Abstract: A metallurgical vessel includes first and second tuyeres for respectively delivering process materials above and below the level of molten metal contained within the vessel. Coupled to one of the trunnion pins which support the vessel for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis is a rotary joint which defines a plurality of concentric flow paths for transporting cooling liquid to the vessel and process fluids to the first and second tuyeres. The passages are provided by a first plurality of coaxially spaced apart annular fixed members and a second plurality coaxially spaced apart annular members mounted on the trunnion pin and rotatable therewith. At least some of the plurality of members have portions which define lateral flow paths interconnecting one of the concentric flow paths.

Abstract: A straddle type mobile crane includes a steering system which allows two-wheel or four-wheel steering. A first steering cylinder is associated with each wheel for four-wheel operation and an additional cylinder is associated with each of a first pair of wheels for two-wheel steering. An interlock system has a first mode for four-wheel drive wherein each wheel is coupled to its associated first steering cylinder and a second mode wherein each wheel is uncoupled from each first cylinder and each of the first pair of wheels are coupled to one of the additional cylinders and the other pair of wheels are locked to the frame. A first control prevents operation of the interlock unless the wheels are in predetermined orientation and a second control maintains proper alignment of the wheels in all angular positions.

Abstract: A metallurgical vessel has releasably coupled, semicylindrical upper and lower sections arranged such that the axis of revolution of one section lies in a plane normal relative to the rotational axis of the other. The dimension of each section in the axial direction being the same as the dimension of the other section in the direction normal to the axis. The vessel is mounted for rotation about the axis of the lower section and an elongate charging mouth is formed in the upper section and is arranged with its major axis parallel to the axis of the lower section. A plurality of tuyeres extend through the lower section of the vessel and each tuyere includes a first tuyere pipe for injecting oxygen beneath the level of molten metal within the vessel, a second tuyere pipe disposed in surrounding relation to the oxygen pipe for injecting powdered materials entrained in a nonoxidizing gas and a third pipe surrounding the second pipe for injecting a hydrocarbon shielding fluid.

Abstract: A vapor compression distiller having a shell for enclosing a pair of heat exchange tube bundles each having one end connected to a steam chest and its other end connected to a condensate collecting chamber. A vapor compressor has its inlet connected to the shell and the outlet to one steam chest which is coupled to a second steam chest through a steam ejector for elevating the inlet pressure to the second heat exchange tube bundle. A half partition extends across the lower end of the vessel and between the wells to divide the lower portion of the vessel into two sections which are in communication across the upper end of the vessel. One well is connected to receive fresh feed liquid and the other includes a density sensor to discharge a portion of the concentrate to therein maintain a desired concentrate level and each well is connected to a spray nozzle manifold disposed in its respective shell section.

Abstract: A system for moving metallurgical vessels includes a hydraulic vessel lifting apparatus designed to raise the vessel out of supporting contact with a horseshoe-shaped trunnion ring and for lowering it onto a specially designed transfer car. The car moves the vessel to relining or bottom exchange stations where the vessel is removed by a similar hydraulic lifting apparatus from the car. The car is then used to move a second vessel to the operating station and position it on the trunnion ring. The melt shop layout includes a turntable for permitting the vessel transfer car to be selectively directed to desired locations.

Abstract: An arc furnace electrode is suspended by means of a clamp assembly which includes contact shoes adapted to bear against the surface of the electrode. The contact shoes are pivotally mounted adjacent their upper ends and force producing means independent of the shoe support engages each contact shoe for forcing the same into high pressure engagement with the electrode.

Abstract: Bus bars for connecting arc furnance electrodes to a transformer include pairs of flat, rectangular, hollow, conductive members having side surfaces substantially greater in length than the end surfaces. One side surfaces of the bus bar of each pair are disposed in a parallel, closely proximate relation with respect to the other and a sheet of insulating material disposed between said surfaces. The bus bars of each pair are connected to transformer terminals having different polarities. The bus bar pairs are arranged in a closely spaced parallel relation.