The present invention relates generally to the refractory arts, more particularly to a refractory block and refractory wall assembly.
A clinker cooler is a structure designed to cool hot clinker that exits a furnace, such as a rotary kiln. Such coolers typically allow the clinker to cascade down a sloping path over grates through which cooling air is passed.
The cooler structure is basically a metallic panel having an inner refractory block lining. Refractory blocks are stacked one on another to form a refractory wall that is spaced apart from the metallic panel. The refractory blocks that form the refractory lining are generally referred to as “cooler blocks,” and have heretofore been generally rectangular in shape having flat, outer surfaces. The blocks are formed from a cast refractory material having a metallic anchor, typically in the form of a U-shaped clip, cast within the block. A metallic, threaded rod is attached to the clip, typically by welding, and extends from one face of the block. The rod is dimensioned to extend through a hole in the metallic panel of the cooler structure. The threaded rod is attached to the metallic panel by conventional nut fasteners.
A problem with cooler blocks of the type heretofore described is that the metal clip that is embedded within the block, and the metallic rod that is connected thereto, act as heat sinks. Because of the high thermal conductivity of the metal clip and rod, heat within the block is quickly absorbed by the metal clip and is conducted directly to the metal rod. At times, the heat in the metal rod can cause its deterioration and failure over time. In addition, the metal rod conducts heat to the metallic panel of the cooler structure thereby eroding the strength of the metallic panel and causing buckling and distortion.
Another problem with the foregoing design is that it requires that holes be drilled into the metallic panel of the cooler structure, which reduces the overall structural integrity of the metallic panel. This together with the aforementioned heating of the panel can cause the buckling and distortion of the shell panel.
Another problem associated with cooler blocks known heretofore is the assembly and disassembly of such structure. As will be appreciated, aligning the metallic rod with the hole in the outer shell is not an easy task considering the weight of such a block can exceed 170 lbs. Still further, securing the locking nuts of each block is both tedious and time consuming.
The present invention overcomes these and other problems and provides a wall structure for a clinker cooler, and a cooler block for forming the same, which wall structure is easier to assemble and disassemble and does not require basic penetration of the metallic panel of the cooler structure. Further, a cooler block according to the present invention reduces the transfer of heat from the cooler block to the shell of the cooler structure.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a refractory block for forming a wall structure comprising a body of cast refractory material. The body has a front face, a back face, a top face, a bottom face, and two opposing side faces. The body further has a projection formed on the top face and a recess formed in the bottom face, the projection being dimensioned to be received within the recess such that a projection on a block can be received in a recess on a block thereabove. A refractory anchor is embedded within the body. The anchor has a portion extending from the body through the back face.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a furnace wall structure comprised of a metallic wall panel and a refractory wall that is parallel to and spaced apart from the metallic panel. The refractory wall is comprised of a plurality of stacked refractory blocks. Each of the blocks is comprised of a refractory body having a refractory anchor embedded therein. The anchor has a portion extending from the refractory block; the extending portion has an opening therein. A plurality of bracket elements is attached to the wall panel. The bracket elements are disposed between the metallic wall panel and the refractory wall and each has a receiving opening. A fastener is provided having a first portion dimensioned to be received in the receiving opening in the bracket and a second portion dimensioned to be received in the opening in the anchor. The fastener attaches the refractory blocks to the metallic panel.
An advantage of the present invention is an improved wall structure for a clinker cooler.
Another advantage of the present invention is a wall structure as defined above that is easier to assemble than wall structures known heretofore.
Another advantage of the present invention is a wall structure as defined above that can accommodate for variations or waviness in the outer, metallic shell of the cooler structure.
A still further advantage of the present invention is a wall structure as defined above that reduces heat transfer from the cooler blocks to the metallic panel.
A still further advantage of the present invention is a wall structure as defined above that does not require threaded fasteners to attach the cooler block to the metallic panel of the cooler structure.
Another advantage of the present invention is a wall structure as defined above that is formed of interlocking cooler blocks.
Another advantage of the present invention is a cooler block having recesses and projections on the outer surface thereof for locking vertically adjacent cooler blocks.
A still further advantage of the present invention is a cooler block that can be cured at a higher temperature.
These and other advantages will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment taken together with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting same,
Furnace wall structure 10 is comprised of a refractory wall 20 and a metallic panel 100 that form the outer shell of the cooler structure. Refractory wall 20 is formed from refractory blocks 30, 70. In the embodiment shown, refractory wall 20 is comprised of two different refractory blocks, as shall be described in greater detail below.
Refractory wall 20 is spaced from metallic panel 100 to define a gap or space “X” therebetween, best seen in
Referring now to
A projection 42 extends upwardly from top face 34 of refractory block 30. In the embodiment shown, projection 42 is in the shape of an elongated rail that extends across top face 34 of refractory block 30 from side face 36 to side face 37. Rail-like projection 42 extends generally parallel to front face 32 and back face 33 of refractory block 30. A recess 44 is formed on the opposing face of refractory block 30, i.e., in bottom face 35. Recess 44 is dimensioned to matingly receive projection 42 on top face 34 of refractory block 30, as heretofore described. In the embodiment shown, recess 44 is in a shape of a channel that extends along bottom face 35 of refractory block 30 from side face 36 to side face 37. Channel-shaped recess 44 is parallel to front face 32 and back face 33, and is disposed to receive a projection 42 on a like refractory block 30 disposed below, as shall be described in greater detail below.
A refractory anchor 52 is embedded within the body of refractory block 30. A portion 52a of anchor 52 extends from refractory block 30 through back face 33 thereof. In the embodiment shown, anchor 52 has an end 52b that extends to front face 32 of refractory block 30, as best seen in
Surface means 54 are formed on extending portion 52a of anchor 52. In the embodiment shown, surface means 54 is a vertically-oriented opening extending through extending portion 52a of anchor 52. Opening 54 in anchor 52 is preferably cylindrical in shape, and includes chamfered ends 56, as best seen in
A lifting device 62 is also embedded within refractory block 30. In the embodiment shown, lifting device 62 is comprised of a pipe coupling 64 that is disposed within the body of refractory block 30. One end of coupling 64 extends to the surface of top face 34 of refractory block 30. A clip 66 is welded to coupling 64 to help lock coupling 64 within refractory block 30. Coupling 64 has internal threads 64a dimensioned to receive a conventionally known lifting eyebolt 68, shown in phantom in
Referring now to
Referring now to refractory wall structure 10, refractory block 30 and refractory block 70 are used to form a vertical, refractory wall 20. Refractory wall 20 is comprised of a plurality of refractory blocks 30, 70 that are stacked one on another. Refractory wall 20 is spaced a predetermined distance “X” from metallic panel 100.
Refractory wall 20 is connected to metallic panel 100 by a connection system 110 comprising mounting brackets 122 and connectors 132. In the embodiment shown, mounting brackets 122 are generally C-shaped elements having a body portion 122a and two, spaced-apart leg portions 122b. Leg portions 122b of mounting brackets 122 are attached to metallic panel 100 such that body portion 122a of bracket 122 is spaced from metallic panel 100. An upwardly facing opening 124 (best seen in
As best seen in
Connectors 132 are provided to connect refractory blocks 30, 70 forming refractory wall 20 to metallic panel 100. Connectors 132 are generally U-shaped elements having parallel end portions 132a. Each end portion 132a is dimensioned to be received in opening 124 defined by mounting brackets 122 and metallic panel 100, and in openings 54, 94 in extension portions 52a, 92a of anchors 52, 92. In the embodiment shown, each connector 132 is a cylindrical rod that has been bent or otherwise formed, into a U-shape, as best seen in
Referring now to the use and operation of refractory blocks 30, 70 and the formation of refractory wall 20, mounting brackets 122 are first attached to metallic panel 100 of the clinker shell. As indicated above, mounting brackets 122 are aligned and vertically spaced in horizontal rows 126 that are generally parallel to refractory floor 14. As seen in
By stacking one course of refractory blocks 30, 70 upon another, entire refractory wall 20 may be formed. A lightweight refractory material 162 is preferably inserted in space “X” defined between refractory wall 20 and metallic panel 100, as illustrated in
The present invention thus provides unique refractory blocks 30, 70 that lend themselves to quick and easy assembly and disassembly of refractory wall 20. Refractory blocks 30, 70 from front faces 32, 72 to back faces 33, 73 are comprised of refractory material 162, thereby eliminating a metal heat sink within refractory blocks 30, 70, and reducing heat transfer from refractory wall 20 to metallic panel 100. Any heat transferred from front faces 32, 72 to back faces 33, 73 of refractory blocks 30, 70 is also partially dissipated by refractory material 162 in space “X,” and by anchors 52, 92 embedded in refractory material 162 of refractory blocks 30, 70. As a result, connectors 132 are exposed to less heat and are less likely to conduct heat to metallic panel 100. As will be appreciated, rectangular openings 124 defined between mounting brackets 122 and metallic panel 100 allow for partial misalignment of refractory blocks 30, 70 relative to mounting bracket 122, and likewise can accommodate deformations in metallic panel 100, as illustrated in
Another advantage of the present invention results from the use of ceramic anchors 52, 92, in place of the metal clips and rods in refractory blocks 30, 70. The use of the ceramic anchors allows the blocks to be cured at a much higher temperature than could be used if metallic clips and rods were used in the refractory block. Curing at higher temperatures reduces the likelihood of moisture being trapped and retained in refractory blocks 30, 70, thereby providing stronger, more durable, refractory blocks 30, 70 having longer use life.
The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purposes of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 29228940 | Apr 2005 | US |
Child | 11182085 | Jul 2005 | US |