Abstract: Device for the extraction by pouring at a regulatable flow rate a molten material in a cold structure melter. The melter has at least one part of a floor around a pouring orifice cooled by a flow of water and a heat source able to melt the material to be melted. An orifice is provided in the floor of the melter, whose diameter D is equal to or larger than the thickness H of the wall forming the melter. A metal sleeve is provided, whose base has a shoulder which can be adapted to the side walls of the orifice. The sleeve has a central passage forming the pouring tube for the molten material and a clearence is provided between the side walls of the orifice and the base of the sleeve in order to receive an insulating material between the sleeve and the cold floor of the melter. A device is provided beneath the floor of the melter having a cooled, sliding blade, equipped with an actuator controlling its movement in translation along the orifice, thus determining its more or less large opening or closing state.

Abstract: A slide gate plate serving as a molten metal flow-rate control member for use in a molten metal discharging device, comprising an assembly of at least one stationary plate having a nozzle hole therein and a slide plate having a nozzle hole therein, the plates being designed so that one of the plates is thicker than the other plate by 1.5 mm or more. With this construction, the slide gate plate is reusable by polishing the sliding face off a worn plate for reuse.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a sliding gate plate connected to a molten metal container, used as a part of a nozzle, for controlling a flow amount of molten metal in the molten metal container, comprising a main body of the sliding gate plate, having a through-hole at a section corresponding to a molten metal discharge control, and a cylinder having a ring-like fringe portion, and fit into the through-hole of the main body of the plate.

Abstract: Undesirable deposits of precipitated alloying materials are avoided in a sliding gate valve apparatus of the type in which gates are sequentially moved to and from operative position between the pour opening of a teeming vessel and a pour tube assembly for conducting molten metal from the valve apparatus, by forming the gates with through-openings whose axes are inclined in the direction of gate movement to and from their operating position in the valve apparatus, and forming the flow passage in the tube holder of the pour tube assembly with an opening extended in the direction of gate movement. The configuration of the particular gate and pour tube holder constructions are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A plate brick assembly cartridge for a slide gate valve, in which metallic or ceramic holders are mounted to the outer peripheries of the sides of respective plates for the slide gate valve, and which is provided with an assembling mechanism for mutually engaging said holders, characterized in that both the faces of the holder for a slide plate are set slightly back from the sliding surface of said slide plate. The invention has any of the following constitutions. Voids for sensors for cold and/or temperature are provided in the holders, said voids communicating with one another. The sliding surfaces of the holders are provided with a ceramic coating. The plate brick for the slide gate valve is split. The contact faces of the holders with the plate bricks are made at angles of inclination. The surface pressure loading mechanism is of sliding, and opening and closing type, and provided with cylinders for surface pressure loading. All the above mechanisms are remote controlled.

Abstract: In a slide gate plate apparatus for casting to be installed at an outlet of a molten metal vessel, one or two fixed plates and one slide plate are retained integrally by retaining means through a shell wound round the side face of the fixed plate(s) and a shell wound round the side face of the slide plate. In this retained state, the fixed plate(s) and the slide plate are mounted together to a predetermined position of the molten metal vessel.

Abstract: A sliding nozzle plate-metal frame fixing structure which allows the sliding nozzle plate to be mounted to and removed from the metal frame with ease. The sliding nozzle plate which is used with a sliding nozzle device attached to a molten metal vessel has a sliding surface, and is surrounded by a metal case with the exception of the sliding surface. The metal case has a projection or a plurality of projections of a particular shape on the surface of the plate opposite the sliding surface, and a metal frame in which the metal-cased plate to be mounted has a plurality of concave portions corresponding to the projection or projections of the metal case, so that the metal-cased plate can be mounted to and removed from the metal frame simply and accurately through engagement and disengagement of each of the metal case projection or projections with each of the metal frame concave portions.

Abstract: A unitized nozzle and top plate assembly for use in a slide gate valve is disclosed which comprises a nozzle having porous, gas permeable walls, a top plate having an opening through its thickness for regulating a flow of molten metal, such as steel, and a recess circumscribing the opening for receiving and securing the discharge end of the nozzle to the top plate. The depth of the recess is at least 50%, and preferably 70-80% of the thickness of the top plate in order to minimize the contact between molten metal and the surface of the top plate opening, which in turn reduces the amount of flow-obstructing alumina deposits which accumulate in this area of the slide gate valve. To prevent leaks from occurring in the system supplying pressurized argon through the porous nozzle walls, the gas coupling that is normally welded directly to the steel can surrounding the nozzle is instead mounted on the end of a steel pipe connected to the can.

Abstract: A slide gate nozzle for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a spout of a converter vessel includes a refractory bottom plate to be positioned stationarily with a discharge opening thereof aligned with an opening of the spout. A refractory slide valve plate is mounted for sliding movement relative to the bottom plate such that a discharge opening of the slide valve plate is brought into and out of alignment with the discharge opening of the bottom plate. A plurality of refractory shut-off plates are positioned sealingly between the bottom plate and the slide valve plate. A coupling mechanism is operably mounted to the shut-off plates to sequentially connect the shut-off plates rigidly either to the bottom plate or to the slide valve plate. As a result, the shut-off plates may be used sequentially to replace the slide valve plate.

Abstract: A slide closure for a melting pot has a bottom cartridge with a stationary bottom plate. The bottom cartridge is fixedly connected to the melting pot. Two guide blocks are displaceably connected to the underside of the bottom cartridge. A slide cartridge is displaceably guided in the guide blocks. The guide blocks are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the pour opening of the melting pot. The slide cartridge has two rod-shaped guide sections connected within the guide blocks and extending parallel to the axis of displacement of the slide cartridge on its lateral sides. The slide cartridge has a slide plate that is linearly displaceable relative to the bottom plate. The guide blocks have clamping members, symmetrically arranged relative to the pour opening of the melting pot, for pressing the slide plate against the bottom plate.

Abstract: A slide gate valve having a cementless joint between the valve and a metallurgical vessel containing molten metal is provided for facilitating the replacement of worn refractory components in the valve.

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

Abstract: A slide gate valve having a replaceable refractory valve plate assembly is provided for facilitating maintenance operations. The slide gate valve generally comprises a metallic frame mounted on a metallurgical vessel, at least one fixed refractory plate having one flow opening, at least one moveable refractory plate having a flow opening, a pouring nozzle firmly connected to the moveable plate, a pneumatic cylinder for controlling the displacement of the moveable plate with respect to the fixed plate in order to control the overlap of the flow openings of the two plates, and an interconnection structure for unitizing the fixed and moveable refractory plates and the pouring nozzle into a valve plate assembly that is installable in and removable from the metallic frame of the slide gate valve in a single operation.

Abstract: An erosion resistant refractory mortar composition is described which is suitable for bonding a zirconia insert in an alumina graphite plate of a sliding gate valve. The refractory mortar is made from a mix consisting of, in weight percent, about 50%-85% zirconia; about 15%-50% alumina; up to 5% chromium oxide; up to 6% phosphoric acid plus an effective amount of a binder. Sufficient water is added to provide proper plasticity to the mix.

Abstract: A slide gate plate comprising a burned refractory that is impregnated with tar and baked, said refractory made from a composition comprising about 70 to 95 wt. % alumina, 1 to 10 wt. % reactive alumina, 1 to 5 wt. % volatilized silica, and, 3 to 15 wt. % silicon carbide and the method of increasing the service life of such slide gate plate by forming the same from the above-noted composition.

Abstract: A sliding nozzle for a molten steel receiving vessel, which comprises: an upper nozzle (22) made of a refractory inserted vertically into a bottom wall of a molten steel receiving vessel; a fixed plate (23) made of a refractory secured horizontally and stationarily to a lower end of the upper nozzle; a horizontally and reciprocally movable sliding plate (24) made of a refractory arranged below the fixed plate; a lower nozzle (25) made of a refractory secured vertically and stationarily below the sliding plate, the lower nozzle comprising a nozzle body (27) and a metallic frame (28) fitted to a flange (27A) at an upper end of the nozzle body, the lower nozzle having a length sufficient to cause a lower end portion thereof to be immersed into molten steel in a mold; a fitting device (30) for pressing the lower nozzle (25) against the lower end of the upper nozzle (22) through the sliding nozzle (24) and the fixed plate (23); and a driving unit (26) for causing the sliding plate ( 24) to slide horizontally and r

Abstract: A driving assembly for moving a slidable member of a slide gate on a metallurgical vessel includes a thrust rod of the slide to be moved in opposite directions, a movable drive unit, at least one deflection member to be pivoted to the vessel and connecting the drive unit to the thrust rod to transduce movement of the drive unit to movement of the thrust rod, and a guide unit to prevent cross or transverse forces from the drive unit and/or deflection member from being imparted to the thrust rod. The guide unit engages the thrust rod approximately at an outer end thereof and guides and supports the thrust rod over the entire length of movement thereof.

Abstract: A valve combination is provided for controlling the flow of liquid metal through an orifice. The valve combination includes an electromagnetic flow control device and an on/off valve. The on/off valve includes an electrically conductive slider plate which is positioned sufficiently close to the electromagnetic flow control device to be inductively heated by the electromagnetic field generated thereby. The on/off valve permits the flow of liquid metal to be selectively stopped and started as desired. The valve combination is suitable for use with open pour and shrouded continuous casting or vessel pouring operations.

Abstract: A refractory pouring-assembly component for use with a tube changer mechanism, the component having a throughbore for pouring of molten metal during continuous casting from a tundish into a mould and being isostatically pressed from different heat- and wear-resisting reffactories to form a one-piece composite body having at one end a smooth, flat plate surface in which there is defined an aperture, at least the peripheral edge around said aperture being formed of a hard refractory material to provide a cutting edge around the through-bore, whilst the remainder of said body is formed from a thermal shock-resistant material to provide for pouring of melt.

Abstract: A corrosion and erosion resistant, high strength refractory composition suitable for use as a slide gate valve plate or insert for such plates. The mix for the composition comprises in weight per cent about 87-90 high purity, partially stabilized zirconia; 4-5 silicon metal; 3-12 alumina, 3-5 graphite and 4-7 carbonaceous binder. The mix is pressed to a desired shape and fired in a reducing atmosphere at a temperature in excess of 1000.degree. C. to produce a carbon bonded shape. High purity magnesia and high purity yttria, partially stabilized zirconia materials are employed in the mix to obtain superior hot strength properties.

Abstract: A shut off plate assembly for use in a slide gate includes a refractory plate having on respective opposite sides thereof a planar surface defining a slide plane of the slide gate and a recess. A discharge opening extends through the refractory plate and at opposite ends thereof opens onto the planar surface and into the recess. The recess thus expands outwardly the discharge opening. An insert is formed of a highly refractory material and has therethrough a discharge opening. The insert is positioned in the recess with the discharge openings of the plate member and the insert in alignment and defining a discharge passage through the assembly. The insert and the plate member have respective confronting surfaces that define a joint that opens into the discharge passage. Thus, a gas may be injected through the joint into the discharge passage.

Abstract: A plate brick for a sliding gate valve provides a mechanism for preventing cracks which may occur in the abutting portion of a brick setting metal fitting. The plate brick comprises ends having a semicircular shape and an outer periphery which is strained with an iron plate hoop. The generation of cracks is reduced by providing slits or recesses at both ends of the plate at positions corresponding to those of the brick fixing metal fittings.

Abstract: A sliding gate valve having a frame, a sliding carrier within the frame, means for securing the carrier in reciprocating relationship to the frame, a stationary plate secured at the upper portion of the valve, and a slide gate secured at the lower portion of the valve is disclosed. In one embodiment a spring plate is provided with beam springs cantileverly mounted on its under side having their end portions oriented in surrounding relationship to the teeming opening of the valve, and in addition, providing a cluster of such springs at the shut-off portion of the slide gate which underlies the teeming opening to the vessel in the shut-off position. As to the spring plate, the springs extend downwardly to engage a spring pressure raceway ring formed in the interior portion of the carrier throughout its length and width and partially surrounding the teeming opening of the valve. In addition, a spider-like cluster of springs is provided underneath the shut-off portion to load it when in the shut-off position.

Abstract: A refractory assembly for use in a sliding closure unit to control the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory plate having therethrough a discharge opening and having a sliding surface. A metal sheath is mounted exteriorly of the refractory plate. The sheath includes a protruding collar surrounding the discharge opening and extending in a direction away from the sliding surface beyond a portion of the refractory plate that confronts a refractory sleeve of the sliding closure unit to define therewith a joint. The protruding collar encloses the joint outwardly and thereby prevents molten metal breakthrough at the joint.

Abstract: A refractory component for use in contact with molten metal comprising a ceramic matrix which is three-dimensionally interconnected, said matrix comprising an oxidation reaction product of aluminum parent metal, said ceramic matrix containing less than about 0.5% by weight residual parent metal, said ceramic matrix embedding at least one filler material, thereby forming a ceramic composite body, said ceramic composite body having a porosity which is interconnected, said interconnected porosity comprising openings having a mean diameter of less than about 6 microns.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading a gate into a valve mechanism with a gate safety arrangement for physically preventing the gate from being loaded in the valve mechanism unless the gate has a prescribed orientation with respect to the loading path into the valve mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a strip of metal which includes: a tundish for receiving molten metal; a metal delivery nozzle located below the tundish in a position to receive molten metal flowing downward from the tundish; and a pair of chilled rollers, which are capable of being contra-rotated, positioned below the metal delivery nozzle which are adapted to receive molten metal from the metal delivery nozzle into a pool of molten metal formed above the nip of the roller. The tundish is equipped with a series of openings in the base thereof directed toward the metal delivery nozzle through which the molten metal flows, and with an outlet flow control means. The outlet flow control means is a movable plate with apertures therein which substantially coincide with the apertures in the base of the tundish.

Abstract: A refractory pouring-assembly component for use with a tube changer mechanism comprises an elongate tubular body having a throughbore for pouring of molten metal during continuous casting from a tundish into a mould wherein the refractory pouring component is an isostatically pressed, heat- and wear-resisting refractory one-piece composite body which is shaped to provide at one end a smooth, flat plate surface in which there is defined an aperture, the peripheral edge around said aperture being formed of a hard refractory material to provide a cutting edge around the throughbore, whilst the remainder of said body is formed to a tubular shape from a thermal shock-resistant material to provide for pouring of melt. The compositions of said component may be uniform blends of refractory material bonded by silicon nitride or silicon oxy-nitride or an annulus of selected hard materials within a graphite/alumina host body.

Abstract: A non-reversible plate having a depending tube structure with a discharge opening at the bottom in which there is a plate at the upper portion, rectangular in configuration, and which has an irregular anti-reversal collar beneath the plate portion is disclosed. Desirably the collar is elliptical in configuration and has a major axis at least seven millimeters longer than the minor axis. The longer axis is parallel with the length dimension. Another aspect of the invention is the utilization of a toggle actuated plate changing device which swings in and out of position and can only be actuated when the plate and tube intended for insertion presents the length for insertion into the valve structure. Suitable microswitch or related device is provided to permit actuation of the change actuator, but only when the plate is properly oriented for insertion.

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 fixed plate member, and a movable plate member is mounted against the fixed plate member. The fixed plate member consists of a fixed metal support plate having a plane outer metal surface and a cutout in which is accommodated a wear part made of refractory material which is pierced with at least one pouring orifice. The lower refractory surface of the refractory wear part is flush with the plane outer metal surface of the fixed metal support plate. The major portion of the rubbing surface of the fixed plate member and contact with the movable plate member consists of only the plane outer metal surface, while only the remaining minor portion consists of the lower refractory surface of the wear part.

Abstract: A slide gate having an offset teeming orifice for use in a sequential sliding gate valve having asymmetrical means for inserting said gate along a direction of loading in which the slide plate has asymmetrical means for engaging the asymmetrical means for loading and thereby insure proper orientation of the gate when loading.

Abstract: A slide plate for a metallurgical vessel slide gate valve may include a ceramic plate, held by a binder, preferably cement, in a frame. The plate and frame combination is held by frictional force and without mortar in a plate holder. The frame is provided with an outcrimping having a wedge-like configuration tapering from the upper edge to the lower edge of the frame over at least a portion of its circumference. The plate holder is equipped in its area facing the outcrimping with a nondeforming and abrasion resistant clamping rail extending from the bottom to the upper edge. The mortar bed connecting the plate to the frame is recessed in the area of the outcrimping and the cavity formed between the outcrimping and the mortar bed is filled at least in part with a plastically or elastically deformable insert. The rail-like projection may be a profile rod, such as a round rod, positively held in the plate holder and may exhibit an undercut.

Abstract: An improved device used for teeming liquid metal out of a metallurgical container comprises an efficacious cross section which is formed by the surface of the discharge channel available for the outflow of the metal during the progressive opening of the upper outflow passage. This efficacious cross section is initially kept small and over at least a noticeable part of its length the discharge channel is provided with an active passage portion showing a shaped cross section. This shaped portion stretches down to the lower extremity of the channel and has a form comparable to that one of a star with three to four branches, whereas the grounds of these branches extend axially in the direction of the outflow and serve as guides to the metal during its discharge.

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

Abstract: A sealing device is mounted to slide against the underside of a fixed plate, to allow liquid metal contained in the container to flow out, or to block the casting passage. A fixed reference plate is mounted against the underside of the sealing device, the underside of the reference plate is placed against the upper surface of a bearing plate, and the reference plate comprises a casting opening placed coaxially to the casting channel of the external casting pipe. The whole device is held together by clamping means.

Abstract: A dart-assembly for piercing open a blockage in the opening of a ladle for holding and transporting molten steel is mounted in the outlet bore of a slide-gate associated with the ladle opening. The assembly has an outer steel housing; mounted within the housing is a dart-member having an elongated rod, which rod has a lower threaded end for receiving a threaded nut. The upper end of the rod is provided with a dart-like head-portion which actually contacts and pierces through the blockage in the opening of the ladle when the dart-member is fired. A compression spring is telescopingly mounted about most of the length of the elongated rod of the dart-member, between the enlarged dart-like head-portion and the upper, flat-surface of a stop member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a material for covering the metal contacting surfaces of casting elements such as slide gate valves and casting nozzles and shrouds to resist steel erosion and alumina deposition during the continuous casting of aluminum killed steel.It is comprised of a fused mixture of calcium oxide and zirconia, with a calcium oxide content of between about 20% and about 60% by weight and preferably between about 20% and about 50% by weight, the composition may include a binder producing carbon/carbon bonds by sintering. The material may also include a ceramic bond or may be applied as a fused layer by plasma spraying.

Abstract: A sliding gate valve for metallurgical vessels, such as pouring ladles, is disclosed. The sliding gate valve may include a slide gate housing fastenable to a melt-containing vessel. A heat-resistant closure plate may be held stationary by a movable slide plate pressing against the closure plate. The slide plate may be supported in a frame having two sets of rollers. The frame may be connected to a drive, for example a hydraulic or pneumatic drive. An aperture may be provided in the housing bottom for passage of the frame rollers therethrough. The distance corresponding to the axial spacing between the sets of rollers is equivalent to the distance corresponding to the axial spacing between side apertures of the bottom aperture. The axial spacing between the rollers corresponds to the axial spacing between the side apertures to allow for the simultaneous passage of both sets of rollers through the side apertures.

Abstract: An interchangeable wearable refractory part for a discharge opening of a metallurgical vessel is provided with at least one ceramic filter for filtering a molten metal stream. The refractory part, such as a sliding valve plate, casting pipe, discharge sleeve or nozzle, or stationary base plate, may have the ceramic filter mounted in a passage opening thereof. The refractory parts are wearable, and thus are from time to time, replaced. The service life of the ceramic filters are chosen to correspond with the life span of the refractory part. The ceramic filter can either be a single filter in the passage opening, or a multi-stage filter including a coarse filter for larger impurities, a fine filter for smaller impurities as well as an absorption or reaction filter for dissolved impurities.

Abstract: A refractory plate unit for use as a sliding plate or as a stationary plate in a sliding closure unit at an opening of a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory plate having therethrough a discharge opening. A metal member is rigidly attached to the refractory plate and has a circular annular surface centered radially outwardly of the discharge opening and mating with substantially no free play with a complementary surface of a metal frame supporting the refractory plate unit.

Abstract: A rerouting mechanism is used in an assembly including a driven member movable in a driven direction to operate the movable plate of a slide gate and drive unit for moving the driven member in the driven direction and including a drive member movable in a driving direction out of alignment with the driven direction. The rerouting mechanism transfers movement of the driving member in the driving direction to movement of the driven member in the driven direction. The rerouting mechanism includes a guide member defining a bent guideway aligned with the driving direction and the driven direction. A flexible force transfer element is positioned within the guideway and is movable therealong while flexibly deforming to the configuration thereof. The transfer element has opposite ends connected to the driving member and to the driven member.

Abstract: A dome forming sliding gate filling composition for teeming ladles comprises chrome ore sand, quartz sand, and fine grained carbon black as an additive which improves dome formation or increases pourability.

Abstract: An apparatus mounts a casting pipe having therethrough a discharge opening to an outlet of a metallurgical vessel to enable discharge of molten metal from the vessel through an opening of the outlet and through the discharge opening of the casting pipe. The apparatus includes a support member supporting at least one casting pipe. The support member is mounted adjacent the outlet of the vessel. A closing member is mounted on the support member in a manner such that a closing surface of the closing member extends laterally of an end surface of the casting pipe. The support member, and thus the casting pipe and closing member, are adjustably movable relative to the outlet in first opposite directions parallel to a longitudinal axis of the outlet opening and in second opposite directions transverse to the first opposite directions and transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A closing apparatus for the bottom pouring hole of a casting ladle, comprising a mounting plate mounted on the bottom of the ladle with a head plate resting against it, in which head plate a port is formed to pour out the melt, and further comprising a slide plate supported for pivoting movement about two axes and adapted to be pressed resiliently against the head plate. The slide plate is supported for reciprocating movement inside a housing. The housing is supported by a housing carrier structure, especially between the legs of carrier bracket for the housing, for pivoting movement about a first pivot axis, while the carrier bracket for the housing is supported by the mounting plate for pivoting about a second pivot axis. The first and second pivot axes extend parallel to each other and to the sealing face between the head and slide plates.

Abstract: A molten metal slide gate valve for use on a ladle or tundish. The slide gate valve uses a refractory plate or plates having a shallow groove all around the periphery of one or both surfaces of the plate. The groove surrounds the molten metal orifice in the plate. The base of the groove has a porous refractory insert connected to a source of nonoxidizing gas under pressure to provide a nonoxidizing gas seal all around the molten metal orifices in the slide gate valve and to prevent the aspiration of air into the molten metal orifices during discharge of the molten metal from the ladle or tundish.

Abstract: A method for controlling a flow rate of a liquid in particular of a molten material between a maximum flow and a zero flow, in a valve (1) comprising at least a fixed plate (2) and a mobile plate (3) which are superposed and maintained constantly in contact, each one having at least an opening (4, 5), said method, consisting of placing said openings (4, 5) more or less opposite each other by displacing said mobile plate (3) and wherein said mobile plate (3) is displaced according to at least two secant directions (6 and 7) which are determined for placing said openings (4, 5) of said fixed (2) and mobile plates (3) at least partly opposite each other when said valve is opened, and a valve for the application of said method.

Abstract: A refractory plate unit for use as a sliding plate or as a stationary plate in a sliding closure unit at an opening of a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory plate having therethrough a discharge opening. A metal member is rigidly attached to the refractory plate and has an annular surface centered radially outwardly of the discharge opening and mating with substantially no free play with a complementary surface of a metal frame supporting the refractory plate unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are wearable carbon-containing refractory elements, such as wearable refractory parts of a slide valve for use in controlling flow of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel, which are impregnated with tar or other wear reducing agent. In order to prevent decarburization of the refractory elements, they are saturated in an aqueous borate solution and then dried, so that the borate will migrate outwardly toward the surfaces of the elements and form protective layers which will prevent infiltration of ambient air into the refractory material. Prior to saturation of the elements in the borate solution, the wearable surfaces of the elements, such as those surfaces which will be subject to contact with molten metal, are coated with film which will prevent saturation by the borate solution, such that no protective layer is formed at the wearable surfaces. This allows the tar or other wear reducing agent to migrate outwardly through the wearable surfaces so as to reduce wear caused by the molten metal.