Abstract: An apparatus for adding wire-form processing elements directly into a molten material, comprising: a heat resistant nozzle positionable relative to the surface of the molten material such that an inlet is disposed above the surface and an outlet is disposed beneath the surface; a mechanism for feeding the wire through the nozzle directly into the molten material; and a system for injecting a substantially inert gaseous medium into the molten material together with the wire, whereby the inert gas substantially prevents closure of the nozzle by solidified molten material and promotes mixture of the processing elements with the molten material through gas bubble agitation. The apparatus further comprises a substantially gas-tight conduit connected to the nozzle inlet, through which the wire and the inert gaseous medium are delivered to the nozzle. A pressure-driven seal prevents atmospheric contamination and prevents loss of inert gas.

Abstract: A ladle adapted for treatment of molten iron with a reactant comprises a main chamber having sealed top and bottom ends. A teapot spout communicates with the bottom end of the ladle, and a dividing wall extends upwardly inside the main chamber from the bottom end of the ladle and forms a compartment within the main chamber. The compartment is adapted to contain the reactant. An opening in the top end of the main chamber allows placement of the reactant in the ladle compartment, and an airtight cover is mounted on the top end of the main chamber to cover the opening.

Abstract: A plunging capsule for introducing a highly volatile, vaporizable additive, such as pure magnesium, into a metal melt in a treatment vessel comprises a wall oriented vertically in an operating position of the capsule. The wall has an upper portion forming two-thirds of the wall and a lower portion forming one-third of the wall, and defines a chamber for the additive. At least one outlet opening is provided in the upper portion. At least one inlet opening is provided in the lower portion. The transverse cross-sectional area of the inlet opening is less than that of the outlet opening.

Abstract: A device for blowing a reactive liquid into a melt which includes an atomization nozzle and a plurality of parallel bores having such a ratio of length to diameter as to cause emission of the reactive liquid as a corresponding plurality of parallel streams of atomized liquid.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuously treating a mass of molten metal with a determinate treating agent, wherein the treating agent is continuously introduced in a treating vessel through a supply passage formed through the wall of the vessel while the molten metal is continuously poured into the vessel, for effecting a continuous contact of the molten metal with the introduced treating agent. The molten metal is discharged from a lower part of the vessel after it has been treated with the treating agent in the vessel. The treating vessel has a reaction chamber to which the supply passage is open. The treating vessel is adapted so that the poured molten metal which flows through the vessel temporarily stay in the reaction chamber for effective contact and reaction between the molten metal and the treating agent.

Abstract: A treatment unit is disclosed which comprises a pouring bush (1) opening directly or indirectly into an additive container (3) holding a reactive additive such as a nodularizing agent and which has an aperture at the top of its peripheral walls (7c) and optionally one or more other apertures (7) in its peripheral walls to allow the passage therethrough of molten metal. The additive container is housed within a covered jacket or funnel (4) for restricting contact of molten metal being treated with the atmosphere. The aperture at the top of the peripheral walls of the additive container may be in the form of an annular gap (7b) between the top of the additive container and either the bottom of the pouring bush or a cover provided for the funnel or jacket.

Abstract: The lowermost end of a filling tube which extends through a protective top into a vessel containing a melt includes a support flange which mounts a dip container inside the vessel. The dip container is shaped to define an internal reaction chamber below the lowermost end of the filling tube and to provide communication between the internal reaction chamber and the melt. It includes a basket-shaped metal container which is attached to the support flange and an outer sheath formed of a reinforcing material-containing refractory, the outer sheath covering both the metal container and the filling tube up to a point near the protective top so as to leave an expansion joint between it and each of the metal containers, the filling tube and the protective top.

Abstract: A system for treating, normally refining, a metallurgical melt has a melt-containing vessel having below the level of the melt an at least gas-pervious wall portion. A finely divided treatment solids is suspended in a treatment gas and this suspension is introduced through the pervious wall portion into the melt and reacting the melt with the gas and solids. The wall portion has openings oriented so that the gases and particles can pass into the vessel through them, but the molten metal therein cannot enter them. A plurality of such gas-and particle-pervious inserts are provided in the base of the crucible. They can be individually controlled relative to respective sensors provided above the melt. Thus exothermically reacting gases and/or particles are fed in under cold spots, or endothermically reacting gases and/or particles are fed in under hot spots.

Abstract: A melt of magnesium-containing nodular iron partially fills an enclosure forming a space above the melt which fills with the vapor of magnesium evaporated from the melt. Magnesium is fed into the space where the magnesium vaporizes and increases the vapor pressure so as to drive magnesium into the melt and increase its magnesium content.

Abstract: A disposable bed filter for removing particulate matter and/or reducing oxygen in a poured metal melt is located within a trough. The bed filter preferably comprises discrete layers of bed media located in a trough between entry and exit baffle plates. The layers of bed media include a layer of coarse media and a layer of fine media. The trough is preferably provided with a closeable lid to permit removal of the bed media and to compensate for buoyancy of the bed media if present. In its preferred use, the bed filter forms part of a process for making a metal alloy wherein the bed filter simultaneously reduces the oxygen content of the melt and filters particulate matter from the melt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a procedure and an arrangement for spreading pulverized or granular additive material, preferably covering material, on the surface of a metal melt, preferably a steel melt, which is in an open metallurgical ladle by means of a spreading arrangement whereby at least a predetermined quantity of additive is made available in a dosing container whereby the dose is sub-divided into partial doses, the ladle is placed underneath the dosing container, the additive dose is made to fall under its own weight onto the surface of the metal melt and is spread out on the surface by means of a spreader which is connected to the dosing container.The arrangement for performing the procedure comprises a spreader (b 1) which consists of two or more concentrically-arranged truncated tubular cones (2), a dosing container (3), two valves (8), (9) for filling and emptying respectively the container (3).

Abstract: A process or method of and apparatus for the in-ladle treatment of molten base metal iron with a nodularizing agent (e.g., a magnesium bearing alloy) so as to produce substantially uniform spheriodal graphite in the iron. The process involves placing a desired quantity of the nodularizing agent in a reaction chamber in a treatment ladle, the latter having a main chamber, a charging and filling passage leading to the reaction chamber, and one or more passages leading from the reaction chamber to the main chamber of the ladle. Molten base metal iron is then poured into the reaction chamber via the charging and filling passage thereby to effect a reaction between the nodularizing agent and the molten base metal. A hydrostatic pressure head of the molten base metal is rapidly established over the reaction chamber of sufficient depth thereby to minimize the vaporization of the nodularizing agent and to maximize the recovery of the nodularizing agent in the base metal.

Abstract: Apparatus for adding materials, especially powdered or granular materials, to a flowing stream, e.g. of molten metal, comprises a nozzle for compressed gas, blowing the additive into the stream, and a detector that detects the stream and switches the flow of additive on and off according to whether the stream is present or absent. The detector is preferably of a non-contact type, sensing radiation from the stream, preferably visible light. The rate of flow of additive can be adjustable. There can be a fail-safe optical detector arrangement monitoring the flow of additive and signalling an alarm if the flow fails or if the nozzle is blocked. The timings of the start and end of the flow in relation to the detection of the metal stream are independently adjustable to ensure that the additive and metal coincide.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a copper metal or alloy wherein a first material is added to a molten metal, consisting essentially of copper preferably in a furnace. After the first material is added, the molten metal is passed through a filtration device to remove particulate matter from the molten metal and/or reduce the oxygen content of the molten metal. After filtration, a second material is added to the molten metal.

Abstract: A disposable bed filter for removing particulate matter and/or reducing oxygen in a poured metal melt is located within a trough. The bed filter preferably comprises discrete layers of bed media located in a trough between entry and exit baffle plates. The layers of bed media include a layer of coarse media and a layer of fine media. The trough is preferably provided with a closeable lid to permit removal of the bed media and to compensate for buoyancy of the bed media if present. In its preferred use, the bed filter forms part of a process for making a metal alloy wherein the bed filter simultaneously reduces the oxygen content of the melt and filters particulate matter from the melt.

Abstract: A ladle covered by a lid suitable for carrying out metallurgical reactions, particularly desulphurization, characterized by the fact that the lid is spaced above the ladle so that the edge of the lid overlaps the edge of the ladle, thereby forming an annular slot. A collar open at the top and bottom is inserted in the ladle and is attached to the lid to form outlets for ambient air.

Abstract: In treating cast iron with magnesium to produce nodular iron, a capsule of heat-resistant material, closed except for calibrated limited access passages, containing the magnesium, is plunged into a bath of molten metal in a tall vertical ladle while the latter is capped by a hood to contain the violent reaction resulting. An elevating mechanism lowers and raises the hood and capsule and plunges and withdraws the capsule while the hood caps the ladle. The mechanism includes a plunging rod carrying the capsule and means for maintaining the rod in a fixed radial position relative to its axis and for restraining it against the force of the reaction.

Abstract: In an arrangement for capturing and conducting away flue gases forming during charging of, and pouring off from, metallurgical vessels in a steel-making plant, the material to be charged and poured off is brought into and out of the operating position by a container displaceable by means of a crane. The crane trolley is designed to form a displaceable unit with a hood having a draft opening. The hood, in the operating position, covers the container and the mouth of the metallurgical vessel, and the draft opening borders on the discharge opening of a chimney so as to form a flow connection therewith.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the injection of powdered reagent into a pool of molten metal through a generally vertically disposed movable tubular lance includes lance manipulating means for imparting movement to the lance, convey gas control means operable in coordination with movement of the lance toward the pool of molten metal for initiating the flow of convey gas through the lance, common control means actuated in coordination with continued movement of the lance toward the pool of molten metal and effective to arrest downward movement of the lance and to initiate the flow of powdered reagent from a dispenser vessel through the lance and into the molten metal when the outlet end of the lance reaches a predetermined level, and measuring control means for sensing the injection of a predetermined quantity of powdered reagent into the molten metal for activating the common control means and thereby to cut off the flow of powdered reagent through the lance and to activate said lance manipulating mea

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for injection of powder in a metal melt, a charging container being filled by means of an ejector via a sieve for separation of coarser grains. The charging container is combined with a lance for immersion into the melt.

Abstract: A process for recovering and using fines of flux, such as limestone, used in a metallurgical process, such as oxygen steelmaking, is described. The process involves collecting fines from a receiving zone, e.g., with blower and baghouse equipment. The fines so collected are then conveyed, as by a dense-phase conveyor, to a first processing zone containing a first screening means for screening flux material which is to be fed to the process. Material not passing through said first screening means is fed to the metallurgical-process vessel, but fines passed by the first screening means are collected and formed into briquettes. The briquettes are conveyed to a second processing zone which is located above the conveyor which leads from the receiving zone to the first processing zone mentioned above. The second processing zone contains a second screening means and means for storing and releasing to the said conveyor the briquettes or portions thereof which have not passed through said second screening means.

Abstract: Substances such as deoxidizing and desulfurizing substances are introduced into liquid metal such as molten iron or steel, by forming layers of active material such as an alkali or alkaline earth metal or an oxide or halide thereof, is interlayered with inert material, in a metallic casing. The inert material may be iron or steel or a metallic oxide that is inert to the bath. The composite is immersed in the bath, thereby gradually to add the deoxidizing and/or desulfurizing materials to the bath.

Abstract: A water cooled material additive chute for introducing fluxing material into a steel furnace includes water cooled inlet and outlet chambers meeting at a tip or nose portion which includes deflectors adapted to increase the cooling efficiency of the water coolant and includes a pipe structure which accommodates thermal expansion.

Abstract: A lance is removably mounted in a powder container for injecting powder into molten metal within a furnace. The unitary connection of the lance and powder container enables vertical transport of powder as the unit is raisable and lowerable with respect to an opening in the furnace. The powder container can be filled by evacuating it and sucking powder therein. An ejector tube including a cut-off valve maintains the lance opening free from melt when the lance is immersed in the molten metal with no powder injection taking place. A hydraulic cylinder may be used to operate the ejector tube and the cut-off valve. The application of weights enables the container to maintain contact with the furnace roof.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and apparatus for improving the efficiency of the deoxidation, desulfurization and purification of molten steel in the pouring or casting ladle by the injection of a band of metal and/or a selected quantity of a granular or powdery addition product into a bath of molten steel in a ladle, wherein a band drive assembly is disposed above, in proximity to, the surface of the molten bath and is operative to propel vertically a band of metal in rectilinear form, perpendicularly to the surface of the molten bath, deep into the bath so that the metal band approaches as closely as possible the bottom of the ladle to improve the distribution of the metal and the addition product throughout the molten bath.

Abstract: A movable emissions control hood is mounted for insertion between a fixed emissions processing hood and the open mouth of a converter vessel of a metallurgical furnace to capture emissions from the converter vessel and convey them into the existing emissions processing hood when the converter vessel is rotated to the charging position. The movable hood cooperates with the converter vessel structure to effectively limit the admission of air and gases except from an area above the open mouth of the converter vessel.

Abstract: Air injectors are located in a ladle additive chute to eliminate the chimney effect created by the chute and hot gases present when a furnace is tapped. Air is supplied through openings about the chute below an open upper end, through which ladle additives are charged. The openings direct the air downward and inward of the chute and the air is supplied at a pressure and flow sufficient to prevent smoke, fumes and eruptive flames from rising through the chute when alloys are added to the metal being poured into the ladle.

Abstract: A water cooled material additive chute for introducing fluxing material into a furnace including water cooled inlet and outlet chambers meeting at a tip or nose portion, a local coolant water injection pipe extending through one of the chambers and into the tip region to augment the cooling efficiency of the water coolant, and a pipe structure which accommodates thermal expansion.

Abstract: A method of desulfurizing iron in an induction furnace is disclosed. High purity magnesium, carried in a lance controlled cartridge, is plunged into the lower zone of a molten metal pool of an induction furnace; the cartridge is held submerged for a period of 30-200 seconds. The molten metal column above the submerged cartridge must be at least 2.5 feet, preferably 6-7 feet. The molten metal temperature at the time of cartridge plunging is limited to 2400.degree. F. or less. Magnesium recovery will be at least 70%, which is better than other prior art methods by a factor of 1.4.

Abstract: A process involving a static mixer for the continuous production of metal alloys is such that molten metal is passed through a filter bed of loose particulate material exposed to atmospheric pressure. The alloying addition is made to the metal via a proportioning and feed device as the metal enters the filter bed. As a result the alloy components are dissolved in the molten metal and, due to the repeated division and reuniting of the streams of charge in the bed, the alloying elements are mixed with the metal before leaving the mixing chamber. The degree of mixing can be changed by changing the size of particles in the granular bed.

Abstract: A system for treating molten metal with addition agents comprising a refractory lined vessel containing the molten metal and a vehicle movable relative to said vessel having associated therewith a cylinder terminating in an extrusion die. The refractory lined vessel has an addition agent port in the base which may be stopped and unstopped. The cylinder is provided with means for engaging the addition agent port on the vessel and communicating therewith. The cylinder is provided with means for advancing extrudable addition agent through the die. When the port is stopped, the vehicle can be brought near the vessel, and the cylinder connected to the port and when the port is unstopped the cylinder may be discharged through the die introducing additive agent into the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rod of crystalline material in a crucible formed at least partly by a fabric of refractory fibrous material.Prior to its use the crucible is subjected to a preparatory treatment consisting mainly of wetting the inner face by means of gallium.Application: Manufacture of rods of semiconductor material.

Abstract: The solid treatment material is contained in rotationally symmetrical, flotation body having a ballast weight and openings for discharging jets of vaporized treatment material into the steel while the body floats, and the jets have a tangential component so that the body rotates and wobbles and the jets vary their direction to distribute the treatment material.

Abstract: A continuous autogenous multi-stage process for converting non-ferrous metal sulfides, in an oscillating, elongated, gently sloped, sealed, tiltable, rounded cross-section furnace, discharging crude metal or low-iron matte at one end, and silicate slag and sulfur dioxide-rich gas at the other end. The concentrates, fluxes, commercial oxygen, sulfur dioxide, a carbonaceous reducing agent and optionally other materials are introduced into the furnace in stages to provide a molten bath of slag and matte flowing countercurrently. Slag scavenging is accomplished by deconverting to produce low grade, cleansing matte in situ in the slag layer, followed by settling. At least a substantial proportion of the commercial oxygen is continuously blown in through injectors extending through the refractory lining of the vessel and communicating with its interior below the bath surface, where necessary with a protective fluid, desirably surrounding the oxygen.

Abstract: A charging device, especially for supplying aluminum in the form of wire to a steel melt for quieting the melt, in which a frame positioned adjacent the melt vessel has an inclined wall on the side facing the melt and a boom slidable along the inclined wall contains feed rollers for feeding a wire through a feed tube toward the melt. The wire is derived from a reel supported in the frame with the reel being driven in payout direction. The wire is cut off at the lower end of the feed tube and is dropped into the melt together with a combustible guide sleeve which is releasably clamped to the feed tube.

Abstract: Molten steel is killed by passing molten aluminum under pressure below the surface of the steel melt through a lance heated to the melting point of the aluminum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing modified grey iron, and particularly nodular cast iron, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises refractory elements including an inclined flow course for continuous reception of molten grey iron, a V-shaped inclined receptacle interposed in said course into which a predetermined supply of modifying agent, such as magnesium, is injected to react with said iron, and means for controlling the egress of iron from the receptacle in order to sequentially stage the build-up and dissipation of a pool of iron in said receptacle facilitating chemical reactions and thorough mixing for attaining and improving the homogeneity of the modified iron elements. The product and composition uniquely is characterized by about 3.5 carbon, by weight, 2.5% silicon, 0.2-0.9Mn sulfur no greater than 0.015%, the remainder being essentially iron; the composition is devoid of carbide and dross or slag and has a graphite nodule count of at least 400 per square millimeter in a 1/2inch section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously stream treating molten metal is disclosed. A controlled vortex flow of the molten metal is stimulated and a stream of particulate treating agent, such as magnesium ferrosilicon, or pure magnesium mixed with other ferro alloys, is directed onto a predetermined zone of the vortical flow. A stream choke is employed downstream of the vortex flow to control dwell time of the flow in the vortex and to regulate downstream mixing. This method increases magnesium recovery, provides flexibility to change charge weights, eliminates residue in treating apparatus, and promotes dissolution of the treating agent within a desired zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for debismuthising lead containing one or more alkaline earth metals or alloys thereof, including a separation vessel having independently temperature-controlled upper liquation and lower separation zones, devices for adding a reagent selected from the group consisting of antimony, arsenic and alloys containing antimony and/or arsenic to the input lead to form a crust/bullion mixture and continuously and directly introducing the crust/bullion mixture into the lower separation zone of the vessel at a point below the upper liquation zone, the crust particles being separated from the bullion in the lower separation zone and moving upwardly in the vessel, the entrained lead being separated from the crust particles in the upper liquation zone and moving downwardly in the vessel, the enriched crusts being removed from the upper surface of the material in the vessel, and the debismuthised product lead being withdrawn from near the lower end of the lower separation zone.

Abstract: A device and method for nodularizing cast iron which includes a funnel like portion including a mixing chamber having a tangential inlet which is operative to cause molten metal admitted to the chamber to assume a swirling configuration or vortex and a barrier portion positioned in the path of the swirling stream which is operative to cause the swirling stream to fold over itself and to promote mixing of the nodularization additive deposited into the vortex of the swirling metal.

Abstract: A furnace for melting solid ferrous pieces such as pig iron and steel scrap, features a combination of electric induction heating and flame heating of the pieces which are charged into the furnace hearth via a charging stack up through which the products of combustion flow from the furnace counter-current to the descending charged pieces moving downwardly through the stack. The flame heating is via burners supplied with hydrocarbon fluid fuel with oxygen proportioned for incomplete combustion, the products of combustion and unburned fuel ascending through the stack and preheating the descending charged pieces. Air is supplied to the stack to complete the combustion of the previously unburned fuel in and around the descending pieces, this being done at a level where the descending pieces have not yet reached temperatures sufficient to cause excessive oxidation of the pieces. Other details providing for effective utilization of these principles, are included in the disclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding small pieces of metal scrap into a mold while molten metal of the same or similar analysis is being poured includes means for heating the scrap, a chute for feeding scrap to the mold and means for positively feeding the heated scrap at a controlled rate to the chute.Heated and clean scrap is thrown by a throwing machine at a controlled velocity through a closed chute into the mold. Means may be provided to change the angle of discharge of scrap into the mold. Scrap may be fed to the throwing machine from a vibratory feeder which controls the rate of feed and receives the scrap from a hopper. The vibratory feeder may be omitted and a plurality of compartments may be provided in the hopper. Individual control of flow of scrap from each compartment controls the rate of scrap feed. The velocity of the scrap is sufficient to enable it to penetrate into the molten metal.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and alloy for adding mischmetal to molten steel by filling a metal canister with a mischmetal-magnesium alloy in the range 1% to 2.5% magnesium, plunging the metal canister beneath the surface of the steel bath being treated and holding the canister submerged in the bath until the mischmetal has dissolved.

Abstract: A metal treatment gun for selectively introducing particulate metal treating material into a metallic melt below its surface which has a discharge member defining a first chamber therein closed at its upstream end and open at its downstream end so that the metallic melt will be in communication with the chamber when the downstream end is inserted below the surface of the metallic melt, an injection member defining an injection passage therethrough communicating with the first chamber intermediate its ends along with fluid drive means for forcing a fluid propellant through the passage in the injection member and into the chamber in the discharge member with feed means for introducing the particulate metal treating material into the fluid propellant flowing through the injection passage in the injection member in response to the pressure of the fluid propellant in the injection member, and pressure relief means for controlling the pressure in the chamber and the discharge member when its downstream end is in co

Abstract: An apparatus for adding a metallic additive to a molten metal having a temperature higher than the boiling point of the metallic additive comprises a double-walled ladle structure having an adiabatic space formed between inner and outer containers which constitute the ladle structure, and a lid. The lid is adapted to close the top opening of the ladle structure so that a substantially hermetically sealed working chamber can be formed therein and above the surface level of the molten metal within the inner container. The working chamber is, when the lid is in position to close the ladle opening, held in communication with the adiabatic space through a plurality of vent passages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving molten media such as molten metal or molten salt through a metal treating system utilizing a vaned disc immersed in the media and located in a cylindrical portion of an open-ended volute so as to provide above the disc a body of the media having an unconfined surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating metal melts during continuous casting, wherein the teeming metal is enclosed to a point below the surface of the metal pool in the continuous casting mold to avoid contact with the ambient atmosphere and the surface of the pool is covered with a layer of slag. Small volumes of purging gas are introduced in bubble form into the metal melt at the location where such metal melt begins to form a teeming jet.