Abstract: A composite refractory product, for example a subentry nozzle for use in the pouring of molten metal comprises a body of refractory material having therein or thereon a flexible gas-impermeable membrane formed from a compatible refractory material preferably flexible graphite to render at least a portion of said body impermeable to gas. Such a product is manufactured by providing within an isostatic pressing mould a flexible gas-impermeable membrane and particulate refractory materials, said membrane being formed from a refractory material compatible with the particulate refractory material and being suspended or supported in the mould such that following packing of the particulate refractory materials in the mould and isostatic pressure upon the mould a refractory body having the said flexible membrane in or on the body at a predetermined location is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting metal strip includes a nozzle having an orifice for depositing a stream of molten metal onto a casting region of a moving chill surface. A conditioning shoe is located generally upstream from the nozzle in a direction opposite to the direction of chill surface movement to delimit a conditioning chamber. The conditioning chamber communicates directly with the nozzle orifice and borders at least three sidelines of the chill surface casting portion. A shield for minimizing an intrusion of ambient atmosphere into the conditioning chamber and for deflecting an entrained gas boundary layer carried along by the chill surface is cooperatively connected to the conditioning shoe. Gas control provides a selected, low density atmosphere, such as a partial vacuum, within the conditioning chamber.

Abstract: An immersion pouring spout for introducing molten metal, such as steel, into an ingot mold is provided with a top head and a cylindrical pouring tube including a protective external jacket attached by cement to the pouring tube and extending the entire length of the pouring tube. The jacket material has a thermal conductivity that is less than the thermal conductivity of the pouring tube material.

Abstract: There is described a device and process for delivering a predetermined quantity of molten metal to a metal casting operation via metal transfer members, such as thermally heated pipes under a positive head to the shot size and delivery system wherein the device has a metal receiving chamber, a hydraulic ram for metal movement and an inert gas sweep capability. The ram chambers has only a nominal relationship to the volume of metal to be used to fill the mold, the true measurement of the volume being a factor of the pressure of the molten metal being delivered to the chamber and the time the molten metal is allowed to flow into the chamber before the ram is activated to force the metal under a definite predetermined pressure into the mold cavity.

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 gas bubble brick for metallurgical vessels consists of a porous, gas-permeable shaped brick (2) made of refractory material, a gas-tight partial encasing surrounding the latter, which encasing is welded together from a metal jacket (4) extending around the lateral circumferential area of the shaped brick and a metal cover (6) covering the outer face of the shaped brick, a gas supply pipe (10) which is welded to the rim of a central gas inlet orifice (8) of the metal cover (6), as well as a break-through safeguard in the area of the gas supply pipe.

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 a method of manufacturing amorphous metal ribbons by ejecting molten metal through a nozzle attached to a tundish onto a rapidly moving cooling body, the molten metal is suppled to the tundish by first pouring the molten metal from a ladle into an intermediate vessel and then by supplying the molten metal from the intermediate vessel to the tundish through a gas-lift pump. An apparatus for supplying molten metal to a tundish comprises an intermediate vessel adjacent to the tundish and a gas-lift pump to supply the molten metal from the intermediate vessel to the tundish. The molten metal is poured from a ladle into the intermediate vessel. The gas-lift pump has a pump proper that is placed over the intermediate vessel and tundish so that its inlet and outlet open in the intermediate vessel and tundish, respectively. Bubbles are suppled into the pump proper through its inlet.

Abstract: A porous plug retainer which can be mounted in a hot metal ladle or similar vessel for locating, installing and retaining an argon porous plug so as to allow service and maintenance of the porous plug to be performed from outside the vessel. The porous plug retainer is comprised of two subassemblies with the first subassembly welded to the bottom of the hot metal ladle and machined to accept a female refractory block into which the porous plug is inserted. The porous plug is formed so that it fits and mates with the opening in the female refractory block and the second subassembly can be joined to the first subassembly so as to lock the members together. The second subassembly is mounted on a hinge to allow it to move linearly and then radially to clear the porous plug while opening. The invention allows the porous plug to be properly aligned in the refractory block and a threaded seat allows the porous plug to be firmly positioned in the refractory block.

Abstract: A nozzle for continuous casting which is capable of uniformly supplying a required amount of gas to the inner wall surface thereof by providing a plurality of communication holes inside the nozzle body between the inner surface thereof and a gas pressure balance chamber disposed inside the nozzle body so as to communicate the chamber with the inner surface, the communication hole having a square measure corresponding to that of a circular hole having a diameter of 1.0 mm or less, and preferably between 0.03 and 0.5 mm. The nozzle body is comprised of a material having 20% or less porosity and containing 50% or more open pores, each having a diameter of 5 .mu.m or less.

Abstract: A molten metal discharging device including a stationary plate of refractory material and adapted to be mounted at a bottom portion of a container for accommodating molten metal, the stationary plate having a molten metal passage bore for permitting the molten metal from the container to be discharged therethrough, and a slide plate of refractory material 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, wherein the stationary plate includes a stationary plate main body having the passage bore therein, at least a major part of the main body being made of porous refractory material, the stationary plate main body having a chamber around a circumferential wall part of the passage bore and a gas introduction hole communicated with the chamber for introducing a gas from outside into the chamber, the circumferential wall part having gas supply hole elements for supplying the gas therethrough from the chamb

Abstract: A casting nozzle (1) at metallurgical processes, through which nozzle a metal bath is intended to flow out, where gas, such as argon or nitrogen gas or a mixture of gas and powderous material, is intended by means of an injection lance or the like to be injected into the bath in connection to the nozzle.The casting nozzle according to the invention is especially characterized, in that the through hole (2) of the nozzle (1) has substantially conic shape, with a cross-sectional area increasing in the intended flow direction.

Abstract: The molten metal transfer crucible of the present invention filters molten metal during transfer of the molten metal to a receptacle such as a mold. The molten metal transfer crucible of the present invention is fitted with an external removable filter blade. The removable filter blade contains a filter element and is positioned with respect to an inlet in the transfer crucible such that molten metal is filtered by passing through the filter element contained in the blade while the crucible is being filled with molten metal. During operation molten metal can be intermittently back-flushed through the filter element contained in the blade. Back-flushing molten metal through the filter element extends the life of the filter element, and thereby increases the hours the transfer crucible may be operated between blade changes.

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 method and apparatus for pouring molten metal in a neutral atmosphere into an ingot mold, a trumpet funnel for bottom poured ingots or a tundish box for a continuous caster or like vessel is disclosed wherein the receiving vessel is closed about a ceramic sleeve through which the molten metal is poured and wherein the normal atmosphere is replaced by vaporized hexamethylene or cyclohexane as it is sometimes called. The closure about the ceramic sleeve through which the molten metal is introduced into the receiving vessel is positioned on top of the receiving vessel and supports the ceramic sleeve and is provided with break lines or scores that permit the edge portions of the sheet-like closure to be moved in hinged relation thereto when the sheet-like closure is pushed downwardly into the receiving vessel to a point on or near the surface of the molten metal.

Abstract: The particular pipe is provided with a system of blind bores being gas conductively interconnected and an inert gas is fed to this duct and channel system to traverse the gas permeable material of which the pipe is made to emerge particularly from surfaces in contact with molten steel to thereby prevent the precipitation of deposits, particularly on the inside of the pipe, but also on the outside surface thereof where being submerged in the bath of molten steel.

Abstract: A shrouding sleeve for removable insertion between a tundish and an underlying mold to vertically enshroud a liquid stream issuing from the tundish to the mold wherein the shrouding sleeve consists of upper and lower substantially rigid sleeve portions. The upper sleeve is removably secured to the underside of the tundish and the lower sleeve is removably insertable for vertical alignment between the upper sleeve and the underlying mold. An annular flange is annularly secured to the bottom of the upper sleeve, and in a similar manner, annular flanges are also secured to the top and bottom of the lower sleeve. Another annular flange is also secured to the top of the underlying mold. At least one of these annular flanges is under continuous bias in the vertical direction so that when the lower shrouding sleeve is transversely inserted into vertical alignment between the upper sleeve and the mold, all of the annular flanges engage adjacent mating flanges to form a continuous shrouding sleeve under seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for shielding a stream of molten metal during teeming comprises a housing (106) and a ceramic ring (105). The ceramic ring (105) is made of compressible material and is tapered so that on insertion in the housing (106) it readily forms a seal with lips (107) and (113) which project inwardly from the outer wall (111) of the housing (106).

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: 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: A nozzle is provided having an elongated conduit extending therethrough for delivering molten metal below the surface of a pool of molten material. The nozzle includes facilities for passing a fluid medium, e.g., argon, through its wall members transverse to the direction of molten metal flow into the elongated conduit to retard the accumulation of undesirable formations, e.g., metal oxides, on the inner wall surfaces of the conduit during molten metal flow. In a first embodiment, gas permeable wall members define portions of the conduit through which the fluid medium percolates. In a second embodiment, a plurality of small ports are provided in the wall members defining the conduit through which the fluid medium is emitted in the conduit. Preferably, the nozzle also includes a base portion that directs the molten metal flow in an upwardly direction and which has facilities for retarding the accumulation of undesirable formations thereon.

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: The unplugging apparatus includes an annular member having a refractory ring on its inner surface. A housing is supported by the member and connected to a radially disposed conduit. A tube in the housing is guided for upward movement by the housing. A nozzle may be provided on the upper end of the tube. The tube has a reaction surface within the housing and is adapted to be projected upwardly by gas introduced into the housing from the conduit. The tube has a passage so that the gas from the housing may be discharged through the nozzle.

Abstract: The improved crucible of the present invention both filters molten metal during the transfer of the molten metal from a supply receptacle such as a melting furnace to a receiving receptacle such as a mold. The transfer crucible of the present invention may be either portable or permanently mounted. The present invention relates to both the design of the improved transfer crucible and to the method for using the improved transfer crucible. The transfer crucible of the present invention is fitted with one or more removable blades, each of which contains a filter element. Molten metal can be filtered while the crucible is being filled with molten metal, during transfer of molten metal, or if desired molten metal can be filtered both on entry into and on exit from the transfer crucible.

Abstract: In submerged teeming operations the extended pouring tube which receives molten metal from a vessel via a nozzle has gas admitted thereto for protecting it against molten metal attack. A union block is sandwiched between the nozzle and pouring tube, block being surrounded by a metal jacket spaced therefrom to form a gas manifold to be fed with gas via a gas supply pipe. Gas admitted to the manifold is ejected, around the lower end of the union block, by a surrounding annular orifice into the pouring tube and flows downwardly along the wall thereof as a protective gas film.

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 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: Metal flow control for a continuous casting process is provided by providing a gas back pressure bubble to block the flow of molten metal above the casting nozzle. Pressurized gas is provided to a cap positioned upstream of the nozzle and including a depending skirt that cooperates with a dam. When the gas pressure offsets the head pressure of the molten metal, the flow of molten metal into the nozzle is blocked. By terminating the control pressure, the flow of metal over the dam may be reestablished. The cap including the skirt and the dam form a weir assembly defining a channel along one side or around the periphery of the nozzle. The cap may be supported and fed with gas pressure through a duct from the side, or along the center of the crucible.

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.

Abstract: A mounting chassis, fixed by locking pivots to the base plate of a tundish in a continuous casting plant, supports an upper nozzle seated in a refractory brick. A replaceable lower nozzle coaxial with the upper nozzle is held in contact with the upper nozzle by a quick-release ring.

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 block of refractory material has extending therethrough a throughflow opening, preferably including a funnel-shaped inlet converging inwardly to a throughflow duct. An annular gas collecting space is provided within the block at a position surrounding the throughflow opening radially outwardly thereof. A gas feed duct extends through the block from the exterior thereof to the gas collecting space. At least one annular duct extends radially inwardly from the gas collecting space to the throughflow opening. The annular duct opens into and forms with the throughflow opening at least one narrow slit which extends around the entire periphery of the throughflow opening.

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: 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: A phase-separating member of annular form supplies a liquid phase, which converges towards a molten stream of metal. The liquid phase is distributed in the form of at least two layers, the upper layer meeting the metal stream at a distance h which is not greater than 300 mm from the bottom of the upper supply container, each layer forming an angle .gamma. greater than 30.degree. with the said stream and being intended to protect a proportion of the vertical extent of the stream h not greater than 600 mm. The invention is applicable to protecting casting streams of large diameter and considerable height, in particular between the ladle and the tundish in the continuous casting of slabs.

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: The specification discloses a ceramic nozzle of the submersible type which includes a permeable bore section surrounded by an annular manifold positioned between the bore section and the less permeable integral body of the nozzle. The manifold is employed for supplying inert gas into the nozzle bore. The nozzle is made by positioning an unfired ceramic bore section on a mandrel inserted into a mold cavity defining the body of the nozzle with the outer surface of the bore section covered with a burnout material which, during the molding of the nozzle, fills the manifold area and after kiln firing burns away to leave a void defining the manifold. The ceramic mix for the bore section includes burnout material, such that after firing the bore section is significantly more permeable than the body of the nozzle.

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 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.