Abstract: A refractory composition includes a first set of components and a colloidal silica binder. The first set of components includes alumina and zirconia. The colloidal silica binder is provided at 5 wt % to 20 wt % of the dry weight of the first set of components. The refractory composition includes 45 wt % to 75 wt % alumina, 15 wt % to 30 wt % zirconia, and 10 wt % to 30 wt % silica.

Abstract: A refractory system includes a first set of components and a colloidal silica binder. The first set of components includes alumina and zirconia. The colloidal silica binder is at 5 wt % to 20 wt % of the dry weight of the first set of components. The refractory composition comprises 10 wt % to 45 wt % alumina, at least 35 wt % zirconia, and at least 20 wt % silica.

Abstract: A refractory system includes a first set of components and a colloidal silica binder. The first set of components includes alumina and zirconia. The colloidal silica binder is at 5 wt % to 20 wt % of the dry weight of the first set of components. The refractory composition comprises 10 wt % to 45 wt % alumina, at least 35 wt % zirconia, and at least 20 wt % silica.

Abstract: A refractory composition includes a first set of components and a colloidal silica binder. The first set of components includes alumina and zirconia. The colloidal silica binder is provided at 5 wt % to 20 wt % of the dry weight of the first set of components. The refractory composition includes 45 wt % to 75 wt % alumina, 15 wt % to 30 wt % zirconia, and 10 wt % to 30 wt % silica.

Abstract: An impact pad formed from a refractory material for reducing the turbulence of a molten metal poured therein. The impact pad has a plurality of sidewalls, each sidewall having a plurality of spherically shaped portions. The spherically shaped portions disperse the molten metal in a variety of directions.

Abstract: The invention provides a colloidal refractory system for an electric arc furnace or another pyrometallurgical converter having a hearth, a shell, and a roof. The colloidal silica refractory includes alumina having a range of about 55 percent through about 90 percent by weight, silicon carbide having a range of about 2.5 percent through about 30 percent by weight, silica having a range of about 2 percent through about 20 percent by weight, and carbon having a range of about 0.1 percent through about 4 percent by weight. An aqueous colloidal silica binder provides the silica. The colloidal refractory system has high-temperature strength and resists the attack from slag and off-gases.

Abstract: A continuous checker column is molded and formed in situ inside a regenerative chamber, thereby eliminating the need for large numbers of individual, preformed checker bricks. A plurality of rigid molding rods or flexible cable rods are passed through, or hang from, a template installed in or above the empty checker chamber portion of a regenerative chamber. The molding rods are sized, shaped, and spaced to correspond substantially to the size, shape and spacing of the openings desired in the checker column. Then, a refractory material is injected into the checker column and allowed to harden. The molding rods are at least partially retracted, leaving the desired openings in the hardened refractory material. The injection and retraction steps can be repeated, as necessary, until the entire checker column has been formed.

Abstract: A pelletizable gunning composition is provided which exhibits excellent flow characteristics, minimal release of dust, and excellent adhesion and resistance to slag. The gunning composition includes high density magnesium oxide as the primary component, and lesser quantities of powdered metal, refractory clay, binder and, preferably, graphite. The dry components are mixed together, and the binder is added and mixed, resulting in a composition that can be pelletized. After pelletizing, the composition can be coated with a dusting material to facilitate pellet flow and prevent pellet agglomeration.

Abstract: A slag stopper assembly for use in a tundish vessel includes a chamber for reducing the flow of slag to the tundish drain and a stopper plunger for regulating the flow of liquid metal through the drain. The chamber includes a central opening for receiving the stopper plunger, and the stopper plunger is retractably movable relative to the chamber through the central opening. In accordance with the invention, a sealing rim is present on the stopper plunger, or on an inner wall of the chamber, or both, in order to reduce the retractable movement of the stopper plunger, reduce the amount of slag which enters the chamber as a result of such movement, and seal off the central opening of the chamber from the tundish drain when the stopper plunger is in a retracted position.