Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for inserting a pouring pipe into a mold of a continuous casting machine. The pouring pipe is mounted in a truck, and the truck and pouring pipe combination are then mounted on a conveyor mechanism such that the pouring pipe is set in a substantially horizontal starting position. From this substantially horizontal starting position, the pouring pipe is guided along a pair of guide rails of the conveyor mechanism such that is pivots into a substantially vertical position and is moved into a waiting position wherein its lower end is inserted into the mold. In this waiting position, the pouring pipe is offset laterally from but aligned with a casting opening in the bottom wall of the metallurgical vessel. From this waiting position, the pouring pipe can be forced by a pusher mechanism into a pouring position beneath the casting opening of the metallurgical vessel, such that molten metal can be poured from the metallurgical vessel into the mold via a pouring pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in replacing a worn pouring pipe by moving a pouring pipe from a waiting position to a pouring position beneath a discharge opening of a metallurgical vessel, and for use in adjusting flow of molten metal from the metallurgical vessel through the discharge opening. For this purpose, slide rails are provided beneath the metallurgical vessel for supporting head plates of pouring pipe in the waiting position, the pouring position and a discharge position. Also, a linear actuator is provided for pushing the pouring pipe from the waiting position to the pouring position, and can be detachably coupled to the head plate of the pouring pipe so that it can move the pouring pipe in opposing direction to adjust the flow of molten metal through the discharge opening between zero flow and full flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a gas washing sink in a centered manner within an opening through a perforated brick in a wall of a metallurgical vessel and for removing the sink from the perforated brick includes a support assembly to be fixedly mounted on the exterior of the wall of the metallurgical vessel adjacent the opening in the perforated brick. A fastening assembly supports the sink and is mounted with respect to the support assembly for movement relative thereto between an operating position, whereat the sink is pressed into the opening throgh the perforated brick in a centered manner, and a maintenance position, whereat the sink is withdrawn from the opening through the perforated brick. Structure moves the fastening assembly relative to the support assembly to the operating position. A withdrawal apparatus moves the fastening assembly relative to the support assembly from the operating position to the maintenance position.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a gas washing sink in a centered manner within an opening through a perforated brick in a wall of a metallurgical vessel and for removing the sink from the perforated brick includes a support assembly to be fixedly mounted on the exterior of the wall of the metallurgical vessel adjacent the opening in the perforated brick. A fastening assembly supports the sink and is mounted with respect to the support assembly for movement relative thereto between an operating position, whereat the sink is pressed into the opening through the perforated brick in a centered manner, and a maintenance position, whereat the sink is withdrawn from the opening through the perforated brick. Structures moves the fastening assembly relative to the support assembly to the operating position. A withdrawal apparatus moves the fastening assembly relative to the support assembly from the operating position to the maintenance position.

Abstract: An apparatus repairs a perforated brick employed in a wall of a metallurgical vessel and having an opening into which is to be fit a gas washing sink for introducing gas into molten metal within the metallurgical vessel, during which gas introduction the inner end of the gas washing sink and the perforated brick around such area become worn. The apparatus includes a casing having an outer contour corresponding to the outer contour of the gas washing sink and to be inserted into the worn opening of the perforated brick upon removal therefrom of the worn gas washing sink. The casing thus forms a template defining the contour of the opening to be repaired in the worn portion of the perforated brick. A repair material feed pipe extends through and is guided by the casing for supplying therethrough repair material for repairing the worn portion of the perforated brick. A spray head is attached to the inner end of the feed pipe for directing the repair material toward the worn portion of the perforated brick.

Abstract: A gas washing sink for use in introducing gas through a metallurgical vessel into molten metal therein includes a gas permeable refractory inner brick portion and a gas impermeable refractory outer brick portion surrounding the inner brick portion. The inner and outer brick portions define a first sink end to be exposed to the molten metal. The outer brick portion has an end face defining a second sink end to be directed away from the molten metal. A gas distribution chamber has a first end open to the inner brick portion and a second end opening onto the end face of the outer brick portion and defined thereat by an opening. A sealing surface extending concentrically of the opening has pressed thereagainst, at a pressure sufficient to achieve a seal therebetween, a closure member for closing the second end of the gas distribution chamber and having a gas inlet connection for introducing gas into the gas distribution chamber.