By Means Introducing Treating Material Patents (Class 266/216)
  • Publication number: 20110308354
    Abstract: A material supply apparatus and process for co-injecting heated solid metalliferous material and solid carbonaceous material via a solids injection lance into a direct smelting vessel are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Rodney James Dry
  • Publication number: 20110291333
    Abstract: A device for introducing dust into a molten bath of a pyrometallurgical installation is provided. An electrodeless plasma torch includes an essentially tubular housing, wherein the housing allows a passage of a carrier gas containing dust particles, and wherein the housing is coaxially surrounded by an inductive load coil which forms a heating zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Werner Hartmann, Günter Lins, Thomas Matschullat
  • Publication number: 20110260378
    Abstract: A water-cooled cover for a treatment vessel for metal melts, wherein the preferably refractorily lined treatment vessel serves in particular for the treatment of liquid metal, in particular of steel, by blowing in solids or gases, or inductive stirring at atmosphere or in vacuum. The cover is formed dome-like, wherein the ratio of inner clear height (h) to inner clear diameter (D) of a flange of the cover is at least 0.2. On the side facing the metal melt, an inner wall of the cover is formed substantially smooth and free of grooves and gaps. Cooling channels arranged on the outer side of the inner wall so that the surface temperature of the inner wall is maintained at a temperature of maximum 350° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: INTECO SPECIAL MELTING TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Harald HOLZGRUBER, Michael LUVEN, Christian BUCHMAIER, Johannes OBITZ
  • Publication number: 20110239822
    Abstract: A method for producing a ferro-alloy, such as steel, in an electric arc furnace or other suitable metallurgical furnace is disclosed. The method comprises supplying a mixture of (a) a carbon-containing polymer that is capable of acting as a slag foaming agent and (b) another source of carbon into the furnace during at least a part of a power-on phase of the method. A metallurgical furnace is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: NewSouth Innovations Pty Limited
    Inventors: Paul Anthony Vielhauer, Paul James O'kane, Jonathan David Dicker, Catherine Louise Skidmore
  • Publication number: 20110227263
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to produce stainless steel for all stainless steel products both in the austenitic and the ferritic range, based on liquid pig-iron and FeCr solids, without using a supply of electrical energy. According to the invention, the liquid pig-iron, after being pre-treated in a blast furnace, is subjected to a DDD treatment (dephosphorisation, desiliconisation and desulphuration), is heated, finished or alloyed and deoxidated. The quantity of slag-free liquid pig-iron that has been pre-treated in the blast furnace and a DDD device is separated and introduced into two classic “twin” AOD-L converters, where the required chemical process steps (of the heating, decarburisation and alloying stages) take place in parallel contrary processes using autogenous chemical energy, the heating stage being carried out first in the first twin AOD-L converter and the decarburisation being carried out first in the second twin AOD-L converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: SMS SIEMAG AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Johann REICHEL
  • Patent number: 8017068
    Abstract: An apparatus for injecting gas into a metallurgical vessel supporting a metallurgical process is disclosed. The apparatus includes a gas flow duct, an elongate central structure extending within the gas flow duct, and a plurality of flow directing swirl vanes disposed about the central tubular structure adjacent the forward end of the duct. The flow directing vanes are formed with internal water flow passages for flow of cooling water internally along each vane. The elongate central structure is formed with a cooling water supply passage for supply of cooling water to the internal water flow passages in the vanes and a water return passage for outflow of cooling water which has passed through the internal water flow passages in the vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Technological Resources Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Derek Dengel, George Cingle, III, Todd Smith
  • Publication number: 20110203412
    Abstract: A method for smelting steel scrap in a furnace is described, a working gas being blown into the furnace via a flow channel in order to supply melting energy and being guided through at least one electrodeless plasma torch, the plasma being produced by at least one inductive heating coil that coaxially encloses the flow channel and forms a heating zone. Further a melting furnace with at least one heating device that extends through a wall of the furnace is described, for supplying melting energy. The heating device has a tubular body which encloses a flow channel. A longitudinal section of the tubular body is configured as an electrodeless plasma torch, said torch having an inductive heating coil that coaxially encloses the flow channel and forms a heating zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Matschullat
  • Patent number: 8003043
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing a furnace melt are provided. Preferably, the method and apparatus provide for the safe and efficient access to the molten metal melt in a furnace. According to one aspect of the invention used in a steel making process in an electric arc furnace, a furnace aperture plug is reciprocated through a furnace aperture, the furnace aperture plug is retracted from the furnace aperture, access is provided to the molten metal melt in the furnace, and the furnace aperture plug is reinserted into the furnace aperture when the access is concluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Process Technology International, Inc.
    Inventor: Valery Shver
  • Publication number: 20110167963
    Abstract: A dual outlet injector is disclosed for use in a dual lance or dual port desulfurization station, whereby reagent from a given injector vessel may be injected into two separate supply pipes respectively corresponding to the dual lances or dual ports. The dual outlet injector enables a desulfurization station to be configured comprising only one supply vessel for powdered magnesium reagent and only one supply vessel for a carrier reagent such as powdered lime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: ESM GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Waitlevertch, Larry J. Epps, Michael S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20110167959
    Abstract: A method for introducing dust into a molten bath of a pyrometallurgical installation is described. According to the method, a carrier gas containing dust particles is guided through a heating zone of an electrode less plasma torch, the gas being converted to a plasma by inductive heating prior to being blown into a region of the installation which receives the molten bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Werner Hartmann, Günter Lins, Thomas Matschullat
  • Patent number: 7976774
    Abstract: A composite sparger for use in elevated temperature and corrosive environments. The composite sparger is formed from a substrate tube with a thermally conductive interlayer on its surfaces exposed to the reactor environment. The thermally conductive interlayer is protected with a corrosion resistant layer. The corrosion resistant layer protects the interlayer from the corrosive environment of the reactor vessel and the interlayer material conducts heat away from the corrosion resistant layer to prevent combustion of the corrosion resistant layer. The interlayer material and corrosion resistant material may be selected so as to provide for sufficient thermal conduction to prevent combustion of the corrosion resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Fraser, Murray Pearson
  • Publication number: 20110156326
    Abstract: Disclosed is an iron bath-type melting furnace characterized by comprising a furnace body and a plurality of tap holes provided at different positions of the furnace body in the direction of the height thereof so as to extend through the furnace body, and in that an iron source as a raw material together with a carbon material and a slag-making material is charged into the furnace and further an oxygen-containing gas is injected into the furnace to melt the iron source as the raw material by combustion heat generated by combustion of the carbon material and/or carbon contained in the molten iron and to produce molten iron and molten slag are produced, and the plurality of the tap holes is used while switching from the uppermost tap hole toward downward tap holes to tap the iron slag being conducted, whereby molten iron is produced by intermittently taking out the molten iron and the molten slag to the outside of the furnace while maintaining the furnace body erect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel Ltd.)
    Inventors: Hideaki Fujimoto, Korehito Kadoguchi, Kiminori Hajika, Hiroshi Sugitatsu
  • Patent number: 7968048
    Abstract: A composite sparger for use in elevated temperature and corrosive environments. The composite sparger is formed from a thermally conductive non-combustible metal substrate. The surfaces of the conductive non-combustible metal exposed to the reactor environment are protected with a corrosion resistant layer. The corrosion resistant layer protects the substrate material from the corrosive environment of the reactor vessel and the substrate material conducts heat away from the corrosion resistant layer to prevent combustion of the corrosion resistant layer. The substrate material and corrosion resistant material may be selected so as to provide for sufficient thermal conduction to prevent combustion of the corrosion resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Hatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Fraser, Murray Scott Pearson
  • Patent number: 7951325
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for use in metal melting, refining and/or other processing, such as, for example, steel making in an electric arc furnace (EAF), and more particularly, to improved burner panels and related methods for the introduction of various energy sources, such as, for example, chemical energy and particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Air Liquide Advanced Technologies U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Christopher K. Higgins, Serban Cantacuzene, Yury Eyfa
  • Publication number: 20110089567
    Abstract: The invention provides a technique and a device that dramatically improve joint reliability of miniature joints of fine electronic components. According to the invention, when producing a tin or a solder alloy used for electronic components, an ingot of a tin or a solder alloy is heated, melted and delivered to a reactor. Also, a solution containing organic acid having a carboxyl group (—COOH) is delivered to the reactor. After stirring and mixing the two liquids intensively, the mixed liquid is separated into a molten tin or a molten solder alloy liquid and an organic acid solution according to the difference in specific gravity. Then, the respective liquids are circulated to the reactor, and the metal oxides and the impurities existing in the molten tin or the molten solder alloy are removed, and the molten tin or the molten alloy is purified to have oxygen concentration of 5 ppm or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Hisao Ishikawa, Masanori Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20110074073
    Abstract: A method of producing a silicon-and-carbon-enriched cast iron melt. The method can include melting an initial cupola charge in a cupola, conducting the molten metal to a mixing vessel, increasing the silicon and carbon content of the molten metal by a substantially continuous addition of granular silicon carbide having a purity of greater than 94% and a size of less than ?? to the mixing vessel while simultaneously agitating the molten metal to an extent sufficient to bring the silicon carbide into solution with the molten metal, and conducting the silicon-and-carbon-enriched molten metal away from the mixing vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald Jay Beyerstedt, Ricklin L. Heintz
  • Patent number: 7892319
    Abstract: A crust breaker and ore feeder device for electrolytic aluminum smelting employs an in-line three-position pneumatic cylinder capable of moving the plunger shaft to a fully raised position, to a fully lowered position, and to an intermediate, partly lowered position. The full stroke is used for a conventional combined ore dispensing and a crust breaking operation; a partial stroke between the fully raised position and the intermediate position permits ore dispensing without a crust breaking; and a partial stroke between the intermediate position and the fully lowered position permits crust breaking operation without ore feeding. The cylinder can take form of a tandem cylinder having upper and lower axially aligned cylinder portions, with rods not connected to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Trol-Mation, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter C. Massaro, Michael F. Carno
  • Publication number: 20110017021
    Abstract: A lance for injecting a solid material into a vessel, such as a direct smelting vessel for producing molten iron, is disclosed. The lance has a core tube assembly comprising a passageway for solid material. The core tube assembly has an inlet for receiving solid material at a rear end and an outlet for discharging material at a forward end. The core tube assembly comprises an outer tube of a structural material and an inner tube of a wear resistant material that are bonded together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Bronislaw Jerzy Minko
  • Patent number: 7846379
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial furnace for melting and gas-treating nonferrous metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Andritz Maerz GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Zulehner, Hans Rinnhofer
  • Publication number: 20100289193
    Abstract: Molten Aluminum and its Alloys are generally subjected to Degassing and Grain Refining before casting. Degassing is carried out to reduce the Hydrogen gas content. On-line Degassing is among the popular practice and is carried out with the help of equipment like SNIF, LARS etc. Grain refining is carried out for improving the micro-structure of the cast product. It involves addition of grain refiner in to the melt prior to or during the casting. Utility Patent applied vide this non-provisional patent application envisages addition of powder/s of Degasser(Hexa-chloro Ethane), as a substitute for Chlorine and/or Grain refiner; into the purging gas of an On-line Degassing system; thus accomplishing degassing and/or grain refining in one single stage with improved efficacy of respective treatments, better working conditions and lower processing cost. This invention can be adopted in any existing as well as new On-line Degassing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Subhash Chander
  • Patent number: 7829010
    Abstract: An end-piece for an additive guide tube is disclosed. Such an end piece may have a durable sleeve and a sloughable sleeve. The sloughable sleeve may have a channel through which an additive may be delivered, and the sloughable sleeve may reside in the through-hole of the durable sleeve and may be secured to the durable sleeve. When molten metal contacts the sloughable sleeve, the sloughable sleeve burns or melts and sloughs off, thereby preventing the molten metal and slag from sticking to the end-piece, which in turn prevents buildup of metal and slag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Affival, Inc.
    Inventors: James Timothy Schwadron, Leslie Wade Niemi, Gregory P. Marzec
  • Patent number: 7824604
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for use in metal melting, refining and/or other processing, such as, for example, steel making in an electric arc furnace (EAF), and more particularly, to improved cooling systems and related methods for use in an extended burner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Air Liquide Advanced Technologies U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Christopher K. Higgins, Serban M. Cantacuzene, James M. Cochran, Yury Eyfa
  • Patent number: 7811509
    Abstract: A molten metal submergence device includes a submergence chamber, an inlet pipe, and a vortex breaker. The submergence chamber is defined by a side wall and includes an inlet in communication with an associated molten metal bath and an outlet in communication with the associated molten metal bath. The inlet is positioned in relation to the side wall such that material passing through the inlet is introduced at least substantially tangentially to the side wall. The inlet pipe is in communication with the inlet of the submergence chamber. The inlet pipe is configured to depend from a wall of the submergence chamber within the confines of the side wall. The vortex breaker is disposed in the submergence chamber between the inlet and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Pyrotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris T. Vild, Richard Henderson, Richard C. Chandler
  • Publication number: 20100252967
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an injector for an arc furnace. The injector comprises a head suitable to face into the furnace and a body suitable to support the head. The head and body are manufactured separately from each other, and are fastened by means of removable connection means in order to implement said injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: CONCAST AG
    Inventors: Stefano Miani, Bruno Rubeo
  • Publication number: 20100164150
    Abstract: Method and system for producing metallic nuggets includes providing reducible mixture (e.g., reducible micro-agglomerates; reducing material and reducible iron bearing material; reducible mixture including additives such as a fluxing agent; compacts, etc.) on at least a portion of a hearth material layer. In one embodiment, a plurality of channel openings extend at least partially through a layer of the reducible mixture to define a plurality of nugget forming reducible material regions. Such channel openings may be at least partially filled with nugget separation fill material (e.g., carbonaceous material). Thermally treating the layer of reducible mixture results in formation of one or more metallic iron nuggets. In other embodiments, various compositions of the reducible mixture and the formation of the reducible mixture provide one or more beneficial characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: NU-IRON TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Iwao Iwasaki, Michael J. Lalich, Robert C. Beaudin, Richard F. Kiesel, Andrew J. Lindgren, Rodney L. Bleifuss
  • Patent number: 7736415
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for feeding an additive to a molten metal in a vessel to achieve a uniform dispersion of the additive are provided. In one example, the outlet of the lance is positioned below the surface of the molten metal. The lance is moved with a reciprocating motion, so that the outlet of the lance moves below the surface of the molten metal. The additive is dispensed through the outlet of the lance along a path traversed by the outlet in the molten metal while the lance reciprocates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Specialty Minerals (Michigan) Inc.
    Inventors: Dominick M. Colavito, John Damiano, Yves Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 7704444
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing characteristics of a furnace melt are provided. Preferably, the method and apparatus provide for the safe and efficient testing of metal temperature and composition of molten metal during the melt cycle of the metal. According to one aspect of the invention used in a steel making process in an electric arc furnace, a furnace probe is reciprocated through a furnace probe plug aperture, the furnace probe is retracted from the furnace probe plug aperture, a furnace probe is inserted through the furnace probe plug aperture, the furnace probe is retracted from the aperture, and the furnace probe aperture plug is inserted into the furnace probe plug aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Process Technology International, Inc.
    Inventor: Valery G. Shver
  • Patent number: 7704445
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing a furnace melt are provided. Preferably, the method and apparatus provide for the safe and efficient access to the molten metal melt in a furnace. According to one aspect of the invention used in a steel making process in an electric arc furnace, a furnace aperture plug is reciprocated through a furnace aperture, the furnace aperture plug is retracted from the furnace aperture, access is provided to the molten metal melt in the furnace, and the furnace aperture plug is reinserted into the furnace aperture when the access is concluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Process Technology International, Inc.
    Inventor: Valery G. Shver
  • Publication number: 20100098581
    Abstract: A revert alloy is used in the manufacture of a target alloy having a different composition. The weight percent of the elemental constituents of this first alloy and a second or target alloy are obtained, and the ratio of the percentage by weight of each elemental constituent in the first alloy to the second alloy is determined. The lowest ratio is used to determine the amount of the first alloy that is melted and the necessary elemental constituents that are added to the melt to produce the desired composition of the target alloy. The melt is solidified to produce the target alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dale A. Schenk, John J. Schirra
  • Patent number: 7687018
    Abstract: Means for conveying hot granular material from a loading zone to an arc melting furnace (3), comprising a horizontal trough (1), trough vibration generators that cause the granular material to move along the trough, a sluice gate (4) to regulate the material flow in the discharge zone and a sluice gate to regulate the material flow in correspondence with the loading zone. Separating baffles (5) are arranged inside the conveyor trough defining cells in which the granular material accumulates and considerably improving the effectiveness of the action of the gases that are forced through the granular bed, for instance to prevent oxidation of the hot DRI or to perform an additional reduction process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccanicite S.p.A.
    Inventors: Arbeno Vrech, Alfredo Poloni
  • Publication number: 20100044931
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metallurgical vessel (1), in particular an arc furnace, having a holding container (2) for metal melt and having a lid (3), by means of which the holding container (2) can be at least partially covered, wherein the metallurgical vessel also has at least one lance (4, 5) for the supply of a medium into the metallurgical vessel (1), and wherein the at least one lance (4, 5) is pivotably arranged on or in the metallurgical vessel (1). In order to be able to introduce a medium into the interior of the furnace in an improved manner, the invention provides that at least one lance (4, 5) is arranged in the region of the lid (3) of the metallurgical vessel (1) on a revolute joint (6) which has a rotational axis aligned in a horizontal direction (H).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Norbert Uebber, Guido Kleinschmidt, Jochen Schlueter, Udo Falkenreck
  • Patent number: 7662210
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing molten irons by injecting fine carbonaceous materials into a melter-gasifier and a method for manufacturing molten irons using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: POSCO
    Inventors: Young-Chul Kwon, Nam-Suk Hur, Young-Do Park, Hak-Dong Kim
  • Patent number: 7662335
    Abstract: A material scrap submergence device comprises a body (10) of heat resistant and/or a refractory material that includes a side wall (12) and a base (14) that define a submergence chamber (10). The refractory body (10) can include passages (24) that receive rods (22). The rods (22) can place the refractory body (10) under compression. In another embodiment, the body is confined by a frame (72) attached to the body. The submergence chamber (10) can also be used as a gas injection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Pyrotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris T. Vild, Jan H. L. Van Linden
  • Publication number: 20100005927
    Abstract: A method for introducing a cored wire into a bath of molten metal includes extracting the cored wire from a reel, and making it run into the molten metal bath, one part of the path traveled by the cored wire being formed in a guide tube, whose distal end is at a defined height above the surface of the metal bath. The cored wire is driven and subjected to a straightening operation under conditions practically not altering its substantially circular cross section and allowing it to be introduced and penetrate into the depth of the bath in a vertical direction. The installation includes elements for driving the cored wire from a reel, a guide tube for guiding the cored wire, and elements for straightening the cored wire that are placed in front of its entry into the guide tube, the straightening elements being capable of giving the cored wire a straight direction without altering its circular cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: AFFIVAL
    Inventor: Andre Poulalion
  • Publication number: 20100007067
    Abstract: A lance nozzle tip for a refractory lance for feeding an additive wire into a quantity of molten metal below the surface of the molten metal surface has a refractory casing and a conduit located within the refractory casing. The refractory casing has a nozzle portion which has a lance nozzle insert. The conduit has a first portion in the nozzle portion and a main portion having a second portion of the conduit. The first portion of the conduit has a passage extending from an inlet end of the first portion of the conduit to an outlet end of the first portion of the conduit. The passage has a diameter for a substantial portion of the length of the first portion of the conduit and a funnel-shaped portion at the inlet end of the first portion of the conduit for guiding the additive wire conveyed through the passage and second portion of the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Specialty Minerals (Michigan) Inc.
    Inventor: Yves C. Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 7645418
    Abstract: A gas purge device for a metallurgical melting vessel includes a conically shaped ceramic body (2) in contact at its top side with heat contained in the melting vessel. The ceramic body has a static external element and an internal element axially movable therein. A pneumatic drive axially moves the internal element to and fro relative to the external element between a closed position and an open position. The spring force of a spring retains the internal element in the closed position. The device furthermore includes a gas-tight enclosed volume arranged at the bottom side of the ceramic body the volume being connected to a gas supply duct for introduction of purge gas. A deformable membrane is connected to the internal element with the pressure difference between the purge gas pressure prevailing in the gas-tight enclosed volume and the ambient pressure acting upon the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventors: Stefan Munding, Germann Munding
  • Patent number: 7641849
    Abstract: An injector for injecting particulate material into a metallurgical furnace has a first tubular barrel and a housing defining a chamber having an inlet for particulate material, a first gas inlet and a particulate material/gas outlet connected to the rear end of the first barrel. The first air inlet has a first nozzle operable to inject gas into the chamber at a supersonic velocity when gas at suitable pressure is passed through the nozzle. A second tubular barrel surrounds the first barrel in spaced relationship therewith. The second barrel has a second gas inlet adjacent its rear end and a second nozzle adjacent its front end. Gas under pressure supplied to the second gas inlet passes between the barrels and is discharged at supersonic velocity from the front end thereof adjacent gas and entrained particulate material discharged from the first barrel so as to shroud the particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: A.H. Tallman Bronze Company, Limited
    Inventors: Michael J. Strelbisky, Athanasios Tommy Balkos, Timothy Zeien
  • Publication number: 20090158892
    Abstract: A battery of stationary hearth furnaces, and method for using, for producing metallic iron nodules having a furnace having a stationary hearth, an inlet and an outlet; a heating chamber beneath the stationary hearth having heated fluids circulated thereto and heating reducible material on the stationary hearth; passageways circulating fluids, through ports from the furnace housing above the reducible material to the heating chamber beneath; burners and air inlets in the furnace and optionally in at least one passageway and a heating chamber for drying and heating the reducible material, driving off and burning volatile material, and forming metallic iron nodules; a loading device for loading reducible material and optionally hearth material onto the stationary hearth through the inlet; and a discharging device capable of discharging metallic iron nodules and optionally related material from the stationary hearth through the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: NU-IRON TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventor: Narayan GOVINDASWAMI
  • Publication number: 20090091068
    Abstract: An injector for injecting particulate material into a metallurgical furnace has a first tubular barrel and a housing defining a chamber having an inlet for particulate material, a first gas inlet and a particulate material/gas outlet connected to the rear end of the first barrel. The first air inlet has a first nozzle operable to inject gas into the chamber at a supersonic velocity when gas at suitable pressure is passed through the nozzle. A second tubular barrel surrounds the first barrel in spaced relationship therewith. The second barrel has a second gas inlet adjacent its rear end and a second nozzle adjacent its front end. Gas under pressure supplied to the second gas inlet passes between the barrels and is discharged at supersonic velocity from the front end thereof adjacent gas and entrained particulate material discharged from the first barrel so as to shroud the particulate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Michael J. Strelbisky, Athanasios Tommy Balkos, Timothy Zeien
  • Publication number: 20090065984
    Abstract: A metallurgical vessel (11) has circumferentially spaced tubular mountings (25) through which to extend solids injection lances (31) into the vessel. Lance extraction apparatus (33) comprises an elongate track support structure (41) supporting a twin rail track (40) inclined upwardly and outwardly from the vessel above the direction of inclination of a respective lance (31). Interconnected upper and lower carriages (42, 44) are moveable along track (40) by operation of a hoist (47). Extraction apparatus (33) is operable sequentially to remove solids delivery line sections (36) and (37) and the lance (31) by connection to the carriages (42, 44) and upward movement of those carriages along track (40). Upper carriage (42) carries a pivot arm (51) for connection to upper parts of components to be removed such that those components can be pivoted downwardly to positions in which they can be hung from an overhead crane for removal to a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Mark Hayton
  • Publication number: 20090065985
    Abstract: A molten metal reactor quickly entrains a feed material in the molten reactant metal and provides the necessary contact between the molten reactant metal and the feed material to effect the desired chemical reduction of the feed material. The reactor includes a unique feed structure adapted to quickly entrain the feed material into the molten reactant metal and then transfer the molten reactant metal, feed material, and initial reaction products into a treatment chamber. A majority of the desired reactions occur in the treatment chamber. Reaction products and unspent reactant metal are directed from the treatment chamber to an output chamber where reaction products are removed from the reactor. Unspent reactant metal is then transferred to a heating chamber where it is reheated for recycling through the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Anthony S. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20090057964
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for feeding an additive to a molten metal in a vessel to achieve a uniform dispersion of the additive are provided. In one example, the outlet of the lance is positioned below the surface of the molten metal. The lance is moved with a reciprocating motion, so that the outlet of the lance moves below the surface of the molten metal. The additive is dispensed through the outlet of the lance along a path traversed by the outlet in the molten metal while the lance reciprocates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Dominick M. Colavito, John Damiano, Yves C. Vermeulen
  • Publication number: 20090038438
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing a furnace melt are provided. Preferably, the method and apparatus provide for the safe and efficient access to the melt. According to one aspect of the invention used in a steel-making process in an electric arc furnace, a furnace aperture burner/lance provides a flame for heating the melt, a lance device for injecting oxygen into the furnace, or both. To access the melt, the furnace aperture burner/lance is disengaged, access is provided to the melt through the furnace aperture, and the furnace aperture burner/lance is reengaged when the access is concluded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Process Technology International Inc.
    Inventor: Valery Shver
  • Publication number: 20090042012
    Abstract: A method for producing an aluminum foam product wherein reactive gas producing particles are introduced into an aluminum alloy melt under controlled conditions and subjected to agitation to induce the production of foam-stabilizing by-products, and, under certain conditions, the production of gases used to produce the molten metal foam itself. Foam products produced through this method have intrinsically formed metal oxides and other solid particles dispersed therein and are devoid of the large extrinsically added stabilizing ceramic additions traditionally used in the production of aluminum foams. The invention claims a rapid, single step method for producing an inoculated, foamable melt using low cost precursor materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: J. Daniel Bryant, Jacob A. Kallivayalil, Mark D. Crowley, Joseph R. Genito, Larry F. Wieserman, Deborah Murphy Wilhelmy, William E. Boren, JR.
  • Patent number: 7481964
    Abstract: A system for producing a metal foam comprises a bath containing a molten metal, a rotating shaft or impeller extending through the base of the bath into, and submerged in the molten metal, and a gas discharge nozzle provided on the submerged end of the shaft. The opposite end of the shaft is connected to a gas supply line and the shaft is rotated with a motor. A seal is provided at the opening in the base of the bath for preventing leakage of the molten metal there-through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: CYMAT Corp.
    Inventors: Scott Nichol, Richard G. Manley
  • Publication number: 20080236338
    Abstract: A melting apparatus facilitates the melting of pieces of solid metal in a bath of molten metal (10). The melting apparatus comprises a device (18) having a lower portion (22), an upper portion (20), and a body portion (24) extending therebetween, introduction means for introducing the solid metal into the device (18) through the upper portion (20), flow inducing means (28) for inducing flow of molten metal through the device (18), and flow straightening means (38) for encouraging axial flow of motel metal through the device (18). The body portion (24) is formed with a plurality of apertures (36) therein and the device (18) is arranged, in use, with the lower portion (22) and the plurality of apertures (36) positioned within the bath (10) and the upper portion (20) positioned above the upper surface (12) of the molten metal bath (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: ADVANCED MAGNESIUM TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD
    Inventors: Dag Baekkedal, Jan August Bolstad, Paul McGlade, John Adrian Calvi
  • Patent number: 7426230
    Abstract: A device that prevents exhaust gas leakage during movement of an electrode in an electric furnace. An electrode holder is attached to the electrode. An actuator moves the electrode between first and second positions within an aperture formed in an upper portion of the furnace. A fixed section is attached to a waste charging station. A first moving section is moveably coupled with the fixed section, a second moving section is moveably coupled with the first section and fixedly attached to the electrode holder on a first side, and a third moving section is fixedly attached to the electrode holder on a second side opposite the first side. The device moves between a retracted position in which the first and second moving sections are adjacent to the fixed member, and an extended position in which the first and second moving sections are distal from the fixed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Hideo Katayama
  • Publication number: 20080211146
    Abstract: The invention relates to ferrous metallurgy and can be used in the processes of direct alloying of steel in steel-teeming ladles or installations for the out-of-furnace treatment. An installation for supplying materials into a metallurgical unit comprises a distributing device made as a funnel and a swivel launder with a drive, and intermediate hoppers interconnected with a pipe-chute, wherein the installation is provided with a housing having a lid and means for fastening to structures of a plant, wherein the funnel is mounted in the lid, the swivel launder is mounted under the lid, and the intermediate hoppers are positioned radially in the housing to form a cavity by hopper surfaces facing a longitudinal axis of the installation, said cavity being separated from the interior of the hoppers, wherein the hoppers are coupled to the pipe-chute by means of discharge openings formed therein and shutters mounted to move relative to a longitudinal axis of a hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Obschestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostyu "Issledovatelsko-Tekhnologichesky Tsentr" Ausferr
    Inventors: Andrei Andreevich Morozov, Rafkat Spartakovich Takhautdinov, Anatoly Yakovlevich Nakonechny, Vladimir Nikolaevich Urtsev, Dim Maratovich Khabibulin, Felix Vilenovich Kaptsan, Sergei Nikolaevich Anikeev, Sergei Iosifovich Platov, Vadim Yurievich Shtol
  • Patent number: 7374716
    Abstract: A metallurgical furnace has a cover (20) for a vessel (10) and a charging device (30) for charging material that will be melted in the vessel. The charging device has a rotatable retaining means (31) and a projection (40) is provided at a charging opening (42). The furnace has a maximum filling level (H2) and the rotatable retaining means is pivoted into the projection for the charging operation. The pivotable range of the retaining means does not extend below the maximum filling level (H2). At least two self-supporting material baskets (32) can be positioned in a removable manner above the projection (40), and each comprises an inner chamber that can be closed on the lower side thereof by the retaining means (31) and a volume (C) for receiving the charging materials. A change device (33) interchanges and positions the material baskets (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: VAI Fuchs GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7371343
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nano-powder extraction apparatus using the rotation of a hollow impeller, which is configured to extract nano-powder according to particle size thereof by effectively dissolving the nano-powder contained in plasma gas into a surfactant solution, and to prevent the aggregation of nano-powder as the nano-powder is absorbed in and collected by a surfactant of solution, thereby enabling the application of strongly reactive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Nano Plasma Center Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-Nam Kim