Energy-Saving System for the Converter Tilting Energy Storage Power Source


 

The emergency hydraulic control system for the tilting of the converter skirt is a critical safety device in steelmaking. In the event of a main power outage or an unexpected failure of the hydraulic pump station, the system utilizes accumulators to release pressure, driving the skirt to rapidly lift or retract, thereby preventing high‑temperature furnace gases from damaging equipment and ensuring operational safety.

 

Core functions of the system

  • Emergency Power‑Off Boost: When the main pump loses power, it operates using the energy stored in the accumulator.
  • Protecting the furnace mouth equipment: preventing splashing or high-temperature damage to the skirt.
  • Energy Efficiency and Voltage Regulation: Balances the system’s peak flow rate and reduces installed power capacity.  

 

Main components

  • Severin piston accumulator unit with energy monitoring: stores pressurized oil and provides emergency power.
  • Solenoid directional valve: switches the oil flow direction when de-energized or under control.
  • Logic Control Unit: Monitors system pressure and fault signals.
  • Piping and Actuators: Connect to the hydraulic cylinder to perform lifting and lowering.

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What are the causes of severe pressure drop and shortened service life in bladder-type accumulators?

What are the causes of severe pressure drop and short service life in bladder-type accumulators? The structure of a bladder-type accumulator is quite simple, consisting mainly of an oil chamber surrounding the bladder and a gas chamber equipped with a gas‑tight seal. During operation, the hydraulic fluid must be connected to the hydraulic circuit; when the system pressure rises, the fluid flows into the accumulator, compressing the gas until the pressure in the system pipeline stabilizes.


How can we reduce failures when an accumulator malfunctions?

If an accumulator malfunctions, its performance will be directly affected, potentially leading to abnormal pressures and system failure. Therefore, it should receive close attention during routine operation, and appropriate measures must be implemented to mitigate risks. So, how can we minimize failures when an accumulator malfunctions? The following sections address this issue.


In a hydraulic circuit with multiple accumulators connected in parallel, if one bladder ruptures, will the other accumulators experience any change in volume?

Accumulators are intriguing components in hydraulic systems, analogous to capacitors in electrical circuits or springs in mechanical systems. As critical energy‑storage elements, they serve a variety of sophisticated functions, including hybrid‑power applications, shock absorption, pressure stabilization (and sometimes flow‑rate regulation), and the rapid release of stored energy to simulate impacts.


Is a bladder-type accumulator suitable for use in series with gas cylinders or cylinder banks?

1. Bladders typically have a shorter service life than piston‑type accumulators, and their quality varies significantly among different manufacturers. 2. Many factors can shorten a bladder’s lifespan and lead to rupture, including variations in the bladder’s intrinsic quality and durability; improper handling during assembly (e.g., failure to pre‑fill with fluid for lubrication); incorrect procedures during pre‑charging (e.g., insufficiently slow inflation); errors in calculating the pre‑charge pressure; oil‑port flow velocities approaching or exceeding 7 m/s; single‑stroke reciprocation times of 10 seconds or less when used for energy storage; collisions between the bladder and check valves during operation; large temperature fluctuations (including significant seasonal differences); prolonged lateral vibration; fluid‑induced corrosion; and inertial impacts from minute solid contaminants in the working medium, among others.