Abstract: A slag stopper assembly for use in a tundish vessel includes a chamber for reducing the flow of slag to the tundish drain and a stopper plunger for regulating the flow of liquid metal through the drain. The chamber includes a central opening for receiving the stopper plunger, and the stopper plunger is retractably movable relative to the chamber through the central opening. In accordance with the invention, a sealing rim is present on the stopper plunger, or on an inner wall of the chamber, or both, in order to reduce the retractable movement of the stopper plunger, reduce the amount of slag which enters the chamber as a result of such movement, and seal off the central opening of the chamber from the tundish drain when the stopper plunger is in a retracted position.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a bottom tap opening in a vacuum induction melting and casting furnace with a movable closing body, a plug rod for example, and a drive unit for the displacement of the closing body, the closing body being made of ceramic material and connected by levers to a coupling element, which has a compression spring to limit the maximum closing force of the closing body, and is displaceable by an electric motor drive.

Abstract: A system for pouring molten material from a ladle having a pouring nozzle and a cooperating stopper rod is shown having a pressure responsive piston and cylinder assembly effective for causing the initial opening of the stopper rod for providing a relatively high rate of flow of molten material through the nozzle; a linear transducer coupled with the piston and cylinder assembly assures that the piston has the opportunity to move a preselected distance within the cylinder to thereby in turn assuring that the stopper rod will also move to a preselected open position with respect to the nozzle.

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

Abstract: A stopper device for use in molten-metal auto-pouring apparatus comprising an attachment part constructed to be releasably fixedly attached to a stopper device operator of such apparatus and a stopper support part adjustably connected to the attachment part so as to permit a degree of movement therebetween. Locking means are provided to enable the stopper support part to be retained in a given position relative to the attachment part. As a result, when the device is prepared for use, and the attachment part is fixedly attached to such an operator, the latter operates to move the device downwardly so that a lower end of a stopper mounted on the stopper support part engages the outlet of the apparatus, the said degree of movement enabling that end to be seated properly in the outlet, whereupon the locking means are used to retain the resulting position of the stopper support part relative to the attachment part to ensure that the stopper will be properly seated after subsequently being raised and lowered.

Abstract: A bottom pour casting apparatus (100) includes a vessel (114) having a bottom nozzle (118). A stopper rod (112) is coupled to a programmable controller (250) by linkage mechanism (250) for controlling the movement of the stopper rod (112) according to a pouring schedule. An LDT position sensor (216) is coupled to the stopper rod (112) by a cable (238) and also electronically to the controller (250) for sensing the actual position of the stopper rod during a pouring cycle and conveying this information directly to the controller (250) thereby bypassing any backlash present in the linkage mechanism (116) to enable precise control of the stopper rod movement. A method includes rezeroing the position sensor (116) at the beginning of each pouring cycle to account for slag build-up on the nozzle (118).

Abstract: A refractory ceramic stopper has therein a recess including an annular outwardly enlarged portion defining a stop surface. A stopper rod inserted into the recess in the stopper has a support surface. A plurality of spreadable members having opposite ends are positioned about the stopper rod and are inserted therewith into the recess in the stopper. The spreadable members are spread outwardly such that they enter the enlarged portion of the recess in the stopper with first ends of the spreadable members confronting the stop surface of the stopper and with second ends of the spreadable members confronting the support surface of the stopper rod. Thereby the spreadable members lock the stopper onto the stopper rod.

Abstract: A device for controlling the pouring of a molten material from a crucible or other container. The device (10) includes an annular retainer ring (12) for mounting in the drain opening in the bottom of a conventional crucible (16), the retainer ring defining a opening (14) therethrough. The device (10) also includes a plug member (22) having an annular forward end portion (24) for force-fit reception in the opening (14) of the retainer ring (12) to selectively seal the opening (14) and for being selectively forced through the opening (14). The plug member (22) has a rear end portion (26) for being positioned within the crucible (16), the rear end portion (26) including stop means for prohibiting the rear end portion from passing through the opening (14) in the retainer ring (12) when the forward end portion (24) is selectively forced through the opening.

Abstract: A pouring ladle (12) includes a horizontal chamber (22) having an inlet (24) at one end thereof for admitting molten metal into the chamber (22) and a bottom-poured nozzle (28) at an opposite end for discharging the metal into an underlying mold (30). A coreless induction heater (56) surrounds the chamber (22) for heating metal as it flows from the inlet (24) to the outlet nozzle (28). The induction heater (56) may be operated simultaneously with the pouring of metal and be used to pour treated ductile iron without plugging the inductor (56).

Abstract: Erosion resistant stopper rod for steel casting having an elongated body of a first refractory material and a sleeve of a second refractory material having elevated erosion resistance characteristics. The sleeve may be copressed with the stopper rod body or separately formed and cemented thereto. The sleeve is positioned around the stopper rod in the region where contact with the slagline occurs. The erosion resistant material of the sleeve is selected from the group consisting of zirconia, magnesia, zirconia-graphite and magnesia-graphite.

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

Abstract: To permit placement of a stopper element, preferably including a cylindrical alignment plug (13) accurately with respect to an outflow pipe (3, 3', 3") of a metallurgical vessel adapted to contain a melt, an operating rod (5) vertically projecting from the stopper (6) is surrounded by a refractory sleeve (10), and secured to a support arm (23), which support arm is vertically movable and capable of transmitting rotation to the operating rod, the operating rod is connected to the support arm by a coupling link (48) which extends radially from the operating rod and is clamped by a clamping connection (46) to the support arm. The clamping connection (46) permits longitudinal adjustment of the upper end portion of the operating rod (5) as well as angular adjustment with respect to the support arm.

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

Abstract: The stopper rod for regulating the flow of a liquid has a body traversed by an axial channel and having at one end a porous nose fed with gas from the channel. The nose has a free space in the form of a hemisphere-shaped slot or lattice network communicating with the channel for delivery of gas thereto. Preferably, a plurality of spaced-apart bridges of solid material connect the two faces of the free space in order to increase the strength of the porous nose.

Abstract: A tundish (11) has located alongside it an upright support member (20). A cross arm (22) is pivotally mounted on the member (20) with one end of the cross arm (22) overlying the tundish (11). A hydraulic or pneumatic ram (25) is mounted in the member (20) for applying a downward force on the overlying end of the cross arm (24) which mounts a drive means (27) connected to the stem (14) of a rotary valve (12) for controlling the exit of hot or corrosive liquid from the tundish (11).

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

Abstract: The shut-off device includes (1) a stopper capable of blocking a stream of melt flowing in the guide conduit which introduces the melt from a furnace into a tundish therethrough, if the occasion arises, and (2) a receiving plate disposed below a cooling mold so as to receive a leakage melt and having a heat sensor, the heat sensor being adapted to detect the heat of the leakage melt and communicating with a converter for transmitting an operation signals to the stopper. In such a specially designed structure, if the melt breaks out of the cooling mold, the leaked melt is received by the receiving plate and its heat is detected by the heat sensor. According to the detection of the heat, corresponding electric signals are instantly transmitted from the converter to the stopper and thereby the stopper is actuated so as to block the melt flow in the guide conduit.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a stopper rod spatial control mechanism for use in combination with a bottom discharge holding reservoir for molten metal having a nozzle. The mechanism comprises a base, an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube has a longitudinal axis which is perpendicular to the base. The outer tube is swingably mounted about an axis parallel to and spaced away from the longitudinal axis. The inner tube is telescopically mounted within the outer tube. The inner tube is reciprocally movable along the longitudinal axis and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A servomotor is mounted at a lower end of the outer tube. A ball screw is connected to and rotated by the motor. A ball nut is affixed to the inner tube and cooperates with the ball screw. A boom having a first end and a second end is affixed to the inner tube adjacent its first end and rotates with the inner tube about the longitudinal axis. A stopper rod depends from the second end of the boom.

Abstract: A one-piece refractory stopper rod has an axial bore formed therein for the introduction of inert gas into molten steel within a tundish. A metal bushing insert is compressed into the refractory stopper rod and has a threaded bore which is positioned coaxially with the bore of the stopper rod body. A metal attachment rod having an axial bore therethrough and a threaded lower shank portion is secured within the threaded bore of the metal bushing insert. The metal attachment rod has an upper threaded shank which is adapted to be secured to a stopper rod lifting mechanism associated with the tundish. The metal rod further includes a flanged portion intermediate the upper and lower shank portions which carries an annular chamfered surface. The annular chamfered surface faces a like annular chamfered surface formed in the bore of the stopper rod to define a gas-tight seal at a sealing interface therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for pouring molten steel into a mold in continuous casting of steel according to the present invention comprises a tundish holding molten steel; a nozzle which is set at the bottom of said tundish, the nozzle having a spherical shape and through which molten steel flows out of said tundish; a sliding plate which is set at the lower portion of said nozzle and which opens and closes said nozzle; an immersion nozzle which is set under said sliding plate and through which molten steel is poured into the mold; and a block body which has a core body therein, whose outer layer is made from refractory material and has a spherical surface large enough to cover the opening of said nozzle and whose bulk specific gravity ranges between the bulk specific gravity of slag and that of molten steel. A disc-shaped flange is coupled to the spherical surface portion.

Abstract: A metallurgical receptacle (1) for a liquid metal (2), provided with a casting orifice (6) and comprising under this orifice (6) a principal device (8) for closing and opening the orifice (6). An auxiliary device (12) for preheating, closing and unplugging the casting orifice (6), is disposed above the orifice (6), and comprises an elongated element (13), adapted to be partially immersed in the liquid metal (2), and formed of a refractory and/or insulating refractory material (34) sinterable in contact with the liquid metal (2).

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for automatically filling a continuous casting mold with (steel) melt which is poured in controlled fashion into the continuous casting mold through a bottom hold adapted to be closed by an automatically operated stopper in a distributor channel or intermediate vessel. The stopper carries out predeterined up and down movements, especially in response to the melt level in the continuous casting mold against the action of a force urging the stopper into closing position, while the mold is being filled. The up and down movement of the stopper is realized by an adjustment unit acting directly at the top end of the stopper. The force which urges the stopper into closing position is obtained either from a constant mass or an elastic member attempting to urge the stopper increasingly into closing position as the temperature rises.

Abstract: A one-piece carbon-bonded graphite refractory stopper rod for use in continuous casting of molten metal includes a copressed body portion with an integral porous nose section. Through a gap grain sizing technique, the mean pore size of the nose is controlled to preferably about 10 microns to permit an inert gas introduced into the rod to permeate therethrough as a fine dispersion of bubbles in the melt while preventing reverse permeation of molten metal in the event of depressurization of the gas supply. Improved erosion resistance of the nose and lower alumina deposition in the casting nozzle are also achieved.

Abstract: An outlet valve for a melt-containing vessel includes a lower insert piece mounted in the base of the vessel having an outlet bore passing therethrough from the inside to the outside of the vessel, and an elongate shaft located above and pressed down upon the lower insert piece. The shaft has a lower face mating with an upper face of the lower insert piece and is rotatable relative to the lower insert piece about a generally vertical axis. The bore through the lower insert piece is offset, at least at its upper end, from the axis of rotation. The shaft has a side opening at the lower end thereof capable of aligning with the top of the bore through the lower insert piece in at least one rotational position.

Abstract: Slag retention devices for use in a tapping converter, such as used in the steel industry, are positioned by an improved apparatus positioned substantially above the charging floor in front of the tapping converter and movable horizontally with respect to an overhead support and vertically with respect to the charging floor and the converter. A tiltable drive mechanism telescopically supports an elongated boom, the outer end portion of which is arranged to releasably carry a slag retaining device and move into the tapping converter and position the slag retaining device in the tap hole thereof.

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: In an apparatus for quantitatively supplying melted solder, a first chamber storing the melted solder is provided with a vessel of the apparatus. A second chamber communicates with the first chamber through a first communicating hole, and communicates with a third chamber through a second communicating hole. A nozzle for supplying the melted solder is disposed at the third chamber. A valve for opening and closing the first communicating hole is disposed therein. A piston is disposed in the second communicating hole. The melted solder stored in the first chamber is moved to the second chamber when the valve is opened. Subsequently, the valve is closed, and the piston which was disposed so as not to move the melted solder from the second chamber to the third chamber, is moved toward the second chamber, thus allowing the melted solder to move from the second chamber to the third chamber. When the piston is moved back toward the third chamber, the melted solder is supplied from the nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for alloying continuously cast steel products wherein a wire of alloying material, e.g. lead, is fed through the center of the stopper rod to its nose where the wire melts and dissolves into the stream of liquid steel flowing out of the tundish. The guide passage for the wire and a cooperating hole in the nose of the stopper rod are temporarily closed by heat meltable means which prevents steel from entering and clogging the hole in the passage before a steady-state flow condition is achieved.

Abstract: A stopper for a casting machine is comprised of a hollow rod of a refractory material which is supported at its outer periphery by a clamp carried by a transversely extending arm, the transversely extending arm having a threaded end that extends through an elongated slot in a block carried by a vertically moveable support shaft, the transverse arm being securable to the block in a desired position of adjustment of clamping nuts.

Abstract: A device for the separation of slag and its retention in a tapping converter which consists of a closure, sometimes referred to as a dart, arranged to be positioned, either manually or automatically, into the tap hole of the converter. The device may include configurations enabling it to seal the tap hole to prevent slag from entering the same or alternately indicate the level of the slag in the converter relative to the tap hole by restricting the tap hole and imparting a swirling motion to the molten metal and slag therein. The device may be formed of material having a specific gravity lower than that of the steel produced in the converter but higher than that of the slag or alternately having a specific gravity higher than that of the steel to facilitate manual placement of the device in the tap hole.

Abstract: Apparatus for casting of low-density metals, such as magnesium alloys, into an air-permeable mold includes a housing forming a substantially airtight chamber in which is disposed a mold assembly including a mold secured between top and bottom plates by encircling bands or straps. A bottom-discharge reservoir vessel for molten metal is disposed above the mold, the vessel outlet communicating with the mold inlet through a coupling against which the mold assembly is resiliently urged by bias springs to insure an airtight coupling. A valve is selectively operable for opening and closing the vessel outlet and closure apparatus cooperates with the vessel for providing a substantially airtight closure thereof. A pressure control system is coupled to the vessel and the chamber for establishing a pressure differential therebetween which cooperates with gravity to urge the molten metal from the vessel into the mold when the valve is open.

Abstract: Slag retention devices for use in a tapping converter, such as used in the steel industry, are positioned by a device incorporating a frame attachable to a support in the vicinity of the converter or placed on a movable carriage. The frame, which is movable relative to its support, positions an elongated boom and provides for the longitudinal movement of the boom so that one end of the same carrying a tap hole closure or dart can be positioned thereby through the charging opening of the converter and the closure or dart manipulated by movement of the elongated boom into registry with the tap hole of the converter and forcefully positioned therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method including a runner system for transferring molten metal from a blast furnace to transfer cars. The runner system comprises a single main runner with primary and secondary outlets. In the preferred embodiment the secondary outlet is a nozzle positioned midway between the lower end of the runner and the blast furnace. During tapping the nozzle is opened and closed to control the flow of metal. When the nozzle is closed molten metal flows down the runner, through a primary outlet and into a bottle car. When the nozzle is open, metal flows through the nozzle into a bottle car positioned beneath the nozzle.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device for regulating a tundish stopper, whereby the stopper (I2) submerged in the tundish (I0) is connected rigidly (I3) to a substantially parallel shaft (I5) moving parallel to said stopper (I2), and whereby the substantially parallel shaft (I5) has a tract with a rack (I8) cooperating with a toothed sector (I9) having a lever (20), and whereby a reaction slide block (25) cooperates in a coordinated manner with the toothed rack tract (I8), and whereby there is present an axially movable sleeve (27) which can be clamped (33) to said shaft (I5) and which cooperates with a threaded ring nut (34) performing axial adjustment, and whereby it is possible to mechanise either the toothed sector (I9) or the movable sleeve (27) or both of them (I9-27).

Abstract: A tundish provided with at least one stopper which moves towards or away from a casting outlet formed in the bottom tundish wall and with a burner placed in the vicinity of the outlet essentially comprises at least one casing which is placed around the casting outlet in such a manner as to surround the stopper at least to a partial extent and which can be put into communication with the burner.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning the stopper valve (14) with the seat (12) in a bottom pour ladle (10), including a locking arrangement (36) which can be loosened to permit the valve (14) to properly close on the seat (12). The locking arrangement (36) is then locked into position with the stopper valve (14) in true alignment with the seat (12).

Abstract: A ladle for the pouring of a heated molten material such as iron or the like includes a ladle body defining a chamber for holding a heated molten material. There is a bottom pour opening in the chamber and a stopper rod is movable between open and closed positions relative to the pour opening to control the flow of molten material therethrough. An arm is pivotally supported on the side of the ladle and in turn is pivotally connected to the stopper rod. An air cylinder is attached to the arm for causing movement thereof to thereby effect movement of the stopper rod between the described open and closed positions. There is an adjustable rod positioned between the air cylinder causing movement of the pivotal arm and the point of pivotal attachment of the arm to the ladle to thereby control the length of travel of the stopper rod and thus the degree to which the pour opening is exposed by the stopper rod.

Abstract: A device for metering and transferring liquid metals. It includes a supporting structure and, a hollow sleeve on the supporting structure open at both ends. A pouring spout is on one end and has an orifice therethrough communicating with the hollow interior of the sleeve. A stopper rod extends into the sleeve from the other end thereof to be shiftable between a position seating on the pouring spout and sealing the orifice therein at a position removed from the pouring spout to permit liquid metal to flow into and out of the sleeve. At least a portion of the stopper rod which seats on the pouring spout and the portion of the pouring spout in engagement with the stopper rod are formed of graphite material. Other portions of the device are formed of a ni-resist alloy with a layer of oxide formed on those surfaces of the ni-resist alloy which are brought into contact with the liquid metal to increase the chemical resistance of those surfaces to the liquid metal being metered and transferred.

Abstract: A device for metering and transferring liquid metals. It includes a supporting structure and a hollow sleeve open at both ends on the supporting structure. A pouring spout is on one end of the sleeve and has a passageway therethrough communicating with the hollow interior of sleeve. A stopper rod extends into the hollow sleeve from the other end thereof to be shiftable between a position seating on the pouring spout and sealing the passageway therethrough and a position removed from the pouring spout to permit liquid metal to flow into and out of the sleeve. The stopper rod is shiftable between positions and the pouring spout includes a bushing mounted in the passageway and having a threaded opening therethrough and a threaded plug interengaged with the threaded bushing and having an orifice therein to provide for communication between the interior and the exterior of the sleeve through the pouring spout.

Abstract: A stopper valve actuating mechanism for a bottom pour casting container including an adjustable limit motion connection within the lever train which allows for a finer control of the pour of the molten metal. The adjustable limit stop connection comprises a piston and cylinder arrangement.

Abstract: An air cooled ceramic stopper valve and actuating rod for a bottom pouring ladle. Ceramic parts are assembled onto a metallic stopper rod which contains an enlarged head portion. The metallic stopper rod head is notched, so that refractory cement used to bond the ceramic parts forms a strong mechanical bond between the metal rod and the ceramic point of the valve. The notches provide enough strength in the joint between metal rod to ceramic point to permit shearing loose a frozen stopper valve by rotation (when the valve head [point] bonds to the ceramic orifice).

Abstract: A device for metering and transferring liquid non-ferrous metals. A hollow sleeve is mounted on a supporting structure and a pouring spout is on one end of the hollow sleeve. An orifice is in the pouring spout communicating with the interior of the sleeve. A stopper rod extends into the sleeve and is shiftable between a position seating on the pouring spout and sealing the orifice therein and a position removed from the pouring spout to permit liquid metal to flow into and out of the hollow sleeve. The parts are made of cast iron and the stopper rod has a tungsten carbide tip for passage through the orifice during the sealing and unsealing thereof to clean the orifice and to prevent foreign matter from collecting in the orifice.