Abstract: A method of treating an electrode used in an electric arc furnace at a steel plant, which comprises locating the electrode to be treated in a holder therefor by bringing the electrode to the holder using the main crane at the steel plant, bringing to the electrode in the holder a crane of a relatively low lifting capacity and either(i) an applicator for applying a coating of a set of preformed tiles to the electrode, or(ii) securing means and a fresh length of electrode to be secured on top of the electrode in the holder,Respectively causing the applicator to apply the coating or the securing means to secure the fresh length to the electrode while holding the electrode or fresh length of electrode respectively in the crane of relatively low lifting capacity, and removing from the area of the holder the crane and the applicator or the securing means respectively.

Abstract: A thermit composition useful for repairing ingot mould base plates is described. It comprises a particulate oxidizable metal, particulate iron oxide and a particulate refractory filler consisting wholly or partly of zircon, the refractory filler material being present in a proportion of 35 to 50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of easily oxidizable metal and iron oxide.

Abstract: Refractory concrete blocks e.g. furnace wall lining blocks, have a through hole for attachment of the block to a support by a bolt. The hole has a narrow portion next the support and a wider portion more remote therefrom having a keying configuration so refractory paste inserted after installation to protect the bolt head does not drop out in use.

Abstract: Flexible hot topping liners having improved properties comprise refractory, deformable, self-supporting, fibrous liners which have, in their dry condition, flexibility, restitution and droop characteristics within certain defined ranges. In the preferred embodiment, the extensibility and compressibility properties are also maintained within defined ranges. Flexible sealing rings for sealing the joint between a headbox and an ingot mould are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tundish is described in which a refractory lined metal casing has an inner expendable lining. In the impact area, there is a pad of erosion resistant and sacrificial material. According to the invention, a body of refractory material of high thermal conductivity is located below the pad to conduct heat away therefrom.

Abstract: A substantially planar slab has two opposite edges castellated in such fashion that two such slabs may be interengaged with the slabs in the same plane with the castellations of one edge of one slab interfitting the castellations on the other edge of the other slab. The sides of the castellations are inclined in a direction not normal to the plane of a major face of the slab. Such slabs are useful for lining containers for molten metal, and when forming such a lining all joint faces of the interengaging castellations not lying in vertical planes can be arranged to slope downwardly away from the interior of the molten metal container. The thickness of the slabs, the angle of the castellations, the period of the castellations and the inclination of the slabs can be so chosen relative to the angle of repose of a loose fill of refractory material under the slabs that the loose fill particulate refractory material does not penetrate the joints between adjacent slabs.

Abstract: Lining slabs for prolonged contact with molten metals, e.g. for use in tundishes, are made from a refractory heat-insulating composition comprising by weight:0 to 1% bentonite clay0 to 4% cellulosic fibre4 to 8% synthetic resin binder0 to 7% refractory fibrous material, andBalance to 100% a mixture of particulate magnesia and particulate olivine,The weight ratio of magnesia : olivine being from 1:10 to 4:1 and the composition containing at least 1% by weight of fibrous material.

Abstract: The invention provides a tundish comprising a casing having a floor with at least one outlet nozzle located therein and upstanding sidewalls, the casing having a permanent refractory lining, and an expendable partition of refractory heat insulating material being located adjacent one or each nozzle within the tundish and dimensioned to stand proud of the adjacent portion of the tundish floor. Generally the expendable partition is made of a material comprising a major proportion of particulate refractory, a minor proportion of fibrous material and an organic binder. The partition may comprise four walls together defining a box section or it may be an integral preformed sleeve.

Abstract: The invention provides a tundish comprising a casing having a floor, including an impact area, and upstanding sidewalls, the casing having a permanent refractory lining, and at least one expendable beam of refractory heat insulating material extending between opposite sides of the casing adjacent the impact area. Generally the refractory heat insulating material is one comprising a major proportion of particulate refractory, a minor proportion of fibrous material and an organic binder. In the tundish there may be two pairs of said beams to bridge opposite sides of the casing, one pair being located at the sides of the impact area in or on the floor of the casing and the other vertically above the first, adjacent the top of each sidewall.

Abstract: A method of lining a cavity, such as, for example, the head box for an ingot mold, comprising applying to the surface to be lined a lining of a self-supporting deformable fibre mat refractory composition and then exerting pressure on that lining so as to deform and conform it to the shape of the cavity.

Abstract: A tundish comprising an outer metal casing, a permanent lining of refractory material adjacent the casing, a layer of essentially unbonded particulate refractory material adjacent the permanent lining and, adjacent the layer of particulate refractory material, an expendable lining made up of a set of slabs of refractory heat-insulating material.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to apparatus for applying a hot top lining in an ingot mould or ingot mould head box. The apparatus comprises a pair of slab support members each having two faces adapted to support an L-shaped slab of hot top lining material such that the L-shaped slabs are supported outside the members in the form of a rectangle, means for moving the members towards one another and apart to decrease or increase the size of the rectangle, supports for corner wedges located above the gap between supported L-shaped slabs when the members are in their most separated position, means for releasing corner wedges from such supports, and means for applying pressure to the tops of the corner wedges to urge them into the gaps between the L-shaped slabs.

Abstract: Flexible hot topping liners having improved properties comprise refractory, deformable, self-supporting, fibrous liners which have, in their dry condition, flexibility, restitution and droop characteristics within certain defined ranges. In the preferred embodiment, the extensibility and compressibility properties are also maintained within defined ranges. Flexible sealing rings for sealing the joint between a headbox and an ingot mould are also disclosed.

Abstract: By the simultaneous use of a high-swelling clay and a flocculant for the clay, which also acts as a surface active agent, hot top lining slabs free of both paper and asbestos may be produced by a slurry dewatering process.