In the design of feeding system for large-tonnage vacuum melting furnace, the efficiency and flexibility of the feeding system are key to improving productivity, reducing labor intensity, and ensuring safety. Typically, large-tonnage vacuum induction melting furnaces use two feeding methods: top feeding and vibration side feeding. These ensure efficient material input and flexible production scheduling.
1. Top Feeding Method
The top feeding method is used for adding large blocks or scrap materials. Materials are fed directly into the furnace through the feeding port. This method is suitable for melting large metal or alloy materials.
Main Features of Top Feeding:
- Suitable for Large Materials: It allows for quick, convenient addition of large material blocks, improving efficiency.
- Increased Flexibility: It is ideal for handling large or heavy raw materials, especially scrap or by-products needing re-melting. This method is efficient and easy to use.
Additionally, the top feeding system is compatible with immersion temperature measurement devices. The integrated design ensures precise temperature monitoring inside the furnace during feeding. This ensures temperature control and safety during the melting process.
2. Vibration Side Feeding System for Vacuum Melting Furnace
The vibration side feeding system is an advanced method designed to improve production efficiency and reduce labor intensity. It is ideal for continuous feeding of small alloy materials. This system is more efficient and flexible for alloy input, optimizing the feeding process.
Working Principle and Design Features of Vibration Side Feeding:
- Compatible with Large and Small Materials: It can handle large billets and smaller alloy materials, such as nickel plates, rods, and scrap. This ensures flexibility and efficiency in the feeding process.
- Vibrating Chute: The side feeding chamber includes a vibrating chute. This mechanism moves materials through the isolation valve and into the melting chamber. The vibration amplitude is adjustable for precise control during feeding.
- Sealing and Protection: The feeding chamber has an open design for easy material handling. A vacuum seal ring, covered with metal, protects the seal during feeding.
- Observation Window: A 100mm diameter observation window is located at the end of the side feeding chamber. It allows operators to check if the material bin has returned to its original position after an incident.
Advantages of Vibration Side Feeding
The vibration side feeding system offers several key advantages, including improved furnace efficiency, reduced complexity in manual operations, and enhanced production flexibility and safety.
- Higher Feeding Efficiency: The vibration side feeding method allows for quick addition of return materials and new materials. This significantly boosts efficiency and avoids material blockage.
- High Throughput Design: The open structure allows feeding to be completed within 10 minutes, greatly increasing production output.
- Controllable Feeding Speed: The feeding speed can be adjusted to match the melting rate, optimizing the process.
- Reduced Bridging Risk: Vibrating materials during feeding helps prevent metal buildup and bridging. This ensures smooth feeding and enhances safety.
- Flexible Feeding System: Multiple feeding methods (e.g., vibration side and top feeding) provide flexibility to meet different production needs. This ensures reliability and long-term stability.
3. Side Feeding System and Production Flexibility
The side feeding system optimizes material input and enhances production flexibility. It allows for quick switching between feeding methods based on actual conditions. This flexibility helps the production line handle various alloys and material sizes. It improves efficiency, reduces labor intensity, and increases automation in production.
4. Conclusion
The feeding system of large-tonnage vacuum melting furnaces, particularly the vibration side feeding system, significantly boosts production efficiency and flexibility. By combining top feeding and vibration side feeding, the method can be adjusted to suit the process. This ensures materials are efficiently and evenly added. Additionally, the vibration side feeding system improves feeding speed and accuracy while reducing risks such as bridging. Overall, modernized feeding systems greatly enhance vacuum melting furnace efficiency, optimize equipment operation, and reduce manual intervention, promoting more efficient and flexible production.
