Abstract: A guide roller for continuous casting installations, the guide roller being subdivided into sections, and the individual sections are interconnected with one another in each instance by means of a plug or journal possessing a support bearing. Each such plug engages into a complimentary recess of a neighboring roller section. Between the plug and the shell of the relevant neighboring roller section there is provided a further bearing permitting lengthwise expansion of the roller section.

Abstract: A continuous casting installation has a curved roller apron and a withdrawal and straightening unit. The latter has upper and lower rollers, and the upper rollers are vertically movable so that a gap may be formed between the same and a strand which extends into the withdrawal and straightening unit. A heating device is provided for the strand and may be moved from a position laterally of the withdrawal and straightening unit into the gap between the upper rollers and the strand when the upper rollers are raised. The heating device is preferably arranged in the region of the tangent point. When a strand cools to such an extent that the withdrawal and straightening unit can no longer bend it, as may occur in the event of a breakout, the upper rollers beyond the tangent point are raised. The strand is then driven forward until, by virtue of its curvature, it touches the raised upper rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a steel strand located in a support apron or support guide arrangement of a continuous casting installation by means of a cutting torch device. The cutting torch device, displaceable transversely with respect to the direction of travel of the strand, is arranged upon a support member of a change mechanism for elements of the support guide arrangement and can be displaced by means of this support member to desired locations of the support guide arrangement.