Abstract: The invention describes an article and method comprising a refractory article having an outer surface covered by an insulating coating over which a protective glaze is applied. The method includes applying a suspension of an insulating coating to a refractory piece, drying the suspension, applying a glaze slip over the coating, and drying the slip to form a protective glaze. In one embodiment, the article comprises a carbon-bonded alumina-graphite nozzle, an insulating coating containing hollow microspheres, and a protective glaze formed from a fusible frit. The invention is described as improving wetting to the refractory piece, reducing delamination of the glaze and insulating coating from the piece, and reducing oxidation of the piece.

Abstract: A tundish impact pad for use in the continuous casting of molten metal is described that includes a base plate having an upper impact surface surrounded, at least in part, by a sidewall defining passageways. The impact pad is adapted to receive and deflect an incoming stream of molten metal, and permit outflow of the deflected stream through the passageways and the open top surface of the pad. Vaulted-stepped features surrounding the passageways and/or weir-like walls assist in directing the outflow. The division and distribution of the outflow facilitates the development of plug flow in the molten metal between the impact pad and the tundish outlet.

Abstract: The mould (10) includes at least one part (20), intended to be in contact with the component (12) being moulded, made from sintered vitreous silica. According to the process, said component (12) is formed by the superplastic forming in the mould (10) of a plate (18) made of a material capable of undergoing superplastic deformation, for example titanium or titanium alloy, aluminium or aluminium alloy, or any material exhibiting superplastic properties. Preferably, a barrier is formed between at least a part of the contact surfaces of the mould (10) and the component (12) being moulded, for example by coating with boron nitride, at least partially, the contact surfaces of the mould (10) and the component (12) being moulded, before placing the plate (18) in the mould (10), and/or by injecting an inert gas, notably helium or argon, between the contact surfaces of the mould (10) and the component (12) being moulded.

Abstract: There is provided a refractory mono-block stopper of substantially cylindrical configuration having an upper end, a lower end and an axial bore extending downwardly from the upper end, means being provided in the axial bore at a distance d from the upper end for attachment of the stopper to a lifting mechanism, the stopper being divided into three portions (A,B,C); a first portion (A) extending from the upper end towards the lower end until a distance greater than d, a second portion (B) extending from the first portion (A) towards the lower end and a third portion (C) extending from the second portion (B) and comprising a stopper nose ending at the lower end of the stopper. The stopper of the invention is characterized in that the average section of the second portion (B) is lower than the section of the first portion (A) and the highest section of the third portion (C) is higher than the lowest section of the second portion (B).

Abstract: The invention relates to a refractory plate (1) for a slide gate valve, having a pouring hole (3), circumscribed by a circle C of center (4), at least a portion of the edges (15, 16, 17, 18) of the plate (1) are angularly oriented so as to focus the clamping forces optimally in the throttling area and around the pouring hole.

Abstract: A metering gate for liquid metal flow control with reduced clogging with a top plate, having a first flow channel bore with an inlet having an inlet axis and an outlet having an outlet axis. The inlet axis and the outlet axis are offset. A throttle plate slidably mounted on the top plate selectably receives flow from the top plate. The metering gate provides a less tortuous and more symmetrical flow path when the gate is partially open, but provides a relatively straight downward flow channel allowing full flow when the gate is fully open.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping device including at least two assemblies each composed of a clamp (10) pivoting about a horizontal axis (11) and fitted with a groove (12) receiving a shoe (13) generally cylindrical in shape incorporating a flat surface (14) parallel to the axis of said cylinder, said shoe being capable of pivoting in the groove. The present invention also relates to a one-piece inner nozzle (2) particularly adapted for use with this clamping device. The one-piece inner nozzle according to the invention is thus composed of a tubular part (6) defining a pouring channel (4) and a flat part or plate (7) providing contact with the downstream component (8) of the pouring channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grooved refractory pouring tube for pouring a molten metal between an upper metallurgical vessel and a lower metallurgical vessel, a refractory assembly incorporating such a pouring tube, and a casting installation incorporating such an assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite pressure-sintered material comprising a continuous phase of hexagonal boron nitride and, dispersed therein, a second material comprising (a) at least one metal nitride selected from the group consisting of silicon, aluminium and titanium nitrides and (b) at least one stable metal oxide; wherein the amount of metal oxide is such that the second material does not contain more than 35% by weight of oxygen. This material possesses a low thermal expansion coefficient and therefore reveals good thermal shock resistance. Another characteristic of this material is its low wettability by molten steel which is thus responsible for excellent chemical resistance to liquid metal. Finally, this material is exceptionally mechanical wear resistant.