Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
3~
The present applica-tion is a divisional o~ Canadian
patent application Serial No. 2~,Q28 filed March 1~, 1978.
The invention relates to lances for use in steel-
making ~perations. ~lore speciEically it relates to an oxygen
lance for use in a B.O.F. basic oxygen steelmaking furnace.
The present invention relates to an improved oxygen
steelmaking lance which can easily be disconnected from its
top support member for change over of the lance so that only
a single lance support carriage is required. The support
member includes a first connector plate assembly which is
provided with a plurality of openings in communication with
the oxygen, water inlet and outlet pipes provided on the
support member. The first plate assem~ly includes a lower
flat surface. A second connector plate assembly is clamped
to the first connector plate assembly by means of a pair of
hinged bolts on the upper support which engage outwardly
projecting ears provided on the seconcl connector plate
assembly. By merely loosening up the nuts on the ~olts and
swinging them outwardly the second connected plate assembly
can be disconnected and by reverse proc dure can ~e connect-
ed. The second connector plate assembly also includes an
upper flat plate surface having openings which when -~he
surfaces are clamped together provide for registry of the
openings. The openings are slots of generally arcuate shape
disposed in circumferentially spaced relation in radially
spaced rows from a cen-tral oxygen opening. Each slot is
spaced from an adjacent slot by a solid portion of the plate
assembly thus forming a number of circumferentially spaced
radially extending webs. One oE the fla-t surfaces of -the
plate assemblies is provided with annular grooves radially
spaced between the slots, the same containing 0-rings Eor
effectively sealing one row of slots from the o-ther rows and
the central oxygen opening.
The lower connector plate assembly which comprises
the upper flat plate includes an integral downwardly project-
ing sleeve. The oxygen pipe of the top support member
projects downwardly through the central opening of the upper
connector plate assembly and is provided at its lower end
with an enlarged circumferential shoulder. The lower end
of the oxygen tube projects through the flat surface of the
second connector plate into the sleeve and is in relative
sliding engagement with the upper end of a lower oxygen
pipe. The lower oxygen pipe upper end includes an enlarged
tubular portion which is disposed about and in telescoping
engagement with the circumferen-tial shoulder of the upper
oxygen pipe. The enlarged tubular portion is also in
telescoping sliding engagement with the inner wall surface
of the sleeve.
The arrangement provides ~or an upper slip joint
adjacent the connection of the upper and lower connector
plate assemklies.
The lower connector plate assem~ly supports the
lower oxyg~n pipe and includes water inlet and outlet pipes
providing ior passages which communicate with the aligned or
registering slots oX the connector plate assemblies.
The slip joint connection provided by the oxygen
pipes and sleeve include double O-ring seals which effective-
ly seal the slip joints. Between the sleeve and the oxy~en
pipes a vent chamber is provided which communicates with
vent passages provided in the flat plate portion of the
sleeve. The vent passages are disposed specifically in the
radially disposed outwardly extending webs provided between
23~99
the arcuate slots. The upper connector plate is also
provided with a peripherally downwardly extending flange
overlapping the plate of the lower connector plate assembly.
This arrangement assures proper alignment of the plates in
clamping relation. The peripheral flange is also provided
with openings communication with the vent passages to
provide for communication with the atmosphere.
l~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1, is a perspective view of an improved
oxygen lance;
FIG. 2, is a side elevational view of the upper
portion of an oxygen lance disclosing an improved connect
and disconnect arrangement;
FIG. 3, is a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 3-3 of FIG. l;
FIG. 4, is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the
connection of an upper and lower c~nnector plate assembly
and a slip joint and venting arrangement;
FIG. 5, is a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 5-S of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6, is a rross-sectional view taken along the
line 6-6 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7, is similar to FIG. 3 but showing a modi-
fied top support arrangement; and
FIG. 8, is an enlarged cross-sectional vie~v of the
modified embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9, is a perspective view of a lance arran~e-
ment;
FIG. 10, is an enlar~ed elevational view of theupper portion of the lance of FIG. 9;
5~
FIG. 11, is a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 11-11 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12, is a cross-sectional view, enlar~ed and
in detail showin~ the connection of a pair of connector
assemblies;
FIG. 13, is a cross-sectional view tal~en along the
line 13-13 of FIG. 11; and
FIG. 14, is a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 14-14 of FIG. 11;
FIG. 15, is a perspective view of an improved
oxygen lance;
FIG. 16, is an enlarged elevational view of an
upper lance portion;
FIG. 17, is a cross-sectioned view taken along the
line 17-17 of FIG. 15;
FIG. 18, is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a
connecting and sealing arrangement for a connector plate
assembly;
FIG. 19, is a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 19-19 of FIG. 17; and
FIG. 20, is a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 20-20 of FIG. 17;
FIG. 21, is a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 21-21 of FIG. 17;
FIG~ 22, is a perspective view of an improved lance
assembly;
FIG. 23, is an elevational view of a top portion
of the lance assembly shown in FIG. 22;
FIG. 24, is a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 24-24 of FIG. 22;
-4-
Sir 9$~
FIG. 25, is a partial cross-sectional view of a
pair o~ connector plate assemblies;
FIG. 26, is a cross-sectional view disclosing
portions of a sllp joint at the lower end of a lance assem-
bly;
FIG. ~7, is a view similar to FIG. 24 showing
another form of the invention;
FIG. 28, is a detail view in cross-section of a
connector plate assembly;
FIG. 29, is a detail cross-sectional view of a
slip joint at the lower end of the lance shown in FIG. 27;
and
FIGS. 30 and 31 are plan sections taken at lines
30-30 and 31-31 in FIG. 24;
FIG. 32, is a perspective view of an improved
oxygen lance;
FIG. 33, is a side elevational view of the upper
portion of an oxy~en lance disclosing an improved connect
and disconnect arrangement;
FIG. 34, is a cross-sectional view taken along
the line 34-34 o~ ~IG. 3~;
FIG. 35, is an enlarged cross-sectional view of
the connection of an upper and lower connector plate
assembly and a slip Joint and venting arrangement;
FIG. 36, is a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 3~-36 of FI&. 34; and
FIG. 37, is a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 37~37 o~ FXG. 34;
FIG. 38, is a cross-sectional view of a no~zle
assembly connected to the lance disclosing a slip joint
w5~
connection.
FIG. 39, is a perspective view of an improved
oxygen lancei
FIG. 40, is an elevational view of ~he upper end
of the lance of FIG. 39;
FIG. 41~ is a cross-sectional view of an upper
portion of the oxygen lance taken along the line 41-41
of FIG. 39;
FIG. 42, is a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 42-42 of FIG. 41;
FIG. 43, iS a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 43-43 of FIG. 41;
FIG. 44, is a partial cross-sectional view of the
lower portion of the oxygen lance of FIG. 39; and
FIG. 45, is a cross~sectional view oE a modified
lance disclosing the upper portion thereof.
~ 3~3~ ~
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED ÆMBODIMENT
FIGS. 1 and 3 disclose an improved lance 10 compri-
sing a top support or head 11 including a top plate 12 having
an opening 13 connected to an oxygen supply source or pipe 14.
A second top plate 15 is connected to the top plate 12 by
means of bolt and nut fasteners 16. A first oxygen pipe 17
communicates with the supply source pipe 14 through the
plate 15.
A first upper connector plate assembly 18 includes
a plate 19 having a lower flat surface 20 and a downwardly
extending peripheral flange 21. The plate assembly 19 and
top plate 15 have connected thereto a second pipe 22, to
which a second water inlet connector 23 is connected. A
third water outlet pipe 24 is disposed outwardly of the se-
cond pipe and communicates a water outlet connection 25.
A quick connect and disconnect clamping arrangement
includes a pair o~ hinged bolts 26 hingedly suspended from
outwardly projecting bosses 27 provided on the third pipe 24.
The plate 19 of the first connector plate assembly
18 includes a central oxygen opening 28 through which the
first oxygen pipe 17 projects. The plate 19, as best shown
in FIG. 3, includes slots or first openings 29 and 30 which
are of arcuate shape, disposed in radially spaced rows to
register with slots in the lower connector plate assembly to
be described. The slots 29 communicate with the water inlet
connection 23 and second water inlet pipe 22. The slots 30
communicate with the third water outlet pipe 24 which com-
municates with the water outlet connection 25.
A second or lower connector plate assembly is de-
signated at 31 and includes a sleeve 32 having an annular
flange or plate 33 provided with an upper annular flat sur-
face 34. The flat surface 34 is provided with two rows of
circumferentially disposed second slots 35 and 36 relatively
radially spaced with respect to each other. The definition
of "circumferentially spaced" as used in this description is
meant to include that the slots are spaced in a circle or
annulus, and that they are also disposed inwardly from the
other circumference of the lance. The slots are of arcuate
shape and adjacent ends of the lots 35 and 36 provide solid
radially extending circumferentially spaced solid webs 37 as
best shown in FI5S. 5 and 6 which separate the adjacent
slots.
As best shown in FIG. 4, a ring plàte 38 having a
flat upper surface 39 conforms to the lower flat surface 40
of the plate or flange 33 and is connected thereto by screws
41.
The second connector plate assembly 31 supports a
fourth oxygen pipe 42, a fifth water inlet pipe 43, and a
sixth water outlet pipe 44.
The water outlet pipe 44 has connected thereto
wing projections 45 provided with slots 46 for receiving the
bolt clamping members 26 in securing relation.
The pipes 42, 43 and 44 extend downwardly and are
connected to a lance nozzle designated at 47. The nozzle 47
of the present design includes a discharge orifice 48 com- ;
municating with a stup extension pipe 49 communicating with
the oxygen pipe 4~. The nozzle also includes a wa-ter outlet
stub pipe 44' connected to the pipe 44. It also includes a
stub pipe 43' connected to the lower end of pipe 43 to pro-
vide a mechanical slip joint therewith. As indicated at 50,
--8--
Baffle walls 51 are connected to the lower ends of the stub
pipe 43' to direct the incoming water from the inlet to the
outlet pipes.
The present invention is particularly directed to
the arrangement of the sealing and venting arrangements dis-
closed.
As best shown in FIG. 4 and 5 the flat surface is
provided with ring shaped grooves 52 within which seals in
the form of O-rings 53 are secured. The O-rings 53 effect-
ively seal the water inlet and water outlet passages from
one another at the connection of theflat surfaces of the
connector plate assemblies. At atmospheric or zero pressure
vent space or annular chamber 54 is provided by the sleeve
32 and the outer wall of the first oxygen pipe 17. The in-
nermost O ring 53 seals this space 54 ~rom the water inlet
slots 29 and 35; however, in the evenl; water should seep
past the innermost O-ring 53, it will be sa~ely vented ~rom
the lance.
The sleeve 32 projects downwardly and the lower
oxygen pipe 42 is provided at its upper end with an enlarged
diameter tube or second sleeve 55 which at its upper end has
a further enlarged outer diameter portion 56 which supports
two vertically spaced O-rings 57 in sliding sealing contact
with the inner wall of the sleeve 32.
The lower end o~ the first oxygèn pipe 17 is pro-
vided with an enlarged outer diameter portion, or piston
like element 58 having two O-rings 59 vertically spaced re-
latively and in sliding, sealing, and telescoping relation
with the inner wall o~ the second sleeve 55.
As ~est shown in FIG. 3, 4, 5 and 6, vent bores or
3 r~
passages 60 are provided in the webs 37 and project radially
hori~ontally outwardly. The peripheral flange 21 is provid-
ed with outlet bores 61 communicating with the passages 60
and the atmosphere. It should be noted that the bores 61
are shown to extend radially; however, they may extend down-
wardly to vent through the lower sur~ace 21' of the peri-
pheral ~lange 21.
The ring 38 and upper surface 39 also include a
cylindrical 0-ring 62.
T~E OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODI.~ENT
The operation o~ the lance disclosed is convention-
al in that oxygen supplied from the supply pipe 14 flows
downwardly through pipe 42, stub pipe 49 and through one or
more discharge orifices 48 into a basic oxyDen furnace ves-
sel. Water flows irom the water inlet connection 23 through
arcuate passages 29 and 35 downwardly along pipe 43 to the
lower end of the noz~le 47 to cool the same whereupon it is
directed upwardly along pipe 44 through the slots 30 and 36
outwardly through the water outlet connection 25. Thus the
lance nozzle is effectively cooled.
The present invention resides in the quick discon-
nect and connect feature a~forded by the first and second
connector assemblies with their unique disposition of the
arcuate aligned slots when the assemblies are connected to-
gether in clamping relation. The unusual dispostion o~ the
0-rings in the flat contacting surfaces of the connector
plates asssures the positive sealing required to provide a
quick clamp type disconnect arrangement. Thus the support
assembly to which the upper connector plate assembly is at-
tached can remain in place on the support carriage which is
--10--
3~
provided adjacent a B.O.F. vessel and a lance can be replac-
ed or interchanged within a short period. The support head
can be used over and over again with new or ~epaired assem-
blies. The lance o~ the present design can be of shorter
length and thus is easier to handle and transport.
The present sealing arrangement and venting assures
the continued operation without interruption of the oxygen
blowing process. In disassembly of the lower connector
plate from the upper, it is a simple matter to disconnect
the same.
U~on disconnection the sleeve can readily be re-
placed by merely loosening the cap screws 41 and inserting a
new sleeve. This assures interchangeability of parts and
eliminates oversizing the O-ring piston in the event of da-
mage, and also the O-ring is easily replaced.
The arrangement of the sleeve 32 with the upper
and lower oxygen pipe slip joint arrangement also provides
an effective connection, to absorb the telescoping sliding
movement of the pipes during expansion and contraction caus-
ed by high temperature variations.
THE MODIFIED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 7 and ~ disclose a modified top support
arangemellt. ~Yherever the parts are the same as disclosed in
the preferred embodiment the same reference characters are
utilized.
In the modification a top support 70 includes an
upper plate 71 having an oxy~en inlet connection to which
the oxygen pipe 17 (more elongated) is connected. A ring or
flange 73 is connected to the plate 70 by means of bolts and
nuts (not shown). A water inlet connection 74 is connected
to an inlet water pipe 75. The inlet water pipe 75 has con-
nected thereto a ring plate 76'to which is connected a con-
nector ring 77 ~y suitable bolts and nuts (not shown). The
water pipe 75 has a slip joint connection 76 with a short
water pipe section 77 to accommodate temperature differen-
tials between incoming and outgoing cooling water to prevent
the development of excessive internal stresses. The short
pipe section 77'is connected to the first connector plate
assembly 18 and communicates with the arcuate slo~s 29 and
35. An outlet pipe 78 is also connected to the first upper
connector plate assembly lS. A water outle-t connection 79
dischar~es water from the outlet pipe 78.
The operation of the modification is similar to
the preferred embodiment the primary difference being the
vertical offset of the water inlet and outlet connections as
well as the mechanical slip joint arrangement 76 which may
be desired in some applications.
The unique sealing arrangement and the venting as-
semblies are similar and the same advantages as enumerat0d
before are achieved. :
In both embodiments, water canno-t leak into the
oxygen pipe5, nor can oxygen leak into the water pipes.
DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODI~,IENT
A lance 110 comprises a top support or head member
111, first and second connector assemblies 112 and 113, and :
a lance nozzle 114.
The hea~ or support member 111 comprises a top
plate 115 which supports the upper end of a first central
oxygen pipe 11~ communicating with an oxygen supply pipe
connection 117. A connector plate 118 is connected to -the
-12
plate 115 by means of bolts 119. A gas inlet connection 120
communicates with a second gas pipe 121 concentric with ox-
ygen pipe 116. A third water inlet pipe 122 is concentric .
with the second pipe and a fourth water outlet pipe 123 cosl-
centric with pipe 122, is in communication with a water out-
let connection 124. A water inlet connection 125 provides
water to the third pipe 122.
The first oxygen pipe 116 projects through an
opening 12G provided in a plate 127 of the first connector
plate assembly 112. The plate 127 includes an outer periph-
eral downwardly projecting flange 127'. The second, third,
and fourth pipes 121, 122, and 123 are connected at their
lower ends to the plate 127 and communicates with first gas,
water inlet, and water outlet openings respectively 132, 133,
and 134,
The second connector assemb].y 113 comprises a flat
plate 129 having a peripheral downwarclly projectingr flange
130. The first oxygen pipe 116 projec:ts through a central
opening 131. The plate 129 includes a second gas opening
135, a water inlet opening 136, and water outlet opening
137 communicating with the first openings of plate 1~7. The
second connector assembly includes a third plate or flange
portion 138 which is connected to a sleeve 139. The third
plate 138 includes three openings, respectively a gas open-
ing 140, water inlet opening 141 and water outlet openin~
142. All of the gas openings, water inlet openings, and
outlet openings therefore are in communication in the con-
nected assembly of the first and second connector plates.
The sleeve 139 includes an inner surface 143 spac-
ed from the outer surface of pipe 116 to provide an annular
-13
space 144 therebetween.
A fifth oxygen pipe 145 includes an upward piston
portion 146 which lncludes spaced O rings 147 in relative
sliding or slip joint engagement with the inner surface 143
of sleeve 139. This telescoping or slip joint connector in-
cludes a piston portion on the lower end of pipe 116 which
includes O~rings 148 in sliding engagement with the inner
surface 149 of piston portion 146. Tlle annular space 144
provides at its upper end a chamber communicating with a
vent passage 150 extending outwardly horizontally in the
flange plate 138 and communicating with the atms~sphere
through a connected passage 151 in the flange 130.
A second sleeve portion 152 on the sleeve 139 and
plate 138 is concentric and spaced outwardly of sleeve 139.
The sleeve portion 152 includes an inner surface 153 which
is engaged ir. slip joint relation by means of the upper end
154 of' a lower s.ixth gas pipe 155 projecting downwardly to-
ward the no~zle.
A connector rin~ 156 disposed below the flange or
plate 138 is connected thereto by bolts 157'. A lower se-
venth water inlet pipe 158 and water outlet pipe 159 is con-
nected to said ring 156. The connector ring 156 includes
0-rings 157 in engagement with the underneath surface of
plate 138.
The upper end 154 OI gas pipe 155 includes 0-ring
seals 158. Referring now to FIG. 13 the openings 135, 136
and 137 are disclosed as individual rows of slots with ad-
jacent ends of each slot in spaced relation relative to the
other slots to provide a plurality of webs 160. 0-rings
161, 162, 163 and 164 are disposed in suitable recess within
-14-
the surface of plate 129 for sealing one row of arcuate
slots from the other.
Referring now to FIG. 14, the openings 140, 141
and 142 are also of arcuate shape and adjacent opposite ends
of each slot are spaced to provide solid portions or webs
165 within which the vent passage 150 extend. The upper
surfaces of the sleeve flange or plate portion 138 also in-
cludes 0-rings 166, 167, and 168 which are disposed ~etween
adjacent openings 142, 141, and 140 for sealing them against
leakage.
The nozzle 114 includes a plurality of orifices 170
at the lower ends of the pipe 145. The gas pipe 155 provides
for the flow of gas with the oxygen as desired. The lower
end of the water inlet pipe has a slip joint connection with
an inlet pipe stub 171 and the water outlet pipe 159 is con-
nected at its lower end to the gas pil~e 155.
Quick disconnect of the connector plate assemblies
is achieved by the hin~ed bolts 172 hinged on bases 173 sup-
ported on the outer pipe 122. The bolts 172 and nuts 174
are ada~ted to engage slotted ears 175 mounted on the water
outlet pipe 155 to clamp the connector plates in assembly
and to quickly disconnect the source.
In the operation oxygen and gas can flow through
the oxygen and gas pipes in conventional fashion. The in-
vention is primarily in the connector plate assemblies, the
disposition of the slots and the effective sealing arrange-
ments provided by the O~rings. The sleeves and plates of
the second connector assembly can easily be dismounted and
the sleeve replaced. The 0-rings can easily be replaced and
provi~es an effective seal to prevent the mixture of oxygen
with gas.
In the event of leakage the novel vent passage
arrangement and its disposition provides for venting to the
atmosphere.
The slip joint connections accomodate the expan-
sion and contraction occasioned by high temperature varia-
tions. Thus the present gas and oxygen lance can quickly
be disconnected at the site, and the major portion of the
lance can be removed for repairs, replacement, transport or
other service and again assembled.
DESCRIPTION OF ANOTHER EMBODIMENT
An oxygen lance assembly 210, includes a top sup-
port member 211 having an upper plate 211' connected to an -~
oxygen supply pipe 212. An annular plate 213 is connected
to the plate 211' by means of bolts and nuts 214. The top
support member may be rigidly mounted on a lance carriage
(not shown) adapted to be moved for operation adjacent to a
basic oxygen vessel. The support member 211 includes a
first o~ygen pipe 215 and second and third water inlet and
outlet pipes respectively 216 and 217. The outlet pipe 217
is connected to an outlet connector 219, and the inlet 216
is connected to an inlet connector 218.
An upper connector plate assembly is designated at
220 and includes a flat plate 221 having a lower flat sur-
face 222 provided with a central opening 223 communicating
with the oxygen pipe 215. The flat plate 221 includes a
plurality of circumferentially disposed arcuate slots 224
and 2~5 positioned in radially spaced rows. The term "cir-
cumferentially disposed'l for the present disclosure is to
indicate that the slots above and hereafter further describ-
-16-
~3~
ed are spaced in an annular ring like or cylindrical manner
in the flat plates. The slots 224 and 225 communicate res-
pectively with the water inlet and outlet pipes 216 and 217.
A second connector plate assembly 226 lncludes a
sleeve 227 which projects downwardly and is provided ~ith an
upper bore 228 communicating with the opening 223 and the
first oxygen pipe 215. The sleeve 227 includes an upper
flange or annular plate 229 having two rows of radially
spaced clrcumferentially disposed arcuate slots 230 and 231
respectiv~ly communicating with the arcuate slots 224 and
225. The upper -flat surface 232 of the plate 229 is in seal-
ing relation relative to the lower flat surface 222 by means
of a pair of radially spaced annular 0-rings 233.
As best shown in FIGS. 1~ and 21, an annular cham-
ber 266 communicating with the atmosphere through radial
passages 267 is provided in the plate 221 ~etween the 0-rings
~33.
The upper connector plate assembly 220 inclu~es a
peripheral downwardly extending flange 234 overlapping the
outer peripheral surface of the plate 229. The flange 234
is releasably connected for replacement purposes to the
lower surface 222 of the first connector plate assembly by
means of cap screws 235, one of which is shown in FIG. 17.
The second connector plate assem~ly 22G includes
a ring 236 having an annular inner surface 237 in telescoping
engagement with the outer cylindrical surface 238 of the
sleeve 227. The ring 236 includes an upper annular flat sur-
face 239 in sealing engagement with the flat surface 232 of
the plate 229. The ring includes a plurality of arcuate
slots 240 and 241, communicating respectively with the slots
-17-
230 and 225 and slots 231 and 225.
The disposition of the circumferentially disposed
slots 240 and 241 is disclosed in FIGS. 19 and 20.
~ ach of the slots are circumferentially spaced to
provide in the ring member 236 a plurality of radially ex-
tending webs 242 which separate, or provi~e solid intervening
walls in said number 236.
Vent passages 243 are positioned within the webs
242 and extend outwardly for communication with the atmos-
phere. The vent passages 243 communicate with a peripheral
passage 243' and vent passages 243" in sleeve 227.
All of the slots in the ring 236, the plate 229
and the plate 221 are the same shape and spacing and regis-
ter with one another in the clamped or connected position of
the lance assembly.
As best shown in FIGS. 18 an~d 19~ the upper flat
suIface of the ring 236 is provided with two annular rows
of recesses ~44 and 245 containing 0-rings 246 and 247 which
are positioned adjacent the annular openings 240 and 241 to
effectively seal against the leakage of water. The surface
23~ and outer surface 238 of the sleeve are also effectively
sealed by an O~ring 248.
A lower fourth oxygen pipe 249 includes an upper
enlarged piston-like member 250 in relative telescoping or
slip joint connection with the inner annular surface 251 of
the sleeve 227. Pairs o~ upper and lower 0 rings respective-
ly 252 and 253 are supported on the ~nember 250 and a vent
chamber or annulous 254 is provided in the member 250 which
communicates with the bores or passages 243' and 243".
A fifth water inlet pipe 255 and sixth water inlet
-18-
pipe 256 are connected to the ring 236, project downwardly
with respect thereto and communicate with the slots 241 and
240 respectively.
A lance nozzle 257 is welded to the lower pipes
and includes an outlet orifice 258 communicating with an
oxygen stub pipe 259 which communicates with the oxygen pipe
249. An outer stub pipe 260 is connected to the pipe 256.
The pipe 255 is in telescoping relation at its lower end
with a stub pipe position 261 to provide a mechanical slip
joint connector therebetween. The telescoping relation of
the fourth oxygen pipe with the sleeve 227 accommodates a
relative sliding movement occurring when the pipe contracts
and expands lengthwise due to heat variations. The slip
joint between pipe 255 and stub pipe 261 also provides for
this occurrence.
FIG. 16 discloses the quick disconnect and connect
and connect arrangement which includes a pair of bosses 2G2
which are mounted on the pipe 217. Bolts 2G3 are hingedly
connected to the bosses 262 and are placed in clamping re-
lation with slotted keeper members or ears 264 mounted on the
ring 36 by means of nuts 265.
THE OPER~TION
The flow of oxygen through the lance nozzle and
water through the inlet pipe, water chamber of the nozzle and
through the outlet pipes is conventional.
The unique features of the present invention reside
in the quick disconnect of the main portion or barrel lance
from the top support member 211 when the lance is to be ser-
viced and portions have to be replaced. Release of the
swinging bolts 263 from the keeper 264 permits the lower por-
--19--
tion of the lance and lower pipes to be dropped downwardlywhereupon access is easily provided to replace seals, etc.,
and to conduct other repairs. The sleeve 227 which may be
of brass or similar material can easily be replaced by dis-
connecting the cap screws 235.
The arrangement disclosed provides for effective
sealing of all areas where leakage is possible and any leak-
age from the oxygen pipes through the slip joint connector
of the piston mem~er 250, or of water from the inlet pipe
255, or of water or oxygen from the connector assembly, is
easily and safely vented into the atmos~here. Thus all im-
portant and necessary surfaces are effectively sealed.
~Ya-ter cannot leak into the oxygen pipe nor can o~ygen leak
into the water pipes.
The circumferential slots are easily and quickly
re~istered upon reassembly of the lanc~e.
D~SCRIPTION OF A FURT~R EMBODI~IENT
l~n oxygen lance 310 includes an upper head or
support member 311, an upper and lower connector plate as-
sembly 312 and 313 and a discharge nozzle 314 as best shown
in FIG. 22.
The support member 311 is adapted to be rigidly
connected to a lance carriage which supports the lance ad-
jacent to a B.O.F. furnace in the steelmaking process. The
head 311 includes a top plate 315, an attaching plate ring
316, connected by bolts 317 to the top plate 315.
A first oxygen pipe 318 communicates with an ox-
ygen source 319 and is connected to the top plate 315 and to
a first connector plate assembly 320. The assembly 320
~ - .
includes a flat plate ~ having a lower ~lat surface 322.
20-
3~
The head further includes second water inlet and third
water outlet concentric pipes respectively 323 and 324.
A water inlet connection 325 communicates with the
inlet pipe 323 and outlet connection 326 communicates with
the outlet pipe 32~. The connector plate assembly 320 in-
cludes a central oxygen opening 327 and is provided with a
plurality of slots 328 and 329 supported on and through
the plate 321. A second connector plate assembly 330 in-
cludes a ilat pla-te 331 having an upper flat surface 332
which engages the lower flat sur~ace 322 in relative clamp-
ing sealing relation. The plate 331 also includes openings
or slots 333 and 334 respectively in registry with the
slots 328 and 329.
A fourth oxygen pipe 335 is connected to the
plate 331 and a central openin~ 336 in the plate 331 com-
municatin~ with the first oxygen pipe 318. ~ fifth water
inlet pipe 336' is supported on the plate 331 and a sixth
water outlet pipe 337 is also supported on the plate 331.
The pipes are concentric and the water inlet pipe 336' com-
municates with openings 328 and 333 and the water outlet
pipe 337 communicates with opening 329 and 334.
Figure 31 discloses the positioning of openings or
slots 328 and 329. FI&. 30 discloses the positioning of the
complementary slots 333 and 334 which register with slots
328 and 329. The slots disclosed are of arcuate formation,
annularly, or circumferentially spaced with their adjacent
ends spaced horizontally to provide a plurality of spaced
webs 338 in the plate 321, and 339, in the plate 331. The
upper plate 321 also includes a peripheral downwardly extend-
ing flange 336 overlapping the plate 331.
~ 3~
The plate 331 also includes four radially space~
ring grooves containing O-rings 340, 341, 342, and 343 to
seal the flat surfaces of the upper and lower plates, and
particularly the areas between the openings 333 and 334 and
328 and 3Z9.
As best shown in FIG. 31 the plate 321 is provided
with a plurality of vent passages 345 extending horizontally
and then vertically as indicated at 3~6 througn the flange
336" to the atmosphere. The inner ends of the passage end
in a vent chamber 347 which communicates with a bore 348 ex-
tending through the plate 331 whereupon it communicates with
a shroud or vent pipe 349 having its upper end connected to
a coslnector ring 350 which is also connected to pipes 33G'
and 337. The connector ringr 350 is connected to the plate
331 by means of cap screws 350' which are easily removable
to disengage ringr 350 from plate 331.
The upper ends of pipes 336', 337 and vent pipe
349 are connected to the ring 350 by welding. The shroud
pipe 349 envelopes the oxygen pipe 335 and extends downward-
ly adjacent the nozzle 314. The lower end of the pipe 335
is provided with an enlarged outer projecting sleeve or pis-
ton member 351 which includes a p~ir of vertically spaced
O-rings 352 engaging and sealing the lower end of the shroud
pipe 349.
The nozzle includes an orifice 353, a stub oxygen
pipe 354 having a reduced ou-ter diameter portion 354' which
is in slip joint or telescoping relation with the piston
member 351. at the oxygen pipe 335. The reduced diameter
portion 354'includes two pairs of vertlcally spaced O-rings
355 and 356 engagin(r the piston portion 351 in sliding
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3~
sealing relation.
An annular vent chamber 357 between the O-rings
355 and 356 is in communication with a bore 358 which com-
municates with the shroud pipe 349 venting leakage through
the passages 348, 347, 345 and 346 to the atmosphere. Ver-
tical contraction and expansion of the pipes 335 and 349 are
achieved by the slip joint arrangement disclosed and which
is occasioned by the variations in temperature. The nozzle
314 also includes a slip joint pipe stub 360, having a me-
chanical slicing connection with the lower end of the inlet
pipe 336'. An O-rin~ 367 on ring 350 adjacent the connec-
tion of the shroud 349 to the ring is in seal relation with
the plate 331.
The quick connect and disconnect arr~ngement is
disclosed in ~IG. 23 and includes a pair of bosses 361
supported on pipe 324 which hingedly support bolts 3~2 hav-
ing nuts 363 thereon.
The bolts 362 and nuts 363 engage slotted locking
ears 364 to rele~sably lock the connector ~ssemblies to-
gether.
D~SCRIPTION 0~ ANOTHER EI~IBODI~IENT
FIGS. 27, 28, and 29 shovv another form of the in-
vention wherein the shroud pipe 349 at its upper end is
slidingly connected to a sleeve 370 suitably connected to
the ring 350. The sleeve 370 has its upper surface 371 in
sealing engagement by means of an O-ring 37~. The upper end
of the shroud pipe 349 is provided with a piston end 373
having O-rings 374 in sliding relation with the sleeve 370.
The lower end of the oxygen pipe 335 is provided ~vith an
enlarged piston portion 376 in sliding relation with the
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.~ ~ ;2 3 ~ ~ ~3
stub pipe 354 and having an annular venting groove or cham-
ber 377 slidingly sealed against the stub pipe 354 by upper
and lower O'ring pairs 352 and 35G, respectively, and in-
cluding a passage 378 communicating with the shroud pipe 349
which is secured to the upper portion of the piston portion
376.
This arrangement again permits expansion and con-
traction of the lower oxygen and vent pipes.
The same reference characters will apply where thc
parts are similar. Additional parts have above been addi-
tionally identified.
In the present invention in both instances the
lanceso~ ~oth designs operate slmilarly in flowing o~ygen to
the nozzle. They are both of the quick disconnect type
which can quickly be removed from the top support members
for service. The venting arrangement provides for venting
o~ the lowermost slip joint to vent any leakage o~ oxygen
and water while at the same time providing for quick removal,
repair or replacement of the top assembly. The novel seal~
ing arrangements are desi~ned to prevent leakage of oxygen
into the water or water into oxygen. Ii' it does occur the
novel vent arrangement disclosed will provide proper and
immediate discharge to the atmosphere.
DESCRIPTION OF ANOTHER E3~BODIUENT
~ IGS. 32 and 34 disclose an improved lance 410
comprising a top support or head 411 includin~ a top plate
41~ havillg an opening 413 connected to an oxygen supply
source or pipe 414. A second top late 415 is connected to
the ~op plate 412 by means of bolt and nut fasteners 416.
A first oxygen pipe 417 communicates with the supply source
-24-
~l2~
pipe 414 through the plate 415.
A first upper connector plate assembly 41~ includ-
es a plate 419 having a lower flat surface 420 and a down-
wardly extending peripheral flange ~21. The plate assembly
419 and top plate 415 have connected thereto a second pipe
422, to which a second water inlet connector 423 is connect-
ed. A third water outlet pipe 424 is disposed outwardly of
the second pipe and communicates a water outlet connection
425.
~ quick connect and disconnect clamping arrange--
ment includes a pair of hinged bolts 4~6 hingedly suspended
from outwardly projectingr bosses 427 provided on the third
pipe 4~
The plate 419 of the -first connector plate assembly
418 includes a central oxy~en openin(~ 423 through which the
first oxygen pipe 417 projects. The plate 419, as best
shown in FIG. 34, includes slots or f:irst openings 429 and
430 which are o~ arcuate shape, disposed in radially s~aced
rows to re'~ister with slots in the lower connector plate
assembly to be described. The slots 429 communicate with the
water inlet connection 423 and second water inlet pipe 422.
The slots 430 communicate with the third water outlet pipe
424 which communicates with the water outlet connection 425.
~ second or lower connector plate assembly is de-
si~nated at 431 and includes a sleeve 43~ having an annular
flange or plate 433 provided with an upper annular flat
surface 434. The flat surface 434 is provicled with two I`OWS
of circumferentially disposed second slots 435 and 436 rela-
tively radially spaced with respect to each other. The de-
finition of "circumferentially spaced" as used in this
description is meant to include that the slots are spaced
in a clrcle or annular, and that they are also disposed
inwardly from the outer circumference of the lance. The
slots are of arc~ate shape and adjacent ends of the slots
35 and 36 provide solid radially extendinD circumferentially
spaced solid webs 37 as best shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 which
separate the adjacent slots.
As best shown in FIG. 35J a ring plate 438 havin
a flat upper sur~ace 439 conforms to the lower flat surface
440 o~ the plate or flange 433 and is connected thereto by
screws 441.
The second connector plate assembly 431 supports a
fourth oxy~en pipe 442, a fifth water inlet pipe 4~3, and a
sixth water outlet pipe ~144.
The water outlet pipe 444 has connected thereto
win~ projections 445 provided with slots 446 for receiving
the bolt clamping members 426 in securin~ relation.
The pipes 442, 443 and 444 extend downwardly and
are connected to a lance nozzle designated at 447. The
nozzle 447 of the present design includes a discharge orifice
448 communicating with a stub extension pipe 449 communicat-
in~ with the oxygen pipe 44~. The nozzle ~lso i~cludes a
water outlet stub pipe 444' connected to the pipe 444. It
also includes a stub pipe 443' connected to the lower end of
pipe 443 to provide a mechanical slip joint therewith. ~s
indicated at 450, b~ffle walls 451 are connected to the lower
ends o~ the stub pipe 443' to direct the incomin~ water flom
the inlet to the outlet pipes.
Tl~e present invention is particularly directed to
the ~rran~ement of the sealing and vcntin~ arlan~ements
-26-
3i-~
disclosed.
As best shown in FIG. 35 and 36 the flat surface
is provided with ring shaped grooves 452 within which seals
in the form of 0-rings 453 are secured. The 0-rings 453
effectively seal the water inlet and water outlet passages
from one another at the connection of the flat surfaces of
the connector plate assemblies. A vent space or annular
chamber 454 is provided by the sleeve 432 and the outer wall
of the first oxygen pipe 417. The innermost 0-rin~ 453
seals this space 454 from the water inlet slots 429 and 435.
The sleeve 432 projects downwardly and the lower
oxygen pipe 442 is provided at its upper end with an enlarg-
ed diameter tube or second sleeve 455 which at its upper end
has a further enlarged outer diameter portion 456 which sup-
ports two vertically spaced 0-rings 457 in sliding sealing
contact with the inner wall of the sleeve 432.
The lowex end of the first oxygen pipe 417 is
provided with an enlarged outer diame1;er portion, or piston
like element 458 havin~ two 0-rings 459 vertically spaced
relatively and in sliding, sealing, and telescopin~r relation
with the inner wall of the second sleeve 455.
As best shown in FIGS. 34, 35, 36 and 37, vent
bores or passages 460 are provided in the webs 437 and pro-
ject radially horizontally outwardly. The peripheral ~lange
421 is provided with outlet bores 461 communic~ting with the
passages 460 and the atmos~here.
The ring 438 and upper suriace 439 also include a
cylindrical 0-ring 462.
As best shown in FIG. 3~ the first sleeve is pro-
vided at its lower end with an annular inwardly eYtending
27-
~2~
flange 470 which engages the projecting surface presented by
the second sleeve 455 and which thus suspends the pipe 442
relative to the nozzle 447.
As best shown in FIG. 38 the lower end of the
suspended pipe 442 is in telescoping relation with the inner
surface of the stub pipe 449 to provide a slip joint as in-
dicated at 471.
Double annular O-rings 47~ effectively seal the
slip joint connection.
THE OPERATION
The operation of the lance disclosed is convention-
al in that oxygen supplied from the supply pipe 414 flows
downwardly through pipe 442, stub pipe 449 and through one
or more discharge orifices 448 into a basic. oxygen furnace
vessel. Water flows .from the water inlet connection 423
through arcuate passages 429 and 435 downwardly along pipe
443 to the lower end of the nozzle 447 to cool the same
whereupon it is directed upwardly along pipe 444 through the
slots 430 and 43G outwardly through the water outlet con-
nection 425. Thus the lance nozzle is effectively cooled.
The present invention resides in the quick dis-
connect and connect feature af~orded by the first and second
connector assemblies with their unique disposition of the
arcuate aligned slots when the assemblies are connected
together in clamping relation. The unusual disposition of
the O-rings in the flat contacting surfaces of the connector
plates assures the positive sealing required to provide a
quick clamp type disconnect arrangement. Thus the support
assembly to which the upper connector plate assembly is
attaclled can remain in place on the support carriag~e which
-28-
~3~
is provided adjacent a B.O.F. vessel and a lance can be
replaced or interchanged within a short period. The support
head can be used over and over again with new or repaired
assemblies. Also no longer is it necessary to have two
carriages adjacent to the vessel. By merely disconnecting
the bolts)the lower connector assembly and major portion of
the lance can be removed for repairs, replacement, transport
or other service.
The present sealing arrangement and venting assures
the continued operation without interruption of the oxygen
blowing process. In disassembly of the lower connector plate
from the upper, it is a simple matter to disconnect the same.
Upon disconnection the sleeve can readily be re-
placed by merely loosening the cap screws 41 and inserting
a new sleeve. This assures interchangeability of parts and
eliminates oversizing the O-ring piston in the event of
damage, and also the double O-rings are also easily replaced.
In the present lance desi~n the oxy~en pipe 442 is
suspended and s~pported on the sleeve 432 and durin~ discon-
nection of the second connector plate assembly this pipe can
easily be removed and the lower seal member 472 replaced if
desired, similarly, ~y providing a slip jOillt at the lower
end of the oxygen pipe, the invention accomodates quick
removal, repair, and replacement o~ the top assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF A FURTHER E~BODI~IE~T
An oxygen lance assembly 510 comprises a top sup
port member 511 including a top plate 512 havin~ an oxygen
connector fitting 513 adapted to connect to an o~y~en source.
An annular plate 514 is connected by means of bolts and nuts
~15 to the plate 512. The annular plate 514 an~ a first
~29
3~
connector plate assembly 516 have connected thereto a
first oxygen pipe 517, a second inlet water pipe al8 and a
third outlet water pipe 519. A water inlet connector 520
communicates with the pipe 518 and an outlet connection a21
communicates with the outlet pipe 519. The first connector
plate assembly S16 includes a flat plate 52~ to which the
lower ends of the pipes 517, 518 and 519 are connected. The
plate 522 includes vertical circumferentially disposed ar-
cuate slots 523 and 524. The term "circumferentially dispos-
ed" means annulously positioned or positioned in ring~like
manner. The slots are ~rcuate in shape and have adjacent
ends positioned from other adjacent ends in laterally spaced
relation.
A second connector plate assembly 5~5 includes a
flat plate 526 having an upper flat surface 527 which includ-
es slots 528 and 529 communicating with slots 523 and 524
respectively.
A fourtt~ oxygen pipe 530 is connected to the plate
526 and communicates with the pip~ 517 tllrough opening 531
in plate 526 and opening 532 in plate 52~. A fifth water
inlet pipe 533 communicates with slots 528 and a sixth water
outlet pipe 534 communicates Witil slots 529.
A nozzle for the lance is designated at 535 and
includes an outlet orifice 536 communicating with an oxygen
stub pipe 537 which at its upper end is in telescoping slip
fit connection with the lower end of pipe 53Q. A pair of
0-rings 538 in engagement with the oxygen stub pipe provide
for sealing of the slip joint. A water chamber a39 is in
communication with an inlet stub pipe 540 having a slip fit
relation with the lower ends 541 of the water inlet pipe.
-30-
.3~
The plate 522 is provided with a flat lower sur-
face 542 and includes a peripheral flange 543 which extends
around and overlaps the plate 526.
As indicated in FIG. 42 the inlet and outlet
slots are of arcuate shape and adjaeellt ends of a pair of
slots are separate by radially extending webs 544. A plur-
ality of radially spaced O-rin~s 545, 54~, are provided in
suitable ring recesses inwardly of the slots 528. Another
O-ring 547 is placed in a surface recess ring in the surface
527 between slots 52~ and 529, and another O-ring 548 is
disposed outwardly of the slot 529 in a suitable O-ring
recess. Thus all of the critical leakage areas are protect-
ed by the O-rin~s described.
As best shown in FIGS. 41 and 43, a vent passage
550 is provided in each of the ~vebs 544 and extend outwardly
in the plate 526 to the atmosphere. The inward end of the
vent passage is connected to a vertical bore 550 extendin~
to the surface 5~7 between the slots 545 and 546. Thus ~ny
leaka~e of oxygen or water is vented to the atmosphere.
Thus oxy~en leaks cannot leak into water and water cannot
leak into the oxygen.
The quick connect disconnect arrangement for the
lance includes a p~ir of bosses 551 connected to pipe 519
which hingedly support bolts 552 having lower threads and
nuts 5~3. Slotted keeper ears 554 are supported on the pipe
534 and are adapted to securely clam~ the connector plates
in firm connected relation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A MODIFIED Ei`~ODI.ME~T
FIG. 4S discloses a cross sectional view of a
modified form of the invention wherein the san~e reference
-31-
3~
characters are applied to similar parts. In this improve-
ment a separate ring 5~0 is connected to the upper ends at
the pipes 533 and ~34, said ring being attached to the plate
526 by means of cap screws 5~1. The ring is also provided
with arcuate slots 562 communicating with slots 529 t~ direct
water outwardly through said water outlet connector.
TH~ OPERATION
The operation of directing oxygen and water
through the lance is conventional. The improvement resides
in the arrangement of the upper and lower connector assem-
blies with the slots which are placed in alignment or regis~
try when the plates are connected in clamped relation by the
improved clamping arrangement. By merely disconnecting the
bolts the lower connector assembly and major portion of the
lance can be remoYed for repairs, replacement, transport or
other service; and similarly, by providing a slip joint at
the lower end of the oxygen pipe, the invention accomodates
quicX removal, repair, and replacement of the tip assem~ly.
Thus only one lance carria~e need be employed witll the top
support head remaining in position. O-rings and other parts
can ~e easily replaced. The slots are easily registera~le
and the vent arran~ement is positive in the event leakage
would occur.
-32-
