TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a coke oven door sealing device, a coke oven chamber and a coke oven battery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During coking, components of the coke oven gas accumulate on the inside of the coke oven doors of the coking chambers of a coke oven. These components can negatively influence the tightness of a coke oven door. In addition, when escaping from a leaky coke oven door, these components may also represent and/or form part of environmentally harmful gases, such as for example carbon dioxide emissions.

In order to reduce the risk of leakages and to maintain the tightness of the coke oven door, prior art sealing concepts of coke oven doors rely on a so-called "metal-to-metal sealing", according to which a metallic element of the coke oven door directly contacts the metallic coke oven door frame of a coke oven chamber.

US 5,556,515 describes a coke oven door, which includes a metal frame, means for latching the door in a closed position, a sealing member extending around the perimeter of the frame having forward edges adapted to contact a sealing surface on a coking chamber door jamb for effecting a continuous seal. The sealing member is fabricated from a heat resistant metal.

JPH6-10347 describes a door-sealing device of a horizontal chamber furnace-type coke oven.

SU 1 661 188 A1 describes a sealing device of a coke oven door.

JP S 48 74846 U describes a coke oven furnace lid and a coke oven furnace in which an annular hollow gasket is inserted.

A sealing system based on a metal-to-metal sealing concept inhibits merely a small possibility for adjusting the coke oven door after said door has been installed. The elements of the metal-to-metal sealing system are rigidly attached to one another.

In order to further reduce the risk of leakages and to further maintain the tightness of the coke oven door, it is also necessary to clean the coke oven door regularly. In consequence mechanical or pneumatic cleaning methods have to be regularly applied for declogging the door. However, existing coke oven doors have elements and/or sections that are rather difficult to clean by operators. For example, existing coke oven doors are provided with so-called "double knives" forming a U-shaped channel when viewed in a cross-sectional profile. These double knives provide a double sealing surface for the coke oven door. However, the space enclosed by said double knives cannot be cleaned manually, so that robots distributing a pressurized medium, like for example water at approximately 40 bar, are used to clean such coke oven doors. Despite regular cleaning procedures, it remains necessary to apply rather high forces on the coke oven door to maintain a proper sealing pressure between the double knives of the coke oven door and the coke oven door frame, respectively coke oven frame.

A coke oven chamber of a coke battery may be one out of a plurality of coke oven chambers of a coke battery. For example, a conventional coke oven chamber may be approximately 8 meters high, approximately 20 meters wide and approximately 60 centimeters thick. In a coke oven battery, the coke oven chamber is usually arranged between two heating walls which may be operated alternately to heat the heating chamber respectively coke oven chamber. Along the walls of the coke oven chamber and inside the coke oven chamber, different temperatures regularly prevail at different points. In other words, there are strong temperature gradients on the walls and inside the coke oven chamber. When the oven is started up, for example after being filled with coal, the uneven temperature distribution may cause sections and/or elements of the oven to expand to different degrees or at different rates. The coke oven door frame as well as the coke oven door are regularly cooled by natural air convection and exposed to temperatures up to approximately 300°C on the outer (shell) side.

The differences in temperatures cause a bending of the coke oven door frame and the coke oven door due to thermal expansion. The bending also causes an uneven surface between the coke oven door frame and the coke oven door. In consequence, the metal- to-metal sealing tends to become prone to leakages. Any leakage that occurs may even cause further soiling or clogging between the coke oven door and the coke oven door frame. In addition, the escaping gases may constitute a health risk for operators and/or persons residing in an area near the coke (oven) battery.

In case a leakage is detected, operators often try to seal the leakage and to maintain the tightness between the coke oven door and the coke oven door frame. For this purpose, manual tightening and/or sealing methods are carried out by operators. For example, operators try to stop leakages by applying a hardening liquid or a sealing paste, which is time and cost intensive. In addition, the appliance of said substances is often also very inefficient, since further leakages might still develop due to further bending of the coke oven door and/or the coke oven (door) frame during the coking process.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a coke oven door sealing device, a coke oven chamber and a coke oven battery, which reduce the occurrence of leakages. This object is achieved by a coke oven sealing device, a coke oven chamber and a coke oven battery according to the independent claims.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the finding that a particular arrangement of the elements of a coke oven door sealing device may constitute a self-adjusting mechanism which is not affected by thermal deformation of the coke oven door and/or the coke oven door frame. Furthermore, the present invention is also based on the finding that large flames may develop when a coke oven door is opened. It has been found by the inventors that these flames are created at a certain distance from the sealing piece.

It seems that because the hot gases rush out from the coke oven chamber at great speeds as soon as it is opened, it takes a certain time during which these gases travel a certain distance before the gases and the ambient air are sufficiently mixed to catch fire. It has been found that this distance between the flames and the sealing piece is enough so that the temperatures at the sealing piece are much lower that could have been expected and are in fact - quite surprisingly - below the critical temperature of the sealing piece.

Surprisingly, the sealing piece is thus not directly exposed to the flames and therefore the temperatures at the level of the sealing piece are much less than expected and below a critical temperature of the sealing piece. The sealing piece is neither in direct contact with the flames, nor does is suffer a structural damage from the heat transferred by the coke oven and/or the flames and/or the hot coke oven gases. In consequence, flexible sealing pieces, such as e.g. sealing pieces made e.g. of silicone or other suitable materials, may be used for providing a self-adjusting sealing mechanism.

The volume of escaping coke oven gasses is significantly reduced due to the self- adjusting sealing mechanism and the arrangement of a flexible and gastight sealing piece. The number of leakages during coking requiring operators to apply manual tightening and/or sealing methods is consequently considerably lowered. Thus the operability of the coke oven is particularly enhanced.

The negative environmental impacts caused by escaping coke oven gasses is significantly reduced.

The present invention relates to a coke oven door sealing device for sealing a coke oven door against a sealing surface of a coke oven door frame of a coke oven chamber. The coke oven door sealing device comprises: a coke oven door having a panel unit for closing the coke oven chamber; a fixture device for holding a sealing piece in a peripheral area of the coke oven door opposite to the sealing surface; and the sealing piece, wherein the sealing piece is configured to be operated in a first operating state or a second operating state. In the first operating state, the sealing piece is spaced at a first distance from the sealing surface arranged opposite of the sealing piece. In a second operating state, the sealing piece contacts the sealing surface, such that in the second operating state, the sealing piece and the panel unit at least partially shape a cavity.

The self-adjusting mechanism is based on a so-called "radial tightening principle", which is rather insensitive to thermal deformation and therefore - in contrast to an "axial tightening principle" - does not require a particularly rigid connection between door body and frame. According to the radial tightening principle, forces for sealing the coke oven door against the coke oven door frame are applied radially along a sealing surface. In consequence, the coke oven door sealing device is less prone to thermal deformations of its elements. In addition, the present invention also allows a faster cleaning and an easy maintenance of the coke oven door sealing device due to the appliance of interchangeable elements. As a result, the occurrence of leakages is effectively reduced.

"Coke oven door" refers to any openable and/or closable element or door which is configured to separate the coke oven chamber from an external environment of the coke oven chamber of a coke oven battery. The coke oven door may present as a door, a cover, a flap, a hatch, a port, a lid, a cap or a similar closing device. An inner side of the coke oven door is configured to be in contact with the inner room of the coke oven chamber, so that the inner side of the coke oven door contacts the hot coal and/or coke during coking. Usually, the inner side is configured in a fireproof manner and presents a fireplug for protruding into the inside of the coke oven chamber, wherein said fireplug is configured to prevent heat loss. Often, the coke oven chamber has two coke oven doors that are arranged opposite to each other. The first coke oven door may be referred to as coke oven door at a "pusher side". The pusher side is a side that is configured to allow a machine to push the coal and/or coke to the other side of the coke oven chamber, which is referred to as the "coke side". The coke oven door enables the filling and/or removal of material into or from the coke oven chamber. Furthermore, coke oven doors prevent coal/coke and coke oven gases from escaping the coke oven chamber.

"Coke oven door frame", respectively frame/ coke oven frame, refers to a frame around an opening which may be closed by the coke oven door. The opening may constitute an opening of the coke oven chamber. When the coke oven door is in a closed position, the coke oven door frame or at least a part of the coke oven door frame is in direct contact with the coke oven door or elements of the coke oven door, such as for example a panel unit of the coke oven door.

"Panel unit", respectively panel/ (door) leaf, refers to an element of the coke oven door which provides a barrier/ closure to the coke oven chamber. The panel unit may be integral with the coke oven door. Alternatively, the panel unit may be attached to the coke oven door. At least a section and/or a side of the panel unit directly contacts the coke oven chamber when the coke oven door is in a closed position. The panel unit may, for example, present as an inflammable metallic plate. At least a section of the panel unit may be air cooled.

"Sealing surface of a coke oven door frame" refers to a surface, surface portion or an area which contacts the coke oven door, in particular which contacts a sealing piece of the coke oven door, when the coke oven door is in a closed position and the sealing piece in its second operating state. The sealing surface may for example be a smooth surface on the coke oven door frame or a lateral surface of a collar member of the coke oven door frame. The collar member may be an integral part of the coke oven door frame or attached to the coke oven door frame.

"Sealing piece", respectively sealing, refers to any suitable element for sealing the coke oven door against the coke oven door frame. In particular, the sealing piece refers to a non-metallic element which is configured to seal the coke oven door against the coke oven door frame. The sealing piece may be formed of an elastic material. An elastic material refers to a material with an enhanced elasticity. Elasticity is the property of a body and/or material to change its shape when force is applied and to return to its initial form when the force is removed. For example, the sealing piece may comprise or consist of or be formed of at least one of the following: a silicone, especially a so-called high- temperature silicone, a ring-like silicone gasket, a (sealing) rubber, an inflatable seal, and/or a mixture thereof. Further for example, an elastic material may be formed of or comprise at least one of the following: a plastic, a synthetic material, a caoutchouc material, a similar material or mixtures thereof. Additional or alternative suitable materials and/or products for forming the sealing piece may comprise or consist of at least one of the following: a silicone (e.g. VMQ, FVMQ), a styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), an ethylene propylene (EPDM), a chloroprene (CR), a nitrile-rubber (NBR), a hydrogenated- nitrile-rubber (HNBR), a Viton® fluorocarbon-rubber (FKM) or a similar material. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing piece may, for example, further present a fiber element, such as for example a glass and/or ceramic fiber seal, wherein the fiber element is arranged on and/or within the sealing piece. The use of a sealing piece formed of an elastic material may ease the (auto-)adjustment of the sealing piece when the coke oven door is closed. The sealing piece also prevents oven gases from escaping the oven when the coke oven door is in a closed position. In addition, the sealing piece contributes to the thermal insulation of the coke oven chamber.

"Fixture device for holding a sealing piece" refers to a constructional element or to several interconnected elements configured to at least partially hold and/or position and/or receive the sealing piece. For example, the fixture device may comprise a groove for holding the sealing piece, wherein the sealing piece may be fictionally and/or form-fit connected to the groove. Further for example, the fixture device may comprise a base segment and a lid segment which together form the groove for holding the sealing piece. The fixture device may be attached to or arranged on the coke oven door and/or elements of the coke oven door, such as for example the panel unit. For example, the fixture device may have a force- and/or form-fit and/or material and/or frictional connection with the coke oven door and/or the panel unit. Alternatively, the fixture device can also be made in one piece respectively integral with the coke oven door and/or the panel unit. Further alternatively, other elements, such as for example an insulation element and/or a seal protection element, may be arranged between the fixture device and the coke oven door or the panel unit. The fixture device holds and/or positions and/or retains the sealing piece. In addition, the fixture device may also at least partially form an insulation for the sealing piece against coke oven gases and/or high temperatures.

"Peripheral area of the coke oven door" refers to an edge and/or edge area of the coke oven door and/or the panel unit. The peripheral area of the coke oven door may be located on the inner side of the coke oven door and/or the panel unit. The inner side of the coke oven door and /or the panel unit is the side facing the coke oven chamber. For example, the peripheral area of the coke oven door may be the area encircling and/or surrounding the fireplug. Further for example, the peripheral area of the coke oven door and/or the panel unit may be the area wherein the sealing piece and/or the fixture device holding the sealing piece is located. The fixture device may, for example, be positioned so as to be flanged to and/or flush with an edge of the panel unit or the coke oven door.

"First operating state" refers to an operating state of the sealing piece. For example, in case the sealing piece comprises or is formed of an inflatable seal, the first operating state may refer to the state wherein the seal is deflated. Similarly, the "second operating state" refers to an operating state of the sealing piece that is different to the first operating state. For example, in case the sealing piece comprises or is formed of an inflatable seal, the second operating state may refer to the state wherein the seal is inflated by a pressurized medium and wherein, consequently, the inflatable seal is expanded.

"Spaced at a first distance from a sealing surface" refers to a distance, a spacing or a gap between the sealing surface and the sealing piece.

"Cavity" refers to a volume or a void, hollow or empty space that may at least partially be formed when the coke oven door is closed and the sealing piece contacts the sealing surface. The cavity may be completely or partially closed. For example, in case the sealing piece comprises or is formed of an inflatable seal, the cavity may be formed between a portion of the sealing piece and a portion of the panel unit or the coke oven door when the coke oven door is closed and the inflatable seal is inflated and, thus, in the second operating state. In other words, when the coke oven door is closed and the sealing piece is operated in its second operating state, the cavity is arranged between the sealing piece and the panel unit, respectively a portion of the sealing piece and a portion of the panel unit. In other words, the sealing piece and the panel unit at least partially form, respectively delimit/define, a cavity. The cavity may usually be filled with a gas, such as air. In consequence, a heat transfer by conduction, for example a heat conduction through metal, may be diminished or prevented in this area. In consequence, the cavity presents a thermal insulation to the sealing piece adjacent to the cavity. The thermal load applied on the sealing piece may therefore be significantly reduced. This reduction also allows the use of sealing pieces formed of sealing materials, such as for example silicone that would otherwise not be applicable to the coke oven door due to the high operating temperatures. Since an inner side of the panel unit borders to the cavity, the heat inside the cavity is transmitted from the inner side of the panel unit to the aircooled exterior surface of the panel unit, where the heat is dissipated to the environment. As a result, a continuous flow of heat is generated during coking, which prevents the seal from overheating. In addition, flame formation on the sealing piece when the coke oven door is opened is reduced or completely suppressed. The formation of flames on the sealing piece during opening may also be suppressed by the closed cavity, since gas flows, respectively gas movements, are also effectively suppressed or reduced within the cavity. This also contributes to a prevention of the formation of a flame-forming gas mixture in an area near the sealing piece shortly after opening the coke oven door.

In an embodiment, the fixture device is attached to the panel unit. "Attached to the panel unit" may refer to a direct or indirect attachment. For example, the fixture device may be arranged on a portion of the panel unit, thus contacting the panel unit directly. Alternatively, one or more other constructional elements, such as for example a first insulation element and/or a seal protection element, may be arranged between the fixture device and the panel unit, such that the fixture device is indirectly attached to the panel unit or a portion of the panel unit. The fixture device may be arranged on an inner side of the panel unit. The inner side of the panel unit corresponds to the side facing the coke oven chamber. The fixture device may be arranged on the peripheral side or in a peripheral area of the panel unit. The arrangement of the fixture device on the panel unit allows providing an enhanced auto-adjusting mechanism.

The coke oven door sealing device further comprises a first insulation element for thermally insulating the sealing piece, wherein the first insulation element is arranged on the fixture device. "Insulation element" refers to a constructional element for insulating, in particular for thermally insulating, an element against its environment. For example, the insulation element, respectively insulating element, may be formed of or comprise a mica, a silicate mineral and/or a phyllosilicate mineral or mixtures thereof. The thermal conductivity of the insulation element may differ from that of its adjacent components. For example, the insulation element may have a lower thermal conductivity than the fixture device. The arrangement of an insulation element may further reduce a heat transfer to the fixture device and the sealing piece hold by the fixture device. The insulation element may for example be arranged between the fixture device and the panel unit. In an embodiment, a seal protection element for isolating the sealing piece from the coke oven chamber is arranged on the panel unit. "Seal protection element" refers to a constructional element of the coke oven door or the panel unit which forms an isolating and/or insulating barrier against the coke oven chamber in a state wherein the coke oven door is closed. The seal protection element may for example present as a metallic bendable plate, strip, bar or spring-shield. In a closed state of the coke oven door, the seal protection element has one side facing the coke oven chamber, respectively delimits a part of the coke oven chamber, whilst contacting the coke oven frame and/or a collar member of the coke oven frame at an end portion of the seal protection element. The seal protection element may for example have a concave, convex, bended, curved or angled profile. The seal protection element may be an integral part of the panel unit. Alternatively, the seal protection element may be attached to the panel unit. The seal protection element prevents I avoids I diminishes I reduces that coke oven gases contact the sealing piece during coking. In addition, the seal protection element also presents a thermal insulation I barrier against the heat inside the coke oven chamber.

In an embodiment, the seal protection element contacts the first insulation element. The seal protection element may for example be arranged on the first insulation element. In particular, the seal protection element may be arranged between the first insulation element and the panel unit of the coke oven door. An arrangement wherein the seal protection element contacts/ borders/ is adjacent to the first insulation element allows a particularly compact design of the coke oven door sealing device. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the seal protection element is arranged opposite to the first insulation element. The seal protection element may be arranged on the inner side of the panel unit whilst being arranged opposite I facing the first insulation element. An arrangement wherein the seal protection element is arranged opposite the first element allows a particularly large dimension of the cavity and thus reduces the heat amount transferred to the sealing piece.

In an embodiment, the coke oven door frame comprises a collar member for defining at least a portion of the coke oven chamber. A "collar member" refers to a constructional element that extends and/or protrudes from the coke oven door frame or a surface of the coke oven door frame. The collar member may for example extend from the coke oven door frame or a surface of the coke oven door frame in a perpendicular or angled direction. The collar member may be an integral part of the coke oven door frame or attached to the coke oven door frame. "Integral" part of the coke oven door frame refers to an arrangement, wherein the collar member and the frame, respectively a portion of the collar member and a portion of the frame, are formed from one piece or blank. The collar member may be formed of a metallic material. The collar member may have a rectangular-shaped, an L-shaped, l-shaped, concave, convex, angled, tapered or C- shaped profile. A "profile" may refer to a cross-sectional profile. The profile of the collar member may be adapted to different temperature and environmental conditions. The shape of the collar member defines the amount of heat transferred to the environment and/or the sealing piece. The arrangement of a collar member allows that a portion of the heat transferred by the coke oven door frame to the collar member is dissipated to the environment. Consequently, the heat load transferred to the sealing piece may be significantly reduced. The collar member may therefore function like a cooling fin.

In an embodiment, the sealing surface is arranged on at least a portion of the collar member. The collar member may have the sealing surface arranged on one side or a side portion. The sealing surface is configured to contact the sealing piece in the second operating state of the sealing piece. Another side or side portion of the collar member is cooled by air. The arrangement of a collar member having a sealing surface allows a lateral sealing, which further eases the auto-adjustment and radial tightening of the sealing piece.

In an embodiment, the coke oven door sealing device further comprises a second insulation element for thermally insulating the sealing piece, wherein the second insulation element is arranged between the collar member and the coke oven door frame. The second insulation element may contact at least a portion of the collar member and a portion of the coke oven door frame. The second insulation element may be attached to the coke oven door frame or be integral with the coke oven door frame. The second insulation element may be arranged between the collar member and the coke oven door frame. The arrangement of a second insulation element may decrease the heat quantity transmitted to the collar member, so that in consequence the heat transmitted on the sealing surface can be further reduced.

In an embodiment, the collar member comprises a top section for supporting the panel unit or the seal protection element when the coke oven door is in a closed state. The top section may for example present as a surface or surface portion that is configured to support and/or contact the panel unit and/or the coke oven door and/or an end portion of the seal protection element. The top section may for example comprise a particularly smooth surface allowing slight movements, respectively (auto)-adjustments, of the coke oven door during coking.

In an embodiment, the collar member presents a tapering profile. A tapering profile of a collar member may be a collar member profile having at least two sections of different widths. In particular, the profile may taper towards the top section of the collar member. The arrangement of a collar member having a tapering profile allows a particularly material-saving and compact structural configuration of the coke oven door sealing device.

In an embodiment, the sealing piece comprises a hollow body for retaining a medium. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing piece may present as a ring-shaped structure to the sealing surface.

"Hollow body" refers to a tubular or hose-like structure of the sealing piece. For example, the sealing piece may be an inflatable seal. The hollow body of the inflatable seal may be filled with a medium (e.g. gas, water, oil, etc.), which in consequence leads to an expansion of the inflatable seal. Due to the expansion of the inflatable seal, the inflatable seal may contact a sealing surface, for example a sealing surface of the coke oven door frame.

"Medium" refers to a liquid, fluid, gas, solution, emulsion or similar structure or substance. For example, air may be used as medium. Further for example, the medium may be pressurized. In other words, the medium may have a higher pressure than an atmospheric pressure. Due to the hollow body filled with the medium, the sealing piece may apply a radial tightening and adjust itself to the sealing surface.

A "ring-shaped structure" may be a structure which end-parts are connected to one another. A sealing piece in a ring-shaped structure allows to seal the sealing surface against the coke oven door. In consequence, an emission of coke oven gases may be prevented completely or at least largely diminished.

In an embodiment, the fixture device comprises a base segment for supporting the sealing piece and a lid segment for delimiting the sealing piece, wherein the base segment and the lid segment form a groove for retaining the sealing piece. The sealing piece may be supported/ hold/ positioned by the groove. The base segment and the lid segment may be fixedly and/or detachably attached to one another, for example by means of at least a screw, a bolt, a pin or a similar constructional element. The arrangement of a fixture device comprising a base segment and a lid segment allows modularizing the structure of the fixture element, thus also allowing retooling the fixture device and/or the sealing piece.

In an embodiment, a depth of the groove of the fixture device is larger than a width of the cavity. Additionally or alternatively, in the first operating state, the depth of the groove of the fixture device is larger than the depth of the sealing piece when the sealing piece is in its first operating state. In the first operating state of the sealing piece, a depth of the groove of the fixture device may be larger/greater than the depth of the sealing piece. In an arrangement wherein the depth of the groove is greater than the depth of the sealing piece in its first operating state, the groove has two parallel wall sections which are not in contact with the sealing piece, but with their surrounding environment. These sections may be air cooled particularly fast, so that a heat transfer to the sealing piece may be reduced. In addition, an arrangement wherein the groove has a greater depth than the depth of the sealing piece allows the sealing piece to slip back/ to be retracted back into the groove when from the sealing piece changes from the second operating state to the first operating state. A groove several times larger than a cavity may also be cleaned particularly easy by operators, since the sealing piece may safely retract within the groove, thus industrial cleaning operations, such as for example a high-pressure cleaning operations, are facilitated. The width of the cavity may be defined by the distance between a surface portion of the collar member and a surface portion of the fixture device arranged opposite the surface of the collar member. The exact dimensions for the cavity depend on the design and the cleaning surface and can easily be determined by the person skilled in the art

The invention also concerns a coke oven chamber comprising a coke oven door sealing device. A coke oven chamber having a coke oven door sealing device is less prone to leakages of emissions and/or coke oven gases. In addition, the coke oven doors of coke oven chambers having a coke oven door sealing device may be cleaned and maintained more easily by operators. A plurality of coke oven door sealing devices may be arranged at opposite sides or different locations of the coke oven chamber. The aforementioned improvements and embodiments of the coke oven door sealing device apply also to the coke oven chamber.

The invention also concerns a coke oven battery comprising a coke oven door sealing device. A coke oven battery having a plurality of coke oven chambers each having one or more coke oven door sealing devices is less prone to leakages and may emit a reduced amount of coke oven gases. The aforementioned improvements and embodiments of the coke oven door sealing device apply also to the coke oven battery.

Further aspects and features of the present invention derive from the dependent claims, the attached drawing and the following description of the embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example and with reference to the attached drawings, wherein

FIG. 1 : is a top view of an embodiment of a coke oven door sealing device;

FIG. 2: is an enlarged vertical sectional view along section line A-A of the edging area of the coke oven door shown in Fig. 1 ;

FIG. 3: is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coke door sealing device having a coke oven door frame with an attached collar member;

FIG. 4: is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coke oven door sealing device, wherein a seal protection element is arranged on the panel unit;

FIG. 5: is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coke oven door sealing device, wherein the seal protection element is arranged opposite the fixture device;

FIG. 6: is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coke oven door sealing device, wherein the fixture device is attached to the panel unit by screws.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a coke oven door sealing device 1 , the frame is not shown. FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view along section line A-A of the edging area of the coke oven door shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the coke oven door 1 is in a closed state. The coke oven door sealing device 1 consists of a coke oven door 10 for fitting into or on a coke oven door frame 20 of a coke oven chamber 31. The coke oven door 10 comprises a panel unit 9 for closing the coke oven chamber 31. A fixture device 11 having a groove 12 is arranged at a peripheral area of the coke oven door 10, respectively panel unit 9. The fixture device consists of base segment 17 and a lid segment 16. Base segment 17 and lid segment 16 form a groove 12 for holding sealing piece 13. The sealing surface 21 is arranged opposite and at a distance from groove 12. The sealing piece 13 consisting of an inflatable seal is mounted within the groove 12. The groove 12 and the sealing piece 13 form a frictionally and/or form-fit connection. The sealing piece 13 has a hollow body for retaining a medium (not shown), e.g. pressurized gas. The sealing piece 13 is made of an elastic material, for example silicone, which is configured for being operated at approximately 300°Celsius. The sealing piece 13 has a ring-like structure that surrounds the peripheral area of the coke oven door 10 completely (not shown).

The hatched surface of sealing piece 13 in Fig. 2 shows the inflatable seal in a first operating state. In the first operating state, the sealing piece 13 is spaced at a distance D from the contact surface 21 arranged opposite of the sealing piece 13. The dash-dotted depiction of sealing piece 13 in Fig. 2 shows the inflatable seal in its a second operating state, wherein the sealing piece 13 contacts the contact surface 21 . In the first operating state, a depth G of the groove 12 is greater/ larger than the depth S of the sealing piece 13. The depth G of the groove 12 of the fixture device 11 is larger, at least two times larger, than a width C of the cavity 32. In this context, it must be noted that the depth C of the cavity may for example also depend on or be influenced by tolerances of the coke oven door 10 and/or the coke oven door frame 20 and/or additional further constructional elements connected to the coke oven door 10, such as, for example, one or a plurality of mounting/dismounting devices (not shown). In addition to that, during coking, further changes of the dimensioning may occur due to thermal expansion of the different constructional elements. With other words, the depth of the groove G, the width of the cavity C, as well as the depth S of the sealing piece 13 may slightly vary. For example, the retracting distance G inside the groove may be directly depending on the stroke of the sealing element 13.

The coke oven door frame 20 is provided with a collar member 22. The collar member 22 is integral with the coke oven door frame 20. The collar member 22 extends from the coke oven door frame 20. The sealing surface 21 is arranged on a lateral portion of the collar member 22. The collar member 22 has a tapered profile. The profile of collar member 22 tapers towards a top section 29. Top section 29 supports panel unit 9 when the door is in a closed position. The fixture device 11 holds the sealing piece 13 opposite to the coke oven door frame 20, respectively the sealing surface 21 of the collar member 22 of the coke oven door frame 20.

In the second operating state of the sealing piece 13, a cavity 32 is formed by the sealing piece 13 and the panel unit 9. The cavity 32 is further delimited by sections of the first insulation element 14, the fixture lid segment 16 of the fixture device 11 and collar member 22. The first insulation element 14 is arranged between lid segment 16 and panel unit 9 at a peripheral area, respectively on an edge, of panel unit 9. During the transition of the sealing piece 13 from the first operating state to the second operating state, the sealing piece 13 forms a closure of cavity 32. The first insulation element 14 may comprise or be formed out of a mica or a similar material. The first insulation element 14 presents a thermal isolation/ insulation against the heat of the coke oven door frame 20 and the coke oven chamber 31. The first insulation element 14 thereby contributes to the thermal isolation/ insulation of the sealing piece 13.

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coke door sealing device 1 having a coke oven door frame 20 with an attached collar member 22. Contrary to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the collar member 22 is not integral with the coke oven door frame 20. The collar member 22 presents a L-like shaped profile extending from a surface of the coke oven door frame 20. The collar member 22 partially delimits coke oven chamber 31 . The fixture device 11 is indirectly attached to the panel unit 9 at a peripheral area of panel unit 9. A first insulation element 14 is arranged between the lid segment 16 of fixture device 11 and a surface of the panel unit 9. A second insulation element 23 is arranged between the collar member 22 and a surface portion of the coke oven door frame 20. The first insulation element 14 presents a thermal isolation/ insulation against the heat of the coke oven door frame 20 and the coke oven chamber 31. Like the first insulation element 14, the second insulation element 23 also contributes to the thermal isolation/ insulation of the sealing piece 13. The second insulation element 23 may comprise or be formed out of a mica or a similar material. The second insulation element 23 presents a thermal isolation/ insulation against the heat of the coke oven door frame 20 and the coke oven chamber 31 .

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coke oven door sealing device 1 , wherein a seal protection element 30 is arranged on the panel unit 9. The seal protection element 30 in FIG. 4 presents as an angled spring plate/ shield being attached to the panel unit 9 of coke oven door 10. It must be noted that a smaller shield is also possible. The seal protection element may be integral with the panel unit 9 (not shown). In a closed state of the coke oven door 10, an end portion of the seal protection element 30 contacts top section 29 of the collar member 22. A portion of the seal protection element 30 is arranged between panel unit 9 and the first insulation element 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG.4, the collar member 22 is integral with coke oven door frame 20. In the second operating state of sealing piece 13, the cavity 32 is defined by a portion of the seal protection element 30, a portion of the collar member 22, a portion of the lid segment 16 of fixture device 11 , a portion of a first insulation element 14 and a portion of a sealing piece 13. During the transition of the sealing piece 13 from the first operating state to the second operating state, the sealing piece 13 forms a closure of cavity 32.

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coke oven door sealing device 1 , wherein the seal protection element 30 is arranged opposite the fixture device 11 . Similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG.4, the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 presents a collar element 22 integral with the coke oven door frame 20. The seal protection element 30 in FIG. 5 presents also as an angled spring plate/ shield being attached to the panel unit 9 of coke oven door 10. In a closed state of the coke oven door 10, an end portion of the seal protection element 30 contacts top section 29 of the collar member 22. The insulation element 14 is arranged between a peripheral portion of the panel unit 9 and the fixture device 11 , wherein the fixture device 11 for holding the sealing piece 13 comprises the lid segment 16 and the base segment 17. In the second operating state of sealing piece 13, the cavity 32 is defined by a portion of the seal protection element 30, a portion of the collar member 22, a portion of the lid segment 16 of fixture device 11 , a portion of the first insulation element 14, a portion of the panel unit 9 and a portion of a sealing piece 13. Since an external side, respectively outward facing side of panel unit 9, i.e. a side which is situated opposite to the inner side of panel unit 9, is air cooled, the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 allows a particularly continuous dissipation of a heat quantity present in cavity 32.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coke oven door sealing device 1 , wherein the fixture device 11 is attached to the panel unit 9 by screws. Similar to the embodiments shown in FIG. 3, the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 shows a coke door sealing device 1 having a coke oven door frame 20 with an attached collar member 22. The collar member 22 presents a L-like shaped profile extending from a surface of the coke oven door frame 20. The collar member 22 partially delimits coke oven chamber 31 . A first insulation element 14 is arranged between the lid segment 16 of fixture device 11 and a surface of the panel unit 9. A second insulation element 23 is arranged between the collar member 22 and a surface portion of the coke oven door frame 20. The first insulation element 14 and the second insulation element 23 present each a thermal insulation/ isolation against the heat of the coke oven door frame 20 and the coke oven chamber 31. Contrary to the embodiment shown in FIG.3, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 presents a frame bar 28. The frame bar 28 extends perpendicularly from the coke oven door frame 20. The frame bar 28 is integral with the coke oven door frame 20. At least a portion of frame bar 28 is air cooled, so that the frame bar enhances the heat dissipation from of the coke oven door frame. The fixture device 11 is attached to the panel unit 9 at a peripheral area of panel unit 9 by means of a first screw 33. The fixture device 11 comprises a vertical through-hole 34, through which the screw 33 extends.

Similarly, the collar members 22 as well as the second insulating element 23 are fixed by a second screw 35 to the coke oven door frame 20.

The discussed examples are embodiments of the invention. In the case of the embodiments, the described components of the respective embodiment each represent individual features of the invention which are to be considered independently of each other and which also further develop the invention independently of each other. The features are thus also to be regarded as components of the invention individually or in a combination other than the combination shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

Further features and embodiments of the invention result for the skilled person in the context of the present disclosure and the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS

I coke oven door sealing device

10 coke oven door

I I fixture device

12 groove

13 sealing piece

14 first insulation element

16 lid segment

17 base segment

20 coke oven door frame

21 sealing surface

22 collar member

23 second insulation element

28 frame bar

29 top section

30 seal protection element

31 coke oven chamber

32 cavity

33 first screw

34 through-hole