Abstract: The invention includes an article and method for creating an erosion-resistant surface in a trough adapted to receive molten metal. The article includes a trough having a working lining and a pre-cast shape anchored at an erosion zone. The working lining and the precast shape define the interior volume of the trough. The precast shape can be anchored by, for example, mortar, undercuts, mechanical fasteners or, preferably, by combinations thereof. The method comprises casting a working lining within the trough and anchoring the precast shape at the erosion zone. The method includes installing a form in the trough, casting a working lining into the trough, and anchoring the erosion-resistant precast shape at the erosion zone. The form may be removable, and the precast shape may be at least a portion of the form. Conveniently, the form includes undercuts adapted to anchor the precast shape into the trough, and the precast shape includes mortar locks.

Abstract: A pour tube for use in the continuous casting of a stream of molten metal has a bore comprising a plurality of fluidly connected sections that improve the flow of molten metal through the bore. The sections reduce asymmetric flow of the molten metal stream and the likelihood of precipitates clogging the bore. Each section comprises a converging portion and a diverging portion. The converging portion deflects the stream toward the center of the bore, while the diverging portion diffuses the stream. The sections may comprise a plurality of frusto-conical sections. The cross-sectional areas of the sections may increase, decrease, or remain the same size from an upstream to a downstream position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a solid or liquid fuel composition capable while burning of producing a selected and varied colored flame other than the color of a standard flame. The composition comprises triethanolamine and a color-forming agent. The invention also concerns a candle or lighting device with a colored flame prepared from the composition. The invention further concerns a method for making a candle with a colored flame comprising the steps of casting the composition into a mold wherein a wick has previously been fixed, cooling the cast composition, and removing the cooled composition from the mold.

Abstract: A thermal shock-resistant ceramic article and a method of manufacturing the article include alternating layers of a first material (2) comprising a fusible, particulate ceramic composition and a second material (3), typically comprising a porous, pyrolyzable material. The layered structure increases the article's work of fracture and toughness, and may lead to improved thermal shock-resistance. The method advantageously uses a sheet, film or sleeve to prepare the article for firing. The composition, thickness, and porosity of the second material (3) will affect the desired properties. The method is particularly adapted for manufacturing cylindrical articles, including stopper rods, nozzles, and pouring tubes for the metal casting industry.

Abstract: The invention concerns an insulating material comprising 20-80 wt. % of a ceramic matrix, 5-40 wt. % insulating microspheres, 0.5-15 wt. % of one or more binders, and up to 5 wt. % water. The material may also contain 0.5-4 wt. % deflocculant and 0.5-4 wt. % colloidal silica. The ceramic matrix comprises vitreous grains, notably atomized silica. The insulating microspheres are hollow spheres comprising 55-65 wt. % silica and 27-33 wt. % alumina.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a one-piece stopper rod whose gas tightness is improved. In particular, the stopper rod of the present invention has a body of refractory material comprised at least partially of a refractory material relatively impermeable to gases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing refractory compositions and more particularly to a method for producing castable refractory compositions which comprises combining appropriate quantities of bulk particulate refractory aggregates substantially without pre-mixing; separately adding to the aggregate system an appropriate quantity of a pre-blended binder composition; mixing the aggregate system and the pre-blended binder composition in a mixer; and discharging the refractory composition from the mixer.

Abstract: The invention relates to refractory waste materials and in particular to waste materials removed from furnace linings. Refractory waste materials often have hydrolysable contaminants making the material unsuitable for use in making new products. The invention provides an economical treatment process that renders such materials suitable for reuse. The process includes maintaining a particulate feedstock created from the waste material at a temperature in the range 275-500° C. and applying superheated steam to the material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pouring spout for the transfer of a molten metal from a tundish into a continuous-casting mold. The pouring spout includes a body comprising a tubular part defining an essentially vertical pouring channel and an essentially horizontal part defining a distribution channel. The tubular and horizontal parts are assembled together, notably by screwing. The vertical pouring channel has an upper end adapted to connect with a tundish and a lower end emptying into the distribution channel. The distribution channel includes at least two outlets adapted to distribute molten metal into the mold. An obstacle is located between the two channels and together with the lower part of the tubular part retains the molten metal in the pouring channel until transfer to the distribution channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant for transferring liquid metal, in particular steel, between an upstream container (2) and a downstream container (10), comprising: an upstream container (2); a tapping spout (28); a downstream container (10), a flow regulator (26) for regulating the flow of liquid metal through the tapping spout (28); a set of refractory assemblies (8, 12, 30, 32, 64, 66, 74) which are placed between the upstream container and the downstream container, delimiting the tapping spout (28) via which the liquid metal flows from the upstream container (2) into the downstream container (10), each refractory assembly of the tapping spout (28) having at least one mating surface (22) forming a joint with a corresponding surface of an adjacent refractory assembly; a shroud channel (18; 40) placed around the tapping spout (28) near at least one mating surface (22) between refractory assemblies (8, 12, 30, 32, 64, 66, 74), this shroud channel having an inlet (44) capable of allowing the introduction of mat

Abstract: The invention concerns a tundish for continuous casting in a steel mill, equipped with at least one tube changer (18). The changer has a frame (20) mounted under the tundish (2), at least one fixed plate (8) and a tube (28), having a plate (30) at its upper part, means (36) for applying the plate (30) of the tube (28) against the fixed plate (8), their surface in contact forming a junction plane (34). The junction plane (34) is inclined at a nonzero angle &agr; with respect to the horizontal. The new tube (28) passes from the introduction position to the casting position and the worm tube from the casting position to the evacuation position by a sliding movement on the junction plane (34), following a trajectory at least partially nonrectilinear, the combination of the angle of inclination &agr; of the junction plane, dimensions of the tubes (30) and the trajectories of these latter being such that the tubes (30) avoid the casting mold (42) during a tube change.

Abstract: The invention concerns a valve assembly, an admission path for a pouring nozzle adjacent to the outlet of the valve, and spring thrusters for maintaining this nozzle in operating position on the admission path and for receiving another nozzle in ready position. The device also comprises a traverser with offset jack, provided with an arm for driving the nozzles, while being supported by the cam track. The invention is characterized in that the jack body is provided at the top with a sensor co-operating with this cam track, and also supports the driving arm, while the jack rod is fixed to the frame, thereby reducing the space requirement of the device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a transfer element for transferring molten steel between an upstream container such as a tundish and a downstream vessel such as a continuous casting mold. this element is comprised of a body (4) that delimits a steel entrance zone, a channel (6) and a steel exit zone (9). It has at least one divider (16) in its exit zone (9) for dividing the steel flux into at least two jets. The divider is comprised of two parts of complementary form (19) solid with the body (4), located opposite each other and separated by an interstice (18).

Abstract: A method and system for testing the accuracy of a thermocouple probe exposed to a medium having a temperature of between about 2200.degree. F. and 3400.degree. F. is provided that includes the step of measuring the rate of change of the temperature readings of the probe after a temperature of at least 2000.degree. F. is read, and comparing the measured rate of change with a standard rate of change obtained from a properly operating probe. Both the method and the system are advantageously capable of determining whether the temperature readings of a thermocouple in use in a steel production plant are accurate without the need for comparative readings from other thermocouple probes.

Abstract: Plate change drawer for a metallurgical vessel such as a continuous casting distributor (2). The drawer has a chassis (12) mounted under the metallurgical vessel, at least one fixed upper plate (18) and at least one replaceable lower plate (22), means of applying pressure to force the lower plate (22) against the fixed plate, the chassis (12) having guide means for receiving a lower replacement plate (22) alongside the lower plate (22) during pouring, and actuation means for bringing the lower replacement plate (22) in place of the plate during pouring. The upper fixed plate (18) and the lower replaceable plate (22) have identical polygonal peripheries and are offset angularly so that they do not overlap completely. The polygonal periphery of the plate is a square or a square with rounded corners.

Abstract: A refractory pouring-assembly component is disclosed for use in the continuous casting of molten metals, especially steel. The invention is described as reducing thermal shock-induced cracking, including both radial and horizontal cracks. The component comprises a copressed plate and depending pour tube having a bore. The surface of the plate is made from a scratch-resistant refractory material and the pour tube is made from a thermal shock-resistant refractory material. The pour tube extends through and is substantially coplanar with the plate, so that the molten metal sees a joint-free, thermal shock-resistant material throughout the entire length of the bore.