Abstract: Apparatus for applying a clamping force to slide gate valve plates to prevent leakage of molten metal therebetween. The apparatus applies the force uniformly about the annulus of the orifice of the plates and at a location close to the orifice itself, thus providing more effective clamping of the parts together. The apparatus may be either an annular mechanical spring mounted about the orifice of the plates or an annular chamber filled with gas under pressure.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a refractory plate in the supporting frame of a slide gate for a pouring vessel, whereby the refractory plate is able to oscillate with respect to the supporting frame so as to have its position adjustable to the position of the outlet parts of the pouring system. The refractory plate is shaped with at least one sliding surface on its bottom, on its lower lateral edges or on its lower periphery and, in use, this sliding surface bears on a cooperating sliding surface provided on the supporting frame to allow the refractory plate to freely oscillate with respect to the supporting frame.

Abstract: There is disclosed an interchangeable refractory wearing part having a flow aperture for molten metal for a metallurgical vessel or a bottom gate therefor, such as a bottom brick, a nozzle brick, a collector nozzle, a fixed plate, a sliding plate or an immersion nozzle or a choke, made of refractory concrete reinforced with metal parts which are disposed on the surface of the part remote from the flow aperture and are adapted to center and position the part in the gate or in the vessel.

Abstract: A discharge gate clamping device for clamping a lower plate of a discharge gate. A pair of torsion bars are mounted on the side of the lower plate each having a respective first end connected to a crank arm, and each torsion bar has a second end carrying a cam. When the crank arm is rotated the torsion bars rotate for rotating the cams which press against a surface for lifting the lower plate upward. Because each cam is mounted on an independent torsion bar, a uniform pressure is applied to the lower plate of the discharge gate.

Abstract: A clamp-on tube holder for use in teeming metal is disclosed having a slotted tube holder band and a toggle assembly which biases the slot for clamping the tube holder onto the nozzle of a ladle. Independently, a yoke is engaged with the tube holder, and a handle engaged with a socket on the toggle for remotely clamping the same. The method contemplates providing a toggle mechanism and clamp and a support yoke, with the support yoke pivotally secured to a fulcrum for manipulating the clamping mechanism and holding the same in place while the toggle is activated to clamp.

Abstract: An electrically heated valve element for sliding type valve joints in the outlet of a molten metal vessel has an electrical heating conductor disposed predominately in the outlet closing surface section of the valve element so that when moved to the casting position where the molten metal flow passage aligns with the flow passage from the vessel, the outlet closing surface of the element is maintained at a uniformly high temperature so that any cooling down of the outlet closing surface is avoided. The valve element is made by embedding the heating conductor which is air annealed nichrome wire in spiral form, into the refractory material of the valve element by vibration, the embedding mass being free of organic substances, carbon, sulfur, metallic iron, alkalies and/or electrically conductive substances.

Abstract: A closure element includes a support frame for supporting a refractory element, for example a plate, of a slide closure for use in liquid melt containers. One or a plurality of eccentrics are mounted on the support frame for detachably fastening the refractory element within the support frame. The refractory element includes a metallic sheath, and the eccentrics include eccentric surfaces bearing directly on the metallic sheath. The eccentrics are positioned such that the eccentric surfaces act on the refractory element both longitudinally thereof and transversely thereof.

Abstract: The slide-valve throttle of the invention is intended to continuously regulate the output of high-temperature molten products from metallurgical vessels, notably from the bottom of casting ladles of the type currently used in foundry, and also for occluding the tap-hole thereof. This throttle comprises essentially an assembly of two slide plates adapted to move towards and away from each other and towards and away from the tap-hole axis, and arranged for uncovering or occluding the tap-hole while preserving for the casting passage formed through the nozzle and the slide plates at least two orthogonal planes of symmetry.

Abstract: A three-plate slide valve closure includes an upper stationary plate fixed beneath an outlet in a liquid melt container, a lower stationary plate positioned at a location spaced from the upper stationary plate, and a slide plate mounted between the upper and lower stationary plates for sliding movement between open and closed positions. The upper stationary plate, the slide plate and the lower stationary plate have extending therethrough first, second and third flow-through openings, respectively, which are aligned when the slide plate is in the open position. At least the upper inlet portion of the third flow-through opening, adjacent the slide plate, has a dimension in the direction of movement of the slide plate which is at least twice as great as the dimension of the second flow-through opening in such direction of movement.

Abstract: An improvement in a slide gate for a container holding molten metal comprising a slide housing and refractory bodies made of a refractory composition, which refractory bodies have been impregnated with carbon-containing media, the improvement residing in employing as the carbon-containing medium an oil containing less than 10% by weight pitch.

Abstract: A sector sliding plate brick having a plurality of discharge ports for use in a sliding nozzle apparatus for casting molten metal, characterized in that the plane configuration of said sliding plate brick forms a sector shape or a shape similar to sector, each center of the discharge ports of more than two pierced on said sector plane exists at point corresponding to a definite distance from the common center of an arc passing through the center of each discharge port, and the sliding plate brick can revolve on said common center as fulcrum.

Abstract: In order to manufacture a casting nozzle plate assembly, e.g., a sliding closure of a slide plate and collector nozzle, without having to further machine the working surface of one assembly a mold is arranged on a trued slab. A refractory concrete is poured into the mold while the mold is vibrated. The concrete is allowed to harden before being separated from trued slab. The resulting assembly has a smooth work (e.g., sliding) surface for contact with another element.

Abstract: In an arrangement at a continuous casting plant including at least two mold cavities, a common distributing vessel for supplying melt into each mold cavity through an outflow opening that is closeable by means of a stopper, via a casting pipe reaching from the distributing vessel to the mold cavity, a shearing means including a shearing head and a sealing plate following upon the shearing head is provided. The shearing means is movable by an adjustment drive from a waiting position beside the casting pipe into a closing position covering the outflow opening by the sealing plate, on simultaneous shearing off of the part of the casting pipe projecting at the outer side of the distributing vessel, by the shearing head.

Abstract: There is disclosed a frame for a sliding gate, which in use holds the movable and fixed plates against each other under pressure and which is formed of refractory concrete reinforced with metal elements which are screened from the molten metal by the refractory concrete.

Abstract: A casting tube or nozzle is placed beneath the casting outlet of an upper vessel such as a casting ladle and immersed in the molten metal which is teemed into a lower vessel such as a casting tundish or directly into ingot-molds. A mechanism is provided for displacing the casting tube in pivotal motion between a vertical position in which it is applied against the casting outlet and a horizontal position of withdrawal in which it can also be displaced in a horizontal plane by means of a translational displacement mechanism.

Abstract: A molten steel outflow automatically controlling device comprising an infrared ray camera for detecting infrared rays emitted by a molten steel stream and slag flowing down out of a molten steel vessel such as a ladle or converter, a color monitor for converting the infrared rays emitted by the molten steel and slag into video signals with such infrared ray camera and for developing monitor picture images by color-printing the signals in two kinds, a signal discriminating device for making the two kinds of color picture images discriminating signals by the ratio of areas and a nozzle closing device for closing a nozzle for the outflow of molten steel of the molten steel vessel by such discriminating signal as is mentioned above, whereby, when the remaining amount of the molten steel in the molten steel vessel becomes small, the outflow of the slag will be detected and the nozzle for the outflow of the molten steel will be automatically closed to stop the pouring and to prevent the slag from mixing into the mo

Abstract: The invention provides a slide gate device for use on a pour vessel to control flow of molten metal through an outlet in the vessel shell, in which refractory insert plates, conveyed by supporting frames, are introducible into and removable from at least one side of the device, and in which said refractory insert plates are linearly movable in continuous close cooperating contact with a perforated outlet plate for the pour vessel, by applying interdependently coupled moving means to the supporting frame(s) conveying said refractory insert plates, which means transmit an equally distributed effort to each lateral side of said supporting frame(s).

Abstract: A slide gate nozzle for a slide gate carried by a closure frame which includes two independent arms pivotally connected with a casting vessel for slidably moving the slide gate with respect to the casting vessel and for moving the slide gate away from the vessel to facilitate changing of the ceramic plates. Rocker frames are pivotally connected with the arms and include rollers on which a guide rail rides in the sliding direction of the slide gate, and the swivelly connected rocker frame assures even pressure of the ceramic plates.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sliding plate for a three plate sliding gate nozzle apparatus comprising a refractory concrete body with metal reinforcement embedded in it and extending out of at least one end a drive connection integral with or engaging the reinforcement whereby the usual external metal frame used to support the plate can be dispensed with.

Abstract: A slide valve for the outlet of a metallurgical vessel includes a stationary plate having a flow-through opening and adapted to be fixedly positioned beneath an outlet in a metallurgical vessel, and a slide plate mounted beneath the stationary plate for sliding movement with respect thereto between plural positions, the slide plate having plural flow-through openings adapted to align with the flow-through opening of the stationary plate at respective of the plural positions of the slide plate. A nozzle support member is mounted beneath the slide plate and is movable therewith. A plurality of nozzle members having therethrough nozzle openings are selectively removably mounted on the nozzle support member for movement therewith at positions with each nozzle opening being aligned with a respective flow-through opening of the slide plate. The nozzle opening of at least a first nozzle member is free and unobstructed, thereby forming an outlet nozzle for the discharge of liquid melt.

Abstract: A slide gate valve for use with a molten metal teeming vessel is provided with elongated resilient supports that may be in the form of leaf springs, or the like, and are operative to resiliently bias the slide plate of the valve against the head plate thereof. The resilient supports are releasably secured to the vessel by linkages that facilitate disassembly of the valve elements for servicing.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the rate at which molten metal is supplied from a receiving vessel, through a pouring tube, to the mold of a continuous casting apparatus or the like. The described apparatus is particularly adapted to overcome irregularities that occur in the molten metal as it flows through the pouring tube, such irregularities being known as "superspeed effect". A method is also described for effectively using the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a slide gate mechanism for use on a pour vessel to control flow of molten metal through at least one outlet in the vessel shell, whereby refractory insert plates which are conveyed by said mechanism may be moved in very close cooperating contact with a perforated refractory outlet plate for the pour vessel, so as to control the flow of molten metal therethrough.

Abstract: Spring elements are described that are especially adapted for use in high temperature environments such as for example in sliding gate valves for metal pouring vessels. The spring elements include an expansable chamber defined in part by a bellows member and a thrust surface adapted to apply the spring force. The chamber is filled with a thermally expansive fluid operative to expand the chamber and thus apply the spring force when exposed to elevated temperatures and conversally, to effect retraction of the same when the elevated temperatures are removed.

Abstract: A box discharger particularly suitable for ladles and the like, of the type comprising reloadable refractory plates and with a wedge locking system, which reduces the operation for positioning the tilting plate with respect to the stationary plate to the adjustment of a single element instead of several elements as required by the present art.

Abstract: A wear part for sliding gates used for the outlet of vessels which contain metal melts therein, the wear part being for example a sliding plate, a base plate, an inlet tube or an outlet tube. The wear part includes a refractory material surrounded by a metal mantle, where a fireproof refractory concrete is poured into a mold and hardened therein so that the mold serves as the metal mantle when the concrete has hardened. A lining surrounding a through-bore in the wear part may be cast therewith. The wear part is preferably clamped in a supporting frame.

Abstract: A refractory plate for use in slide closures for metallurgical vessels includes a basic plate element adapted to face a liquid metal melt. The basic plate element is formed of a moldable refractory concrete material including 70 to 95% by weight of alumina and 5 to 30% by weight of a cement containing approximately 80% by weight alumina. Alternatively, the 70 to 95% by weight of alumina may be replaced by an alumina-containing raw material containing more than 70% by weight of alumina, for example at least one raw material selected from the group consisting of sintered bauxite, synthetic mullite, corundum, and grinding disk fragments. The basic plate element has embedded therein a ceramic oxide insert having a cold bending strength higher than 300 kp/cm.sup.2, a hot bending strength at 1500.degree. C. higher than 40 kp/cm.sup.2, a cold compressive strength higher than 2000 kp/cm.sup.2, and a permeability to gas lower than 1.0 nanoperm.

Abstract: Thermal stress-resistant sliding shutters for discharging molten metal from vessels are formed by chemically bonding basic refractory materials having an MgO content of 55-98.5%.

Abstract: A sliding gate valve assembly for pouring liquid metal is described in which the frame that mounts the sliding plate is attached directly to oppositely spaced motor apparatus of particular design. Thus, in addition to imparting motion to the slide frame, the motor apparatus also serve to slidably mount the frame thereby eliminating the need for a housing enclosure about the slide frame. According to one aspect of the invention, the frame is movable longitudinally by motor apparatus on two opposed sides of the frame. According to another aspect of the invention, the frame is movable both longitudinally and transversely by pairs of motor apparatus rectangularly disposed about the four sides of the frame. Motor apparatus that is mechanically, electrically or fluid operated can be employed.

Abstract: A slide plate assembly includes a refractory slide plate having a through-flow opening therethrough and embraced within and supported by a slide plate operating frame. The frame includes a main frame member having a side and opposite ends and a side member. The side member is removably attached to the opposite ends of the main frame member in a manner such that it is movable toward and away from an adjacent portion of the periphery of the slide plate. The inner surfaces of the side of the main frame member and the side member are non-parallel and divergent such that the slide plate is grasped from three areas by forces which converge generally toward the through-flow opening through the slide plate.

Abstract: Oxidation of a molten metal pour stream is prevented by enclosing the stream in a shroud formed by one or more jets of inert gas arranged to envelope the stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a sealing pressure to the stationary and sliding refractory plates of a sliding nozzle regulating the flow of molten metal from a vessel containing such molten metal. The method includes the steps of positioning the sliding nozzle across the discharge opening of the vessel, applying the desired sealing pressure to the refractory plates mounted between upper and lower metal frames, and then connecting the upper and lower metal frames to secure the refractory plates therebetween and maintain the sealing pressure.

Abstract: A brick for a slide closure of a vessel for holding molten metal. The brick is made by forming and then subjecting to reducing-burninng a compound comprising an acid or neutral refractory material as a base material, graphite and a binding agent.

Abstract: The permanent refractory lining of a liquid metal transfer vessel is covered with a removable heat-insulation lining formed of inorganic particles embedded in a binder, the particles being sinterable at the temperature of the liquid metal to be introduced into the vessel. The liquid metal is thus prevented from coming into contact with the permanent lining and any danger of solidification of metal and damage to this latter is consequently removed.

Abstract: A shaped refractory body having an elongated passage for the feeding of molten metal. At least one conduit is provided extending from the exterior of said body into communication with the passage for the introduction of a gas thereto. The conduit is reduced in diameter at least at its inner end adjacent the passage to the size of a capillary.

Abstract: A pivot is mounted to extend parallel to a spout axis. A pair of arms are mounted at first ends thereof to swivel about the pivot and carry at second ends thereof holders which support pouring pipes. Each arm can be swiveled to a position beneath the spout and precisely centered with the spout by abutment devices. The holder and pouring pipe are then raised until the pouring pipe engages the spout.

Abstract: The toggle levers in a sliding gate valve operative to impart the compressive loading between the slide assembly housing and the teeming vessel are mechanically actuated to their engaged or released positions by the drive motor utilized to operate the slide frame. The toggle levers are attached to connecting rods which are, in turn, connected by a follower rod that extends across the path of travel of the slide frame. The follower rod can be positioned on one side of the slide frame or the other to alternatively engage or release the levers. During normal operation of the valve the follower rod is locked to the housing whereby the slide frame is free to move with respect to the toggle levers.

Abstract: The disclosure embraces a structure for plates provided on a sliding closure of an outlet or spout of a container for liquid metal, one side of each plate serving as a sealing surface which cooperates with the other, relatively movable plate of the closure; the plates have a passage running approximately perpendicularly relative to the sealing surface or surfaces with the other sides of the plate facing away from the sealing surfaces having annular grooves or keys for cooperating with complimentary shaped portions of either an outlet casing or a stone casing of the container.

Abstract: The disclosure embraces a sealing member for the joint between an outlet of a casting ladle and a closure member for the outlet and includes a rigid core member having an opening in which is located a tubular casing which fits into the aperture of the outlet of the casting ladle and a closable bore of the closure member; the rigid core member is coated with mortar material in a paste or semi-fluid form; the sealing member is encased in an air-tight package so as to prevent the mortar material from solidifying prior to its incorporation into the joint between the outlet of the casting ladle and the closure member.

Abstract: A teeming valve for use on a molten metal vessel in which yieldable support is provided over the operative surface of a block having a teeming opening which is reciprocated in and out of register with a teeming opening in the vessel. The block is a two piece refractory and the yieldable means are air cooled spring and pressure pads. The method contemplates deflecting relatively movable refractory surfaces to conform the surface of one to the other.

Abstract: A box discharger for a large size container of liquid metal, can be mounted on the container and dismounted therefrom, by a single operator, with the aid of tiltable mounting means for mounting frames of stationary and slidable refractory plates on the container. The plates are held to the frames by a set-screw structure.

Abstract: For a foundry ladle provided with a sliding gate valve to be removed from the ladle as a unit to permit replacement of worn-out refractory material, there is provided a process and apparatus for assembly of the sliding gate valve unit in upright position, while the parts of the sliding gate valve unit are subjected to heating.

Abstract: A protective nozzle for the outlet passage of a casting ladle includes a body having a conical shape and a through bore with the exterior side surfaces of the body having projections or ridges which aid in the retention and establishing of a mortar joint between the wall of the outlet of the casting ladle and the exterior surface of the nozzle so as to prevent the possibility of the mortar material being washed out of the joint between the nozzle and the walls of the outlet passage of the casting ladle during a casting operation.

Abstract: A flange of a tapping connection has extending outwardly therefrom pins which extend through a ring plate attached to the flange and through bores in a slide closure frame, thereby roughly aligning the frame. The ring plate has a centering ring which fits in an opening in the frame and thus precisely aligns the frame. The frame has aligning pins and attachment eyebolts, such that a completely assembled slide closure unit can be assembled to and disassembled from the frame.

Abstract: A refractory element of a slide closure includes a metal support element and a refractory plate mounted therein by a solidifiable refractory mass. The plate is first positioned at a desired location within the support element, without refractory mass, by an auxiliary device including spacers. The auxiliary device is then released, the plate is removed, and the refractory mass is added. The plate is then again added and placed in the previously determined location by the auxiliary device, and held thereat until the mass solidifies.

Abstract: A sliding gate valve assembly adapted for use in the pouring of metals comprises a sliding gate member arranged for sliding movement to open and close an orifice of the assembly through which orifice metal is arranged to flow; the sliding gate member comprises a refractory body in which is provided a nozzle aligned with the orifice in an open position of the gate member and offset from the orifice in a closed position of the gate member; the nozzle has a side wall portion of permeable refractory material; and gas, e.g. an inert gas or oxygen is supplied to the nozzle, through the permeable side wall portion.

Abstract: A device for forming a mortar joint between a closure member and the outlet spout for a vessel which is used for handling molten material; the closure element has a bore which is alignable with the spout of the vessel and a cylindrical sheath constructed from combustible material is disposed concentrically with the bore of the closure element with the mortar material disposed on the face of the closure element that is to be placed in contact with the surface area surrounding the spout of the vessel; cooperating guide means are provided on the vessel or on the closure member for properly aligning the cylindrical sheath with the spout of the vessel so that, when the closure member is placed in abutting relationship with the spout of the vessel, the mortar material will form a sealing joint packing between the face of the spout and the face of the closure member while the cylindrical sheath will prevent ingress of mortar material into the bore of the closure member.

Abstract: The sliding plate of a sliding gate valve has a mounting for a collector nozzle, and a nozzle is releasably coupled to the mounting by means of a releasable fastening which allows ready replacement of the nozzle when worn. The releasable fastening clamps the collector nozzle to its mounting and holds the nozzle in firm abutment with the underside of the sliding plate.

Abstract: A slide closure includes a housing, a fixed refractory plate positioned in the housing by a metal holding frame, a refractory slide plate positioned for sliding movement within the housing by a metal slide, and a housing closure closing the housing and having spaced rails for supporting the slide. Each side of the slide has a pair of projections contacting one rail. Each pair of projections is spaced by a distance substantially equal to the rail spacing. The holding frame is pivotally attached at a first end thereof to the housing and has at a second end thereof a stepped portion contacting the housing.