Abstract: The device for controlling a pour rate according to the invention, which comprises a stationary upper plate (8), a movable plate (10) carried by a carriage (9) and a pouring tube (2). Control of the rate takes place by gliding the movable plate (10) against the upper plate (8), the pouring tube (2) being immobilized against the movable plate (10), just beneath the pouring orifice (27) of the movable plate (10) which blocks the tap hole (15). The immobilization of the pouring tube (2) with respect to the movable plate (10) is obtained by means (31) for pushing upwards which are secured to the carriage (9).

Abstract: A pouring tube in the ingot mold of a continuous casting plant for producing thin slabs is replaced by arranging an auxiliary plate (4) on guide rails (9) next to an insert plate (3) of a pouring tube (12) in its operative position (14). A replacement pouring tube (2) is placed next to the auxiliary plate (4) so that the plates (3, 4) form a perfectly planar surface with abutting edges.

Abstract: An emergency blank shutting off device for conveying and exchanging pouring tubes sliding along guide-rails (6,7) determining a first trajectory is intended to ensure the immediate and tight stop of a casting operation in case of emergency. It comprises a carrier on which an emergency blank re-fractory plate (8) is set and actuated along a second trajectory which crosses over the first trajectory, from a readiness position (14), off the second trajectory to an alert position (15) on a zone overlapping the two trajectories adjacent to the operating position of a pouring tube (3) in the pouring axis.

Abstract: A belt for sealing a discharge device of a ferrous-metallurgical vessel is formed by two concentric grooves formed in one and/or the other of a pair of superimposed sliding plates. A first, outer, groove (8) is connected to a vacuum source and a second, inner, groove (1) is connected to an inert-gas source.

Abstract: A device (1) for inserting and replacing an insertable pouring tube (2) having a movable plate (3) and sliding on guide rails (9), which transmit thrust upwards, comprises a tilting member (20) which engages a lever (26) to impart a tilting motion to the movable plate (3) about a horizontal front edge thereof which engages a sealing area surrounding the pouring opening of a reference plate. This tilting motion makes the movable plate (3) completely parallel with the underside of the upper reference plate (6), improves the sealing contact between the two plates and prevents any infiltration of metal therebetween.

Abstract: A device for introducing and exchanging a casting tube in a bottom-pour casting vessel allows a worn tube to be replaced without interrupting the casting operation when a movable plate casting tube assembly is mounted in a sliding manner on guides which are suitable for transmitting upward thrust pressure. If the replacement tube is introduced by pivoting in the well of the ingot mould, the exchange of the tube can be carried out without raising the distributor.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a refractory plate in the supporting frame of a slide gate for a pouring vessel, whereby the refractory plate is able to oscillate with respect to the supporting frame so as to have its position adjustable to the position of the outlet parts of the pouring system. The refractory plate is shaped with at least one sliding surface on its bottom, on its lower lateral edges or on its lower periphery and, in use, this sliding surface bears on a cooperating sliding surface provided on the supporting frame to allow the refractory plate to freely oscillate with respect to the supporting frame.

Abstract: A device for replacing pouring tubes at the outlet of a pour vessel for molten metal in which interconnected frames supporting the pouring tubes in a free swiveling manner are guided according to a linear path along the vessel outlet by suitable guiding means, whereby the pouring tube nearing the outlet is brought in close contact with an outlet plate by suitable steering and pushing means.

Abstract: The invention provides a slide gate device for use on a pour vessel to control flow of molten metal through an outlet in the vessel shell, in which refractory insert plates, conveyed by supporting frames, are introducible into and removable from at least one side of the device, and in which said refractory insert plates are linearly movable in continuous close cooperating contact with a perforated outlet plate for the pour vessel, by applying interdependently coupled moving means to the supporting frame(s) conveying said refractory insert plates, which means transmit an equally distributed effort to each lateral side of said supporting frame(s).

Abstract: This invention provides a rotary slide gate mechanism for use on a pour vessel to control flow of molten metal through at least one outlet in the vessel shell, whereby refractory insert plates which are conveyed by said mechanism, may be moved in very close cooperating contact with a perforated refractory outlet plate for the pour vessel, so as to control the flow of molten metal therethrough.

Abstract: The invention provides a slide gate mechanism for use on a pour vessel to control flow of molten metal through at least one outlet in the vessel shell, whereby refractory insert plates which are conveyed by said mechanism may be moved in very close cooperating contact with a perforated refractory outlet plate for the pour vessel, so as to control the flow of molten metal therethrough.