Abstract: A metal casting installation is provided that includes a loading platform, a tundish, a first ladle and a second ladle, each of the first and second ladle has a floor provided with an opening, a collector nozzle and a ladle shroud. The installation also includes a ladle sliding gate configured for moving the collector nozzle and the ladle shroud between a sealed position, a casting position, and an unclogging position. A turret is provided for holding the first and second ladles, configured for moving and holding in place the first and second ladles between a loading station and a casting station over the tundish. A robot is also provided and configured for loading a new ladle shroud onto the ladle slide gate, and coupling a driving device to the ladle slide gate.

Abstract: A casting apparatus for continuous or semi-continuous casting having a reservoir for supplying liquid metal, a direct chill casting mold having a mold cavity for at least temporarily holding liquid metal and to at least partially solidify the liquid metal into a cast product, and a pump disposed on the flow path between the reservoir and the mold cavity, wherein the pump is operable to generate a force in the liquid metal that is acting against the tendency of the liquid metal to flow along the flow path from the reservoir into the mold cavity by gravity to control a flow of the liquid metal from the reservoir into the mold cavity, wherein the pump is a direct current electromagnetic pump.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of metal including a furnace for melting metal provided with a crucible inside which a metal charge is melted. The furnace provides for tapping a liquid metal disposed on the bottom of the crucible and includes a tapping channel for the transfer of the liquid metal from the furnace. The apparatus also includes a delivery unit for delivering inert material (S) having a delivery device for the selective delivery of the inert material (S) into the tapping channel.

Abstract: An induction coil assembly associated with controlling the flow of molten material used in casting or deposition of precious and/or non-precious metals on a substrate is disclosed. The assembly comprises one or more induction coils associated with induction melting of electrically conductive material by applying a predetermined current value. The assembly further comprises a crucible comprising the electrically conductive material in which an electromagnetic field is generated therein by the predetermined current value applied to the induction coils. The electromagnetic field associated with the electrically conductive material is modulated; and is used to generate smaller units of the electrically conductive material by interrupting velocity of a flow of the material in order to produce grains or apply layers on the substrate. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A conveying device for molten metal in an injection die casting unit, has a storage container for the molten metal and a conveying duct delivering the molten metal to a mold cavity. The conveying duct includes a cylinder bore with a piston disposed in an axially adjustable manner. A collection chamber, from which the molten metal is introduced through an onward line into the mold cavity upon axial displacement of the piston, is provided for the molten metal. An annular space, which is connected via at least one filling bore to the collection chamber, is formed between the outer wall of the piston and the inner wall of the cylinder bore. The filling bore, on an end which opens into the collection chamber, is closable by means of a valve body which is connected to an adjustable valve rod which is displaceably disposed in an axial bore of the piston.

Abstract: The teachings provide a fill tube assembly for a casting mold and methods of using the assembly. The fill tube assembly includes a fill tube having a tubular member with a receiving end, a mold-engaging end and an intermediate portion. The mold-engaging end has a tapered flange radially extending therefrom, the remainder of the tubular member has a substantially, uniform cross-section. A clamping assembly is structured to maintain a substantially leakproof seal at the fill tube, casting mold interface while accommodating dimensional variations. The clamping assembly includes a gasket, a load ring, a clamping plate and a pre-load gap between the clamping plate and the casting mold and optionally includes a dimensional compensating ring. When tightened, the clamping plate biases the load ring against the flange thereby distributing a uniform load against the casting mold, compressing the gasket therebetween while narrowing the pre-load gap to accommodate dimensional variations.

Abstract: A fireproof unit for a sliding closure at the spout of a container containing metal melt, including a fireproof adapter block that can be placed on the container spout, a fireproof bottom plate connected thereto, to which bottom plate a slidable fireproof sliding plate can be connected, wherein the sliding plate allows the sliding closure to be opened or closed. In addition to the first bottom plate connected to the adapter block, a second bottom plate adjoins the adapter block. The second bottom plate can be slid in under the adapter block to replace the first bottom plate. The adapter block has a length in the direction of the second bottom plate such that the adapter block is in sliding contact with the second bottom plate at the lower sliding surface of the adapter block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding closure (1) for a metallurgical container, comprising two fireproof closing plates (3; 5), of which one is arranged in a slide unit (6) and is used to open and close a spout opening (10). The other closing plate (3) is arranged in a metal housing (2) that can be fastened to the container. Said stationary housing (2) and the slide unit (6) also accommodate an upper fireproof inlet sleeve (4) on the container side and a lower fireproof spout sleeve (8). In the housing (2) and in the slide unit (6), at least one additional inner part (2a, 2a?, 7a) is arranged in each case, each additional inner part enclosing the spout sleeve (8) or the inlet sleeve (4). Thus, thermal stresses in the slide unit or in the housing can be reduced and the risk of cracks forming can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a molten metal containment structure, including a vessel having an internal volume for containing molten metal and an open upper end. The structure further includes a cover for the vessel having an underside facing the internal volume, the cover being movable between a closed position, covering the open upper end of the vessel with the underside of the cover, and an open position in which the cover is remote from the open upper end of the vessel to allow access to the internal volume from one side of the structure. The cover is attached to at least one lifting arm (preferably two or more) and at least on rotation control arm (preferably two or more). The lifting arm(s) operates to guide the cover from the open position to the closed position, and vice versa.

Abstract: Provided is a plate fixing structure which is usable in a concavo-convex fitting technique for fitting with respect to a fitting concave or convex portion provided in a plate-receiving metal frame, and capable of easily achieving an alignment between the fitting convex portion and the fitting concave portion, and a plate for use with the fixing structure. The plate 10 is provided with a first engagement portion 14 extending from one of opposite ends thereof in a sliding direction thereof, and a second engagement portion extending from the other end, and the plate-receiving metal frame 20 is provided with a first support portion 22 and a second support portion 23 each configured to allow a respective one of the first engagement portion 14 and the second engagement portion 15 to be engaged therewith.

Abstract: A closing plate for a sliding closure on the spout of a receptacle for molten metal, especially of a converter, includes an elongate refractory plate and a sheet metal jacket surrounding the same. The refractory plate has a sliding surface which can be braced with a sliding surface of a refractory closure plate interacting therewith or with a sliding surface of a refractory head part. The refractory plate has at least one tapering section which forms an angle with the sliding surface on at least one side delimiting the sliding surface, each tapering section being associated with a section of the refractory plate that projects beyond the sheet metal jacket. The closing plate reduces the risk of damage to the front faces of the refractory parts reduced during bracing of the parts with each other and/or during a relative adjustment of the refractory parts that are braced with each other.

Abstract: A device that holds and replaces a casting plate in a continuous casting installation metallurgical vessel contains a detector-limit switch assembly that automatically moves a casting plate to the casting position or to the sealing position, depending on whether a replacement plate is on standby on the device or not. Casting plates used with the invention are provided with a metallic casing. The casting plates and metallic casing are configured to interact with the detector contained in the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding nozzle plate (composite sliding nozzle plate) (2) for use in a sliding nozzle device for adjusting an outflow amount of molten metal from a molten metal vessel. The sliding nozzle plate (2) comprises a sliding nozzle plate body and a tubular member (3) formed with a flange (3a) and attached to a bore (through-hole (1c?)) of the sliding nozzle plate body, and satisfies the following conditional formulas (1) and (2): ?B??I?5??(1); and ?B??R?4??(2), where: ?B is a diameter (mm) of the bore of the sliding nozzle plate body; ?I is an outer diameter (mm) of the flange of the tubular member; and ?R is an outer diameter (mm) of the non-flange portion of the tubular member. The composite sliding nozzle plate is capable of preventing displacement of the tubular member and molten metal penetration into a joint between the tubular member and the sliding nozzle plate body.

Abstract: Arrangement for the maintenance of a sliding closure mounted on the spout of a container for molten metal. The arrangement includes at least one tool magazine, at least one replacement part magazine and a system for opening and closing the sliding closure. The robot includes an automatic grip changing system and is operationally connected to a control unit to enable it to automatically detect the exact position of the container or of the sliding closure. Thereafter, the robot can control opening and closing of the sliding closure and, depending on the condition of the individual components to be replaced, it can grip tools or replacement parts from the magazines surrounding the robot and can perform cleaning operations, dismantle components and replace or reinstall the same. In this way, personnel can be saved and the occupational safety is thus increased.

Abstract: A high-heat-retention ladle for carrying molten aluminum includes a ladle body defining therein a storage space, which contains molten aluminum therein, the ladle body including a molten metal inlet and a molten metal outlet, which allow the storage space to communicate with outside, a cover opening and closing the inlet of the ladle body, and a stopper opening and closing the outlet of the ladle body. Each of the ladle body and the cover has an outer shell, which defines a contour thereof, and a multi-layer insulation structure inside the outer shell. The multi-layer insulation structure includes two or more refractory layers. The molten aluminum contained inside the storage space has a temperature drop rate of 5° C./min or less. It is possible to carry the molten aluminum for a long time in a heat-insulated state and cast a product by directly pouring the molten aluminum into a mold.

Abstract: An improved valve plate assembly is provided for use in a slide gate valve. The valve plate assembly includes a refractory valve plate having an orifice positioned along its longitudinal centerline, and truncated corners for optimizing the clamping forces to reduce and/or contain cracking caused by thermal expansion. The size and shape of the plate is defined by the design maximum design orifice diameter and the service the plate is designed to address.

Abstract: A molten metal holding and pouring box with a rectangular-shaped upper section and a pyramidal-shaped lower section provides a relatively constant flow of molten metal being poured from the box through each of two bottom nozzles into two separate foundry molds at the same time. The two bottom nozzles are contained in a unitary dual nozzle assembly that facilitates replacement as required by wear, or a change in location of the sprue cups in the two separate foundry molds being filled with molten metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fireproof unit for a sliding closure at the spout of a container containing metal melt, comprising a fireproof adapter block (21) that can be placed on the container spout, a fireproof bottom plate (10) connected thereto, to which bottom plate a slidable fireproof sliding plate (18) can be connected, wherein the sliding plate allows the sliding closure (1) to be opened or closed. In addition to the first bottom plate (10) connected to the adapter block (21), a second bottom plate (12) adjoins the adapter block. The second bottom plate can be slid in under the adapter block to replace the first bottom plate. The adapter block (21) has such a length in the direction of the second bottom plate (12) that the adapter block is in sliding contact with said second bottom plate (12) at the lower sliding surface (21?) of the adapter block.

Abstract: A slag control shape is releasably mounted on a mounted member carried on a molten vessel or an adjacent base. The mounted member includes an L-shaped bracket carrying a movable member to release the slag control shape and an actuator for selectively releasing the slag control shape. The mounting member further includes a sleeve secured to the vessel or adjacent base. A rotating shaft is connectable to both the L-shaped bracket and sleeve to provide rotatable movement in selective positions, of the L-shaped bracket relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A stopper body of refractory material and cylindrical shape having a first end (10), a second end (14) and an intermediate zone (12) there between, with a bore (16) of circular cross section, extending from said first end (10) in an axial direction of the stopper body into said intermediate zone (12) towards the second end (14), wherein the said bore being provided with an enlarged cross section (at 16s) along at least part of said intermediate Zone (12).

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a flow control apparatus for control of molten metal flow through a trough. The apparatus includes a flow control element (e.g. a movable dam or flow restrictor) movable between an operating position and an inactive position. A guide element provides an elongated track having a first part extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flow control element. One or more track followers are retained by the guide element and are movable along the track. An elongated arm is attached at one end to the flow control element and to the track follower at an opposite end. An actuator operably connects to the track follower to move the track follower along the track. The track causes the flow control element to move away from the operating position with a straight (non-pivoting) motion, but preferably causes the flow control element to pivot as it approaches the inactive position.

Abstract: A ceramic seating stone is provided for use in or on a metallurgical vessel for holding molten metal. The stone is formed as a whole or in parts of ceramic fibers, hollow ceramic spheres and/or foam ceramics.

Abstract: A high-heat-retention ladle for carrying molten aluminum includes a ladle body defining therein a storage space, which contains molten aluminum therein, the ladle body including a molten metal inlet and a molten metal outlet, which allow the storage space to communicate with outside, a cover opening and closing the inlet of the ladle body, and a stopper opening and closing the outlet of the ladle body. Each of the ladle body and the cover has an outer shell, which defines a contour thereof, and a multi-layer insulation structure inside the outer shell. The multi-layer insulation structure includes two or more refractory layers. The molten aluminum contained inside the storage space has a temperature drop rate of 5° C./min or less. It is possible to carry the molten aluminum for a long time in a heat-insulated state and cast a product by directly pouring the molten aluminum into a mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recyclable slide shutter plate (1) and/or bottom nozzle brick (2). The invention comprises the slide shutter plate (1) and/or bottom nozzle brick (2), the outer part (6) and inner part (7) of which are connected to each other in a detachable manner. In addition, the invention comprises methods for the manufacture and repair of a repairable slide shutter plate (1) and/or bottom nozzle brick (2).

Abstract: A sliding closure for a metallurgical vessel comprises an elongated refractory slide plate (2), which is exchangeably arranged in a metal frame (1) and the longitudinal direction (L) of which corresponds to the direction of displacement of the sliding closure. Also provided are means (3) for bracing the slide plate (2) in the metal frame (1), which comprise a wedge shoe (10) that is loaded by a spring (9) and can be adjusted transversely in relation to the direction of displacement of the sliding closure. This wedge shoe (10) is operatively connected to a counterpart (11), which can be brought into connection with the slide plate (2) and acts on the slide plate (2) in its longitudinal direction (L). The oscillating movements of the movable slide plate taking place during operation are absorbed and the bracing device ensures satisfactory bracing of this slide plate at any time.

Abstract: A refractory nozzle assembly comprising a vessel operable to contain a molten metal and having at least one outlet. The assembly includes an inner assembly having an aperture extending therethrough and an outer assembly having an aperture extending therethrough. The inner and outer assemblies are arranged in the outlet of the vessel and are arranged for relative lateral movement such that inner and outer assemblies are operable to move between an open configuration, where the apertures therethrough are generally overlapping, and a closed configuration, where the apertures are not overlapping. The junction between the inner and outer assemblies is located within a periphery of the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stopper for a metallurgical melting pot with. Stoppers of this type serve to control the discharge of a molten metal in the area of an outlet of an associated melting pot, for example, a tundish.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the maintenance of a sliding closure (20) mounted on the spout of a container (10) for molten metal. Said arrangement comprises at least one tool magazine (65, 66), having at least one replacement part magazine (67) and means (30) for opening and closing the sliding closure (20). As a novelty, a robot (60) comprising an automatic grip changing system (61) and operationally connected to a control unit (75) is provided, the robot being able to automatically detect the exact position of the container (10) or of the sliding closure (20). Thereafter, it can actuate the means (30) for opening and closing the sliding closure (20) and, depending on the condition of the individual components to be replaced, it can grip tools or replacement parts from the magazines (65, 66, 67) surrounding the robot and can perform cleaning operations, dismantle components and replace or reinstall the same. In this way, personnel can be saved and the occupational safety is thus increased.

Abstract: An enlongated stopper device for flow-control of molten metal from a vessel, containing molten metal, said device comprising: a) a body (10) made of a refractory ceramic material, b) a bore hole (12), having a longitudinal axis (A) and extending from an upper surface (10u) of said body downwardly, c) a rod (14), penetrating with one end (14l) into said bore hole (12) and being fixedly secured within said body (10), d) a sealing member (18), being arranged within a space adjacent to or being part of said bore hole (12), said space being defined at least partly by unlike surface sections (12a, 12i, 14s) of said rod (14) and said body (10) respectively.

Abstract: A bottom pour ladle device for transferring liquidus metal alloy from a crucible to a shot sleeve includes a bowl, snout, aperture, stopper, actuator, and stopper rod. The snout is disposed below the bowl and is configured to fit into the shot sleeve. A distal end of the snout is configured to reach a bottom portion of the shot sleeve. The aperture is at the distal end of the snout. The stopper is to close the aperture in response to being urged against the aperture. The actuator is to urge the stopper. The stopper rod is to connect the stopper to the actuator. The bowl, snout, and aperture are comprised of materials compatible with liquidus metal alloy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for actuating a sliding closure (3) applied to a vessel (1) containing a molten metal, once the vessel (1) has been positioned on a ladle rotating tower. A piston/cylinder unit (10) that can be introduced into a holding element (4) of the sliding closure (3) comprises a drive shaft (11) that can be coupled to a slide rod of the sliding closure. Said piston/cylinder unit (10) can be introduced into the holding element (4) and withdrawn from the same by means of a controllable manipulator (20) arranged on the ladle rotating tower. In this way, the piston/cylinder unit can be applied to the sliding closure effortlessly and precisely in few steps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a melting furnace having an electric or external heating system for storing melts and having a melt discharge outlet comprising a cooling device. An instrument for mechanically removing plugs which are blocking the melt discharge outlet is arranged at the melt discharge outlet.

Abstract: A stopper device for controlling a flow of molten metal at an outlet opening of a metallurgical vessel, said device comprising: a) a rod like body (12) with a longitudinal axis (A) and made of a refractory ceramic material, b) an elongated bore hole (14) extending from an upper surface of said body (12) towards its opposite lower end, wherein c) said bore hole (14) being equipped, at least at its portion adjacent the lower end of the body (12), with at least one fixing means (16) adapted to receive corresponding fixing means (18) of a refractory ceramic part (20, 22, 38) to be fixed at the lower end of the body (12).

Abstract: In a rotary nozzle brick body formed into a substantially egg-like shape in it's plan view, the present invention secures a contact area of a nozzle portion and improves a configuration factor which considerably affecting the durability of the body. A rotary nozzle brick body is characterized in that the external shape in plan view is comprised of first circular portions (G), second circular portions (H), third circular portions (K), and tangent lines connecting the first circular portions and third circular portions so that a substantially elliptical shape is formed by increasing the circular portion and shortening the tangent lines, instead of a substantially egg-like shape having long tangent lines.

Abstract: A valve gate assembly is provided for regulating a flow of molten material through a gate and into a mold. The valve gate assembly includes a movable valve having a closed position closing the gate to prevent molten material from entering the mold and an opened position opening the gate to allow molten material to enter the mold. The valve gate assembly further includes a biasing assembly operatively cooperating with the valve and providing a force to urge the valve in the closed position. The valve has a shoulder for cooperating with the molten material to create backpressure to move the valve against the force to the open position.

Abstract: A refractory nozzle is provided for arrangement in or on a wall of a metallurgical crucible, particularly for steel melts, having a discharge duct surrounding a flow passage, wherein the discharge duct has a surface delimiting the flow passage and an outer housing. In order to improve the known solutions of the prior art, one embodiment of the nozzle is characterized by the discharge duct having an upper part and a lower part with the lower part being fixed in or on the upper part, wherein the surface of the upper part delimiting the flow passage is made of a different material than the surface of the lower part delimiting the flow passage. In a second embodiment the nozzle is characterized by the discharge duct having an upper part and a lower part with the lower part being fixed on or in the upper part, wherein the diameter of the flow passage in the upper part is greater than the diameter in the lower part.

Abstract: There is provided a refractory mono-block stopper of substantially cylindrical configuration having an upper end, a lower end and an axial bore extending downwardly from the upper end, means being provided in the axial bore at a distance d from the upper end for attachment of the stopper to a lifting mechanism, the stopper being divided into three portions (A,B,C); a first portion (A) extending from the upper end towards the lower end until a distance greater than d, a second portion (B) extending from the first portion (A) towards the lower end and a third portion (C) extending from the second portion (B) and comprising a stopper nose ending at the lower end of the stopper. The stopper of the invention is characterized in that the average section of the second portion (B) is lower than the section of the first portion (A) and the highest section of the third portion (C) is higher than the lowest section of the second portion (B).

Abstract: A sliding nozzle unit in which a face pressure load is released by inserting a cotter into a press member provided in an open close metal frame and sliding the cotter on an inclination block provided on the side face of a sliding metal frame thereby flexing a resilient body through the press member. The inclination block is spaced apart from the nozzle hole of a sliding plate on the longitudinal side face of the sliding metal frame. Inclining face of the inclination block is formed to become lower toward the direction for fully closing the nozzle hole and a stop member is provided on the longitudinal side face of the sliding metal frame, in the vicinity of nozzle hole of the sliding plate, so that the nozzle hole is not fully opened under a state where the cotter is inserted into the press member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refractory plate (1) for a slide gate valve, having a pouring hole (3), circumscribed by a circle C of center (4), at least a portion of the edges (15, 16, 17, 18) of the plate (1) are angularly oriented so as to focus the clamping forces optimally in the throttling area and around the pouring hole.

Abstract: A well block for use in a refractory lining in a metallurgical vessel for holding molten metal. The well block is comprised of a body formed of a refractory material. The body has a top surface, a bottom surface, an inner surface defining a bore that extends through the body from the top surface to the bottom surface, and a double-curved outer surface having at least one peak or valley formed thereon.

Abstract: A dart has a metal bar 1 passing through a ceramic, shaped, dart head 2 and then through a cylindrical ceramic dart stem 3. A sleeve 4 of a carbonaceous or reactive material is provided about the stem 3 or a layer of that material can be formed on the lower face 5 of the dart head 2 (at the interface of the steel and slag). A block or sleeve 6 of suitable reactive material could be positioned on the top face 7 of the dart. The reactive material could be cardboard or paper, or a reactive metal, such as aluminum or magnesium. In each case a chemical reaction with the molten steel will result in an updraft in the steel which clears slag from the area of the tap hole.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a pouring tube of refractory material comprised of a tubular element and equipped at its upper end with a plane plate, the side faces and lower face of the said plate and the upper end of the tubular part being protected by a metallic case, said plate being reinforced in its lower face by mechanical means that increase its stiffness that is characterized in that these stiffening means are comprised of a plurality of U-shaped metallic pieces located on either side of the tube and attached fixedly to the part of the metal case protecting the lower face of the plate. These tubes present a greater resistance to the formation of cracks than conventional tubes.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (10) for dispensing a product from a container (12) includes: a product chamber within the container (12); a valve (14) adjacent to the product chamber; a hinge assembly secured to the opening of the container and to which is connected a nozzle assembly (20); and a lever (18) attached by means of the hinge assembly. The nozzle assembly (20) is rotatable between open and closed positions and includes an actuator portion provided with a cam surface (96, 98) which co-operates with a bearing portion (100) on the lever (18) such that, when the nozzle assembly (20) is in the open position, operation of the lever (18) causes movement of the actuator portion to open the valve (14) and permit flow of the product out of the container (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for closing a tap hole of a metallurgical vessel, in particular a converter, for the purpose of separating a molten metal and slag, having a slag stopper 1, which is situated outside the vessel, which provides an actuable closure element 8 that can be inserted into a tap hole, leaving an annular gap relative to the wall of the tap hole, and which provides a number of lines, in particular a pressurized-gas line 10 intended for the supply of the closure element, the slag stopper 1 comprising a connecting frame 2, which carries and fixes the parts of the slag stopper, this connecting frame, for its part, being secured releasably at a connecting point 11 on the metallurgical vessel 12. This allows a significant reduction in the time required for servicing or changing the slag stopper.

Abstract: A stopper for continuous casting comprising a stopper rod and a spindle for actuating the stopper rod, wherein the stopper rod includes a joining nut integrally formed therewith, an upper end surface of the stopper rod being formed so as to be smooth, and a pin hole being provided in the upper end surface so as to prevent from rotating, while the spindle includes a gas introduction route, a male screw provided in a tip portion thereof for being engaged with the joining nut, a male screw provided in an upper portion thereof for being engaged with a fastening nut for fixing the spindle to the stopper rod, and a flange tightly adhered to the upper end surface of the stopper rod and provided with a hole, into which a pin for preventing rotation is inserted. The spindle is fixed to the stopper rod by the joining nut. The flange is fixed to the upper end surface of the stopper rod by the fastening nut so as to be hermetically sealed.

Abstract: In a method for sealing a tap opening in a metallurgical container a plug with a plug sleeve and a refractory flowable material is provided having a metal rod or pipe surrounded by a protective pipe connected thereto. The plug sleeve and the protective pipe are made of a material resistant to a molten mass of metal in the metallurgical container only for a short period of time. The material is a temporarily heat-insulating material which cokes within the molten mass of metal and is cardboard or wood. The time of introduction of the plug sleeve is controlled based on measured parameters of the molten mass. The plug is introduced into the tap opening by guiding the plug with the metal rod or pipe through the molten mass in the metallurgical container. The plug sleeve changes by temperature action of the molten mass of metal such that the flowable material is distributed in the tap opening and seals the tap opening.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a stopper rod whose gas tightness and rigidity are improved. In particular, the stopper rod of the present. invention has means for maintaining the compression of the sealing gasket (11, 11′) in contact with the annular sealing surface (10) of the body of refractory material when the stopper rod is brought to a high temperature. According to one embodiment of the invention, these means are furnished by a sleeve (12) comprised of a material with a high coefficient of thermal expansion, the dilatation of which maintains the sealing gasket under compression when the stopper rod is brought to a high temperature.

Abstract: A refractory nozzle is provided having upper and lower members. According to an embodiment of the invention, the upper member has an axial passage having a mouth at a top end and an enlarged diameter section at its bottom end. The lower member has a top fitting into the enlarged diameter section of the upper member and a tapered bore, tapered throughout its length, matching a bottom of the axial passage of the upper member.

Abstract: A sliding gate valve (20) for a container containing molten metal has a housing portion (14) securable to the container and a slider unit (30) which is longitudinally movable with respect to the container. Respective refractory valve plates (22, 23) are insertable into the housing portion, and may be pressed against one another by spring elements (26). The refractory valve plates serve to open and close the valve (20). The slider unit (30) is mounted so as to be longitudinally movable on the housing portion by a plurality of mounting components (40) aligned perpendicular to the slider unit 30. The mounting components (40) are each secured to the housing portion (14) and on an opposite end have a guide which slides on a guide track (36) constructed on the slider unit (30). The mounting components (40) have a respective peg-shaped connecting element (25), a spring element (26) acting on the connecting element in the axial direction, and the guide supported on the connecting element (25).

Abstract: A valve plate for a sliding gate valve has a refractory plate and a metal shell surrounding it. Associated with the plate is a centering device which is preferably constituted by two abutment surfaces, which are arranged at a defined spacing from one another and which rise up substantially and at least partially perpendicular towards a plate support constituted by a metal shell and have a thickness substantially equal to the metal shell thickness. These abutment surfaces are so arranged that, in an inserted and centered state of the plate, they engage correspondingly shaped abutment surfaces on a metal frame. The plate may, thus, be manufactured simply and economically.