Abstract: A method for the handling of alkali metals includes using a protective gas which behaves inertly with regard to the alkali metal within a defined temperature range, and which reacts with the alkali metal to form solid reaction products outside this temperature range.

Abstract: A system for inerting a casting vessel, such as a traversable ladle or torpedo vessel, used for transporting molten metal, the vessel being positioned below the molten metal outlet opening at a transfer station, and the vessel cavity being flushed with an inert gas both prior to the molten metal inletting and during the inflow of the molten metal in such a manner as to avoid contact between the molten metal surface and the vessel and the atomospheric oxygen. A blowpipe is arranged in the vicinity of the molten metal outlet opening but does not intersect the molten metal stream, is located outside the free space profile of the vessel at least during the approach and return of the vessel, and terminates a distance from the vessel inlet opening and produces at its terminal end an inert gas stream which enters the cavity of the vessel adjacent the molten metal stream at an acute angle.

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

Abstract: A process and apparatus for feeding molten metal to the ingot mold (2) of an installation for the continuous casting of thin cogs (3). At least one jet (6) coming from a nozzle (8) connected to a distributor (4) feeds an ingot mold (2) in which the level of metal is regulated. The distributor (4) is movable vertically in order to keep the height of the jet (6) constant and horizontally in the direction of the largest dimension of the ingot mold in order to subject the jet (6) to an alternating lateral movement. The nozzle (8) and the casting tube (10) are protected by a liquefied neutral gas circulating between the tube (10) and a sleeve (25) surrounding the tube (10).

Abstract: An assembly includes a discharge member of a metallurgical vessel and a pipe member connected to the discharge member at mutual surfaces thereof defining a seat therebetween. An annular recess is formed in the region of such seat, a seal seals such seat, and gas is supplied to the annular recess. The seal is in the form of a pair of compressible sealing rings positioned between the mutual surfaces of the two members on opposite sides of the annular recess. A pressure indicator is connected to a gas supply line supplying gas to the annular recess to provide an indication of the pressure of gas prevailing in the annular recess, and particularly of changes of such pressure.

Abstract: A nozzle for discharging molten metal from a vessel includes a porous inner sleeve surrounded by an impervious outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is cast in-situ around the inner sleeve, and is bonded in-situ to the outer surface of the inner sleeve in bonding areas adjacent its opposite ends. A gas chamber is defined between the inner and outer sleeves for receiving pressurized gas which passes through the inner sleeve to inhibit clogging and deterioration of the inner sleeve by molten metal and impurities. The gas chamber is formed by placing a heat fluidizable material around a portion of the inner sleeve before the outer sleeve is cast thereon. After casting of the outer sleeve, the assembly is heated to a temperature for fluidizing the fluidizable material which then escapes through the porous sleeve to leave a hollow gas chamber.

Abstract: A method and device are described for preventing the atmospheric contamination of molten metal during the transfer thereof from one vessel to another. The device includes a first metal ring releasably connected to a molten metal receiving vessel and second metal ring connected to a vessel containing the molten metal to be transferred. A viewing port is provided to allow observation of the molten metal as it is being transferred. A ceramic fiber blanket which encloses the molten metal stream as it is being transferred interconnects the two rings. During operation, an opening of the molten metal containing vessel attached to the second ring and the ceramic fiber blanket are aligned concentrically above the opening of the receiving vessel and the first ring. In the preferred embodiment, the ceramic fiber blanket is then mated to the first metal ring to form an enclosure around the path defined between the molten metal containing vessel and the receiving vessel for the transfer of molten metal therebetween.

Abstract: A sliding closure unit includes a movable plate movable between open and closed positions to control the discharge of molten metal through an outlet opening of a metallurgical vessel. When the movable plate is in the closed position, a continuous flow of gas is injected from a gas supply system through the area of the movable plate confronting the outlet opening into the outlet opening. When a predetermined gas back pressure occurs in the gas supply system, indicative of solidification of molten metal in the outlet opening, at least one pressurized gas jet at a pressure of at least 12 bar is injected from a compressed gas supply system into the outlet opening, thereby clearing away any solidified metal from the outlet opening. This makes it possible to ensure that, when the movable plate is moved to the open position, the molten metal will be discharged through the outlet opening at a full flow rate of discharge.

Abstract: A closing and/or regulating apparatus for tapping molten metal from the interior of the metallurgical vessel includes an inner refractory pipe having extending through a wall thereof at least one opening and an outer refractory pipe fitted over the inner pipe and having extending through a wall thereof at least one opening. Outer and inner surfaces of the inner and outer pipes, respectively, define mating sealing surfaces. One of the pipes is fixedly mounted to a metallurgical vessel, and the other pipe is movable axially and/or rotatably relative to the one pipe to thereby selectively bring the openings to the two pipes relatively into and out of alignment. The inner pipe has adjacent an inner end thereof at a position inwardly of the opening therein a closure closing the interior of the inner pipe. The outer pipe defines therein a space forming a gas distribution chamber at a location confronting the closure.

Abstract: An immersion nozzle for containuous metal casting having an elongated nozzle body formed from a porous, gas permeable refractory material. The nozzle body has a conduit extending longitudinally therethrough and an inner surface which defines the conduit. The nozzle body also includes an outer surface defining a predetermined body profile and channels formed in the outer surface of the nozzle body. A metallic housing encases the nozzle body and has an inner surface dimensioned to substantially conform to the profile of the nozzle body. The housing is secured to the nozzle body by a refractory mortar which forms a rigid, relative air-tight layer between the housing and the nozzle body, wherein the channel means form internal passages in the nozzle. A port is provided on the housing in registry with the channels in the nozzle body. The port is connectable to a source of inert gas, which is operable to force the gas into the passages and into the porous refractory material.

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

Abstract: A continuous casting method of a reduced height with a horizontal or almost horizontal oscillating crystallizer, whereby an immersed teeming nozzle teems molten metal into the crystallizer below the meniscus, regulation of the flow being obtained with regulation means corresponding to the formula: V.gtoreq.K.multidot..sqroot.2gh-2p/.rho., a pressure being kept within a tube portion of the teeming nozzle at least transiently which is correlated with the pressure surrounding the teeming nozzle itself and with the pressure acting on the meniscus of the molten metal in the crystallizer, the pressure within the tube portion of the teeming nozzle being such as will at least hinder the migration of gas from the exterior of the nozzle to the inside of the bore of the tube portion.

Abstract: Casting method for a continuous casting machine of a reduced height with a horizontal or almost horizontal oscillatory crystallizer, whereby an immersed teeming nozzle teems molten metal into the crystallizer below the meniscus, regulation of the flow being obtained with regulation means. Pressure is kept within a tube portion of the teeming nozzle at least transiently which is related to the pressure surrounding the teeming nozzle itself and with the pressure acting on the meniscus of the molten metal in the crystallizer, the pressure within the tube portion of the teeming nozzle being such as will at least hinder the migration of gas from the exterior of the nozzle to the inside of the bore of the tube portion. An immersed teeming nozzle for a continuous casting machine of a reduce height is also disclosed. The teeming nozzle teems the metal below the meniscus of molten metal in an oscillatory crystallizer.

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: The apparatus includes a generally cylindrical windscreen member attached to the bottom of a ladle with its axis generally vertical and concentric with a tap hole in the bottom of the ladle through which molten metal flows when released by a valve. An apertured cover plate is telescopically fitted over the windscreen. The cover plate is supported by a wire harness assembly coupled to the underside of the ladle for suspending the cover plate in a hanging relationship beneath the ladle. Lift line apparatus is provided for changing the elevation of the cover plate with respect to the ladle and windscreen in response to changes in the application of tension to the lift line. The cover plate is configured to rest upon, and form a seal with, the upper rim of an ingot mold when the cover plate is lowered while positioned above and aligned with the ingot mold. The windscreen and cover plate are made from a fibrous ceramic low density material to facilitate manual handling.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for feeding molten metal to the ingot mold (2) of an installation for the continuous casting of thin cogs (3). At least one jet (6) coming from a nozzle (8) connected to a distributor (4) feeds an ingot mold (2) in which the level of metal is regulated. The distributor (4) is movable vertically in order to keep the height of the jet (6) constant and horizontally in the direction of the largest dimension of the ingot mold in order to subject the jet (6) to an alternating lateral movement. The nozzle (8) and the casting tube (10) are protected by a liquified neutral gas circulating between the tube (10) and a sleeve (25) surrounding the tube (10).

Abstract: A closing and/or regulating apparatus for tapping molten metal from the interior of the metallurgical vessel includes an inner refractory pipe having extending through a wall thereof at least one opening and an outer refractory pipe fitted over the inner pipe and having extending through a wall thereof at least one opening. Outer and inner surfaces of the inner and outer pipes, respectively, define mating sealing surfaces. One of the pipes is fixedly mounted to a metallurgical vessel, and the other pipe is movable axially and/or rotatably relative to the one pipe to thereby selectively bring the openings to the two pipes relatively into and out of alignment. The inner pipe has adjacent an inner end thereof at a position inwardly of the opening therein a closure closing the interior of the inner pipe. The outer pipe defines therein a space forming a gas distribution chamber at a location confronting the closure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for accurately detecting an outflow of a slag into a stream of a molten steel when the molten steel is poured from a first vessel such as a refining furnace or a ladle into an intermediate vessel such as a ladle or a tundish through a melt-discharging hole or a nozzle. At that time, an inert gas is fed into the stream of the molten steel in the nozzle through a side portion of the melt-discharging hole or the nozzle, and the detection is made based on a change in a flow rate of the inert gas sucked into the stream of the molten steel and/or in a back pressure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus with entry, filling and sealing, and exit chambers through which a carriage holding alkali metal containers may be transferred. The drive for the carriage in each chamber is cantilevered to facilitate transfer between chambers, and lateral movement of the carriage with the respect to the direction of transfer is restricted in the filling and sealing chamber. A method of filling containers with molten alkali metal is also disclosed in which the ambient gas pressure is reduced and then raised to reduce quantities of unwanted gas in the alkali metal.

Abstract: For the procedure a gas, heated to at least 1000 degrees Celsius, preferably even beyond the liquid temperature of the melt, is blown into the discharge opening (26). In this manner freezing problems and deposits in the discharge opening can be largely prevented. The pouring sleeve (20) according to the invention has a gas supply line (21), leading into a gas permeable insert (23) surrounding the opening (26), which is led for a certain length along the upper range of the sleeve (20) which is in contact with the melt, for the purpose of heating the gas.

Abstract: The invention concerns a casting spout for assisted opening. It is comprised of an upper part at least partially permeable to gas and a means for bringing a gas to the said upper part. Application to transport for continuous casting feed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a gas washing sink in a centered manner within an opening through a perforated brick in a wall of a metallurgical vessel and for removing the sink from the perforated brick includes a support assembly to be fixedly mounted on the exterior of the wall of the metallurgical vessel adjacent the opening in the perforated brick. A fastening assembly supports the sink and is mounted with respect to the support assembly for movement relative thereto between an operating position, whereat the sink is pressed into the opening through the perforated brick in a centered manner, and a maintenance position, whereat the sink is withdrawn from the opening through the perforated brick. Structures moves the fastening assembly relative to the support assembly to the operating position. A withdrawal apparatus moves the fastening assembly relative to the support assembly from the operating position to the maintenance position.

Abstract: A molten metal slide gate valve for use on a ladle or tundish. The slide gate valve uses a stationary upper plate having a groove formed in its lower face around the periphery of the plate. The groove is connected to a source of a nonoxidizing gas under pressure to provide a gas seal around the molten metal orifices in the slide gate valve and prevent the aspiration of air into the molten metal orifices during discharge of the molten metal from the ladle or tundish.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stirring molten metal as it is poured into a covered metallurgical vessel in a neutral atmosphere. A gas pressurized tube shroud assembly is positioned in an opening in the covered metal vessel and wherein atmosphere is replaced by the injection of inert gas under pressure through the shroud assembly. Molten metal is poured through a portion of the shroud assembly and as it becomes partially submerged within the molten metal forms a bubble field around the shroud protecting it from nonmetallic inclusions and associated erosion normally incurred.

Abstract: A nozzle shroud for shielding the pouring of molten metal into a gas filled neutral atmosphere from a metallurgical vessel to a central trumpet associated with ingot molds and the like. The shroud is a vacuum formed fiber structure positioned in sealing relation with the metallurgical vessel nozzle by support the gas injection assembly providing a sealing relationship between the nozzle and pouring receiving receptacle.

Abstract: A molten metal stream descends from a ladle through a nozzle and then a shroud into a molten metal bath in a tundish. Structure is provided to contain a ring of inert gas around the nozzle immediately adjacent the junction of the nozzle and the shroud and to prevent outside air from entering the shroud at the junction.

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: The invention relates to a flushing block for introducing gaseous and/or solid reagents and additives into a metallurgical melting vessel, which is connectable at one end to a gas pipe and at least to a drive means and at its other end has at least one outlet opening extending from its circumferential surface, said opening terminating in at least one gas channel which can be connected to the gas pipe.

Abstract: A member formed of ceramic refractory material has therein an opening. A metal coupling member for attaching a metal member such as a rod or a tube, to the refractory member has an externally threaded portion extending into the opening in the refractory member. The coupling member has a head extending radially outwardly beyond the threads of the threaded portion and embedded in the refractory member. The opening in the refractory member may be internally threaded to receive the threads of the threaded portion of the coupling member.

Abstract: Molten metal is teemed through a discharge nozzle controlled by a shut-off device during which inert gas is injected into an inlet portion of the discharge nozzle. A reduction of the cross section of the discharge nozzle due to the formation therein of deposits is prevented by injecting at least a portion of the inert gas into the inlet portion in a pulse-like manner by controlling the supply of the inert gas with respect to time and volume. The inert gas may be supplied from a source as partial volumes through plural branch lines each provided with shut-off and control valves, and the operation of such valves may be programmed to control the duration and repetition period of the supply of each partial volume.

Abstract: An immersion nozzle for continuous casting of molten steel comprises: an immersion nozzle body having a bore for introducing molten steel supplied from a tundish into a continuous casting mold; two exit ports located symmetrically about the vertical center axis of the immersion nozzle body at a lower portion of the immersion nozzle body for introducing the molten steel into the continuous casting mold; gas blow-in inlets in an inwall of the immersion nozzle body, the center axis line of the blow-in inlets crossing, at right angle, a vertical plane passing through a line connecting the respective centers of the exit ports; and gas blow conduits, each being connected respectively to one of the gas blow-in inlets. The gas blow-in inlets have a height almost equal to a vertical length across the exit ports, the top of the gas blow-in inlets being from 0 to 100 mm above the upper end of the exit ports.

Abstract: An apparatus for unplugging a vessel discharge port, for example, in a refractory lined ladle or tundish used in the casting of molten steel. The unplugging apparatus is adapted to be placed directly below the plugged discharge port within an axial bore of a refractory pouring tube such as a ladle shroud or like pouring nozzle. The apparatus includes a tubular housing having an axially displaceable tube disposed within the interior of the tube having an upper end disposed above the housing and an open lower end disposed within the housing. A conduit communicates with the interior of the tube at one end and is adapted to communicate with a source of pressurized gas, such as oxygen at the other end. In use, the pressurized gas raises the axially displaceable tube to emit the gas and cause burning in the vicinity of the plugged discharge port.

Abstract: Basic oxygen furnaces such as used in the production of steel comprise a vessel having a tap hole in an upper side wall section, the vessel being mounted for tilting motion with respect to its normal vertical position. Molten metal and slag thereon are separated in the area of the tap hole when the metal is being tapped by the introduction of gas such as argon or nitrogen through several slag controlling devices comprising refractory bodies defining a plurality of controlled passageways positioned around and about the tap hole.

Abstract: A shroud for shielding the pouring of molten metal in a neutral atmosphere from a metallurgical vessel to a center runner trumpet associated with bottom pour ingot molds or the like. The shroud is a vacuum formed fiber structure with a flat bottom and a contoured self-sealing top configured to seal against a metal ware extension from the metallurgical vessel which maintains the neutral atmosphere.

Abstract: A ladle shroud has a co-pressed porous ring for the introduction of an inert gas at the sealing joint between the ladle shroud and a mating ladle collector nozzle. The dense body of the ladle shroud and the co-pressed porous ring are of similar carbon-bonded graphite refractory grain compositions and have similar carbon containing binder systems to improve the bond between the ring and body components. The dense body further includes a continuous integral ledge portion which, abuts a top surface of the porous ring to seal the top of the ring against unwanted inert gas leakage.

Abstract: Process for protecting against oxidation and/or nitridation of a liquid metal stream flowing from the outlet orifice of a ladle or a distribution vessel, comprising surrounding the pouring stream with a tube substantially throughout the height of the stream and injecting a protective gas at least around the pouring stream so as to minimize the contact of the molten metal with the ambient air and avoid the dilution of the protective gas and the aspiration of ambient air. A device for carrying out the process includes two complementary semi-shells for surrounding the pouring stream and a hinge articulating the semi-shells for opening and closing the latter.

Abstract: A refractory wear part for use in a sliding closure unit for a metallurgical vessel has therethrough at least one flow-through opening. The wear part is formed of a combination of gas permeable material and gas impervious material. The wear part includes at least one gas flushing zone formed of the gas permeable material and opening on a surface of the wear part. A gas duct connects the flushing zone with an external gas inlet connection. The gas duct and the flushing zone are formed as a unitary, homogeneous gas permeable structure from the gas permeable material, and such gas permeable structure is formed within a gas impervious base structure formed of the gas impervious material.

Abstract: A melt tube assembly comprising a melt delivery tube and a supporting and insulating shield providing mechanical protection to the melt tube tip and a thermal barrier between the flowing melt and the gas atomization nozzle and the gas jets issuing therefrom during confined gas atomization. In a preferred embodiment, the melt tube tip is a separate element, easily replaceable or interchangeable without removing the melt delivery tube from the crucible.

Abstract: A casting nozzle designed such that the sticking of nonmetallic impurities to the outlet of the nozzle is prevented by blowing out a gas. The casting nozzle comprises a nozzle proper, an annular hollow chamber for gas blowing formed in the axial direction of the nozzle proper, and annularly arranged reticulate small holes for gas blowing communicating with the annular hollow chamber, the small holes opening at the outlet of the nozzle. The reticulate small holes are formed when organic filaments wound round a portion of the inside wall of the nozzle proper carbonize, volatilize, or shrink upon heating.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing an operation with molten solder, such as soldering or desoldering a component mounted on a substrate such as a PCB including an enclosed reservoir, the reservoir including a contained space above the molten solder; a hollow nozzle for receiving solder from the reservoir; an element for conveying the molten solder in the reservoir to the nozzle; and a source connected to the contained space for introducing a pressurized gas into the space to raise the solder through the conveying means to a predetermined level within the nozzle and maintaining said solder at said predetermined level to thus effect the operation with the molten solder and then removing the gas to return the solder to the reservoir. The gas is pulsed at least during the time the solder approaches and reaches the predetermined level. The apparatus includes a plurality of different size hollow nozzles for receiving solder from the reservoir where the nozzles are removably attachable with respect to the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for emptying metallurgical vessels, and in particular steelmaking converters containing metal and slag, whereby the slag is effectively separated from the metal during pouring. The apparatus includes at least on permeable refractory element located near the flow hole. An agitating gas is fed through the refractory element thereby creating a bubbling froth which effectively obstructs most of the slag from being carried along by the vortex which forms above the vertical flow hole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a porous nozzle which is made up of an upper porous brick, a dense brick, and a lower porous brick arranged vertically in layer and a casing surrounding them. The casing is provided with an inert gas supply pipe which leads to the peripheral space of the upper porous brick. The casing is also provided with another inert gas supply pipe which leads to the peripheral space of the lower porous brick.Disclosed also herein is another porous nozzle which is made up of an upper porous brick, a dense brick, and a lower porous brick arranged vertically in layer and a casing surrounding them. The casing is provided with an inert gas supply pipe which leads to the peripheral space of the lower porous brick which communicates with the peripheral space of the upper porous brick.

Abstract: The unplugging apparatus includes a conduit which extends through the wall of an annular member to a generally cylindrical lance housing disposed within the annular member. The upper end of the lance housing is disposed above and proximate the elevation of the conduit. A bushing is disposed within the housing at its upper end and guides upward movement of a tube which is partially disposed within the housing. The tube carries a charge of combustible material and has an upper end disposed outside the housing and a bottom flared portion disposed within the housing. The bushing defines a stop surface for the bottom flared portion of the tube. A combustible collar is mounted on the tube upper end and surrounds a portion of the charge of combustible material which extends past the tube upper end.

Abstract: A gas-blow casting nozzle has an annular gas-blowing hollow chamber with a gas-permeable part which is provided between the hollow chamber and the pouring hole of the nozzle body, and a number of joint parts for integrally joining the inner wall and the outer wall of the hollow chamber, which are provided in the radial direction of the annular hollow chamber. The total of the vertical section of the cylindrical area of the joint parts is about 30% to 70% of the cylindrical area of the hollow chamber. The gas-blowing hollow chamber which has the function of a heat-insulating layer is so constructed that the inner wall and the outer wall of the hollow chamber are partially and uniformly joined with the joint parts, and the joint parts are made to have the function of a heat-transfering layer, whereby the temperature difference in the radial direction of the nozzle body may be made small and the occurrence of thermal stress in the casting nozzle may be prevented.

Abstract: A compact and re-usable ingate device for transferring molten metal to a mold during casting employs a substantially unitary structure resembling a trapezoidal block of refractory material. Within the block are a generally cylindrical rotation chamber, an inlet channel which receives the molten metal and injects it tangentially into the rotation chamber, so that the metal swirls rapidly to separate nonmetallic inclusions, and an outlet channel which conveys the cleaned metal to the mold. The rotation chamber may have a bottom that is positioned below the opening to the outlet channel and walls which slope outward slightly from the bottom to at least the opening, so that inclusions and metal that has solidified at the bottom can be removed from the rotation chamber. Alternately the outlet channel may open into the bottom at an eccentric position, so that all of the molten metal will be drained.

Abstract: A stopper rod which has a plug at one end fits snugly into the inside of the nozzle having multiple ejection orifices. The plug is provided with at least one slot or opening which can be located directly over a selected orifice to allow passage of molten metal therethrough. When erosion occurs, the plug is indexed to locate the opening over a different, uneroded orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for shielding from the surrounding air a stream of molten metal being discharged from a discharge sleeve of a metallurgical vessel includes a tuyere-like adapter device mounted about the discharge sleeve. The tuyere-like adapter device is supplied with a pressurized inert gas and is constructed to produce a hollow jet of inert gas having a maximum length of approximately 20 cm as a gaseous shield surrounding a molten metal stream discharged from the discharge sleeve.

Abstract: Refractory parts for valve closures include members which by mutual sliding or rotary action, interrupt the flow of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel. Closed reservoirs filled with an impregnation agent, for example tar, pitch, methane gas, are provided embedded in the refractory parts and disposed adjacent to refractory wearing surfaces which are susceptible to undergo depletion and wear. The impregnation agent, on being heated by molten metal, slowly releases hydrocarbons which percolate through the refractory pores to the refractory wearing surfaces to prevent premature wear to the refractory surface and to provide lubrication for the flow of molten material in contact with the refractory wearing surfaces. The impregnation agent can be replenished in the form of replaceable porous cartridges which can be inserted into the reservoirs.

Abstract: A discharge nozzle assembly for discharging molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory nozzle brick having therethrough a discharge passage. An annular member formed of a refractory gas-permeable material is embedded in the nozzle brick and has an inner surface defining a discharge passage aligned with the discharge passage of the nozzle brick. A processing gas is supplied to the annular, gas-permeable member which supplies such gas to the discharge passage. The annular member is encased in metal, except for the inner surface thereof, to prevent leakage of the gas.

Abstract: A stopper comprising a monoblock refractory body having a gas duct formed longitudinally within the body wherein the said duct extends through the nose of the stopper to an intermediate region within the length of the stopper at which region the duct is sealed by a gas-impermeable plug to prevent gas leakage from the duct through the stopper beyond said region, and wherein said duct and an integral narrow gas supply channel extending from said port to a gas supply inlet on the outside surface of the stopper adjacent the opposite end of the stopper from the nose.