using the mathematical
equation 2-4. Since the vertical side Y of the photographed area is a side in a direction
in which the camera unit 70 is not inclined, a second perpendicular line L1Y drawn
to the vertical side Y of the photographed area from the point P1 at which the camera
unit 70 is installed forms a right angle with the vertical side Y of the photographed
area. Thus, the length of the vertical side Y of the photographed area may be calculated
as in the mathematical equation 2-4 by obtaining an angle between a third hypotenuse
L5 and the second perpendicular line L1Y or an angle between a fourth hypotenuse L6
and the second perpendicular line L1Y and using the tangent theorem.
[0108] The third hypotenuse L5 is a segment connecting the point P1 at which the camera
unit 70 is installed and one end of the vertical side Y of the photographed area,
and the fourth hypotenuse L6 is a segment connecting the point P1 at which the camera
unit 70 is installed and the other end of the vertical side Y of the photographed
area. The third hypotenuse L5 and the fourth hypotenuse L6 may be symmetric with respect
to the second perpendicular line L1Y.
[0109] A value of 2,074mm is obtained by calculating the length of the horizontal side X
of the photographed area when the weight of the melt M is 320 ton, the installation
height H is 1,992 mm, the resolution is 640 X 480 pixels, the installation angel θ1
is 15°, and the view angle θ1 is 55°. Here, values below the decimal point are rounded
off when calculated.
[0110] That is, the camera unit 70 may generate the molten steel surface image by photographing
the photographed area corresponding to a size of 2,267 mm in a direction inclined
on a predetermined plane having the same height as the molten steel surface of the
melt M, e.g., the X-axis direction, and a size of 2,074 mm in a non-inclined direction,
e.g., the Y-axis direction.
[0112] Here, the horizontal resolution is 640 pixels, and the vertical resolution is 480
pixels. X is the length of the horizontal side of the photographed area, and a value
of X is 2,267 mm. Also, Y is the length of the vertical side of the photographed area,
and a value of X is 2,074 mm. The above values are merely an example for specifically
explaining a method for calculating a pixel size of the photographed area in the first
calculator. Here, the pixel size is a size of one pixel.
[0113] Thereafter, a pixel length dX of the horizontal side of the photographed area is
obtained. The pixel length dX of the horizontal side of the photographed area is calculated
to be 3.54 mm by using the mathematical equation 3-1. Then, a pixel length dY of the
vertical side of the photographed area is obtained. The pixel length dY of the vertical
side of the photographed area is calculated to be 4.32mm by using the mathematical
equation 3-2. Here, values are rounded to two decimal places when calculated.
[0114] Thereafter, a pixel size dA of the photographed area is calculated by using the pixel
length dX of the horizontal side of the photographed area and the pixel length dY
of the vertical side of the photographed area. Here, the pixel size dA of the photographed
area is calculated to be 15.2928 mm
2 by multiplying the pixel length dX of the horizontal side of the photographed area
and the pixel length dY of the vertical side of the photographed area based on the
mathematical equation 3-3.
[0115] As described above, the first calculator may calculate the length of the horizontal
side and the length of the vertical side of the photographed area when the installation
angle, the view angle, and the installation height are known, and calculate the pixel
size of the photographed area by using the resolution after the length of the horizontal
side and the length of the vertical side of the photographed area are calculated.
[0116] Also, a horizontal resolution and a vertical resolution of the camera 72 may be exchanged
at any time. For example, the horizontal resolution and the vertical resolution of
the camera 72 may be exchanged because the camera 72 is not always fixed at the same
angle with respect to the central axis of the camera 72 when the camera 72 is installed
in the housing 71. As described above, although the horizontal resolution and the
vertical resolution of the camera 72 are exchanged from each another, the pixel size
dA of the photographed area may be obtained in the same manner.
[0117] For example, when the horizontal resolution is 480 pixels and the vertical resolution
is 640 pixels, the pixel size dA of the photographed area may be calculated by obtaining
the pixel length of the horizontal side of the photographed area and the pixel length
of the vertical side of the photographed area, and a result thereof may be calculated
to be 15.2928 mm
2 in the same manner. That is, the pixel size dA of the photographed area may be obtained
in the same manner through the above series of calculations.
[0118] FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a process of analyzing the number of pixels of the
naked molten steel from the molten steel surface image in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment. (a) of FIG. 6 is a photograph showing the photographed molten steel surface
image, (b) of FIG. 6 is a photograph showing the molten steel surface image in which
the naked molten steel area is indicated, and (c) of FIG. 6 is a photograph showing
the molten steel surface image that is binarized.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 6, the analyzer may analyze the number of the pixels of the naked
molten steel area contained in the molten steel surface image. Specifically, the analyzer
may analyze the number of the pixels of the naked molten steel area through brightness
according to the resolution of the molten steel surface image. The analyzer receives
the photographed molten steel surface image. Here, each of the naked molten steel
N and the slag S form a predetermined area on the molten steel surface image. The
analyzer distinguishes the naked molten steel area from the slag area by using preset
reference brightness. The analyzer binarizes the molten steel surface image and distinguishes
pixels, which are brighter than the reference brightness among the pixels of the molten
steel surface image, as the pixels of the naked molten steel area and pixels, which
are darker than the reference brightness, as the pixels of the slag area. The analyzer
may draw a closed line at a boundary between the pixels of the naked molten steel
area and the pixels of the slag area and count the number of the pixels inside the
closed line to derive the counted number of the pixels as the number of the pixels
of the naked molten steel area. Here, when the closed line is provided in plurality,
the number of pixels may be derived for each closed line, and then the biggest value
may be selected as the number of the pixels of the naked molten steel.
[0120] The reference brightness may include all sorts of brightness as long as the brightness
may distinguish the naked molten steel from the slag in the molten steel surface image.
[0121] The second calculator calculates the size of the naked molten steel by using the
number of the pixels of the naked molten steel area and the calculated pixel size
of the photographed area. For example, the second calculator calculates the size of
the naked molten steel by multiplying the number of pixels, which is derived from
the analyzer, and the pixel size calculated from the first calculator.
[0122] The flow rate controller adjusts the flow rate of the gas g supplied to the nozzle
unit 11 according to the size of the naked molten steel calculated from the second
calculator. That is, the flow rate controller may compare the size of the naked molten
steel with the preset reference size and adjust the flow rate of the gas g supplied
to the nozzle unit 11 according to the comparison result. The flow rate controller
increases the flow rate of the gas g when the calculated size of the naked molten
steel is less than the reference size and decreases the flow rate of the gas g when
the calculated size of the naked molten steel is greater than the reference size.
By using the above control, the size of the naked molten steel may follow the reference
size. The above control of the flow rate controller may be referred to as, e.g., control
using the area of the naked molten steel N.
[0123] However, the flow rate controller may obtain a converted size by converting the size
of the naked molten steel and compare the converted size with a preset reference converted
size to adjust the flow rate of the gas g supplied to the nozzle unit 11 according
to the comparison result.

[0124] Here, sqrt represents a square root, and D
eq represents a converted size. The converted size D
eq may be a value of a length dimension. Also, the size of the naked molten steel may
be a value of an area dimension.
[0125] The converted size D
eq is obtained such that a circle having the same size (area) as the size (area) of
the naked molten steel is assumed, and a diameter of the circle is obtained and determined
as the converted size D
eq. The flow rate controller obtains the converted size D
eq by using the mathematical equation 4. That is, the dimension may be lowered by converting
the size of the naked molten steel having a two dimensional value into the converted
size having an one dimensional value.
[0126] Also, the flow rate controller adjusts the flow rate of the gas g supplied to the
nozzle unit 11 according to the converted size D
eq. That is, the flow rate controller may compare the converted size D
eq with the preset reference converted size and adjust the flow rate of the gas g supplied
to the nozzle unit 11 according to the comparison result. The flow rate controller
increases the flow rate of the gas g when the converted size D
eq is less than the reference converted size and decreases the flow rate of the gas
g when the converted size D
eq is greater than the reference size. This control may allow the converted size D
eq of the naked molten steel to follow the reference converted size. The above control
of the flow rate controller may be referred to as control using the converted size
D
eq.
[0127] The naked molten steel formed on the molten steel surface may have an irregular shape
as illustrated in FIG. 6 instead of having a regular shape such as a rectangular shape
or a circular shape. Since the reference size is difficult to reflect the substantial
shape of the molten steel surface, the reference size may be easily determined by
assuming that the shape of the molten steel surface has a circular shape. Here, the
reference converted size is a diameter of the molten steel surface shape that is assumed
as the circular shape having the same area as the reference size. Thus, the flow rate
controller may further easily control by using the converted size.
[0128] Hereinafter, the refinement method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment will
be described in detail. The refinement method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
may be applied to the LF refinement process. That is, the refinement method may be
the LF refinement method.
[0129] The refinement method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment includes: a process
of preparing the container unit 10 in which the melt M is stored; a process of bubbling
while blowing the gas g to the melt M; a process of generating the molten steel surface
image by photographing the molten steel surface of the melt M using the camera 72;
and a process of calculating the size of the naked molten steel on the molten steel
surface by using the molten steel surface image and the installation information and
the performance information of the camera 72.
[0130] Also, the refinement method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment may further
include a process of generating arc above the melt M by using the electrode bar 30
between the process of preparing the container unit 10 and the process of bubbling.
Also, a process of adjusting the constituent of the melt M by inputting an input material
to the melt M between the process of generating arc and the process of bubbling. All
of the process of adjusting the constituent, the process of generating the arc, and
the process of bubbling may be referred to as the LF refinement process.
[0131] Also, the refinement method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment further includes
a process of adjusting the gas flow rate by using the size of the naked molten steel
after the process of calculating the size of the naked molten steel.
[0132] The installation information includes the installation height and the installation
angle of the camera, and the performance information includes the view angle and the
resolution of the camera. The process of generating the molten steel surface image
generates the single viewpoint molten steel surface image by photographing the molten
steel surface using one camera 72. Firstly, the container unit 10 in which the melt
M is accommodated is prepared. For example, the melt M may be prepared to perform
the LF refinement process. That is, molten steel produced from a converter refinement
process is outputted to the container unit 10. Thereafter, the container unit 10 is
transferred to be disposed below the cover unit 20. Then, the cover unit 20 is mounted
to the open upper portion of the container unit 10 by descending the cover unit 30.
[0133] Thereafter, the input unit 40 is descended, the input hole 21 is opened, and the
input material accommodated in the input unit 40 is inputted to the melt M through
the input hole 21. Thus, a composition of the constituent of the melt M may be adjusted.
Here, the strong bubbling of the gas g is performed on the melt M by using the nozzle
unit 11 (refer to FIG. 1). Here, the through-hole 22 is in a closed state by the upper
gate part 63 and the lower gate part 62. When the composition of the constituent of
the melt M is adjusted, the strong bubbling of the gas g is finished, and the input
hole 21 is closed.
[0134] Thereafter, the slag S is immersed by descending the electrode bar 30, and the arc
is generated above the melt M by using the electrode bar 30. Through this process,
a temperature of the melt M increases (refer to FIG. 2). When the temperature of the
melt M completely increases, the electrode bar 30 is ascended.
[0135] Thereafter, the lower gate part 62 is horizontally moved to the outside of the through-hole
22, and the molten steel surface is exposed to the camera 72 through the opening 64
defined in the upper gate part 63. Thereafter, while the gas g is blown to the melt
M by using the nozzle unit 11, and weak bubbling is performed (refer to FIG. 3). At
the same time, the camera 72 photographs the molten steel surface of the melt to generate
the molten steel surface image. Further specifically, the molten steel surface may
be photographed by the camera 72 in an inclined state by inclining the camera 72 by
a predetermined angle in the vertical direction to generate the molten steel surface
image. That is, the molten steel surface may be photographed by the camera 72 installed
diagonally with respect to the molten steel surface to generate the molten steel surface
image.
[0136] During the process of photographing the molten steel surface by the camera 72 and
generating the molten steel surface image, a coolant is circulated inside the housing
in which the camera is accommodated, and a purge gas is injected between the housing
71 and the camera 72. Thus, the camera 72 may be protected from high-temperature heat
and scattering materials while the camera 72 photographs the molten steel surface.
[0137] Thereafter, while the weak bubbling process continues, the size of the naked molten
steel on the molten steel surface is calculated by using the installation information
and the performance information of the camera.
[0138] That is, the installation height with respect to the molten steel surface is derived
by using the deriver of the control unit, and the first calculator of the control
unit calculates the pixel size of the photographed area by using the installation
height, the installation angle, the view angle, and the resolution. Thereafter, the
number of the pixels of the naked molten steel area contained in the molten steel
surface image is analyzed by using the analyzer of the control unit. Thereafter, the
first calculator of the control unit calculates the size of the naked molten steel
by using the number of pixels and the pixel size. Since a process of deriving the
installation height with respect to the molten steel surface, a process of calculating
the pixel size, a process of analyzing the number of pixels, and a process of calculating
the size of the naked molten steel are described in detail while the control unit
of the refinement apparatus is described, hereinafter, the above processes are simply
described.
[0139] Firstly, the process of deriving the installation height is described below. The
first height Ha from the camera 72 to the upper end of the container unit 10 is obtained
by using the installation position of the camera 72. Also, the second height Hb from
the upper end of the container unit 10 to the molten steel surface is obtained by
using the amount of the melt in the container unit 10. Thereafter, the installation
height H may be calculated by adding the first height and the second height.
[0140] Here, a process of obtaining the second height Hb is described below. As a proportional
relationship between the amount of the melt and the height of the molten steel surface
is established like the mathematical equation 1 by using information of the amount
of the melt and the height of the molten steel surface, and the height of the molten
steel surface with respect to the amount of the melt in the container unit is estimated,
the estimated height is regarded as the second height.
[0141] The process of calculating the pixel size is described below. A first length in an
inclined direction of the photographed area, e.g., the length of the horizontal side
X of the photographed area, is obtained by using the installation height H, the installation
angle θ1, and the view angle θ2, and a second length in a non-inclined direction of
the photographed area, e.g., the length of the vertical side Y of the photographed
area, is obtained by using the installation height and the view angle. Thereafter,
a size A of the photographed area is obtained by using the first length and the second
length. Thereafter, the pixel size dA is obtained by using the size and the resolution
of the photographed area. The above mathematical equation 2 and mathematical equation
3 are used in this process.
[0142] The process of analyzing the number of pixels is described below. The molten steel
surface image is binarized into a bright portion and a dark portion, and a closed
line is drawn at a boundary between the bright portion and the dark portion. Thereafter,
the number of pixels may be derived by counting the number of the pixels inside the
closed line. Here, when the closed line is provided in plurality, the number of pixels
may be counted for each closed line, and then the biggest value may be selected to
derive the number of pixels.
[0143] The process of calculating the size of the naked molten steel is described below.
The size of the naked molten steel is calculated by multiplying the number of pixels
and the pixel size. Thereafter, the shape of the naked molten steel may be converted
to a circular shape having the same area as the naked molten steel, and a diameter
of the circular shape, which is converted from the shape of the naked molten steel,
may be obtained to obtain the converted size of the naked molten steel.
[0144] Thereafter, the gas flow rate is adjusted according to the size of the naked molten
steel by using the flow rate controller of the control unit. That is, the flow rate
controller compares the size of the naked molten steel with the preset reference size
to maintain the gas flow rate when the size of the naked molten steel falls within
the reference size. Also, the flow rate controller increases the gas flow rate supplied
to the nozzle unit 11 when the size of the naked molten steel is less than the reference
size. Also, the flow rate controller decreases the gas flow rate supplied to the nozzle
unit 11 when the size of the naked molten steel is greater than the reference size.
[0145] Also, the flow rate controller may adjust the gas flow rate by using the converted
size of the naked molten steel. Here, the above converted size of the naked molten
steel has a value of a diameter, i.e., a length dimension (one dimension). However,
the size of the naked molten steel has a value of an area, i.e., an area dimension
(two dimension). Since the control using the converted size of the naked molten steel
may be intuitively monitored, the process may be easily performed.
[0146] Since a process of controlling the gas flow rate using the converted size by the
flow rate controller is described in detail while the control unit of the refinement
apparatus is described, a description thereof will be omitted.
[0147] Since inclusions are floated and separated from the molten steel surface of the melt
M and collected to the slag S in a process of slightly blowing the gas g to the melt
M and performing weak bubbling, the naked molten steel is inevitably generated. Here,
as the flow rate controller compares the size of the naked molten steel calculated
from the second calculator with the preset reference size to adjust the gas flow rate
to the nozzle unit 11 according to the result as described above, the size of the
naked molten steel N may be maintained within the reference size during the weak bubbling.
Thus, while stirring of the melt M is maximized, generation of external inclusions
may be minimized or restricted.
[0148] When the weak bubbling of the gas g is finished, the supply of the gas g to the nozzle
unit 11 is stopped, and the container unit 10 is transferred to a following process
after the cover unit 20 is ascended. The following process may be, e.g., a vacuum
degassing process or a continuous casting process.
[0149] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the control unit may quantify the size
of the naked molten steel, and the gas supply may be controlled so that the size of
the naked molten steel follows the reference size. Thus, the gas flow rate may be
dynamically controlled to improve the refinement process, e.g., the LF refinement
process, to have an optimized quality.
[0150] Although the apparatus and method have been described with reference to the specific
embodiments, they are not limited thereto. The invention may, however, be embodied
in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments
set forth herein, rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those
skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the
art that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from
the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.
1. Aufbereitungsvorrichtung, die Folgendes umfasst:
eine Behältereinheit (10), die einen oberen Teil und einen Innenraum aufweist, in
dem eine Schmelze (M) aufbereitet wird;
eine Düseneinheit (11), die an der Behältereinheit (10) installiert ist, um ein Gas
(g) zu blasen;
eine Kameraeinheit (70), die über der Behältereinheit (10) installiert ist, um eine
geschmolzene Stahloberfläche der Schmelze (M) zu fotografieren; und
eine Steuereinheit, die dazu konfiguriert ist, eine Größe von blankem geschmolzenen
Stahl (N) auf der geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche unter Verwendung eines Bilds der geschmolzenen
Stahloberfläche, das von der Kameraeinheit (70) erhalten wird, und Installationsinformationen
und Leistungsinformationen der Kameraeinheit (70) zu berechnen,
wobei die Installationsinformationen eine Installationshöhe und einen Installationswinkel
der Kameraeinheit umfassen und
die Leistungsinformationen einen Betrachtungswinkel und eine Auflösung der Kameraeinheit
umfassen,
wobei das Bild der geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche ein Bild der geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche
aus einem einzigen Betrachtungswinkel ist,
wobei die Steuereinheit Folgendes umfasst:
einen Ableiter, der dazu konfiguriert ist, die Installationshöhe in Bezug auf die
geschmolzene Stahloberfläche abzuleiten;
einen ersten Rechner, der dazu konfiguriert ist, eine Pixelgröße eines fotografierten
Bereichs der Kameraeinheit (70) unter Verwendung einer Installationshöhe, eines Installationswinkels,
eines Betrachtungswinkels und einer Auflösung der Kameraeinheit (70) zu berechnen;
einen Analysator, der dazu konfiguriert ist, die Anzahl von Pixeln des Bereichs des
blanken geschmolzenen Stahls zu analysieren, die in dem Bild der geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche
enthalten sind;
einen zweiten Rechner, der dazu konfiguriert ist, die Größe, die einen zweidimensionalen
Wert aufweist, des blanken geschmolzenen Stahls (N) durch Multiplizieren der Pixelgröße
und der Anzahl von Pixeln zu berechnen; und
eine Strömungsratensteuerung, die dazu konfiguriert ist, einen Durchmesser eines Kreises,
der die gleiche Größe aufweist wie die Größe, die einen zweidimensionalen Wert aufweist,
des blanken geschmolzenen Stahls (N) zu erhalten, um den erhaltenen Durchmesser als
konvertierte Größe (Deq), die einen eindimensionalen Wert aufweist, durch Verwendung einer mathematischen
Gleichung 4 zu bestimmen und eine Strömungsrate eines Gases (g), das an die Düseneinheit
(11) geliefert wird, gemäß dem konvertierten Wert (Deq) einzustellen,

wobei sqrt die Quadratwurzel darstellt und Deq die konvertierte Größe darstellt.
2. Aufbereitungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend eine Abdeckungseinheit
(20), die montiert ist, um den offenen oberen Teil der Behältereinheit (10) abzudecken,
wobei ein Durchgangsloch (22) an einer Seite der Abdeckungseinheit (20) definiert
ist und
eine Kameraeinheit (70) über dem Durchgangsloch (22) angeordnet ist.
3. Aufbereitungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, ferner umfassend eine Elektrodenleiste (30),
die montiert ist, um durch die Abdeckungseinheit (20) zu laufen,
wobei die Elektrodenleiste (30) an einem zentralen Teil der Abdeckungseinheit (20)
angeordnet ist und das Durchgangsloch (22) an einer Ecke der Abdeckungseinheit (20)
definiert ist und
die Kameraeinheit (70) auf eine geneigte Weise installiert ist.
4. Aufbereitungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Kameraeinheit (70) Folgendes umfasst:
eine Kamera (72), die dazu konfiguriert ist, die geschmolzene Stahloberfläche zu fotografieren
und ein Bild der geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche zu generieren;
ein Gehäuse (71), das dazu konfiguriert ist, die Kamera (72) aufzunehmen;
einen Spülpfad (74), der dazu konfiguriert ist, ein Spülgas zwischen das Gehäuse (71)
und die Kamera (72) zu injizieren; und
einen Kühlpfad (73), der dazu konfiguriert ist, ein Kühlmittel in dem Gehäuse (71)
zu zirkulieren.
5. Aufbereitungsverfahren unter Verwendung einer Aufbereitungsvorrichtung nach einem
der Ansprüche 1-4, wobei das Aufbereitungsverfahren Folgendes umfasst:
Vorbereiten einer Behältereinheit (10), in der eine Schmelze (M) aufgenommen wird;
Sprudeln, während ein Gas (g) in die Schmelze (M) geblasen wird;
Generieren eines Bilds der geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche durch Fotografieren einer
geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche der Schmelze unter Verwendung einer Kamera (72), wobei
das Generieren des Bilds der geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche ein Bild der geschmolzenen
Stahloberfläche aus einem einzigen Betrachtungswinkel generiert, indem die geschmolzene
Stahloberfläche unter Verwendung einer Kamera fotografiert wird;
Berechnen einer Größe des blanken geschmolzenen Stahls (N) auf der geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche
unter Verwendung eines Bilds der geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche und der Installationsinformationen
und der Leistungsinformationen der Kamera (72),
wobei das Generieren des Bilds der geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche ein Bild der geschmolzenen
Stahloberfläche aus einem einzigen Betrachtungswinkel generiert, indem die geschmolzene
Stahloberfläche unter Verwendung einer Kamera fotografiert wird,
wobei das Berechnen der Größe des blanken geschmolzenen Stahls (N) Folgendes umfasst:
Ableiten der Installationshöhe in Bezug auf die geschmolzene Stahloberfläche;
Berechnen einer Pixelgröße eines fotografierten Bereichs der Kamera (72) unter Verwendung
einer Installationshöhe, eines Installationswinkels, eines Betrachtungswinkels und
der Auflösung der Kamera (72);
Analysieren der Anzahl von Pixeln eines Bereichs des blanken geschmolzenen Stahls,
die in dem Bild der geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche enthalten sind;
Berechnen der Größe, die einen zweidimensionalen Wert aufweist, des blanken geschmolzenen
Stahls (N) durch Multiplizieren der Pixelgröße und der Anzahl von Pixeln und Konvertieren
der Größe, die einen zweidimensionalen Wert aufweist, des blanken geschmolzenen Stahls
(N) in eine Größe, die einen eindimensionalen Wert aufweist, des blanken geschmolzenen
Stahls (N),
wobei das Konvertieren der Größe, die einen zweidimensionalen Wert aufweist, des blanken
geschmolzenen Stahls (N) in eine Größe, die einen eindimensionalen Wert aufweist,
des blanken geschmolzenen Stahls (N) Folgendes umfasst:
Konvertieren der Form des blanken geschmolzenen Stahls (N) in eine kreisförmige Form,
die die gleiche Größe wie die Größe des blanken geschmolzenen Stahls (N) aufweist,
und Erhalten eines Durchmessers der kreisförmigen Form, die aus der Form des blanken
geschmolzenen Stahls (N) konvertiert wurde, um die konvertierte Größe unter Verwendung
der mathematischen Formel 4 zu erhalten,
wobei das Aufbereitungsverfahren ferner ein Einstellen einer Strömungsrate eines Gases
(g), das an die Düseneinheit (11) geliefert wird, gemäß dem konvertierten Wert nach
dem Konvertieren der Größe, die einen zweidimensionalen Wert aufweist, des blanken
geschmolzenen Stahls (N) in eine Größe, die einen eindimensionalen Wert aufweist,
des blanken geschmolzenen Stahls (N) umfasst,

wobei sqrt die Quadratwurzel darstellt und Deq die konvertierte Größe darstellt.
6. Aufbereitungsverfahren nach Anspruch 5, wobei das Generieren des Bilds der geschmolzenen
Stahloberfläche Fotografieren der geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche unter Verwendung der
Kamera in einem geneigten Zustand umfasst, indem die Kamera (72) in Bezug auf eine
vertikale Richtung geneigt wird und ein Bild der geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche generiert
wird.
7. Aufbereitungsverfahren nach Anspruch 6, wobei das Berechnen der Pixelgröße Folgendes
umfasst:
Erhalten einer ersten Länge in einer geneigten Richtung des fotografierten Bereichs
unter Verwendung der Installationshöhe, des Installationswinkels und des Betrachtungswinkels;
Erhalten einer zweiten Länge in einer nicht geneigten Richtung des fotografierten
Bereichs unter Verwendung der Installationshöhe und des Betrachtungswinkels;
Erhalten einer Größe des fotografierten Bereichs unter Verwendung der ersten Länge
und der zweiten Länge;
Erhalten der Pixelgröße unter Verwendung einer Größe des fotografierten Bereichs und
der Auflösung.
8. Aufbereitungsverfahren nach Anspruch 6, wobei das Analysieren der Anzahl von Pixeln
Folgendes umfasst:
Binarisieren des Bilds der geschmolzenen Stahloberfläche in einen hellen Teil und
einen dunklen Teil und Zeichnen einer geschlossenen Linie an einer Grenze zwischen
dem hellen Teil und dem dunklen Teil; und
Zählen der Anzahl von Pixeln innerhalb der geschlossenen Linie.