Abstract: Provided are a plate holding device, a plate detaching apparatus, a plate attaching apparatus and a plate attaching-detaching apparatus which are capable of reliably attaching and/or detaching a plate with respect to a plate-receiving metal frame. The plate holding device comprises: a plurality of holding members for holding a plate for a sliding nozzle device; widening and narrowing mechanisms to selectively widen and narrow a distance between the holding members; a pressing unit for pressing a central region of the plate when the plate is held by the holding members; and a force sensor for detecting a force received by the holding members and/or the pressing unit from the held plate. The plate holding device is configured to be mounted to a distal end of a robot arm.

Abstract: The use of magnesium oxide, reactive alumina and aluminium oxide as a base provides for a new erosion-resistant material upon sintering.

Abstract: Slide closure for a metallurgical vessel, with two compensation units I and II for equalizing overloads, which may result from the thermal extension and spreading of the fire-proof closure plate thicknesses conditional on manufacturing, and/or from the upper inner shell, wherein the inner shell can also be reduced during operation. The compensation unit I consists of a spring arrangement with fastening screws which can be moved away between the housing and a cover of the housing. The compensation unit II consists, for its part, of a spring arrangement with an insertion frame pressing against the lower closure plate, which insertion frame is fixed to the bottom of the housing with fastening screws.

Abstract: In a sliding gate, a flow path vertical angle a between a flow path axial direction and a vertical downstream direction in a flow path hole in each plate is 5° or more and 75° or less, and a flow path axial direction projected on sliding surface in which the flow path axial direction is projected on a sliding surface differs between the plates and is changed clockwise or counterclockwise toward a downstream side. Then, molten metal forms a turning flow in the flow path hole of the sliding gate. Furthermore, the molten metal also forms a turning flow in a ladle shroud on the downstream side of the sliding gate.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to sintered ceramic grains comprising 3-55 wt. % alumina, 40-95 wt. % zirconia and 1-30 wt. % of one or more other inorganic components. The invention further relates to a method for preparing ceramic grains according to the invention, comprising: making a slurry comprising alumina, zirconia; making droplets of the slurry; introducing the droplets in a liquid gelling-reaction medium wherein the droplets are gellified; drying the gellified deformed droplets.

Abstract: A gate valve system includes a base plate and a gate valve plate, a casting plant includes the gate valve system, and a casting process manufactures workpieces, particularly from metal materials. The base plate has an opening and the gate valve plate has a first opening and at least a second opening. The separating gate valve system is set up so that the separating gate valve system can be brought into casting, pressing, and closure positions. In the casting position, the first opening is arranged to align with the opening of the base plate, at least to the greatest possible extent; in the pressing position, the second opening is arranged to align with the opening of the base plate, at least to the greatest possible extent; and in the closure position, the gate valve plate closes off the opening of the base plate.

Abstract: Sliding gate for a vessel containing molten metal includes a slide housing, a slide unit guided longitudinally in the slide housing and having a push rod, a mounting and a linear drive removably fastened in the latter and has a drive rod. This drive rod can be connected to the push rod by a coupling. The coupling is designed such that, when the linear drive has been pushed into the mounting, it automatically couples by movement of the drive rod towards the slide unit, while it uncouples when the linear drive is removed from the mounting transversely in relation to the direction of movement of the drive rod. A locking device is actuated by the linear drive and interacts with the mounting, by means of which the linear drive after being pushed into the mounting is fixed in the latter and can be unlocked again before it is removed.

Abstract: A computer system includes a plurality of hardware processors, and a hardware accelerator. A first processor among the plurality of processor runs an application that issues a data compression request to compress or decompress a data stream. The hardware accelerator selectively operates in different modes to compresses or decompresses the data stream. Based on a selected mode, the hardware accelerator can utilize a different number of processors among the plurality of hardware to compress or decompress the data stream.

Abstract: A coupling position switching mechanism capable of improving efficiency of a coupling position switching operation, while realizing structural simplification, and reductions in size and cost. A first coupling portion consisting of one of a slide metal frame-side coupling portion and a drive unit-side coupling portion is formed with a groove-shaped recess and a through-hole in this order from the side of a distal end of the first coupling portion, and a second coupling portion consisting of the remaining one of the slide metal frame-side coupling portion and the drive unit-side coupling portion is formed with the through-hole.

Abstract: The invention provides rotating a submerged nozzle during casting to arbitrarily change the discharge angle of molten metal, causing the molten metal in the mold for slab to be rotated and stirred. A slab continuous casting apparatus according to the invention supplies molten metal from a tundish to a water-cooled mold for slab through at least an upper nozzle, a slide valve and a submerged nozzle and solidified the molten metal and provided with a submerged-nozzle quick replacement mechanism. The slab continuous casting apparatus further includes a discharge-direction changing mechanism capable of arbitrarily changing discharge angle of the molten metal as viewed in a horizontal cross section, during casting, the discharge-direction changing mechanism being provided between a slide valve device for opening and closing the slide valve and the submerged nozzle.

Abstract: A refractory nozzle comprises a substantially tubular portion with an axial through bore and a plate comprising a first, contact surface normal to the axial through bore and comprising the outlet opening, and a second surface opposite to the first contact surface joining the wall of the tubular portion to the side edges defining the perimeter and thickness of the plate. All but the first contact surface of the inner nozzle plate are at least partially clad with a metal casing having side edges. The inner nozzle plate metal casing comprises three separate bearing elements jutting out of the side edges. Each bearing element comprises a bearing ledge facing in the direction of the contact surface and distributed around the perimeter of the plate. The centroids of the orthogonal projections onto a plane parallel to the contact surface of the bearing ledges form the vertices of a triangle.

Abstract: Sliding closure for a receptacle containing molten metal includes a housing frame that can be fastened to a spout of the receptacle, a first refractory base plate and a sliding unit having a refractory sliding plate that is sealingly pressed against the first base plate by spring elements and a contiguous refractory spout sleeve contained in the housing frame. The case has a second base plate juxtaposed to the first base plate and displaceable inside the housing frame at a right angle to the direction of movement of the sliding unit from an initial position in which the first base plate is in an operating position towards a final position in which the second base plate is in the operating position. It is therefore possible to replace the base plate, which wears outs quickly, by a new base plate in a rapid and convenient manner without interrupting the casting operation.

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: An inner nozzle for casting molten metal from a metallurgical vessel incorporates a substantially tubular portion with an axial through bore, and an inner nozzle plate comprising a bottom flat contact surface and a second surface opposite the bottom contact surface and joining the wall of the tubular portion to the side edges of the plate. The inner nozzle incorporates a metallic casing cladding at least a portion of some or all of the side edges and second surface but not the sliding plane of the inner nozzle plate. The cladding is provided with a metallic bearing surface, facing towards and recessed with respect to the contact surface and extending from the cladded portion of the side edges beyond the perimeter of the contact surface. The bearing surface is defined by the ledges of at least two separate bearing elements distributed around the perimeter of the plate.

Abstract: A frame, for a device for holding and replacing plates for transferring molten metal contained in a metallurgical vessel having a casting channel, defines a housing for receiving and holding a plate, when the device is assembled, in the operating position in the vicinity of the casting channel of the metallurgical vessel. The frame is arranged to enable the introduction of the plate into the housing, and the extraction of the plate from the housing, by translation along a plate insertion direction. The housing is formed so as to have an overall planar symmetry in relation to a central longitudinal plane parallel with the plate insertion direction. The frame comprises slots for receiving thrusters intended, when the device is assembled, to apply a force, in the direction of the metallurgical vessel, on a plate inserted in the housing.

Abstract: A sliding nozzle device automatically performs a series of operations of loading and unloading pressure between plates and opening and closing a slide frame; maintaining the pressure without additional operations; and operates at full stroke during molten steel flow control. An auxiliary plate-exchanging mechanism includes slide axes moving in the same direction as a hydraulic cylinder operates, and an arm having a proximal end placed around the slide axis. The plate-exchanging mechanism is fixed on an upside frame. A first engagement pin mounted on the proximal end of the arm is inserted in a first engagement groove in a first engagement member engaging with the slide axis, and second engagement pins mounted on bearings are inserted in second engagement grooves in the slide axes. With movement of the slide axes the engagement pins respectively move in the engagement grooves, thereby rotating the slide axes and the arm.

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: A pouring nozzle includes a generally rectangular shaped plate and a tube extending from the bottom surface of the plate. The nozzle includes a pouring channel emerging close to the downstream end of the tube through outlets formed in the lateral walls of the tube. The outlets are disposed symmetrically on either side of the axis of the tube. The axis of the outlets is substantially parallel to a pair of sides of the plate. The orifice is oblong and has a major axis and a minor axis. The minor axis of the orifice is parallel to the axis of the outlets. The pouring nozzle may be assembled with an inner nozzle. This nozzle and its assembly with an inner nozzle may be used for the continuous casting of steel from a tundish towards a continuous casting mould.

Abstract: A nozzle unit for use in a nozzle exchange device in a continuous metal casting apparatus comprises a loading opening and guiding means for sliding the nozzle unit through said opening into casting position with respect to the nozzle exchange device, wherein said nozzle unit comprises a nozzle plate made of a refractory material clad in a metal can. In order to prevent said plate from being presented to the loading opening with the wrong orientation, i.e., with the trailing edge first, said plate is provided with at least one lug at or adjacent the trailing edge, said at least one lug disposed such that the loading opening allows engagement of the base of the nozzle plate but not of the at least one lug.

Abstract: A slide gate includes first and second frame members, first and second nozzles, first and second plates, a biasing member, a hinge and an actuator. The first plate is connected to the first frame member. A passageway in the first nozzle is aligned with an opening in the first plate. The second plate is connected to the second frame member. A passageway in the second nozzle is aligned with an opening in the second plate. The biasing member includes a channel having a shaft extending through a spring located in the first frame member. The spring biases a retainer and the channel toward the first frame member. The second frame member includes a portion that rides in the channel. The actuator moves the second frame member along the channel to align the nozzle passageways to allow material to flow through the slide gate.

Abstract: A tundish nozzle is used in a device for exchanging tundish nozzles juxtaposed at a bottom of a tundish. The device includes a pair of first arms pressing and supporting a first lower nozzle located at an undersurface of a first upper nozzle, the first upper nozzle being placed at the bottom of the tundish. The device includes a pair of second arms pressing and supporting a second lower nozzle located at an undersurface of a second upper nozzle, the second upper nozzle being placed at the bottom of the tundish and next to the first upper nozzle. The pair of first arms and the pair of second arms are adjoined to each other, the pairs at least partly overlapping. The tundish nozzle includes a zirconia based nozzle inserted into an alumina based refractory, and is one of the first and second lower and upper nozzles.

Abstract: A copper anode furnace includes a furnace drum which can be pivoted about a horizontal axis and in which copper melt is refined into anode copper by fire refining. The furnace drum is provided with a spout for pouring out the refined copper. A sliding closure is arranged on the spout of the furnace drum. The sliding closure includes at least one stationary, fireproof closing plate and a fireproof sliding plate which can be displaced relative to the closing plate. Through the displacement of the sliding plate, the outflow out the furnace drum can be regulated or closed and therefore the outflow amount of the copper can be controlled. A drawing of slag into the casting, which reduces the anode quality, can be prevented using the sliding closure.

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 manufacturing method of the recycled plate performs, on a plate used for the sliding nozzle, recycling processing including impregnating a matrix of the plate that is formed by a refractory brick with liquid containing at least one of tar and pitch, heating the plate impregnated with the liquid to remove a volatile component, and filling a recess having an opening width and a depth of equal to or smaller than 1 mm, which is present on a surface of the plate after having been impregnated with the liquid and heated, with a thermal expandable refractory material of which volume is increased by at least one of generation reaction and change in a crystal structure with heating when the plate attached to the sliding nozzle is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refractory ceramic slide plate and an associated slide plate set.

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 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 submerged nozzle supporting-replacing mechanism, which is constituted to set an entire width dimension (L3) of each of clampers (20 and 21) to be smaller than a flange diameter dimension (L1) of a submerged nozzle (9) so as to position each of the clampers (20 and 21) by a positioning member (26), and so as to guide an upper surface (43) of a fresh submerged nozzle (9A) by a positioning liner (6), to thereby regulate a height position of the fresh submerged nozzle (9A) during movement in a horizontal direction thereof. The position of the clampers are regulated by setting the entire width dimension of the clampers to be smaller than the flange diameter dimension of the submerged nozzle, which can be smoothly replaced by providing the positioning liner.

Abstract: A device for exchanging tundish nozzles juxtaposed at a bottom of a tundish includes a pair of first arms and a pair of second arms. The pair of first arms presses and supports a first lower nozzle. The first lower nozzle is located at an undersurface of a first upper nozzle. The first upper nozzle us placed at the bottom of the tundish. The pair of second arms presses and supports a second lower nozzle. The second lower nozzle is located at an undersurface of a second upper nozzle. The second upper nozzle is places at the bottom of the tundish and next to the first upper nozzle. The pair of first arms and the pair of second arms are adjoined to each other, and the pairs at least partly overlap each other.

Abstract: A sliding closure for a vessel containing molten metal, having a slider unit guided in a slider housing, the slider unit having a push rod that can be connected to a drive rod of a linear drive via a coupling, wherein a mounting element for the linear drive is provided on the slider housing and receives the push rod and the drive rod on a coupling side. The mounting element is equipped with an automatically operating locking device for the linear drive. The slide closure operates reliably, both during the casting process and during transport thereof between the various stations of the plant.

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: 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: 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: It is intended to develop a technique of pressing and fixing a plate by a uniform force to suppress the occurrence of a crack around a nozzle hole of the plate during use, and provide a sliding nozzle device capable of improving durability of the plate, and a plate for use in the sliding nozzle device. The sliding nozzle device comprises a plate (2) and a plate-receiving metal frame (1) for fixedly holding the plate (2).

Abstract: A slide valve device for automatic surface pressure application including a slide valve having a three-layer structure, in which the movable bodies of the seal case is slidable on a support surface of a spring holder. The slide case and the seal case are coupled with each other by means of a coupling device or a coupling stopper, and the cases are slid together by means of an actuator so as to apply and release a surface pressure.

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 process for manufacturing a sliding plate for a valve closure on metallurgical melt containers may include forming the sliding plate by: integrating in a pressing procedure with a press, a pre-pressed annular insert made of a refractory ceramic material in a base body made of a refractory ceramic material; and removing the sliding plate from the press, resulting in an annular gap between a circumferential surface of the insert and a corresponding surface of the base body. The process may also include impregnating a transition area including the annular gap between the insert and the base body with an impregnation agent, and tempering the plate at temperatures between 200° C. and 700° C. to cause the impregnation agent to create a non-positive direct connection between the base body and the insert.

Abstract: A linear sliding gate valve (10) for a metallurgical vessel comprises a slide plate (20) with a first orifice (30) and a fixed plate (22) with a second orifice (32). A slideable tray (26) supports the slide plate (20) and is arranged to slide the slide plate (20) relative to the fixed plate (22) so as to control an outflow of the metallurgical vessel by the relative position of the first and second orifices (30; 32). The slide plate (20) is rotatable relative to said slideable tray (26). The sliding gate valve further comprises a ratchet mechanism (40; 140) for providing defined angular positions of the slide plate (20). The ratchet mechanism (40; 140) is mounted on the slideable tray (26) such that the slideable tray (26) forms the fixed frame of the ratchet mechanism (40; 140).

Abstract: A poured molten metal quantity control device includes a fixed plate brick having at least one pouring port, a collector nozzle brick, a slide plate brick sandwiched therebetween, an outer race mounted so as to be turned on the outer peripheral side of the fixed plate brick by an extendable unit, and a frame having the slide plate brick mounted thereon that is mounted on the outer race through a pivotal hinge so as to be capable of opening and closing movements. The frame can be opened and closed through the pivotal hinge independently of the turning of the outer race with the extendable unit.

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 closing mechanism for dispensing molten metal from a hole-bottomed ladle, the closing mechanism containing three at least partially superimposed ceramic plates, each of the plates being provided with a hole, the three ceramic plates being cast in a ceramic mass, said mass being present on at least two sides of the ceramic plates, and the ceramic plates, the ceramic mass, and a metal shell, used as a casting mold, establishing together an integrated unit.

Abstract: A pressing means for pressing a slide plate against a fixed plate by uniform pressure has simple, strong construction and can be easily assembled. A slide gate valve unit includes a pair of pressing members 10 having a U-shaped cross section and capable of receiving protrusions 11 protruding from sides of a base frame secured to the lower surface of the bottom wall of a molten metal container and the lower surfaces of side parts of a slide case 4. Elastic members 12 are extended between upper parts 10a of the pressing members and the upper surfaces of the protrusions of the base frame. Side parts of the slide case 4 are supported on the upper surfaces of the lower parts 10b of the pressing members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding closing element, especially for an intermediate distributor or similar metallurgical containers. According to the invention, the mobile sliding plate of said closing element can be driven by means of a drive comprising a driving road and a push rod connected thereto. In order to ensure that the oscillatory movement of the sliding plate does not impair the connection during operation, a coupling arranged as a connecting body between the opposite ends of the push rod and the driving rod is provided with two coupling parts that engage in each other without play.

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: It is an object to form a plate for a sliding nozzle apparatus in a shape for decreasing extreme erosion and extend durability of the plate to enable cost reduction, the sliding-nozzle plate having dimensions (unit length is mm) as indicated in following equations: a dimension from the center position X of the nozzle hole to a closest end of the plate for the sliding nozzle in the longitudinal direction is a sum of a dimension “b” from the center position X to an ideal circle with the position X as the center and a dimension “d” from the ideal circle to the closest end in the longitudinal direction, a dimension from the center position X and to a center position Y is a dimension S of the stroke, and a dimension from the center position Y to a closest end of the plate for the sliding nozzle in the longitudinal direction is a dimension “c”, where b: a+30˜40, c: 0.75a+20˜30, d:0.5a, S:2a+m, and m:15˜35.

Abstract: A surface pressure releasing plate and a surface pressure releasing bar are slidable relative to each other smoothly by compressing compression springs uniformly. A surface pressure applying device for a slide valve according to the present invention compresses compression springs uniformly in applying and releasing surface pressure and makes a surface pressure releasing plate and a surface pressure releasing bar smoothly slide relative to each other by matching an arrangement center of projections on the surface pressure releasing plate with an arrangement center of the compression springs.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a sliding closure for a metallurgical vessel. The sliding closure includes two tensionable fireproof closure plates opposing one another, with each of the two closure plates being slideably positioned within a corresponding housing part. Spring elements are provided for tensioning the closure plates, wherein one of the closure plates, along with its corresponding housing part, is slideable and can be moved into a closed or open position by a drive member. The method comprises: performing an offline and/or an online diagnosis of an operating condition within an area of the closure plates, by measuring at least one of size, temperature, pressure and force associated with the sliding closure so as to obtain at least one measured value, and evaluating the at least one measured value either directly or together with additional relevant process parameters; and based upon the diagnosis, either continuing use of the sliding closure or discontinuing use of the sliding closure.

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 metering gate for liquid metal flow control with reduced clogging with a top plate, having a first flow channel bore with an inlet having an inlet axis and an outlet having an outlet axis. The inlet axis and the outlet axis are offset. A throttle plate slidably mounted on the top plate selectably receives flow from the top plate. The metering gate provides a less tortuous and more symmetrical flow path when the gate is partially open, but provides a relatively straight downward flow channel allowing full flow when the gate is fully open.