Abstract: Method for controlling and opening casting holes in containers holding liquid metals, characterized by providing a pressure fluid supply conduit (6), which opens out at the base of a spout (3), a variable speed distributor (7) and a pressure tank (8) being arranged on the supply conduit, and by providing successive pulses to propel inside the container a solidified metal plug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for gripping a wearing element of a sliding closure means for metallurgical containers in which the wearing elements are held with gripping in a metal frame by means of rotating members which simultaneously allow the plate to be locked against the frame, the plate to be gripped against the base of the frame and the lateral clearances of the plate in the frame to be absorbed. The gripping devices described are very simple and very robust in design. They contain no screw-threaded parts.

Abstract: A heat shield with refractory lining which is replaceable and anchored to the heat shield frame which, when employed on a sliding gate valve, can also serve to mount a collector.

Abstract: A rocker arm/spring assembly which can be readily removed without the use of any tools whenever the refractory is removed from the valve is disclosed. Since the refractory is regularly removed from the valve, the rocker arm and spring assembly can be removed, and the springs replaced and tested readily. The rocker arm is provided with a keyhole mount including a bolt shank slot, a seat bore, a bolt head port, and a bolt spherical head seat. The rocker bolt is secured to the frame and has a spherical head which is slightly smaller than the bolt head port which permits the rocker arm to be passed over the fixed head of the rocker bolt, and then shifted laterally until the shank of the rocker bolt is nested within the bolt shank slot of the rocker arm, and the spherical head of the bolt engages the spherical head seat in the underportion of the rocker arm.

Abstract: A sliding nozzle apparatus for a molten metal holding vessel including a fixed nozzle member and a fixed plate therefor which are supported by an upper or fixed bracket secured to the vessel, and a movable nozzle member and a slidable plate therefor which are supported by a lower or movable bracket having one edge hinged to the upper bracket, while its opposite edge remote from its hinged connection to the upper bracket is removably connectable to the upper bracket to bring the slidable plate into contact with the fixed plate. A first set of coil springs are located adjacent to the edge of the lower bracket at which it is hinged to the upper bracket, and a second set of coil springs are located adjacent to the opposite edge of the lower bracket. The first set of coil springs are deflected to a greater degree than the second set of coil springs, or are, in other words, preloaded differently from the second set of springs.

Abstract: A sliding closure unit includes an upper stationary refractory plate to be mounted on a metallurgical vessel, a movable refractory plate sealed against the upper stationary refractory plate, a slide unit for moving the movable refractory plate in a direction of movement between an open position with discharge openings in the movable refractory plate and the upper stationary refractory plate in alignment and a closed position with the discharge openings out of alignment, a lower stationary refractory plate mounted beneath the movable refractory plate, and tensioning devices for pressing the lower stationary refractory plate against the movable refractory plate. Guide members are provided for relieving the pressure of the tensioning devices on the lower stationary refractory plate upon movement of the movable refractory plate to the closed position, thereby enabling replacement of the lower stationary refractory plate. The guide members are provided on the slide unit and extend in the direction of movement.

Abstract: A molten metal teeming valve of the sliding gate type is equipped with means for the injection of gas for various purposes including refractory preheating, lancing, or cooling, etc. The gas injecting apparatus is arranged within the valve organization in a manner that will prevent impingement of the injected gas streams on the refractory valve elements thereby avoiding damage to such elements.

Abstract: A molten metal discharging device comprising:a stationary plate adapted to be mounted at a bottom portion of a container accomodating molten metal, the stationary plate having a molten metal passage bore for permitting the molten metal from the container to be discharged therethrough, anda slide plate slidable along a lower face of the stationary plate and adapted to open or close the passage bore by being slidably displaced relative to the stationary plate, in whicha circumferential wall of the passage bore in the stationary plate is made of dense refractory material and the circumferential wall made of the dense refractory material has a plurality of gas supply holes therein for permitting a gas to be supplied into the passage borehas less fear that the passage bore thereof may be blocked by the solidification of the molten metal and/or deposition of metal oxides and has an improved resistance against corrosion by the molten metal.

Abstract: A refractory plate assembly for use in a sliding closure unit includes a plate-shaped refractory member having therethrough at least one discharge opening and a metal jacket surrounding the peripheral edge of the refractory member. Such assembly is constructed by providing the refractory member with at least one indentation extending inwardly from the peripheral edge of the refractory member. A metal ring is positioned to surround the peripheral edge of the refractory member such that a portion of the metal ring extends across the indentation. This portion of the metal ring is pressed into the indentation until an innermost external surface of such portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the external surface of the metal ring at a position at the peripheral edge of the refractory member opposite the indentation.

Abstract: A sliding closure unit includes a pair of spaced guide members and a discharge control member movable between the guide members. The control member has therethrough at least one discharge opening to be moved into or out of alignment with discharge openings through the guide members. The control member is formed of a ceramic fiber material.

Abstract: A swivelling sliding closure unit includes a stationary refractory plate having a discharge opening and supported by a stationary housing. A swivel pin is fixed to the stationary housing, and a swivel lever having first and second ends is mounted on the swivel pin by a gimbal bearing. A movable refractory plate has therethrough a discharge opening and is supported at the first end of the swivel lever by a movable housing to enable pivoting of the movable refractory plate with respect to the swivel lever. The swivel lever is rotated about the swivel pin to move the movable refractory plate between positions enabling and blocking discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel and also to a replacement position. A rolling element is mounted on the stationary housing, and a raceway formed on the second end of the swivel lever abuts the rolling element.

Abstract: A refractory member adapted for use in a casting vessel valve is disclosed including a refractory plate, a wire helically wound around the periphery of the plate, and means rigidly interconnecting the helical windings to one another. A method is also disclosed for reinforcing a valve plate, including the steps of heating a metal wire into a malleable state, securing one end of the wire with respect to the plate, helically winding the heated wire about the plate with the windings substantially abutting one another, and welding together each wire winding with the abutting windings at at least one spot. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed, including a rotatable support for supporting the plate with its periphery exposed, a drive for rotating the supported plate, a jig assembly orienting the supported plate in a position generally tangent to the reinforcing wire, and preheat burners for heating the wire to a malleable state before winding about the plate.

Abstract: Chill-cast metal foil is produced by an apparatus having a flexible gas permeable valve which provides a means for retaining the molten metal prior to processing it into a chill-cast metal foil and simultaneously providing a gas purging of the reservoir and the orifice in the reservoir to prevent formation of detrimental oxides of the molten metal by the exposure of the molten metal to air or oxygen containing atmosphere.A method for producing the chill-cast foil is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding gate valve employed on the side of a furnace as a furnace valve, in which the mechanism is so structured that the shut off occurs by directing the slide gate to the up position rather than the down position. In addition, to facilitate a reduction in space at the slide gate, the slide gate is desirably configured to be asymmetrical, with the short end extending upwardly from the pour opening in the nozzle. A refractory lined heat shield protects the sliding gate carrier and also serves to mount a collector extension when used. More specifically, the slide gate is provided with a metallic frame which retains a monolithic refractory into which errosion resistant refractory inserts or preformed members are cast. Means are desirably provided to remove the spent refractory for remanufacture thereby reclaiming the casting.

Abstract: A top plate and collector nozzle for use with a sliding gate valve, comprising, in combination, a frame retaining a refractory and having a central ring like portion defining an opening with a well nozzle seat thereabout, a well nozzle having one end proportioned to engage the well nozzle seat, a plurality of lock receiving recesses in the periphery of the well nozzle and in spaced relationship with the seat engaging end of the well nozzle, and a plurality of lock elements secured to the frame and proportioned to engage the lock receiving recesses in the well nozzle, whereby the nozzle can be secured to the top plate for combined insertion in a sliding gate valve.

Abstract: A sliding closure unit includes at least one stationary plate having therethrough a discharge opening, and a movable plate mounted in sliding contact with the stationary plate, the movable plate having therethrough first and second discharge openings and including a closing area. Guides define alternative first and second paths of movement of the movable plate in directions along respective first and second tracks extending between the closing area and the first and second discharge openings of the movable plate. A single drive is connected to the movable plate for moving the movable plate along a selected such path between a closed position whereat the closing area is aligned with the discharge opening of the stationary plate and a selected open position wherein one of the discharge openings of the movable plate is aligned with the discharge opening of the stationary plate.

Abstract: Gates for sliding gate valves in which refractory elements are cemented within metal enclosure trays include an inner refractory member that contains the metal pour opening and an outer refractory member that surrounds the inner member. Only the inner member in each gate is designed to be contacted in service by molten metal and is replaceably secured in the tray which have apertures for access of tooling used to displace the inner member out of the tray when replacement of the member is required.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for actuating a slide-gate nozzle which is installed on the bottom of a casting ladle. This arrangement comprises a cylinder/piston unit which is operated by means of a pressure medium. Elements of a coupling are, in each case, assigned to the cylinder and to the stationary portion of the slide-gate, on the one hand, and to the piston rod and to the movable portion of the slide-gate of the slide-gate nozzle, on the other hand, these elements being in engagement when in the operating position. The invention embodies the combination of the following features, namely that the elements of the first coupling comprise a quarter-turn fastener, this coupling being assigned to the stationary portion of the slide-gate, and to the cylinder, and that the elements of the second coupling comprise a latching mechanism of the snap-in type, this coupling being assigned to the movable portion of the slide-gate, and to the piston rod.

Abstract: In a dual door type rotary nozzle system for metallurgical vessels, a bottom plate brick attached to the bottom shell of the vessel is adapted to be opened and closed by an inner door, and a slide plate brick slidable in surface-to-surface contact relation with the bottom plate brick is also adapted to be opened and closed by an outer door. The bottom plate brick is provided with a plurality of nozzle bores and is mounted in a case rotatably supported in the inner door by means of a bearing so that the bottom plate brick is manually rotated along with the case when the inner door is opened, thereby realizing a rotary nozzle system capable of easily and rapidly effecting the change operation of the nozzle bores of the bottom plate brick.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for differential pressure, counter gravity, casting of metal in a gas-permeable mold having a vertical passage with a lower open end for introducing molten metal into its mold cavity means. A crucible is provided for holding molten metal with its surface positioned beneath the mold. The crucible and the mold are relatively movable toward and away from one another for introducing molten metal into the lower open end of the mold, and pressure means is provided for applying a differential pressure to the mold and crucible to cause molten metal to fill the mold cavity means through the vertical passage. A rigid, permanently crimpable fill pipe is sealingly connected to the lower open end of the vertical mold passage with its lower end extending vertically downwardly toward the crucible.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a protective gas shroud around molten metal being teemed from a ladle having a slide gate secured to the bottom. The apparatus comprises a plenum box sealed to and extending downwardly from the sliding part of the slide gate. A hood is arranged to telescope over the plenum box and form a rough sliding seal therewith. The hood has a skirt flange at the bottom thereof. The width of said skirt flange in the direction of movement of the slide gate is greater than the maximum slide gate movement. Means are fixed relative to the plenum box to raise and lower the hood. Means are provided for introducing a protective gas into the plenum box. The method comprises aligning the ladle with the mold into which hot metal is to be teemed. The means for raising and lowering the hood is activated to lower the skirt flange to rest upon the top of the mold or hot top. Thereafter the slide gate is opened dragging the hood over the top of the mold or hot top into alignment with the mold.

Abstract: A refractory plate assembly for use as a stationary or a movable refractory plate in a sliding closure unit includes a refractory supporting body and a refractory disc-shaped member forming a sliding sealing surface of the assembly. The disc-shaped member is loosely and removably mounted to the supporting body in a manner to prevent the disc-shaped member from working loose from and moving relative to the supporting body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding gate valve and clamp mechanism which permits the utilization of bandless refractory for the top plate, sliding gate, and the attachment of a replaceable collector to the sliding gate. The refractory is formed with curvilinear side edges tapered centrally toward the inter face portion between the top plate and sliding gate plate. Curvilinear edges are employed on both the stationary plate and the sliding gate, and desirably both have an identical exterior configuration, but optionally differ in the central portion where the well block nozzle is engaged by the stationary plate and where the collector is engaged by the sliding gate plate. Optionally a secondary sealing ring is employed to form a seal between the lower well nozzle and the top plate in a zero clearance environment. Also desirably the top plate and sliding gate plate may both be ground on both faces to provide parallelism and planarity of the refractory faces.

Abstract: A sliding closure unit includes at least two refractory plates having therethrough discharge openings, the plates abutting on respective planar sliding surfaces. A generally U-shaped recess is formed in each sliding surface, each recess including a pair of free arms extending toward the other recess. The recesses are dimensioned such that, when the plates are in the open position thereof, the arms of the recesses overlap, thereby forming a connected recessed area encircling the discharge openings. One of the plates has therethrough a channel opening into the recessed area and adapted to be connected to a vacuum source, thereby making it possible to prevent air from contacting molten metal being discharged through the discharge openings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve and refractory construction in which the stationary plate and the sliding gate are of a bandless refractory. Similarly the lower nozzle, and collector nozzle are also bandless, along with the optional collector tip. Various refractory shapes are contemplated, but primarily a shape with a tapered face on the edge of the refractories, and which are engaged by clamps having a mating tapered face. The refractory can also be made in a single form for both the stationary plate and the sliding gate. All of the refractories are clamped in place by clamping members having tapered faces which engage the tapered faces or edges of the refractory. The nozzles are similarly engaged, but by an encircling support and clamp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding gate valve employed on the side of a furnace as a furnace valve, in which the mechanism is so structured that the shut off occurs by directing the slide gate to the up position rather than the down position. In addition, to facilitate a reduction in space at the slide gate, the slide gate is desirably configured to be asymmetrical, with the short end extending upwardly from the pour opening in the nozzle. A refractory lined heat shield protects the sliding gate carrier and also serves to mount a collector extension when used. More specifically, the slide gate is provided with a metallic frame which retains a monolithic refractory into which errosion resistant refractory inserts or preformed members are cast. Means are desirably provided to remove the spent refractory for remanufacture thereby reclaiming the casting.

Abstract: A metal band is mounted about the periphery of a cover plate, particularly a ceramic sliding plate for use with a sliding gate nozzle for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a vessel, such that the cover plate can be mounted on a supporting frame by means of releasable clamps acting on the metal band. The peripheral surface of the cover plate is covered with a layer of thermally setting mortar, and a heated steel ring is positioned around the mortar layer. The steel ring is cooled, such that the steel ring shrinks about the mortar layer, while the mortar layer is heated and thereby set, such that the cooled steel ring is bonded about the peripheral surface by the mortar layer. Alternatively, the cover plate may be positioned within a mold having a peripheral rim such that there is defined between the mold rim and the peripheral surface a space surrounding the peripheral surface.

Abstract: Replaceable collector nozzle for a sliding gate. A pressure plate is provided with a collar or ring or other engaging element with interior securing connectors, and positioned beneath the sliding plate. The collector nozzle at its upper portion is provided with threads or other engaging connectors to engage the pressure plate connectors. Alternatively an interlock comprising cammed members interior of the ring or collar mate with corresponding members at the upper end of the replaceable collector nozzle when it rotatably engages the interior of the collar or ring. The collector nozzle can then be replaced during temporary shut off by twisting with a typical chain wrench and a new collector nozzle inserted without disturbing the mounted relationship of the remainder of the sliding gate and the top plate interiorly of the valve. In a further embodiment the coupling of the collector nozzle is a thrust-type which does not require rotation.

Abstract: Refractory plate valves are shown for controlling flow of molten material with structure providing a uniform controllable variable sealing pressure over the entire area of the sliding plate surface which surrounds the depending nozzle sufficient to deflect the refractory plates into a sealing relationship to prevent the intrusion of the molten material between the plates. The uniform pressure is applied to the sliding plate by pressurizing a fluid within a chamber in the sliding gate carrier that is immediately below a flexible diaphragm supporting the sliding plate. This pressure is applied from an external or internal source and may be controlled during the tapping and teeming phases of the use cycle and additionally may be completely relieved for ease of opening and closing of the device during the service phase of the cycle.

Abstract: A refractory slide gate for a container dispensing molten material is comprised of a metal-supporting can filled with a low-fired coherent bonded refractory. The refractory is formed into a coherent refractory body within the metal supporting can and is directly affixed thereto, without the use of refractory mortar. An orifice through the refractory controls the flow of molten material.

Abstract: A tundish for use in casting a ribbon of crystalline or coarse grain polycrystalline material, having a support for a hopper containing molten material, the hopper having a bottom plate and three side wall plates and a top plate, each made of a material which will not interact with the molten material contained within the space defined by the bottom plate, side wall plates and top plate, to impart any significant impurity into the molten material, and wherein the top plate slants downwardly towards the bottom plate to form an elongated orifice through which molten material is extruded onto a cool surface where crystallization of a ribbon of material occurs. As disclosed, the top plate is movable with respect to the bottom plate to change the thickness of the orifice. Also as disclosed, the top plate slides in a slot in each of two opposed side walls and is of a length such that it forms with the third side wall an opening into which molten material is added to the tundish.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting parts comprising an open-faced mold which is displaced under a ladle. As the mold cavities, defined in the face of the mold, pass beneath the ladle, each is filled with molten material via a sprue in the bottom of the ladle. The ladle includes a venting conduit positioned within the sprue so that as the molten material empties into a mold cavity from the ladle, the air trapped within the mold cavity is vented through the sprue via the venting conduit.

Abstract: A sliding gate valve of the type in which refractory gates are sequentially disposed in operative position beneath the pour opening from a teeming vessel, such as a tundish, is effective to controllably throttle the metal flow stream from the vessel. Operator means for positioning the gates in order to control the degree of throttling of the flow stream are independent from the operator means for disposing the gates in their working position within the valve mechanism whereby the flow stream can be terminated without adjusting the throttling configuration of the valve. Means are provided, when the valve employs a pour tube attachment, for selectively changing gates and pour tubes in unison, or independently from one another. The valve mechanism and its replaceable refractory components are designed for the supply of fluids for cooling these members and for the injection of fluid reactants into the metal pouring process.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for rapidly changing a submerged nozzle used to introduce molten steel from a ladle to a tundish or from a tundish to a mold. A submerged nozzle hanger having a submerged nozzle seating member at the free end thereof is raised and lowered while being rotated about a rotary sleeve to carry a submerged nozzle seated at said free end back and forth between a position at which the nozzle is mated with a teeming nozzle provided on the ladle or tundish, and a position at which submerged nozzles can be exchanged.

Abstract: A spout-filling mass which is retained in place by a slider in the pouring spout of a metal-casting ladle consists essentially of 35 to 65% by weight chromite, (chromium ore with 42 to 45% Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3), 3 to 25% by weight carbon and the balance quartz sand. The mass, which fills the cylindrical portion of the spout, is formed into a pile on the floor of the ladle above the spout and upon contact with the molten metal fuses into a thin shell which, upon movement of the slider to bring its opening into registry with the spout, is ruptured by the molten metal after the underlying support for the shell is discharged through the spout.

Abstract: A linear sliding closure unit includes a stationary refractory plate, a closure casing adapted to be mounted on a molten metal container, a linearly movable sliding refractory plate, a sliding closure member mounting the sliding refractory plate for linear sliding movement relative to the casing and the stationary refractory plate, and structure for urging the sliding refractory plate toward the stationary refractory plate so that respective sliding surfaces thereof are in abutment. The closure casing includes an inner supporting surface supporting and defining the position of the stationary refractory plate. The closure casing has guide surfaces at positions outwardly of the support surface, the sliding closure member being guided by the guide surfaces during sliding movement. The closure casing fixedly connects and spaces the guide surfaces from the supporting surface.

Abstract: In a horizontal continuous casting plant having a horizontally oriented discharge duct for conveying molten metal from a container to the casting mold, a closure assembly for selectively blocking the flow of molten metal is provided in the duct. The closure assembly comprises a stationary headplate and a vertically disposed slider plate, the latter movable across the headplate between positions blocking and unblocking the flow of metal. To prevent solidification of metal around the closure when in the blocked position, gas supply means are provided in the headplate and slider plate to create a flow of gas at the closure that inhibits solidification and keeps the molten metal from penetrating between the fixed and movable parts of the closure assembly. The gas supply means comprises a plurality of nozzle openings in either the headplate or slider plate or both, connected with a source of gaseous media, and oriented substantially tangentially of and at an angle to the juncture of the headplate and slider plate.

Abstract: The invention resides in a fastening means for a closure plate on a sliding shutter for the outlet of a vessel containing molten metal, whereby the closure plate can be fixed within a supporting frame by the action of releasable gripping means which are provided on the supporting frame and which act on a metal sheath which at least encircles the periphery of the closure plate. The closure plate's external periphery is provided with at least one recess into which the sheath is pressed as a result of the deformation produced by the gripping means. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sheath encircles the exterior periphery of the closure plate as a narrow tension band and is provided with at least one tightener. The desired pretensioning of the sheath and the fixing of the closure plate and sheath to the supporting frame is effected in combination with the tightener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a slidable closure element for slide closures of metallurgical vessels, composed of a one-piece plate of heat resistant material which is engaged at its two opposite narrow edges by frame members that are drawn together by screws serving to tension them and hold them in contact with the edges of the plate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite refractory article having a flow passage through which a molten metal stream may be conducted and comprising a first body of refractory material which defines a surface of that passage, the first body being bonded to a second body of refractory material. The second body is provided to define a passageway of greater cross-sectional dimensions than the flow passage. Within the passageway, the first body of refractory material is provided for defining the flow passage surface, the first body being formed in the larger passageway by causing its refractory material to cohere and bond to the second body by fusion or partial fusion in situ.

Abstract: This invention relates to the protection of the teeming flow or stream of molten metal contained in a vessel and passing through a plate-type valve or cut-off device of the kind comprising a stationary plate and a displaceable plate that is provided with at least one output nozzle. A gas which is substantially inert with respect to the metal and has a pressure slightly higher than atmospheric pressure is fed into the aforesaid device, and this gas surrounds the metal while the latter passes through the said device, in such manner as to isolate the same from the ambient air by an uninterrupted protective gaseous barrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding gate valve employed on the side of a furnace as a furnace valve, in which the mechanism is so structured that the shut off occurs by directing the slide gate to the up position rather than the down position. In addition, to facilitate a reduction in space at the slide gate, the slide gate is desirably configured to be asymmetrical, with the short end extending upwardly from the pour opening in the nozzle. A refractory lined heat shield protects the sliding gate carrier and also serves to mount a collector extension when used. More specifically, the slide gate is provided with a metallic frame which retains a monolithic refractory into which errosion resistant refractory inserts or preformed members are cast. Means are desirably provided to remove the spent refractory for remanufacture thereby reclaiming the casting.

Abstract: A linear sliding closure unit includes a stationary refractory plate, a closure casing adapted to be mounted on a molten metal container, a linearly movable sliding refractory plate, a sliding closure member mounting the sliding refractory plate for linear sliding movement relative to the casing and the stationary refractory plate, and structure for urging the sliding refractory plate toward the stationary refractory plate so that respective sliding surfaces thereof are in abutment. The closure casing includes an inner supporting surface supporting and defining the position of the stationary refractory plate. The closure casing has guide surfaces at positions outwardly of the support surface, the sliding closure member being guided by the guide surfaces during sliding movement. The closure casing fixedly connects and spaces the guide surfaces from the supporting surface.

Abstract: A metal pouring ladle furnished with a sliding gate valve has a bottom pour opening fitted with a well block and a nozzle seated in the lower portion thereof, the well block and nozzle forming a flow passage leading to the valve. For introducing gas to the melt, a pipe is cast in the well block, the pipe opening to the bore of the well block above the nozzle or into an annular space encircling the top end of the nozzle component. This permits gassing before teeming commences without recourse to the flow passage through the nozzle, and so gassing is possible without disturbing any particulate silicious filler which may have been placed in the nozzle passage.

Abstract: A sliding gate valve mechanism for use in teeming molten metal is provided with apparatus for accurately setting seal pressure between the valve plates and for adjusting the seal pressure during periods of valve operation. The invention enables such adjustments to be made to rectify malfunctions in valve operation without need to terminate teeming and to dismantle the valve mechanism. The invention is particularly advantageous in that the role played by mechanical springs in imparting valve seal pressure is relegated to secondary importance as leakage of molten metal between the plates can be terminated regardless of the operability of the springs.

Abstract: A sliding gate valve of the type in which refractory gates are sequentially disposed in operative position beneath the pour opening from a teeming vessel, such as a tundish, is effective to controllably throttle the metal flow stream from the vessel. Separate drives are employed for disposing the gates in their operative position within the valve mechanism and for positioning the gates to control the degree of throttling of the flow stream from the vessel whereby the gates can be changed without altering the throttling configuration of the valve. Additionally the valve is adapted to accommodate pour tube attachments which may be changed either in conjunction with changes of the slide gates or independently thereof. The valve mechanism and its replaceable refractory components are designed for the supply of fluids for cooling these members and for the injection of fluid reactants into the metal pouring process.

Abstract: A sliding closure unit for selectively discharging liquid melt from a liquid melt container includes a stationary refractory plate and a sliding refractory plate, the two refractory plates having complementary, abutting relative sliding surfaces. The stationary refractory plate consists essentially of a substantially non-wettable material having a Mohs' hardness of from 1 to 2, a thermal conductivity of greater than 40 W/km at 700.degree. C. and a crushing strength of not greater than 25 N/mm.sup.2 at about room temperature. The sliding refractory plate consists essentially of a substantially non-porous material having a Mohs' hardness of from 6 to 7, a thermal conductivity of less than 3 W/km at 700.degree. C. and a crushing strength of greater than 300 N/mm.sup.2 at approximately room temperature.

Abstract: A refractory slide gate for a container dispensing molten material is comprised of a metal-supporting can filled with a low-fired coherent bonded refractory. The refractory is formed into a coherent refractory body within the metal supporting can and is directly affixed thereto, without the use of refractory mortar. An orifice through the refractory controls the flow of molten material.

Abstract: A closure element of a slide closure includes a refractory plate having a sliding surface, peripheral edges and at least one flow passage extending through the refractory plate from the sliding surface to an opposite surface spaced therefrom. A metallic sheath partially encompasses the refractory plate and includes an edge portion embracing the peripheral edges of the refractory plate about the entire periphery thereof and a bottom portion adjacent the opposite surface of the refractory plate. The bottom portion of the metallic sheath has formed therein a plurality of openings exposing therethrough a plurality of surface areas of the opposite surface of the refractory plate. The plurality of openings are separated from each other and from the edge portion of the metallic sheath by a plurality of strips which thus form the bottom portion.

Abstract: A refractory structure comprising a body of refractory concrete material defining at least one discharge passage for molten metal passing through the body and at least one reinforcing element located within the body or forming a face to face thereof and interlocked mechanically with the refractory concrete with which it is in intimate contact over the whole of any of the surface of the reinforcing element which is juxtaposed to the refractory concrete, the reinforcing element being separated by refractory concrete material from any surface of the refractory structure which contacts the molten metal in use.