OA21964A - Cooling Element And A Method In Connection With A Cooling Element. - Google Patents

Abstract

A cooling element (4) for a furnace (1) comprises a first side (7) configured to be directed towards the inside (3) of the furnace (1), a second side (8) opposite to the first side (7) and configured to be directed away from the inside (3) of the furnace, and a cooling fluid channel system (6) for cooling fluid circulation. The cooling element (4) further comprises a monitoring channel system (10) comprising at least one monitoring channel (11) for pressure medium. At least a portion (12) of the monitoring channel (11) extends in a portion (13) of the cooling element (4) provided between the first side (7) and a plane (14) defined by the points (15) of the cooling fluid channel system (10) closest to the first side (7).

Description

COOLING ELEMENT AND A METHOD IN CONNECTION WITH A COOLING ELEMENT

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to fumaces, and more particularly to a cooling élément of a fumace. The present disclosure further concems a method in connection with such a cooling élément.

In connection with fumaces used for industrial purposes, particularly in the manufacturing of metals, such as flash smelting furnaces, blast fumaces and clectric fumaces or other métallurgie reactors, there are used cooling éléments. Cooling cléments are typically made of mainly copper due to its good thermal conductivity. Typically, these cooling éléments are cooled by water and thus provided with a cooling water channel system, in which case the heat is transferred from the fire-resistant bricks in the fumace space, via the housing of the cooling élément, to the cooling water. The working conditions are extreme, and the cooling éléments are subjected, among other things, to strong corrosion and érosion strains caused by the fumace atmosphère or molten contacts. Over time, wear and damages may occur in the cooling elcment. If the damages rcach the cooling water channel system, the cooling water may leak out to the inside of the fumace, which may lead to process failures, unplanned service breaks and remarkable économie losses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a new cooling élément and a new method in connection with a cooling élément. The object is achieved by a method and a cooling élément, which are characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. Some preferred embodiments of the disclosure are disclosed in the dépendent claims.

The disclosure is based on the idea of providing a monitoring channel System inside the cooling élément. More particularly, a monitoring channel system is provided inside the cooling elcment between cooling fluid channel system and the surface facing towards the inside of the furnace, when the cooling element is mounted to the fumace for use.

An advantage of the method and arrangement of the disclosure is that wear in the cooling element can be detected before the possible damages reach the cooling fluid channel system. This way needs for repairing or replacing the cooling éléments can be predicted and process downtime can be planned and optimized with other maintenance needs. Furthermore, the disclosure provides an effective monitoring arrangement with a simple structure and less components and wiring than in known solutions.

BR1EF DESCRIPTION OFTHE DRAWINGS ln the following the disclosure will be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with referencc to the accompanying drawings. in which

Figure 1 illustrâtes a cross-section of a detail of a furnace;

Figure 2 illustrâtes schematically a cooling élément according to an embodiment in a cross-section;

Figure 3 illustrâtes schematically a cooling élément according to an embodiment in a cross-section from a direction perpendicular to that of Figure 2;

Figure 4 illustrâtes a plane defined by the points of the cooling fluid channel closest to the first side according to an embodiment; and

Figure 5 illustrâtes a plane defined by the points of the cooling fluid channel closest to the first side according to another embodiment;

Figure 6 illustrâtes schematically an angle between a plane defined by the points of the cooling fluid channel closest to the first side and a monitoring channel;

Figure 7 illustrâtes schematically a cooling element in cross section seen from an end ofthe cooling element;

Figure 8 illustrâtes schematically the cooling element of Figure 7 in magnified cross section seen in the direction B-B of intersection shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 illustrâtes schematically a cooling element in cross section seen from an end of the cooling element;

Figure 10 illustrâtes schematically the cooling element of Figure 9 in magnified cross section seen in the direction of intersection B-B shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 illustrâtes schematically a cooling element in cross section seen from an end of the cooling element;

Figure 12 illustrâtes schematically the cooling element of Figure 11 in magnified cross section seen in the direction of intersection B-B shown in Figure 11 ;

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate schematically two different embodiments of a cooling element in cross section seen from an end of the cooling element;

Figures 15 to 23 illustrate schematically different embodiments of cooling éléments in magnified seen in the direction of intersection C-C shown in Figure 13 or in the direction of intersection AA shown in Figure 14;

Figure 24 illustrâtes a cooling arrangement;

Figure 25 illustrâtes a detail of a cooling arrangement according to an embodiment;

Figure 26 illustrâtes a method in connection with a cooling element; and

Figure 27 illustrâtes a method for monitoring wear of a cooling élément for a fumace.

The drawings are provided for illustrative purposcs only, whcrcby they are not shown to scalc and not ail the corresponding features are provided with

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 illustrâtes a cross-section of a detail of a furnace 1. It is clear for a person skilled in the art that the furnace shown in Figure 1 is just an example of different types of fumaces, in which cooling cléments and methods disclosed in this description and accompanying drawings may be used, and shown to illustrate some relevant terms and features typical for such fumaces. Similarly, it is clear for a person skilled in the art that such a furnace comprises a plurality of parts and structures not mentioned in this description, because they are not relevant regarding the solution in question.

A furnace I typically comprises a furnace housing 2 and inside the fumace housing a fumace space, in other words an inside 3 of the fumace, within which the material to be processed can be provided. According to an embodiment, the furnace 1 is used for industrial purposes. According to an embodiment, the furnace is more particularly used in manufacturing of metals. Such a fumace 1 may comprise a flash smelting fumace, a blast furnace, an electric fumace or another type of a métallurgie reactor.

Typically, fumaces of the above-mentioncd types, such as the fumace of Figure 1, comprise cooling éléments 4 provided on the side of the furnace housing 2 directed towards the inside 3 of the fumace. Depending on the embodiment, one or more of cooling éléments 4 disclosed in this description may be provided at different parts of the furnace 1. The cooling éléments 4 may surround the inside 3 of the furnace entirely, one or more cooling éléments 4 may be provided to cover a part of the furnace housing 2 or one or more cooling éléments 4 may be provided at spécifie spot(s) of the fumace 1 only, where cooling is needed. As an example, in embodiments where the fumace 1 comprises a flash smelting fumace, one or more cooling cléments 4 may be provided in reaction chamber, in lower furnace, settler and/or in uptake shaft. According to a further embodiment, a fireproof lining 5, for instance a lining comprising fireproof bricks, is provided in connection with surface of the cooling éléments 4 directed towards the inside 3 of the fumace. The fireproof lining may comprise a ceramic material. In this description, when the expression and/or is used, it refers to at least one of the disclosed alternatives, in other words to one or more of the alternatives.

According to an embodiment, a cooling element 4 may comprise copper. According to an embodiment, at least 50 percent of the volume of a cooling element 4 may consist of copper. More preferably at least 60 percent and most preferably at least 70 percent of the volume of a cooling element 4 may consist of copper. According to an embodiment, a cooling element 4 may comprise other material(s) in addition to or instead of copper.

Cooling éléments 4 may be cooled by a cooling fluid, such as a cooling liquid, circulated inside the cooling element. For this purpose, a cooling fluid channel System 6 may be provided inside the cooling element 4. Thus, the heat may be transferred from the fire-proof lining 5, via a housing of the cooling element 4, to the cooling liquid.

An advantage of embodiments, wherein the cooling element 4 comprises a high percentage of copper, such as 50, 60 or 70 percent of the volume, is that copper has particularly good thermal conductivity and, thus, the cooling element 4 can effective!y transfer heat from the surface directed towards the inside 3 of the furnace, for instance from a fireproof lining 5, to the cooling fluid in the cooling fluid channel System 6. The cooling element 4 may be provided with grooves or ridges, and the fireproof lining 5 may comprise for instance ceramic members, such as fireproof bricks made of ceramic or other type of material.

Figure 2 illustrâtes schematically a cooling element 4 according to an embodiment in a crosssection. A cooling element 4 for a fumace 1 comprises a first side 7 configured to be directed towards the inside 3 of the fumace, and a second side 8 opposite to thc first side 7 and configured to be directed away from the inside 3 of the fumace. In other words, the first side 7 comprises the side of the cooling element 4 arranged towards the inside 3 of the fumace, also called the furnace space, and the second side 8 comprises the side of the cooling element 4 arranged towards the fumace housing 2, when the cooling element 4 is mounted to a fumace 1.

The cooling element 4 also comprises a cooling fluid channel System 6 for cooling fluid circulation. The cooling fluid channel System 6 comprises at least one cooling fluid channel 9 provided inside the cooling element 4. According to an embodiment, the cooling element 4 comprises two or more cooling fluid channels 9. Each cooling fluid channel 9 is configured to receive cooling fluid. Thus, cooling fluid circulation can be configured to take place in the cooling fluid channel System 6. Cooling fluid circulation and cooling fl nid channels are known in the art and are thus not discussed herc in detail.

The cooling element 4 further comprises a monitoring channel System 10. The monitoring channel System 10 comprises at least one monitoring channel l l for pressure medium. In other words, the monitoring channel I l is configured to icceive pressure medium. Pressure and/or flow in the monitoring channel 11 can he monitored and the data can be used for monitoring a condition, such as wear, of the cooling element 4. More particularly, the data can be used to detect wear of the cooling element 4 on the first side 7 directed towards the inside 3 of the furnace l and is, thus, exposed to high températures. Monitoring the condition of the cooling element 4 is described in more detail later in connection with other embodiments. Such monitoring channel(s) 11 enable detecting wear before it reaches the cooling fluid channel(s) 9. The cooling element 4 can thereby be for instance replaccd or repaired before there is a risk of the cooling fluid coming into contact with the inside 3 of the furnace l. According to an embodiment, the monitoring channel System 10 comprises exactly one monitoring channel 11 for pressure medium.

Depending on the embodiment, cooling element 4 may be manufactured for instance by casting, such as continuous casting, mould casting or sand casting. Depending on the embodiment, the monitoring channel 11 and the monitoring channel System 10 may be formed in the cooling element 4 by machining, such as by drilling, or in connection with casting and/or moulding.

At least a portion 12 of the monitoring channel 11 extends in a portion 13 of the cooling element provided between the first side 7 and a plane 14 defined by the points I5 of the cooling fluid channel System 6 closest to the first side 7. This is shown for instance in Figure 3 that illustrâtes schematically a cooling element according to an embodiment in a cross-section from a direction perpendicular to that of Figure 2. An advantage of such embodiments is that a larger area of the cooling element 4 and the cooling fluid channel System 6 can be covered and, thus, monitored than with point-like measurement or monitoring points, for example. Figure 3 schematically illustrâtes that a monitoring channel 11 may also hâve other portions inside and outside the cooling element 4. It is clear for a person skilled in the art that this is a schematic example only and that the monitoring channels 11 may hâve portions anglcd with respect to each other in several dimensions. Some examples are shown in the accompanying drawings. It is also clear for a person skilled in the art that the cooling fluid channei(s) 9 are not necessarily straight, but they might hâve a curved, waved, zigzag or some other shape. Still, they hâve points l 5 defining the plane 14 as described in this description.

A monitoring channel 11 or some other structural feature extending in a direction or plane or within a portion refers to the structural feature havîng a substantial dimension in that direction or plane or within that portion. In the context of this description, for instance a straight borehole is understood to extend in the longitudinal direction of the borehole, in other words in the direction of the forward motion of the drill, but not in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, although a borehole naturally has a diameter as well. A curved monitoring channel 11, such as a monitoring channel ot Figure 15, 19 or 22, is considered to extend in the curved direction, which in the case of the monitoring channel 11 is at each point perpendicular to the cross section 18 of the monitoring channel 11. A curved feature may comprise a wavcd, circular or spiralled feature, such as a monitoring channel 11. Similarly, in the context of this description, a plane is considered to extend in two dimensions perpendicular to each other, but not in the third direction perpendicular to the other two. Thus, for instance the monitoring channel 11 has a dimension larger than the diameter 20 of the monitoring channel in the direction in which it is said to extend.

According to an embodiment, the dimension of the monitoring channel 11 extending in the portion 13 of the cooling element between the First side 7 and a plane 14 defined by the points 15 of the cooling fluid channel System 6 closest to the first side 7 may be at least 10 fîmes the diameter 20 of the monitoring channel 11, and preferably at least 50 times the diameter 20 of the monitoring channel 11. According to an embodiment, the dimension of the monitoring channel 11 extending in the portion 13 of the cooling element between the first side 7 and a plane 14 defined by the points 15 of the cooling fluid channel System 6 closest to the first side 7 may be at least 70 percent ot the length of a cooling fluid channel 9. According to an embodiment, the dimension of the monitoring channel 11 extending in the portion 13 of the cooling element between the first side 7 and a plane 14 defined by the points 15 of the cooling fluid channel System 6 closest to the first side 7 may be at least 1 meter long, preferably at least 4 meters long. According to an embodiment, the sum of the dimensions of the monitoring channels 11 extending in the portion 13 of the cooling element 4 between the first side 7 and a plane 14 defined by the points 15 of the cooling fluid channel System 6 closest to the first side 7 may be at least 1 meter long, preferably at least 4 meters long.

The points 15 of the cooling fluid channel System 6 closest to the first side 7 refer to three or more points of the interface between the cooling fluid channel(s) 9 of the cooling fluid channel system 6 with the shortest distance 16 from the first side 7 measured in a direction transverse to the first side 7. In other words, the shortest distance 16 is measured from the surface of the first side 7 configured to be directed towards the inside 3 of the furnace. The plane 14 defined by the points of the cooling fluid channel System 6 closest to the first side 7 refers to a plane extending through ail the points 15, such as illustrated in Figure 4, or a plane defined using interpolation using the points 15 as data points, an example of which is schematically illustrated in Figure 5. In other words, the plane 14 may comprise a plane extending through the points 15 or a close approximate representing the level ofthe points 15 within the cooling element 4. Thereby, at least the portion 12 ofthe monitoring channel 11 extends inside the cooling element 4 between the cooling fluid channel System 6 and the first side 7 ofthe cooling element.

The portion 12 ofthe monitoring channel 11 may also be called a monitoring channel portion 12 and, similarly, the portion 13 ofthe cooling élément may also be called a cooling element portion 13 in this description. Depending on the embodiment, the monitoring channel 11 may also comprise other portions in addition to portion 12, such as a portion extending outside the cooling element 4 and/or a portion extending a direction perpendicular to the plane 14 and/or the first side 7.

According to an embodiment, the portion 12 of the monitoring channel extends in at least one of the following directions: in a direction parallel to the plane 14, in a direction parallel to at least a part of a surface of the first side 7, or in a direction provided at an angle X of 30 degrees or less, preferably 10 degrees or less, with respect to the plane 14. In other words, the monitoring channel portion 12 extends between the plane 14 and the first side 7, more particularly the surface ofthe first side 7 directed towards the inside 3 ofthe furnace, when the cooling element 4 is mounted to the furnace. More particularly, the mounting channel portion 12 in a direction angled 30 degrees or less, preferably 10 degrees or less, with respect to the plane 14 and/or in a direction parallel to at least a part of the surface of the first side 7. In practice this means that the mounting channel portion 12 extends within the cooling element 4 between the plane 14 and the first side 7 in a direction substantially parallel or slightly angled with respect to at least a part of the surface of the first side 7. An angle X between the plane 14 and the monitoring channel 1 1 according to an embodiment is shown in Figure 6. In Figure 6 a line parallel to the plane 14 is added to more clearly illustrate the angle X.

In some embodiments, such as in the embodiment of Figure 2, the surface of the first side 7 may not be planar and/or it may consist of several sections angled with respect each other, for example. The surface of the first side 7 may be for instance ridged and/or curved. Thus, the part ofthe surface ofthe first side 7 is preferably a part ofthe surface of the first side at or close to the position of the monitoring channel 11 when seen from the direction of the first side 7 towards the second side 8.

Figure 7 illustrâtes schcmatically a cooling element 4 in cross section seen from an end of the cooling element and Figure 8 illustrâtes schematically the cooling element of Figure 7 in magnified cross section seen in the direction B-B shown in Figure 7. Similarly, Figure 9 illustrâtes schcmatically a cooling élément 4 in cross section seen from an end of the cooling element and Figure 10 illustrâtes schematically the cooling element of Figure 9 in magnified cross section seen in the direction B-B shown in Figure 9. Also similarly, Figure 11 illustrâtes schematically a cooling element in cross section seen from an end of the cooling element and Figure 12 illustrâtes schematically the cooling element of Figure 1 1 in magnified cross section seen in the direction of intersection B-B shown in Figure 11.

According to an embodiment, such as the embodiment of Figure 13, the one or more monitoring channels 11 may be provided in one plane. According to another embodiment, such as the embodiment of Figure 14, monitoring channels 11 may be provided in two or more planes. Preferably, at least a portion 12 of each monitoring channel 11 extends withing the portion 13 of the cooling element provided between the first side 7 and the plane 14 defined by the points 15 of the cooling fluid channel system 6 closest to the first side 7. Figures 15 to 23 show some embodiments of géométries of providing monitoring channels 11 in the cooling element 4 as seen in the direction of intersection of C-C of Figure 13 or in the direction of intersection A-A of Figure 14. It is clear for a person skilled in the art that these are shown to illustrate the great variety of how the monitoring channels 11 may be positioned within the cooling element 4 and that possible embodiments of the geometry of the monitoring channels when seen in this direction is not limited to the embodiments shown in the Figures.

According to an embodiment, such as the embodiments of Figures 7 to 10, the monitoring channel system 10 may comprise two or more monitoring channels 11 for pressure medium. According to a further embodiment, in such a monitoring channel system 10, at least a portion 12 of at least some of the monitoring channels 11 may extend in the portion 13 of the cooling element 4 provided between the first side 7 and the plane 14 defined by the points 15 of the cooling fluid channel system 6 closest to the first side 7; and the portions 12 of the monitoring channels extend in a direction parallel to the plane 14, parallel to at least a part of a surface of the first side 7, and/or in a direction provided at an angle of 30 degrees or less, preferably 10 degrees or less, with respect to the plane 14. According to an embodiment, at least some of the monitoring channels 11 are connected to one another by at least one connecting channel 17 provided inside the cooling element to form the monitoring channel system 10. According to an embodiment, at least two of the monitoring channels 11 are connccted to one another by at least one connecting channel 17 provided inside the cooling element to form the monitoring channel system 10. According to an embodiment, the connecting channel 17 extends in a direction perpendicular to the monitoring channels, and in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the monitoring channels. According to another embodiment, at least a portion of the connecting channel 17 extends in a direction anglcd to the monitoring channels, and in a plane angled to a plane defined by the monitoring channels. According to a further embodiment, the angle of the connecting channel with respect to the monitoring channels may be in the range of 5 to 90 degrees, preferably 45 to 90 degrecs. According to a further embodiment, the angle of the connecting channel with respect to the plane defined by the monitoring channels is in the range of 0 to 45 degrees, preferably 0 to 20 degrees. According to other embodiments, the connecting channel 17 may connect monitoring channels 11 in some other manner. Some examples are shown in the drawings.

According to an embodiment, at least some of the monitoring channels 11 are connected to one another by at least one connecting channel 17 provided outside the cooling element 4 to form the monitoring channel system 10. According to an embodiment, at least two of the monitoring channels 11 are connected to one another by at least one connecting channel 17 provided outside the cooling element 4 to form the monitoring channel system 10.

According to an embodiment, in a cooling element, wherein the number of the monitoring channels 11 comprising at least a portion 12 of the monitoring channel extending in the portion 13 of the cooling element provided between the first side 7 and a plane 14 defined by the points 15 of the cooling fluid channel system 6 closest to the first side 7, is in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 times the number of the cooling fluid channels 9, preferably 0.8 to 1.5 times and most preferably one monitoring channel per a cooling fluid channel 9, when the cooling element 4 is sccn is cross section as in Figures 2,, 8 and 10, for example.

According to an embodiment, such as according to the embodiments of Figures 2 and 8, the cross section 18 of each monitoring channel 11 may overlap with the cross section 19 of a cooling fluid channel 9, when seen from the first side 7 towards the second side 8. According to an embodiment, the cross section 18 of at least one monitoring channel 11 overlaps with the cross section 19 of a cooling fluid channel 9. According to an embodiment, the cross section 18 of at least two or more monitoring channels I I overlaps in each case with the cross section 19 of a cooling fluid channel 9. According to an embodiment, the cross sections 18 of ail the monitoring channels 11 overlap in each case with the cross section 19 of a cooling fluid channel. Depending on the embodiment, the cross section 18 of each monitoring channel 11 overlapping with a cross section 19 of a cooling fluid channel 9 may overlap with a cross section 19 of a cooling fluid channel 9 partly or compietely. In other words, the whole cross section 19 of each monitoring channel 11 overlappîng with a cross section of a cooling fluid channel 9 may overlap with the cross section 19 of a cooling fluid channel 9, as in the embodiment of Figure 8, when seen from the direction of the first side 7 towards the second side 8. According to anothcr embodiment, such as according to the embodiment of Figure 10, the cross section 18 of each monitoring channel 1 1 does not overlap with the cross section 19 of any one of the cooling fluid channel(s) 9, when seen from the first side 7 towards the second side 8. According to a further embodiment, in a cooling element 4, one or more of the monitoring channels 1 1 may overlap in each case with a cooling fluid channel 9 and one or more monitoring channels 11 may not overlap with cooling fluid channels 9 as described above, such as in the embodiment of Figure 12.

According to an embodiment, such as the embodiment of Figure 10, one or more monitoring channels 11 may be provided in each case within the portion 13 and in the middle of two adjacent cooling liquid channels 9, when seen from the direction of the first side 7 towards the second side 8.

According to an embodiment, such as the embodiment of Figure 12, monitoring channels 11 may be provided in two or more planes.

It should be understood that two or more monitoring channels 11 shown in the figures may in each case be either connected, even if this was not shown in the figure, and thus form one single monitoring channel 11, or they may be separate monitoring channels 11.

According to an embodiment. the diameter 20 of the monitoring channel 11 is in the range of 620 mm, and more preferably in the range of 8-13 mm.

According to an embodiment, each of the monitoring channels 11 is closed at one end and configured to be connected to a pressure medium supply System (not shown) directly or via a connecting channel at a second end.

According to an embodiment, the cooling element 4 further comprises at least one detector 21 connected to the at least one monitoring channel 11 of the monitoring channel System 10 and arranged to detect at least one of the following quantifies: pressure in the monitoring channel System, a change in the pressure in the monitoring channel System, flow in the monitoring channel System, or a change in the flow in the monitoring channel System. According to an embodiment, the cooling element 4 comprises exactly one detector 21 connected to the monitoring channel System 10. According to an embodiment, the cooling element 4 comprises exactly one monitoring channel System 10 and exactly one detector 21 connected to the monitoring channel System. According to an embodiment. the detector 21 comprises at least a pressure sensor or a tlow meter.

According to an embodiment, in the cooling element 4, each monitoring channel 11 of the monitoring channel System 10 is suitablc for the pressure medium having a supply pressure in the range of 0.2 to 10 bar, preferably in the range of 0.4 to 4 bar, and the pressure medium comprising pressurized air, nitrogcn or other pressurized gas. in embodiments, where régulation, such as a pressure equipment directive or similar, applies, the supply pressure may be in the range of 0.2 to 0.5 bar.

According to an embodiment, the cooling element 4 is a cooling element suitable for use in a fumace 1 related to a métal production process.

Figure 24 discloses a cooling arrangement 22 for a fumace 1. Figure 25 illustrâtes a detail of a cooling arrangement according to an embodiment.

The cooling arrangement 22 according to Figure 24 comprises at least one cooling element 4 according to an embodiment disclosed in this description and/or accompanying drawings or a combination of such embodiments. According to the embodiment of Figure 24, the cooling arrangement 22 further comprises cooling fluid circulation means 23 arranged to circulate cooling fluid in the cooling fluid channel System 6, and pressure medium supply System 24 for providing pressure medium in the monitoring channel System 10 at a predetermined inlet pressure and/or flow.

According to an embodiment, the pressure medium supply System 24 comprises a supply line 30 for the pressure medium, and the supply line 24 for pressure medium is provided with pressure regulating means 25 arranged to reduce the pressure of the supply line 30 to a predetermined value. According to an embodiment, the predetermined value is in the range of 0.2 to 10 bar, preferably in the range of 0.4 to 4 bar. In embodiments, where régulation, such as a pressure equipment directive or similar, applies, the predetermined value may be in the range of 0.2 to 0.5 bar.

According to an embodiment, the cooling arrangement 22 comprises at least one detector 21 according to an embodiment or a combination of embodiments disclosed in connection with the cooling element 4 embodiments. The detector 21 may then be configured to detect the pressure and/or the flow in the monitoring channel System 10. The cooling arrangement may further comprise a monitoring unit 26 for determining whether a predefined condition related to the quantity detected by the detector is met. According to an embodiment. the measured quantity may comprise at least one of the following: pressure in the monitoring channel System and flow in the monitoring channel System. According to an embodiment, the predefined condition comprises at least one of the following: the detected pressure decreasing to a prédéterminée! value or below it, the detected flow increasing to a predetennined value or below it, the detected pressure decreasing by a predefined thrcshold, or the detected flow increasing by a predefined thrcshold.

According to an embodiment, the detector 21 is configured to monitor the pressure and/or flow in the monitoring channel System 10 continuously or at predetennined time intervals.

According to an embodiment, the cooling arrangement 22 further comprises flow Iimiting means 27 provided in the supply line 24 for the pressure medium, and wherein the detector 21 is provided downstream from the flow limiting means 27.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the monitoring channels 11 of the monitoring channel System 10 is provided with a valve 28 capable of opening and closing pressure medium flow in the monitoring channel(s) 11. According to a further embodiment, each monitoring channel 11 of the monitoring channel System 10 is provided with a valve 28 capable of opening and closing pressure medium flow in the monitoring channel. In such embodiments, when an incident is identified in the monitoring channel System 10, its source can be located more precisely. For instance, when a condition related to the quantity detected by the detector is met, the valve(s) may be closed one at a time, and the monitoring channel 11 or a part thereof causing the condition can be located by monitoring measured quantity. More particularly, when the pressure medium flow to the monitoring channel 11 or a part thereof causing the condition is closed by closing the corresponding valve 28, the pressure detected by the detector 21 starts to increase.

According to an embodiment, a cooling arrangement 22 comprises two or more cooling éléments 4 and exactly one detector 21. According to an embodiment, one cooling arrangement 22 with one monitoring unît 26 and one detector 21 may be used to monitor two or more cooling cléments 4. In such embodiments, the monitoring channels 11 of the cooling éléments 4 are connected to each other by a fluid connection.

According to an embodiment, a furnace 1 may comprise at least one cooling element 4 and/or a cooling arrangement 22 according to an embodiment or a combination of embodiments disclosed in this description and/or accompanying drawings. According to an embodiment, the furnace 1 is a furnace related to a métal production process.

Figure 26 discloses a method in connection with a cooling element 4 for a furnace 1. The cooling element 4 comprises a cooling element according to an embodiment or a combination of embodiments disclosed in this description and/or the accompanying drawings.

The method according to Figure 26 comprises cooling 41 the cooling element 4 by circulating cooling fluid in the cooling fluid channel system 6 by cooling fluid circulation means 23; and providing 43 pressure medium in the at least one monitoring channel 11 by a pressure medium supply system. According to an embodiment, the cooling element 4 comprises the at least one detector 21 according to an embodiment or a combination of embodiments disclosed in connection with the cooling element 4 and/or cooling arrangement 22 embodiments; and a monitoring unit 26 for determining whether a predefmed condition related to the quantity detected by the detector 21 is met. Thereby, the method may further comprise monitoring pressure or flow in the monitoring channel system 10 continuously or at predetermined time intervals, and detecting wear of the cooling element 4 in response to the monitoring unit determining the predefmed condition being met. According to an embodiment, the predefmed condition may comprise at least one of the following: the detected pressure decreasing to a predetermined value or below it, the detected flow increasing to a predetermined value or below it, the detected pressure decreasing by a predefmed threshold, or the detected flow increasing by a predefmed threshold.

According to an embodiment, the cooling element 4 further comprises one or more valves 28 capable of opening and closing pressure medium flow in the monitoring channel(s) 11. According to an embodiment, the valve(s) 28 may be provided in at least one of the monitoring channels 11 of the monitoring channel system 10. The method may, then. further comprise opening and closing the valve(s) 28 one or several at a time to locate the wear causing a drop in the pressure and/or flow in the control system channel.

According to an embodiment, wherein the monitoring unit 26 may be configured to generate a signal causing indication of the wear to an operator.

Figure 27 discloses a method for monitoring wear of a cooling element 4 for a fumace I, wherein the cooling element 4 comprises a cooling element according to an embodiment or a combination of embodiments disclosed in this description and/or the accompanying drawings.

The method of Figure 27 comprises providing 51 pressure medium in the at least one monitoring channel 11; providing 53 the cooling element 4 with the at least one detector 21 connected to the at least one monitoring channel 11 of the monitoring channel system 10; connecting 55 the detector 21 to a monitoring unit 26 for determining whether a predefmed condition related to the quantity detected by the detector is met; monitoring 57 pressure or flow in the monitoring channel system 10 continuously or at predetermined time intervals, and detecting wear of the cooling element 4 in response to the monitoring unit determining the predefined condition being met.

Claims (19)

1. A cooling element for a furnace, the cooling element comprising a first side configured to be directed towards the inside of the furnace, a second side opposite to the first side and configured to be directed away from the inside of the fumace, a cooling fluid channel System for cooling fluid circulation, the cooling fluid channel System comprising at least one cooling fluid channel provided inside the cooling element, characterized in that the cooling element further comprises a monitoring channel System comprising at least one monitoring channel for pressure medium, at least a portion of the monitoring channel extending in the portion of the cooling élément provided between the first side and a plane defined by points of the cooling tluid channel System closest to the first side, wherein said portion of the monitoring channel extends in at least one of the following directions: in a direction parallel to said plane, in a direction parallel to at least a part of a surface of the first side, or in a direction provided at an angle of 30 degrees or less with respect to said plane, whereby the monitoring channel(s) enable detecting wear of the cooling element before it reaches the cooling fluid channel(s).

2. A cooling element according to claim 1, wherein the cooling element comprises two or more cooling fluid channels.

3. A cooling element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the monitoring channel System comprises two or more monitoring channels for pressure medium, at least a portion of at least some of said monitoring channels extending in the portion of the cooling element provided between the first side and the plane defined by the points of the cooling fluid channel system closest to the first side, and wherein said portions of the monitoring channels extend in at least one of the following directions: in a direction parallel to said plane, parallel to at least a part of a surface of the first side, or in a direction provided at an angle of 30 degrees or less with respect to said plane.

4. A cooling element according to claim 3, wherein at least some of said monitoring channels are connected to one another by at least one connecting channel provided inside the cooling element or outside the cooling element to form the monitoring channel system.

5. A cooling element according to any one of daims 1 to 4, wherein the number of the monitoring channels comprising at least a portion of the monitoring channel extending in the portion of the cooling element provided between the first side and a plane defined by the points of the cooling fluid channel System closest to the first side, is in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 times the 5 number of the cooling fluid channels.

6. A cooling element according to any one of daims 1 to 5, wherein the diameter of the monitoring channel is in the range of 6-20 mm.

7. A cooling element according to any one of daims 1 to 6, wherein each monitoring channel is closed at one end and configured to be connected to a pressure medium supply System direetly 10 or via a connecting channel at a second end.

8. A cooling element according to any one of daims 1 to 7, wherein the cooling element further comprises at least one detector connected to the at least one monitoring channel of the monitoring channel System and arranged to detect at least one of the following quantifies: pressure in the monitoring channel System, a change in the pressure in the monitoring channel 15 System, flow in the monitoring channel System, or a change in the flow in the monitoring channel System.

9. A cooling element according to daim 8, wherein the cooling element comprises exactly one detector connected to the monitoring channel System.

10. A cooling element according to any one of daims 1 to 9, wherein each monitoring channel of 20 the monitoring channel System is suitable for the pressure medium having a supply pressure in the range of 0.2 to 10 bar and the pressure medium comprising pressurized air, nitrogen or other pressurized gas.

11. A cooling arrangement for a furnace, characterized in that the cooling arrangement comprises:

25 at least onc cooling element according to one of the daims 1 to 10, cooling fluid circulation means arranged to circulate cooling fluid in the cooling fluid channel System, and pressure medium supply System for providing pressure medium in the monitoring channel System at least at one of the following: at a predetermined inlet pressure and flow.

12. A cooling arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the pressure medium supply System comprises a supply line for the pressure medium, and the supply line for pressure medium is provided with pressure regulating means arrangcd to reduce the pressure of the supply line to a predetermined value, which predetermined value is in the range of 0.2 to I0 bar.

13. A cooling arrangement according to claim II or 12, wherein the cooling arrangement comprises at least one detector according to claim 8 or 9 configured to detect at least one of the following: the pressure or the flow in the monitoring channel System, and a monitoring unit for determining whether a predefined condition related to the quantity detected by the detector is met, wherein the measured quantity comprises at least one of the following: pressure in the monitoring channel System and flow in the monitoring channel System.

I4. A fumace comprising at least one of the following: at least one cooling element according to any one of daims l to 10 or a cooling arrangement according to any one of daims 11 to 13.

15. A fumace according to daim 14, wherein the fumace is a fumace related to a métal production process.

16. A method in connection with a cooling element for a fumace, wherein the cooling element comprises a cooling element according to any one of daims l to 10, wherein the method comprises cooling the cooling element by circulating cooling fluid in the cooling fluid channel System by cooling fluid circulation means; and providing pressure medium in the at least one monitoring channel by a pressure medium supply System,

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the cooling element comprises the at least one detector according to claim 8 or 9, and a monitoring unit for determining whether a predefined condition related to the quantity detected by the detector is met, and the method further comprises:

monitoring pressure or flow in the monitoring channel System continuously or at predetermined time intervals, and detecting wear of the cooling element in response to the monitoring unit determining the predefined condition being met.

iF

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the predefmed condition comprises at least one of the following: the detected pressure decreasing to a predetermined value or below it, the detected flow increasing to a predetermined value or below it, the detected pressure decreasing by a predefincd threshold, or the detected flow increasing by a predefmed threshold.

19. A method according to claim 16 or 1 7, wherein the cooling element further comprises valves capable of opening and closing pressure medium flow in said monitoring channel(s) provided in at least one of the monitoring channels of the monitoring channel System, and wherein the method further comprises opening and closing said valve(s) one or several at a time to locate the wear causing a drop in at least one of the following: in the pressure or flow in the control System channel.

20. A method for monitoring wear of a cooling element for a furnace, wherein the cooling element comprises a cooling element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, charactcrizcd by the method comprising:

providing pressure medium in the at least one monitoring channel;

providing the cooling element with the at least one detector connected to the at least one monitoring channel of the monitoring channel System;

connecting the detector to a monitoring unit for determining whether a predefmed condition related to the quantity detected by the detector is met, monitoring pressure or flow in the monitoring channel System continuously or at predetermined time intervals, and detecting wear of the cooling element in response to the monitoring unit determining the predefmed condition being met.