Abstract: A rotary valve for controlling the discharge of molten metal in a substantially downward direction from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory rotor rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. The rotor has an outer peripheral surface, either conical or cylindrical, arranged symmetrically about the axis, and the rotor has therethrough a flow channel having inlet and outlet ports, at least the outlet port opening onto the outer surface. A refractory stator has therein a recess defined by an inner surface, either conical or cylindrical, complementary to the outer surface of the rotor, the stator having therethrough a discharge channel. The rotor fits within the recess in the stator, with the outer and inner surfaces thereof being complementarily positioned symmetrically about the axis.

Abstract: A refractory plate assembly includes a refractory base structure having therein a recess and a refractory wear and erosion resistant insert positioned within the recess. A frame surrounds the outer periphery of the base structure. The insert and the base structure together define a planar sliding surface. The base structure is formed of at least two components divided along at least one joint extending transverse to the planar sliding surface, each such component defining a respective portion of the recess and surrounding a respective portion of the circumference insert. The insert is elastically clamped within the base structure and may be removed from the base structure for replacement.

Abstract: A refractory article for casting of liquid melts, especially steel, fabricated from a mixture of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, graphite, a flux component, a synthetic resin binder and a metallic powder. The flux component contains a first flux with a melting point from 550.degree. to 900.degree. C. and a second flux that becomes active in the mixture in a temperature ranging from 1350.degree. and 1550.degree. C. The refractory article need not be heated before use, and the carbon contained therein, which determines the strength of the article, is retained for a much longer period during use, so that the article will have a long service life.

Abstract: The invention resides in a fastening means for a closure plate on a sliding shutter for the outlet of a vessel containing molten metal, whereby the closure plate can be fixed within a supporting frame by the action of releasable gripping means which are provided on the supporting frame and which act on a metal sheath which at least encircles the periphery of the closure plate. The closure plate's external periphery is provided with at least one recess into which the sheath is pressed as a result of the deformation produced by the gripping means. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sheath encircles the exterior periphery of the closure plate as a narrow tension band and is provided with at least one tightener. The desired pretensioning of the sheath and the fixing of the closure plate and sheath to the supporting frame is effected in combination with the tightener.

Abstract: A refractory teeming pipe for use at the outlet of a melt container includes a refractory inner pipe member adapted to be connected to the outlet of a melt container, and a refractory outer pipe member telescopically slidably mounted about the inner pipe member for axial movement relative thereto between an upper retracted position and a lower extended position. The inner and outer pipe members include respective outer metal jackets. An upper refractory seal is supported by the outer pipe member and grips against the inner pipe member.

Abstract: A bottom outlet or discharge for metallurgical vessels includes a sleeve brick, a nozzle brick positioned in the sleeve brick, the nozzle brick having therethrough a discharge opening, and a highly wear-resistant tubular sleeve fitted within the discharge opening of the nozzle brick. The sleeve brick, the nozzle brick and the sleeve are formed of materials such that they have thermal expansions at 1400.degree. C. of from 1.0 to 1.15%, from 0.5 to 0.8% and from 1.1 to 1.25%, respectively.

Abstract: A block of refractory material has extending therethrough a throughflow opening, preferably including a funnel-shaped inlet converging inwardly to a throughflow duct. An annular gas collecting space is provided within the block at a position surrounding the throughflow opening radially outwardly thereof. A gas feed duct extends through the block from the exterior thereof to the gas collecting space. At least one annular duct extends radially inwardly from the gas collecting space to the throughflow opening. The annular duct opens into and forms with the throughflow opening at least one narrow slit which extends around the entire periphery of the throughflow opening.