Abstract: A cleaning method includes a first removal step of causing an inert gas to which a pulsation is applied to flow into an exhaust pipe after a silicon single crystal doped with an n-type dopant is produced, to peel and remove a deposit; and a second removal step of causing an atmospheric air to which no pulsation is applied to flow into the exhaust pipe through a chamber to burn a part of the deposit with the atmospheric air, the part being not removable in the first removal step, and peel and remove a burned substance of the deposit.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a cleaning rod driven in reciprocating, axial extension (y) and retraction (x) movements upon cleaning a smelt discharge opening of a chemicals recovery boiler, wherein a linear actuator is controllable for driving the cleaning rod in the axial movements. A pivot actuation means is controllable for pivoting the cleaning rod about an axis (S) upon cleaning a smelt spout associated with the smelt discharge opening, wherein one or more sensors are arranged to provide control basis for correlation of the axial movements (x; y) with the change in pivot angle (?) during pivoting of the cleaning rod. A method to be performed in use of the apparatus is likewise disclosed.

Abstract: Device for inserting a refractory block into a taphole structure of a metallurgical vessel, in particular a basic oxygen furnace wherein the refractory block is carried by a mounting unit and has a proximate end introducable into the taphole. A distal end with locking elements, which can be coupled to a locking plate of the vessel, is disposed at the outside of the taphole of the vessel. The refractory block can be introduced into the taphole structure until the locking elements of the mounting unit can be attached to and coupled with the coupling head with a manipulator. This mounting unit can be uncoupled with the manipulator, when the refractory block is mortared and fixed in the lining, whereby the mounting unit can be decoupled and removed solely out of the taphole to enable refractory block replacement and gunning of refractory material from the inside of the furnace more easily.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods that clear (e.g., break-up, remove, or the like) the solidified slag (e.g., slag that is solidifying or has at least partially solidified) from the furnace, such as from the slag door as molten slag is removed from the furnace. The systems and methods of the present invention comprise utilizing an arm that is extendable and retractable into and out of a position for accessing an opening in a slag door. The system has a ram that extends and retracts, and may move in horizontal and vertical directions, to clear solidified slag from the slag door opening and other areas within a furnace. The systems and methods of the present invention provide for clearing of solidified slag from the furnace without putting workers in a dangerous environment and without the need for expensive retrofitting of the furnace or furnace deck.

Abstract: A pelletizing process, having two distinct serial stages. In the first stage, crude (or green) pellets of a given ore, or a mixture of ores (such as iron ore, manganese ore and other minerals), are produced, while in the second stage, a Device for Improvement of Crude Pellets, is used. The Device includes a slightly elastic and smooth surface, with reduced attrition rate, that may be striated, and that, encircled in itself, forms a cylindrical geometric hollow figure supported by a metallic structure, also cylindrical, with the set forming a finishing drum. The Device rotates with an inner and continuous charge of ore pellets, and can rearrange the structure of such pellets, improving their physical quality: compressive strength, sphericity and surface finishing, and assimilate fines generated during previous processes. This device allows application of diverse materials to the pellets to add required extra properties per specificities of subsequent industrial processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and to an arrangement for removing outgrowth in a suspension smelting furnace. The suspension smelting furnace comprising a reaction shaft having a reaction shaft structure. The reaction shaft comprises at least one opening for an outgrowth removal means. The movable piston is arranged such that the movable piston can move in the opening in the reaction shaft and into the reaction shaft to push possible outgrowth in the reaction shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods that clear (e.g., break-up, remove, or the like) the solidified slag (e.g., slag that is solidifying or has at least partially solidified) from the furnace, such as from the slag door as molten slag is removed from the furnace. The systems and methods of the present invention comprise utilizing an arm that is extendable and retractable into and out of a position for accessing an opening in a slag door. The system has a ram that extends and retracts, and may move in horizontal and vertical directions, to clear solidified slag from the slag door opening and other areas within a furnace. The systems and methods of the present invention provide for clearing of solidified slag from the furnace without putting workers in a dangerous environment and without the need for expensive retrofitting of the furnace or furnace deck.

Abstract: A process for producing direct reduced iron (DRI) from iron ores, utilizing a gas produced from fossil fuels, particularly coal, containing sulfur compounds and BTX, wherein said gas is heated in a gas heater, preferably of the regenerative type, wherein heat is transferred from a previously-heated solid material to the gas produced from coal. The hot gas is caused to flow through a bed of DRI particles, iron oxides or other equivalent material, outside of the reduction reactor, where said material adsorbs sulfur compounds and the BTX are destroyed. The gas resulting from this treatment, free from sulfur compounds and BTX, is combined with a reducing gas stream withdrawn from the reduction reactor after H2O and CO2 have at least partially have been removed for regenerating its reducing potential, with or without undergoing a previous cleaning treatment, is used for producing DRI.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing condensed metal from the surfaces of metal processing chambers, such as, vacuum induction melting (VIM) furnaces having, for example, condensed Mg or Ti, are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide a robotic arm end positioned in the furnace having a nozzle operatively connected to a source of dry ice. The robotic arm end directs a stream of dry ice particles against the surface of the furnace to displace condensed metal. The displaced metal is collected for reuse or disposal. Aspects of the invention provide a safe and automated process for cleaning process chambers and recovering metal that can typically be dangerous when performed by conventional methods.

Abstract: A method and system for method for removing solid accretions from a copper anode or holding furnace using coherent jet lance assembly directed towards the solid accretions in the bottom portion of the copper anode furnace to melt the solid accretions over an extended period of time without damage to the furnace refractory proximate a point of stream impingement.

Abstract: A metal reclaiming system and method for reclaiming metal from scrap material is provided. The system has a furnace (12) and a controller (106) for controlling operation of the system. The controller (106) operates the metal reclaiming system in a first operating mode in which the furnace (12) is operated at a first temperature in the range of 350° C. to 550° C. to incinerate pollutants and drive off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the scrap material without melting the metal. The controller (106) is operates the metal reclaiming system in a subsequent operating mode in which the furnace (12) is operated at a further, higher temperature to melt metal in the said scrap for reclaiming.

Abstract: A furnace system has a furnace, particularly an arc furnace, for melting metal, and a cleaning device for removing and/or avoiding bulk goods from or in a furnace opening. The cleaning device has a movable thrust arm for carrying out a thrust movement, and a movement device for moving the thrust arm between a parking level and an operating level. The use of a furnace opening is further made more flexible in that a work platform forming a work level is present, from which the furnace opening is accessible and which carries the cleaning device. The work level has a recess through which the thrust arm can be guided during the movement thereof between the operating level positioning above the work level, and the parking level positioned below the working level.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing condensed metal from the surfaces of metal processing chambers, such as, a vacuum induction metal (VIM) furnaces having, for example, condensed Mg or Ti, are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide a robotic arm end positioned in the furnace having a nozzle operatively connected to a source of dry ice. The robotic arm end directs a stream of dry ice particles against the surface of the furnace to displace condensed metal. The displaced metal is collected for reuse or disposal. Aspects of the invention provide a safe and automated process for cleaning process chambers and recovering metal that can typically be dangerous when performed by conventional methods.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for a slag door of a metallurgical furnace, having a mounting assembly for mounting the apparatus to the furnace, and at least one closure element, moveable from an open position that is exterior of the slag door opening, to a closed position that effectively seals against the slag door and extends into the slag door opening with the rear panel of the closure element(s) being proximally aligned with the interior wall of the furnace. The apparatus may also have at least one wiping component moveable so as to sweep across the lower surface of the slag door to remove obstructions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to remove matte-sticking adhered to an inner surface of an inclined rear jacket of an exhaust gas hood for collecting exhaust gas discharged during the converter operation in copper smelting. Scraping means 10a˜10f are each provided with a scraping part 20 for scraping off matte-sticking by moving slidably across the inner surface of the rear jacket 8 by driving means 11 from a sidewall of the exhaust gas hood to at least over the centerline L of the width of the rear jacket 8. The scraping means are arranged in pairs at both right and left sidewalls of the exhaust gas hood 6 in multiple levels along the inclination of the rear jacket 8, thereby allowing the matte-sticking adhered to the rear jacket 8 to be removed over almost its entire surface.

Abstract: A furnace system has a furnace, particularly an arc furnace, for melting metal, and a cleaning device for removing and/or avoiding bulk goods from or in a furnace opening. The cleaning device has a movable thrust arm for carrying out a thrust movement, and a movement device for moving the thrust arm between a parking level and an operating level. The use of a furnace opening is further made more flexible in that a work platform forming a work level is present, from which the furnace opening is accessible and which carries the cleaning device. The work level has a recess through which the thrust arm can be guided during the movement thereof between the operating level positioning above the work level, and the parking level positioned below the working level.

Abstract: A spout opening cleaner for cleaning smelt spouts of recovery boilers and the like includes an actuation arm and self-aligning cleaning head. The cleaning head employs open bail designs for enabling continued flow of smelt during a cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A cleaning unit for smelt spouts of a recovery boiler. A motorized cleaning member is configured to clean smelt spouts of a recovery boiler. A motorized transfer device is configured to transfer the cleaning unit from the location of a first smelt spout to the location of a second smelt spout.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for a slag door of a metallurgical furnace, having a mounting assembly for mounting the apparatus to the furnace, and at least one closure element, moveable from an open position that is exterior of the slag door opening, to a closed position that effectively seals against the slag door and extends into the slag door opening with the rear panel of the closure element(s) being proximally aligned with the interior wall of the furnace. The apparatus may also have at least one wiping component moveable so as to sweep across the lower surface of the slag door to remove obstructions.

Abstract: A direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from metalliferous feed material includes a pretreatment unit for pretreating metalliferous feed material and producing pretreated feed material, a direct smelting vessel for smelting pretreated metalliferous feed material to molten metal and a hot feed material transfer apparatus for transferring pretreated metalliferous feed material from the pretreatment unit to a solids delivery device of the direct smelting vessel. The transfer apparatus includes a hot feed material storage device, a hot feed material transfer line, device for unblocking the hot feed material transfer line and a pressurising device. The hot feed material transfer apparatus includes a device for returning pretreated metalliferous feed material to the pretreatment unit.

Abstract: A suction cart suctions away the gases and dust produced during flame cutting processes and catches the scrap metal produced. The suction cart can travel underneath the flame cutting bench and is outfitted with at least one suction pipe, which emerges into a suction duct, is configured so that it is able to handle the disposal work for materials located underneath the flame cutting bench. A cleaning blade or rake is arranged on the suction cart, the cleaning blade or rake being able to be lifted and lowered onto the floor underneath the flame cutting bench.

Abstract: A suction cart suctions away the gases and dust produced during flame cutting processes and catches the scrap metal produced. The suction cart can travel underneath the flame cutting bench and is outfitted with at least one suction pipe, which emerges into a suction duct, is configured so that it is able to handle the disposal work for materials located underneath the flame cutting bench. A cleaning blade or rake is arranged on the suction cart, the cleaning blade or rake being able to be lifted and lowered onto the floor underneath the flame cutting bench.

Abstract: Reduction process and relative plant for the production of metallic iron by means of the direct reduction of iron ore, in which a reduction shaft is connected to a source of reducing gas obtained from the gasification of coal. The process advantageously comprises a step in which a portion or all of the synthesis gas entering the plant circuit is processed to separate the methane from the rest of the components of said synthesis gas. The advantageous management of the extracted methane enables the entire reduction process to be optimized, making the efficiency of the process independent of the methane content in the original synthesis gas and making it possible to control the carbon content of the product more accurately and more easily.

Abstract: A surface treatment apparatus for a metal sheet has a blasting device for blasting solid particles having an average particle diameter of 300 ?m or less onto the metal sheet which is continuously transferred, a blast chamber in which the blasting device is disposed, and cleaning means provided at the downstream side of the blast chamber for cleaning a surface of the metal sheet. At an inlet side of the blasting device, a deposits removing device for removing deposits on the surface of the metal sheet may be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (8) which is used to inject a treatment gas into a molten metal contained in a tank (1) and which is designed to be fixed in one of the walls of said tank. The inventive device comprises at least one injection nozzle (18) which is equipped with an end hole (19). Said device is characterised in that it comprises a mobile means (14) which can be manoeuvred from outside of the injection device and which is used to unblock the aforementioned end hole of the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing metal strip (1) in an installation (2), in which a metal strand, especially a thin slab, is brought to a desired temperature and/or is maintained at a desired temperature in a furnace (3, 3a, 3b) and is subjected to a rolling process in a rolling train (4) downstream of the furnace (3, 3a, 3b) in the direction of conveyance (R) of the metal strand (1). In accordance with the invention, to prevent the formation of scale deposits in the downstream region of the furnace, provision is made for the metal strand (1) to be subjected to at least one descaling operation during its residence time in the region (5) of the furnace (3, 3a, 3b). In addition, the invention concerns an installation for producing metal strip.

Abstract: The invention provides a cooling system for protecting an image fiber and an imaging device from thermal influences and a temperature measurement apparatus, for a molten metal, capable of being easily controlled and stably measuring the temperature. The temperature measurement apparatus for a molten metal comprises four connectable portions of a nozzle portion a purge/cooling gas introduction portion, an image fiber fitting portion with a window glass and an image fiber to a double pipe nozzle protection tube. A distance from a nozzle distal end as an introduction portion of thermal radiation light to a light reception portion at an image fiber distal end becomes short so that a greater amount of thermal radiation light can be received.

Abstract: A system for monitoring coal flow through a coal delivery tube in a blast furnace fuel injection system is disclosed, which system automatically actuates a purge cycle for clearing accumulations of coal from a coal lance when a temperature drop indicative of an imminent blockage is detected. A method of controlling the purge system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for mechanically breaking up and detaching dust accretions created by process gases and accumulated on the inner walls of a suspension smelting furnace and/or a waste heat boiler permanently connected to the suspension smelting furnace. According to the invention, on the outer surface (7,13) of the wall of a suspension smelting furnace (1) and/or a waste heat boiler (6), in the vicinity of the connecting point (5) of the suspension smelting furnace and the waste heat boiler, there is installed at least one striker device (8,14), whereby there can be created a mechanical impact effect and mechanical contact between the apparatus (8,14) and at least one of the dust accretions (12,19).

Abstract: An apparatus for clearing dust accretions in connection with a smelting furnace, particularly in the contact area between the uptake shaft and waste heat boiler of a flash smelting furnace. The apparatus comprises a wall element (1) arranged in the area (8) to be cleaned, which wall element is movable between at least two positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for mechanically breaking up and detaching dust accretions created by process gases and accumulated on the inner walls of a suspension smelting furnace and/or a waste heat boiler permanently connected to the suspension smelting furnace. According to the invention, on the outer surface (7,13) of the wall of a suspension smelting furnace (1) and/or a waste heat boiler (6), in the vicinity of the connecting point (5) of the suspension smelting furnace and the waste heat boiler, there is installed at least one striker device (8,14), whereby there can be created a mechanical impact effect and mechanical contact between the apparatus (8,14) and at least one of the dust accretions (12,19).

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a tap hole insert in a furnace includes a drill detachably mounted to a drive shaft in a boom arm of a utility machine with the drill adapted to remove the existing tap hole inserts to be replaced from outside of the furnace interior, and a tap hole insert tool detachably mounted to the boom arm of the utility machine with the tap hole insert tool adapted to hold and insert tap hole inserts into the furnace tap hole from outside the furnace interior. The drill is provided with a locking pattern having alternating inserts.

Abstract: A solidified residual iron within a blast furnace is suspended up by employing a shell suspending device fixed to a tuyere arranged in a lower end portion of an upper portion of a furnace body suspended by a lift jack and a solidified residual iron suspending band, thereafter is descended by employing the lift jack and is mounted on a horizontally moving table. Subsequently, the horizontally moving table mounting the solidified residual iron thereon is moved onto a furnace outer truck rail from a furnace inner truck rail so as to be taken out of the furnace by operating a center hole jack arranged near the furnace outer truck rail, whereby an operation of taking out the solidified residual iron within the blast furnace out of the furnace is economically performed for a short time.

Abstract: A solidified residual iron within a blast furnace is suspended up by employing a shell suspending device fixed to a tuyere arranged in a lower end portion of an upper portion of a furnace body suspended by a lift jack and a solidified residual iron suspending band, thereafter is descended by employing the lift jack and is mounted on a horizontally moving table. Subsequently, the horizontally moving table mounting the solidified residual iron thereon is moved onto a furnace outer truck rail from a furnace inner truck rail so as to be taken out of the furnace by operating a center hole jack arranged near the furnace outer truck rail, whereby an operation of taking out the solidified residual iron within the blast furnace out of the furnace is economically performed for a short time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for replacing the tap hole liner of a Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF/QBOP/AOD and all other types of converter vessels) includes a multi-purpose movable utility vehicle, a water-cooled self-centering drill removably attached to the multi-purpose utility vehicle, and a tap hole liner installation guide removably attached to the multi-purpose utility vehicle in place of the water-cooled self-centering drill attachment.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for producing a semisolid shaping metal that has fine primary crystals dispersed in the liquid phase and which also has a uniform temperature distribution comprises a melt pouring section comprising a melting furnace which melts and holds a metal and a pouring device which lifts out the molten metal from said melting furnace, adjusts it to a specified temperature and pours it into a holding vessel, a nucleating section which generates crystal nuclei in the melt as it is supplied from said pouring device into said holding vessel, a crystal generating section which performs temperature adjustment such that the metal obtained from said nucleating section falls within a desired molding temperature range as it is cooled to a molding temperature at which it is partially solid, partially liquid, a holding vessel heating section which adjusts the temperature of the holding vessel when it is empty, a holding vessel conditioning section which inverts the holding vessel so that a partially molten m

Abstract: A burn table includes a slag removal apparatus operably mounted beneath the flame cutting table and between a pair of spaced apart vertical panels which support the flame cutting table. The slag removal apparatus includes a blade mounted on a support frame, the support frame extending between the vertical panels and moveable between the panels from one end of the burn table to the other. A drive motor is mounted on the frame to drive the frame forwardly and rearwardly, and thereby push the blade along the floor to scrape slag from the floor.

Abstract: A method of removing furnace deposit in a non-ferrous smelting furnace, comprising the steps of inserting a lance 2 provided with a spray nozzle 4 at the tip thereof from a furnace ceiling into a furnace; spraying a reducing agent from the spray nozzle 4 at the tip of the lance toward a molten deposit mainly comprising oxides adhering to a furnace wall surface of a non-ferrous smelting furnace by turning the lance within a prescribed angular range and vertically moving the lance within a prescribed range; reducing the molten deposit into a low-melting-point slag; causing the slag to flow; and discharging the slag together with furnace slag to outside the furnace.

Abstract: A method of removing slag and/or steel build-up from lances in steel making furnaces includes blasting dry ice (solid CO.sub.2) pellets on to a hot lance as it is being drawn out of a furnace. A refractory or ceramic coating may be applied to the lance while it is being inserted into the furnace.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder 41 of a second driver 40 brings both a scraper 20 and a first driver 30 into integrally movable relation so that the scraper 20 is caused to intrude into an uptake 10 of a furnace via an opening 14 defined on a vertical wall of the uptake 10, and an accretion removing pawl 21 is positioned on a horizontal wall surface 12 of the uptake 10. Subsequently, a hydraulic cylinder 31 of the first driver 30 moves the scraper 20 on the horizontal wall surface 12 to scrape off any accretion having occurred thereon. The accretion thus scraped is blown off the horizontal wall surface 12 by pressurized air supplied from a pressurized air-supplying source connected to a flange 27.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and treating the walls of a kettle containing a molten metal such as zinc comprises injecting nitrogen or other gas into the molten metal through a reaction container. The reaction container may contain a second metal capable of forming an alloy with the molten metal. The reaction container is immersed in the molten metal adjacent the sidewall of the kettle and is moved around the peripheral edge of the kettle to disperse the second metal and the nitrogen into molten metal. The reaction container includes a gas feed pipe having a lower end with a plurality of gas outlets. An enclosure for containing the second metal surrounds the lower end of the feed pipe such that gas exiting the feed pipe bubbles upwardly through the enclosure to contact the second metal. In a preferred embodiment, the gas is nitrogen and the second metal is aluminum which form aluminum nitride in the molten metal.

Abstract: A smelt spout cleaner apparatus includes a cleaning head insertable into a smelt spout and movable in a substantially linear path along the smelt spout for thoroughly cleaning the spout. The cleaning head is mounted on one end of a substantially horizontal beam, the opposite end of which is supported in cantilever fashion to a support base which is selectably movable. The support base includes means for longitudinally translating the beam and causing the cleaning head to move in a linear path along the length of the smelt spout.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for cleaning a filter (7) disposed between a chamber contaminated with particles and a pump station. Herein a feedline (21) for oxygen or for an oxygen/inert gas mixture to the filter (7) is provided which is equipped with an arrangement (11) influencing the flow of gas. Moreover, the device has a drainage (20) for gaseous reaction products and, if necessary, inert gas from the filter (7), which is provided with an arrangement (15) influencing the throughflow of this gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for oxidizing the pulverous fuel of a furnace, advantageously a flash smelting furnace, by means of a burner, so that the oxidation takes place mainly owing to an effective mixing of two different combustion gases, pulverous fuel and possibly an extra fuel in the furnace space. The combustion gases are conducted into the furnace space in separate flows, so that oxygen is fed in through the center in an at least partly turbulent flow, and the air is fed around it in several separate flows. The invention also relates to a burner for mixing pulverous fuel and combustion gas and for burning them in the said furnace space.

Abstract: An arrangement for introducing and removing a lance into and out of a tiltable metallurgical vessel has drive means stationarily arranged in the direction of the lance axis and means for pivotal mounting of the drive means. The lance is designed as a guide and is guided by the drive means and is movable in the direction of its axis. In a method using the above arrangement for positioning the lance relative to the metallurgical vessel, the actual position of the vessel is taken up by a position transmitter on said vessel, and the drive means is actuated to position the lance in dependence on that actual position.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning refractory-lined conveyor troughs for conveying molten metals and slags has a rail-guided carriage that extends across the trough and travels along the length of the trough, with a cleaning head supported by the carriage. Two wheels on the carriage travel along a guide rail on one side of the trough while a non-powered idler roller on the carraige travels along the other side. Lateral, opposed, rotatable guide rollers are provided on each side of the guide rail adjacent each wheel. Metal plates are situated in the floor beneath the guide rail, while small plates and/or shims are provided to compensate for irregularities between the guide rail and the metal plates.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to clean refractory-lined conveyor troughs for molten metals and slags by means of chains on a rotating drum. A motor is used to drive the drum, whose current consumption and/or speed are variable as a function of the load. Variation from a specified setpoint is used to cause a displacement of the rotating drum transverse to the conveyor trough, to achieve optimal cleaning of the trough wall, which is only effected with the desired distance between wall and drum and a load on the motor corresponding to this distance. The direction of rotation of the drum is reversible, so that when the two sides of the conveyor trough are cleaned, the material removed is thrown in the same direction, preferably towards a suction exhaust.

Abstract: A method of making steel in several stages under a reaction slag and accompanied by addition of oxygen carriers involving the moving of a metallurigical vessel along at least one line along which each step of a plurality of metallurigical process steps is carried out.

Abstract: An arrangement for cleaning a lance head of a lance introducible into a metallurgical vessel includes a cleaning head being in contact with the lance head during the cleaning procedure and surrounding the lance head. The cleaning head and the lance are relatively movable in the direction of the axis of the lance. In order to be able to carefully clean the lance head on its side facing the melt bath present in the metallurgical vessel by preventing the penetration of slag during the measuring procedure between the measuring and/or sampling probe and the end face of the lance, the cleaning head and the lance are placeable into an aligned position by an adjustment device. The cleaning head is settable into a rotational movement reciprocating about the axis of the lance by an oscillation device.

Abstract: A ladle scraper mechanism 20 comprises an outer frame 44 which supports and guides a carrier assembly 58 for up and down movement to move scraper legs 57, with scraper blades 72 at their lower ends, down along the lining of a ladle 22 containing a bath 40 of molten metal while vibrators 70 on the top of the legs vibrate them and pneumatic actuators 68 on the carrier assembly force the legs to swing radially outwardly against the ladle walls.