Abstract: A self-locking inner nozzle system locks an inner nozzle in operating position at an outlet of a metallurgic vessel for a time sufficient for a sealing material to set, said self-locking inner nozzle system comprising: (A) an inner nozzle, provided with N?2 protrusions, distributed around a perimeter of the lateral surface, (B) an upper frame rigidly fixed to a bottom surface of a metallurgic vessel, (C) a locking ring, rigidly fixed to the upper frame wherein, an inner surface of the locking ring is provided with N L-shaped channels, such that the inner nozzle can be inserted along a longitudinal axis, Z, through an opening of the locking ring, with the N protrusions being engaged in corresponding first channel portion until they abut against corresponding first channel ends, at which point the inner nozzle can be rotated about the longitudinal axis to engage the protrusions along corresponding second channel portions to self-lock the inner nozzle in its operating position.

Abstract: A plate, a plate-holding apparatus, and a holding method for the plate for facilitating work to attach the plate to a plate-receiving metal frame of a sliding nozzle device. A gap is ensured between a to-be-held portion of the plate and an inner wall surface of an engagement groove such that, when the plate is held by engaging the to-be-held portion of the plate with the engagement groove of a holding portion of the plate-holding apparatus, the plate is movable in the longitudinal direction, the width direction, and the thickness direction of the plate.

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: The injection chamber (CI) includes a tubular body formed by a supply portion, having a radial supply window to receive a charge of molten metal (MF) and in which is incorporated an injection portion provided with an outlet end opened to the interior of a molding cavity. A piston is provided to be displaced in the interior of the tubular body to inject the molten metal (MF) in the molding cavity. The supply portion has its inner region, which receives the pouring impact of the charge of molten metal (MF), lined by an insert formed in a high melting point material and presenting an inner contour in the form of a circle arc coinciding with that of the supply and injection portions.

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: A particular arrangement and conformation of the discharge openings and channels of a continuous-casting nozzle, together with a specific external profile of the body of the nozzle itselfs, enable slabs of any thickness, in particular from medium to thin ones, to be cast, which have excellent surface quality and are practically free from inclusions and blowholes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method accomplishes the precision pouring of a liquid from a vessel to a predetermined position with a controlled rate of flow. Independently controllable horizontal and vertical translation of the vessel is accomplished by using two rotational elements lying in substantially parallel planes, with the rotational axis of the second element passing through the first element, and having offset first and second axes of rotation. Independently controlled tilting of the vessel about a third axis of rotation that passes through the second element maintains a desired pour rate and aim point for the pour stream. The apparatus is particularly useful when the vessel and the receptacle that receives the liquid are inside a sealed chamber.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for the molten metal portion of a lost core molding assembly includes a cooling chamber placed adjacent an opening of a heated nozzle chamber. The cooling chamber includes a generally cylindrical passageway that is aligned with the opening in the heated chamber distant from a tip of the nozzle. The generally cylindrical passage includes a reservoir, of a preselected axial length, for collecting a portion of the molten material that is allowed to enter into the passage. The collected material is cooled and solidified within the reservoir in order to form a generally annular bushing around a moving member that moves through the passage and the opening in the heated chamber while still permitting the moving member to move in a controlled manner. The annular bushing that is formed is self-repairing as additional molten material contacts the bushing and solidifies as part of the bushing.

Abstract: A regulation and closure apparatus for a metallurgical vessel includes a stator to be disposed in a vessel wall and a rotor is rotatably supported in the stator for choking or blocking melt flow. A heating capability is provided in that the rotor is encompassed by an inductor to whose field melt in a through-passage channel in the rotor or the rotor can be coupled electromagnetically.

Abstract: A closure and/or regulation apparatus for controlling the outflow of melt from a metallurgical vessel includes a stator and a rotor rotatable relative to the stator. Additional responsive control of outflow is provided by a chamber that is part of or is connected to an outflow channel that can be connected to a vacuum generator.

Abstract: A discharge assembly for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a vessel includes a stator member mounted to extend through the vessel and a rotor member coupled to the stator member to be rotatable relative thereto. A lateral opening in the rotor member is brought into and out of alignment with a lateral opening in the stator member, thereby opening communication to a longitudinal discharge passage through the stator member. One of the members has a projection fitting into a recess in the other member, with complementary sliding sealing surfaces therebetween. The projection comprises an insert formed separately from the respectively member and fixed thereto to be non-rotatable relative thereto.

Abstract: A rotary valve for use in the release of a molten solid from a vessel comprises a valve member having a passage, inlets to the passage being present in the head of the member. The valve member mates with a wall of a seating member, the wall having a taller first section and a lower second section selected to close off or open the inlets, respectively. The wall portions are shaped relative to the surfaces of the member to avoid metal freezing and the parts sticking. The passage includes ribs to cause the stream to emerge with parallel sides.

Abstract: A vessel, for example a metallurgical tundish for multi-strand casting, has at least one discharge assembly/block. Such assembly includes a refractory perforated brick fitted in the vessel, the perforated brick having therethrough an opening that is at least partially defined by a surface that is rotationally symmetrical about a longitudinal center axis of the opening. A refractory nozzle brick has a peripheral surface that is rotationally symmetrical about a longitudinal center axis of the nozzle brick. The nozzle brick has therethrough a discharge opening that is located eccentrically of the longitudinal center axis of the nozzle brick. The nozzle brick fits into the opening in the perforated brick with the longitudinal center axes thereof coincident, such that the nozzle brick is rotatable relative to the perforated brick about a rotation axis that is defined by the coincident longitudinal center axes.

Abstract: A dipping and pouring apparatus includes a molten metal holder which received a molten metal, a duct which is provided at the bottom of the molten metal holder and which opens into the air, and a valve member provided in the duct. The valve member is provided with a main axial passage opening into the air and at least one branch passage connected to the main passage. The valve member selectively connects the interior of the molten metal holder to the axial main passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a discharge regulator of molten metal, which can be disposed approximately vertically at the bottom portion of a molten metal vessel, characterized in that the regulator consists of a rotary nozzle, a nozzle carrying brick and a sleeve or of a rotary nozzle and a nozzle carrying brick, two or more recessed notches or openings are provided in at least either one of said nozzle carrying brick and said sleeve, the surface of said nozzle opening of the rotary nozzle, which pierces through at least one nozzle hole, is supported slidably to and in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of said nozzle carrying brick or said sleeve, and said rotary nozzle is equipped with a rotary mechanism mounted in such a manner that the upper portion of said rotary nozzle is brought into contact with the molten metal.

Abstract: A rotary nozzle which is simple in construction and easy to manufacture its bricks, has no danger of leakage of molten steel and is capable of rotatably connecting a collector nozzle and a long nozzle. The rotary nozzle includes a fixed plate brick attached to a base member and having at least a sliding surface thereof formed to incline with an angle of .theta..degree., a slide plate surface having at least a sliding surface thereof formed as an inclined surface corresponding to the sliding surface of the fixed plate brick and fixedly mounted, along with a collector nozzle, in a supporting member, and a frame vertically displaceably supporting the supporting member through a plurality of spring means and bolts and adapted to be driven by driving means mounted on the base member. The lower end of the collector nozzle is formed into a spherical shape so as to ensure its smooth connection with a long nozzle and its rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing and/or regulating the discharge or tapping of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel is formed by a ceramic stator member to be fixed to a metallurgical vessel and having a pipe-shaped portion having extending therethrough at least one lateral opening, and a ceramic rotor member having a pipe-shaped portion having extending therethrough at least one lateral opening. The stator and rotor members are coaxially assembled with the pipe-shaped portion of one member fitted over and surrounding the pipe-shaped portion of the other member. The pipe-shaped portions have radially confronting respective cylindrical inner and outer sealing surfaces onto which open the lateral openings, such inner and outer sealing surfaces sealingly engaging to define a primary seal to prevent leakage of molten metal. The stator and rotor members have respective axially confronting end sealing surfaces. The rotor member is axially movable, i.e.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pouring molten metals, such as steel.a nozzle (2), known as the inner nozzle, of refractory material;a round fixed plate (3) provided with an axial hole coinciding with the hole in the nozzle (2), and made of refractory material;a round movable plate (4) provided with a central hole having an axis (23), and made of refractory material;a nozzle (5), known as the collector nozzle, fastened to the movable plate (4), of refractory material and intended to stabilize the deflected stream.The movable plate (4) can undergo displacement (17) along a straight or any other line, in such a manner as to close the hole in the fixed plate (3) to a greater or lesser extent.The movable plate (4) is also pivotable about its axis (23).The symmetrical shape of the various refractory members relative to their apertures, through which the metal passes at high temperature, imparts to the whole arrangement optimum characteristics of expansion and resistance to thermal shocks.

Abstract: A shutoff and/or control assembly for use in regulating the discharge from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory ceramic rotor member to be coupled to a stator to be rotated relative thereto to control discharge. A drive rod has an inner end extending into the rotor member and engaging therewith such that rotation of the drive rod causes rotation of the rotor member. At least an inner end portion of the drive rod is formed of a ceramic material.

Abstract: An elongated nozzle assembly for closing and/or regulating the discharge from a metallurgical vessel of molten metal in the form of a wide strip includes refractory tubular stator and rotor members each having extending through a tubular wall thereof a discharge opening in the form of a slot elongated in the direction of coincident longitudinal axes thereof. The stator and rotor members are assembled with one member fitting in a sealing manner within the other member, thus forming inner and outer members. The inner member has therein a cavity elongated in the direction of the axes of the members and into which opens the discharge opening of the inner member. A first longitudinal end of the cavity is closed by an end wall of the inner member. A second longitudinal end of the cavity is opened axially through an inlet opening in the respective longitudinal end of the inner member. The inlet opening communicates via the cavity with the discharge opening of the inner member.

Abstract: A slide gate nozzle or shut-off control valve to be mounted in a wall or lining of a vessel containing molten metal includes shut-off parts each of which are provided with passages or openings. The parts project into the vessel interior and each part has at least one approximately planar sliding surface, with such surfaces abutting and being displaceable relative to one another in order to open or close the passages or openings.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing and/or regulating the discharge or tapping of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory outer pipe member having therethrough a discharge passage defining outer and inner openings and a refractory inner pipe member positioned within the outer pipe member, the inner pipe member having therethrough a passage defining outer and inner openings. A first of the pipe members is movable with respect to a second of the pipe members between open and closed positions. In the opened position, the discharge passages of the pipe members are aligned to define a molten metal discharge channel for passage therethrough in a flow direction of molten metal from an inlet opening to an outlet opening of the discharge channel. The cross-sectional area of the discharge channel is a minimum at the inlet opening and is increased between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

Abstract: A shut-off and control valve is used in regulating the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel into a continuous casting plant for continuous casting of a sheet, strip or slab having a relatively wide width dimension with respect to thickness dimension. The valve includes an elongated refractory stator having therein an elongated recess defined by a cylindrical inner surface. The stator has therethrough an elongated slot-like discharge channel, and the stator is mounted adjacent an elongated outlet opening of a metallurgical vessel. An elongated refractory rotor is rotated about a longitudinal axis and has a cylindrical peripheral outer surface arranged symmetrically about such axis and complementary to the inner surface of the stator. The rotor has therethrough an elongated slot-like flow channel.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to sealing structure for use in guiding molten metal from a metallurgical vessel and the seal thereof. The sealing structure includes first and second generally tubular refractory components one of which extends coaxially within the other with a clearance established therebetween. One of the components also has an annular groove therein confronting the other component at a sealing location. An open-ended elastically deformable spring ring is disposed in the annular groove and is self-biased into sealing engagement with a surface of the component that the annular groove confronts. The spring ring has a semi-annular main body and overlapped end portions extending from the main body.

Abstract: A closing and/or regulating apparatus for tapping molten metal from the interior of the metallurgical vessel includes an inner refractory pipe having extending through a wall thereof at least one opening and an outer refractory pipe fitted over the inner pipe and having extending through a wall thereof at least one opening. Outer and inner surfaces of the inner and outer pipes, respectively, define mating sealing surfaces. One of the pipes is fixedly mounted to a metallurgical vessel, and the other pipe is movable axially and/or rotatably relative to the one pipe to thereby selectively bring the openings to the two pipes relatively into and out of alignment. The inner pipe has adjacent an inner end thereof at a position inwardly of the opening therein a closure closing the interior of the inner pipe. The outer pipe defines therein a space forming a gas distribution chamber at a location confronting the closure.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing and/or regulating the discharge or tapping of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a ceramic stator member to be fixed to a metallurgical vessel and having a pipe-shaped portion having extending therethrough at least one lateral opening, and a ceramic rotor member having a pipe-shaped portion having extending therethrough at least one lateral opening. The stator and rotor members are coaxially assembled with the pipe-shaped portion of one member fitted over and surrounding the pipe-shaped portion of the other member. The pipe-shaped portions have radially confronting respective cylindrical inner and outer sealing surfaces onto which open the lateral openings, such inner and outer sealing surfaces sealingly engaging to define a primary seal to prevent leakage of molten metal. The stator and rotor members have respective axially confronting end sealing surfaces. The rotor member is axially movable, i.e.

Abstract: A refractory shutoff assembly for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory tubular stator to be mounted in a wall of a metallurgical vessel. The stator has an axial opening, inner and outer surfaces, and at least one transverse opening extending between the inner and outer surfaces. The assembly also includes a refractory rotor including inner and outer tubular sections arranged concentrically relative to each other. At least one of the inner and outer tubular sections has therethrough at least one transverse opening. The rotor is arranged with an outer surface of the inner tubular section sealing with the inner surface of the stator and with an inner surface of the outer tubular section sealing with the outer surface of the stator.

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 outer 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 closing and/or regulating apparatus for tapping molten metal from the interior or a metallurgical vessel includes a vertical inner pipe having extending through a wall thereof at least one opening for the passage of molten metal. An outer pipe is fitted over the inner pipe and has extending through a wall thereof at least one opening. One of the pipes is to be mounted stationarily with respect to a metallurgical vessel, and the other of the pipes is displaceable relative to such one pipe in a vertical axial direction through a working stroke at which the openings of the pipes may be brought into alignment to thereby discharge molten metal downwardly through the interior of the inner pipe. The dimension of the opening in the stationary pipe in such direction is greater than the dimension of the opening in the displaceable pipe in such direction.

Abstract: A unit for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a valve having a refractory stator fixed to refractory material of the unit constituting lining of the vessel and a refractory rotor disposed in the stator and movable relative to the stator between open and closed positions of the valve. The stator and the rotor have flow control passageways extending therein which can place the interior of the metallurgical vessel in communication with a discharge opening of the valve. A seal is established between the stator and the rotor over a portion thereof that surrounds the flow control passageways such that molten metal may not pass from the flow control passageways into an area between the stator and the rotor.

Abstract: A closing and/or regulating apparatus for tapping molten metal from the interior of the metallurgical vessel includes an inner refractory pipe having extending through a wall thereof at least one opening and an outer refractory pipe fitted over the inner pipe and having extending through a wall thereof at least one opening. Outer and inner surfaces of the inner and outer pipes, respectively, define mating sealing surfaces. One of the pipes is fixedly mounted to a metallurgical vessel, and the other pipe is movable axially and/or rotatably relative to the one pipe to thereby selectively bring the openings to the two pipes relatively into and out of alignment. The inner pipe has adjacent an inner end thereof at a position inwardly of the opening therein a closure closing the interior of the inner pipe. The outer pipe defines therein a space forming a gas distribution chamber at a location confronting the closure.

Abstract: An elongated nozzle assembly for closing and/or regulating the discharge from a metallurgical vessel of molten metal in the form of a wide strip includes refractory tubular stator and rotor members each having extending through a tubular wall thereof a discharge opening in the form of a slot elongated in the direction of coincident longitudinal axes thereof. The stator and rotor members are assembled with one member fitting in a sealing manner within the other member, thus forming inner and outer members. The inner member has therein a cavity elongated in the direction of the axes of the members and into which opens the discharge opening of the inner member. A first longitudinal end of the cavity is closed by an end wall of the inner member. A second longitudinal end of the cavity is opened axially through an inlet opening in the respective longitudinal end of the inner member. The inlet opening communicates via the cavity with the discharge opening of the inner member.

Abstract: A rotary valve for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory rotor having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and fitted within a recess defined by a cylindrical inner surface in a refractory stator and complementary to the outer surface. The rotor may be rotated about either a horizontal or a vertical axis relative to the stator and may be axially moved within the recess therein. The rotary valve may be mounted on the exterior of a bottom wall of a metallurgical vessel or alternatively may be mounted within a refractory lining of the metallurgical vessel, particularly in a transition area between a side wall and a bottom wall of the metallurigcal vessel. Further alternatively, the rotary valve may be mounted within the refractory lining of the bottom wall of the metallurgical vessel, with the rotor extending through the bottom wall and being actuated for movement from below the bottom wall.

Abstract: A rotary slide valve closure for metal melt containers having a bottom discharge wherein the rotary slide valve closure has a fixed refractory top block and a rotary refractory discharge block sealingly tight engaging the fixed refractory top block and including a discharge flow duct positionable coaxial with the flow duct of the fixed refractory top block. An assembly plate is attached to the bottom of a metal melt container. Joint means pivotally supports a slide valve casing on the assembly plate. The rotary slide valve closure also includes an annular entraining casing pivotally arranged in the slide valve casing for supporting the rotary refractory discharge block. The rotary discharge block has a substantially flat sealing and a sliding surface engaging the fixed refractory top block and a spherical portion extending below the sealing and sliding surface. The entraining casing has a spherical inner surface engaging the spherical portion of the rotary refractory discharge block.

Abstract: A refractory shutoff assembly for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory inner pipe to be fixedly mounted in a bottom of the vessel, such inner pipe having therethrough at least one opening at a position to be above the vessel bottom. A refractory outer pipe is mounted about the inner pipe and has therethrough at least one opening. The outer pipe has a lower end with an annular end surface. The outer pipe is movable relative to the inner pipe axially thereof between an open position, whereat the opening in the outer pipe aligns with the opening in the inner pipe, and a closed position, whereat such openings are isolated to block molten metal discharge.

Abstract: A stopper (6), secured to the lower end of a stopper rod, carries a plug (13) having a radial throttle aperture (14) above which a frustoconical shut-off surface (16) is located. The frustoconical surface fits against a valve seat surface 18 of an outlet tube (3) from a vessel, to form a first seal. A further seal is provided by an annular surface (19) of the plug (13) engaging in the outlet passage. The stopper (6) is rotatable so that the direction of flow of the molten metal from the vessel (1) and, passing through the stopper--when raised--can be influenced, if desired continuously during flow of the melt. This provides flow control and a safe shutoff of metal flow. The formation of vortices in the molten metal is largely prevented, thus avoiding the carrying along of slag.

Abstract: A door opening/closing device of door-type rotary nozzle which cannot fit collector nozzle (16) unless clampers are removed. There is no possibility of pouring molten metal while forgetting to remove the clampers (25). When the fixed frame (7) is opened or closed, a ladle is fitted by a 90 degree angle with its bottom almost vertical. So, the fitting and removing operations of the clampers (25) can be performed in front of an operator, which makes the operation very easy.

Abstract: A rotary nozzle in which at least one coil spring is removed, acting to increase the clearance between a surface of the bottom plate brick and a surface of the slide plate brick. This mechanism is capable of improving the pushing force in the vicinity of the nozzle hole, and prevents molten steel leakage, thus prolonging the life of expensive bricks.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a regulating device of a metallurgical vessel for regulating the flow of molten metal from the vessel. The device includes a fixed refractory part defining a first cylindrical peripheral surface of the device and a movable refractory part that is rotatable and/or slidable relative to the fixed refractory part and defines a second cylindrical peripheral surface sealingly engaged with the first cylindrical peripheral surface. An actuating device is connected to the movable refractory part for rotating and/or sliding the movable refractory part relative to the fixed refractory part. The cylindrical peripheral surfaces of the refractory parts are spaced apart from one another so as to define an annular gap therebetween.

Abstract: A rotary valve for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory rotor having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and fitted within a recess defined by a cylindrical inner surface in a refractory stator and complementary to the outer surface. The rotor may be rotated about either a horizontal or a vertical axis relative to the stator and may be axially moved within the recess therein. The rotary valve may be mounted on the exterior of a bottom wall of a metallurgical vessel or alternatively may be mounted within a refractory lining of the metallurgical vessel, particularly in a transition area between a side wall and a bottom wall of the metallurgical vessel. Further alternatively, the rotary valve may be mounted within the refractory lining of the bottom wall of the metallurgical vessel, with the rotor extending through the bottom wall and being actuated for movement from below the bottom wall.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the discharge of molten metal in a substantially downward direction from a metallurgical vessel has an outer valve part defining an inlet of the valve and an outlet port of the valve, and a refractory inner valve part disposed within the outer valve part in a sealing relationship therewith. The inner valve part has a groove extending therein at the outer peripheral surface which is communicable with the inlet and the outlet port of the outer valve part when the valve is in an open position. The provision of the groove at the outer peripheral surface of the inner valve part does not result in any significant reduction in strength of the inner valve part.

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 rotary and/or axial slide plate valve for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory fixed valve part and a refractory movable valve part at least partially disposed within the fixed valve part, the valve parts having respective peripheral surfaces which establish a seal therebetween. An electromagnetic drive is provided for moving the movable valve part between open and closed positions of the valve. The electromagnetic drive may facilitate rotary and/or axial movement of the movable valve part.

Abstract: Stationary and sliding refractory valve bodies of a sliding closure unit, for use in controlling the discharge of molten material from a vessel, are mounted on respective support frames to be precisely centered with respect thereto and to prevent the application to the refractory valve bodies of stresses due to such mounting during operation of the unit. At least one bore hole and at least one elongated groove are formed in the refractory valve body. First and second rods are fixed to the respective support frame and extend therefrom into the bore hole and the groove, respectively. The bore hole is centered on a longitudinal axis of the groove extending in the direction of elongation thereof.

Abstract: A metal treatment vessel having an inlet for the successive introduction of reactive additive and molten metal to be treated, a reaction chamber downstream of the flow of molten metal for successive receipt of the additive and the molten metal and an outlet downstream of the flow of metal in the reaction chamber; the inlet being provided with means for directing the additive and molten metal into the reaction chamber, the dimensions of the inlet to the reaction chamber and the outlet therefrom being such that in operation the molten metal rises in an overhead space provided in the reaction chamber to cover the additive and to seal off the inlet.Retaining means may be provided within the reaction chamber to retain the additive against the flow of molten metal. The inlet at the point of entry into the chamber is preferably at an angle to the vertical whereby the additive and molten metal are deflected into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A rotary pouring nozzle comprising a stationary component having a rotatable component sealingly engaged in it for rotation relative to the stationary component, has an interlocking connection between the components inside the stationary component which retains them in their working relationship. The stationary component has a flow aperture or apertures directed laterally of the rotational axis of the rotatable component with which a nozzle outlet in the rotatable component can be moved into and out of register by rotation of the rotatable component. In one embodiment an enlarged portion of the rotatable component trapped in a complementary recessed portion of the interior of the stationary component provides the interlocked connection, and inert gas supplied by way of gas permeable ring in the stationary component provides lubrication between the components. The stationary component may have non-circular locating engagement with the vessel to which the nozzle is fitted.

Abstract: A pair of refractory plates includes a stationary bottom plate having a discharge opening and a movable plate having two discharge openings. The movable plate is mounted for sliding movement with respect to the bottom plate about a center of rotation between a center closed position and opposite open positions. The discharge openings of the movable and bottom plates are centered on a common circular arc centered about the center of rotation, and the discharge openings of the movable plate are positioned symmetrically on opposite sides of the discharge opening of the bottom plate in the closed position. The bottom plate has a second discharge opening at a position between the circular arc and the center of rotation. The discharge openings of the bottom plate are centered on a radial line extending from the center of rotation and intersecting the circular arc, such radial line corresponding to a radial center line between the discharge openings of the movable plate in the closed position.

Abstract: A stopper rod which has a plug at one end fits snugly into the inside of the nozzle having multiple ejection orifices. The plug is provided with at least one slot or opening which can be located directly over a selected orifice to allow passage of molten metal therethrough. When erosion occurs, the plug is indexed to locate the opening over a different, uneroded orifice.

Abstract: A rotary nozzle system attached to the outlet of a metallurgical vessel to serve as a gate valve for controlling the rate of pouring of molten metal. A slide plate brick and bottom plate brick, each having a nozzle bore, are relatively rotated in a surface-to-surface contact condition to adjust the degree of communication opening of the nozzle bores. Each of the plate bricks is formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof with a flat portion for receiving the driving force for the relative reaction force at each of four locations arranged at angular intervals of 90.degree..

Abstract: A refractory plate assembly includes a refractory plate having therethrough at least one discharge opening and a sheath tightly fitted around the periphery of the plate. The plate is formed of separate plate portions separated along planar surfaces extending outwardly from the discharge opening at positions where cracks would be formed during use of the plate if the plate were of unitary construction. The planar surfaces are separated by compressible refractory packing material, thereby forming expansion joints. The sheath compresses the packing material of the expansion joints.