Abstract: A blast pipe for delivering refining oxygen to the space above a metal bath in a refining operation is presented. The blast pipe is positioned in a gas supply duct and is provided with a pressure regulating valve. The blast pipe comprises a fixed straight wall portion along which the gas flows in a linear path. The straight wall portion terminates at a sharp edge, constituting a portion of the blast pipe exit orifice. A bent wall segment is located adjacent to and downstream of the straight wall portion and connects the remainder of the straight wall portion to the exit orifice. The bent wall segment preferably has a convergent configuration, upstream of the sharp edge, and a divergent configuration downstream thereof. The exit orifice, in cross section, has the shape of a rectangle, one of the long sides of which constitutes the sharp edge.

Abstract: An I-beam blank is rolled from a bloom by rolling into opposite edges of the bloom respective central triangular section notches of predetermined apex angle, apex radius of curvature, width, and height in a succession of roll passes. According to this invention the radius and apex angle of the notches are progressively increased a plurality of times during the succession of roll passes. Then the notches are pressed by rolling generally out of the bloom edges in at least one final rolling pass, thereby flattening these edges. The rolling passes are carried out between respective pairs of rolls having facing grooves bases and the roll pairs of the grooving steps are formed with respective triangular-section ridges complementary to the notches being formed. In addition the bloom is rolled repeatedly in the first pair of grooves until the material of the bloom flanking the notch mainly fills these grooves, that i until the bloom bottoms in the grooves.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for lining the inner wall of a vessel with bricks is presented. This apparatus comprises an operating station which has at least two levels for storing pallets (having bricks thereon) above one another. An automatic device consisting of at least one automatic depalletizing mechanism for transferring the bricks from each of the superimposed pallets onto at least one standby track is provided along with at least one robot equipped with a gripping device for picking up bricks located on the stand-by tracks and for depositing the bricks at the intended location. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operating station has two automatic depalletizing mechanisms associated respectively with each of the two superimposed pallets.

Abstract: A beam support joint for a column and a beam, which are each constructed from concrete and at least one metal section having a pair of flanges joined by a web and forming at least one recess of the metal section which is filled with concrete and the outer surfaces of the flanges of the metal section are not covered with concrete and are otherwise free. An upper support strap is mounted on an upper flange of the beam, and is attached to the column and the beam. The upper support strap and the webs of both the beam and the column all lie substantially in the same plane. On a flange of the column a lower support plate is advantageously welded which has a width corresponding approximately to the flange of the column. This lower support plate has at least one recess on its upper side which suitably engages at leat one projection provided on a lower flange of the beam.

Abstract: For improving permeability of a metallurgical vessel bottom provided with permeable refractory elements for controlled injection of a stirring fluid into a molten metal bath, the metallurgical vessel is emptied of its contents, a castable composed of a refractory material compatible with the refractory material of the bottom is deposited in the bottom and spread over the latter, and the castable is left to dry and set, while maintaining in the permeable refractory elements a sufficient pressure to provide a permanent flow of a stirring fluid. A hydraulic magnesian refractory castable used in this method has a content of water of substantially between 8 and 10% by weight.

Abstract: A process for producing high quality steel includes a first step of decarburizing the melt in a converter by top blowing with oxygen to a carbon content of less than 0.1% carbon. Next, carbon (comminuted coal) is delivered to the melt at a high velocity whereby the melt and slag will boil intensely with the carbon being delivered until the oxygen content of the melt is less than or equal to about 250-400 ppm oxygen and the carbon content is greater than or equal to about 0.04-0.07% carbon. In the third step, recarburization of the melt is effected in either the converter or a ladle whereupon a melt having as little oxygen as is reasonably possible; and a carbon content close to that desired is achieved. Finally, in a fourth step, the melt (which is now in a ladle) is treated with synthetic slag and with a material that is both deoxidizing and desulphurizing (i.e., metallic calcium) whereby a high quality steel is produced.

Abstract: An acceleration nozzle for particles entrained in a carrier gas comprises a first central nozzle having a first diverging cross-section, and an extension nozzle section extending from the first nozzle. The extension nozzle section has a flare or diverging angle which is greater than that of the first acceleration nozzle. The nozzle extension is surrounded about its mouth or opening by a second nozzle forming a casing or housing therearound; the second nozzle being connected to a source of gas. In a preferred embodiment, instead of utilizing two distinct gas sources to supply the first acceleration nozzle and the second "housing" nozzle, a portion of the gas passing through the acceleration nozzle may be diverted by means of slits built into the latter. The slits act as a separator of the gaseous phases and solid particles, and prevent the solid particles from penetrating the second nozzle.

Abstract: A gas-permeable element of a refractory material for blowing gases into a metal treatment vessel through its lining has a body of a refractory material, a metal housing on the longitudinal sides of the refractory body, a free inner end surface at which the refractory material is exposed, an outer end surface provided with a gas distributing chamber for a gas supply, at least one local opening extending in the interior of the refractory body for a gas passage between the end surfaces and provided with a metal insert, wherein the metal insert is formed as a laterally closed small channel, the gas-distributing chamber is separated from the refractory material by a metal sheet plate, and the metal channel is tightly mounted in the metal sheet plate so that the refractory material is maintained free from loading with a gas pressure.

Abstract: A composite structural element comprises a steel structural shape whose web is provided with one or more steel plates secured thereto by welding or bolting and embedded in the concrete filling the channels between its flanges. The concrete may also include a reinforcement secured to the plate. With a relatively simple structure the system has increased load-carrying capacity even under fire conditions.

Abstract: A process for producing rolled steel products, especially reinforcing rod for concrete or other elements to be encased in concrete and having good weldability, a high yield strength and high energy absorption for the Charpy V impact test at very low temperatures comprising forming a silicon and aluminum containing steel whose carbon content (C), manganese content (MN), and niobium content (NB) are related by the relationship set forth below. The steel blank is rolled so that the last three passes result in more than 20% of the total cross section reduction, these rolling passes are carried out so that the temperature T1 before, the temperature T2 during, and the temperature T3 after rolling are also related to the diameter D in the manner set forth below to yield a high yield strength LE and a high energy absorption expressed as KCV at -120.degree. C. The relationships are:LE=1035+510 C+192 MN+2270 NB-0.21 T1-0.42 T2-0.48 T3-3.51 DandKCV=2202-2066 C+23.20 MN-2064 NB-0.77 T1-1.24 T2-0.23 T3-1.98 D.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accelerating solid particles entrained in a carrier gas so as to maximize the velocity of the particles at the output end of a duct is presented. This maximized or optimal acceleration is achieved by varying the cross section of the duct over at least the last 5 meters upstream from the opening thereof. Preferrably, the cross section of the duct should continuously increase i.e. diverge, towards the opening. This diverging cross section is preferrably in accordance with a nonlinear function of the length.

Abstract: A composite structural element has a main steel beam having a web and at least two flanges extending therefrom, having oppositely directed outer faces, having outer edges generally defining a plane and defining with the web a recess open away from the web between the outer edges. A mass of concrete fills the recess substantially to the plane, the outer flange faces being exposed and substantially free of concrete. Another profiled steel beam is fixed to the web of the main beam and wholly imbedded in and covered by the concrete mass. Typically the main beam is an H- or I-beam and has two such channels provided with such other beams and filled with respective such masses. The other beams can be of T-section or each other beam can be an I- or H-beam. In addition it is possible to provide longitudinally extending steel reinforcing bars imbedded in the concrete mass. Steel fibers can also be imbedded as reinforcement in the concrete mass, and this mass can be at least partially of colloid concrete.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for heating a steel bath charged with scrap which efficiently utilizes converter waste gas to supplement external energy sources is presented.

Abstract: The geometry of rolling-mill rolls is monitored dynamically by projecting light between portions of the two rolls which are formed with circumferential grooves and the resulting light pattern is detected and compared with a pattern prior to start of the rolling operation.

Abstract: A process for monitoring continuous casting molds is presented. A primary coil coaxially surrounding the continuous casting mold is powered with currents whose Fourier analysis includes several frequencies. Several secondary coils are also arranged coaxially between the primary coil and the mold and surround the mold. The secondary coils are placed around the liquid metal pool level region, with the secondary coil in the lowest location being located beneath the pool surface at all times and serving as a reference coil. The differences between the Fourier components of the signals measured on the various secondary coils and the reference coil are taken, related to the intensities in the primary coil, and analyzed by magnitude or phase. By comparison of the various signals, the presence of liquid metal or slag, the temperature prevailing in the particular region of the mold wall, are determined.

Abstract: Apparatus for closing the discharge aperture of a metallurgical vessel is presented. This apparatus includes a closure element attached to a pivoted lever in order to prevent undesirable discharge of slag at the beginning and end of the casting process and during refining. The lever pivotally opens and closes the aperture by means of a piston rod and pressure cylinder. The closure element, preferably made from wood, is temporarily attached to the lever by a friction fit and is designed to be used only once.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for rapidly injecting or blowing solid combustible material into a metal pool is presented. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus essentially comprises at least one nonoxidizing compressed gas source, a circuit which supplies granulated carbonaceous material suspended in a carrier gas, at least one circuit which supplies flushing gas, various means for metering different flow rates of the gas and solid particulate streams and means for separately or jointly connecting the above described circuits to appropriate conduits which terminate in a blowing lance.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the desulphurization, deoxidation and purification of a metal melt is presented. The process is particularly well suited for use in a ladle during the refining of steel. The present invention comprises means for defining at the surface of a melt at least a first working zone preferably via a plunger tube. Thereafter, combustible materials and oxygen are delivered to the working zone at a single impact point, preferably by a plurality of lances or by a multiple flow lance. As a result, a reactive high temperature slag is produced thereby. Finally, the melt is mixed so as to evenly distribute the heat preferably by permeable elements and/or at least one auxiliary lance.

Abstract: A process for increasing the extent of afterburning of carbon monoxide formed during the decarburization of iron melts by the action of oxygen is presented. This process is accomplished by delivering a finely divided catalyst to the space above the iron bath. The catalyst may be comprised of any number of catalysts which promote carbon monoxide afterburning, and is preferably a metal oxide compound. The catalyst is preferably delivered via an oxygen blowing lance and effectively increases carbon monoxide afterburning even at very high temperatures.

Abstract: A metallurgical molten-metal runner has a support trough, a trough-shaped temperature-equalizing layer received in and lining the trough, a system for cooling the layer isothermally to about 100.degree. C., a permanent refractory outer lining received in and lining the layer, and a renewable refractory inner lining received in and lining the outer lining and in direct contact with molten metal in the runner. The layer is of greater thermal conductivity than the linings. The cooling system includes conduits in heat-conducting engagement with the layer and an arrangement for circulating a coolant through the conduits. Water or, for safety's sake, oil can be used as the coolant, normally in liquid state to keep the layer below 100.degree. C. The layer according to this invention has a coefficient of thermal conductivity greater than 10 Kcal/M.multidot..degree.C..multidot.h, preferably above 25 Kcal/m.multidot..degree.C..multidot.h and can be composed principally of silicon carbide, semigraphite, or graphite.