Abstract: A method for measuring and displaying the flatness of a rolled steel sheet is disclosed that includes the steps of measuring tension in the sheet at a plurality of locations on the surface of the sheet and determining a plurality of tension ranges into which the sensed tension level can fall. A color is associated with each of the tension ranges, and a representation of the sheet is produced that is made up of a plurality of regions, each region having a color corresponding to tension range into which the tension sensed at the corresponding location on the surface of the sheet falls. A device for carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved distributor including a conduit having an inlet end to receive incoming slurry and an outlet end to feed slurry onto a treatment apparatus such as a filter. A plurality of spaced apart diverter rows are arranged within the conduit between the inlet and outlet ends including a first diverter row comprising one adjustable diverter that is selectively adjustable to divide incoming slurry into either two slurry streams or into three slurry streams. A last diverter row is provided adjacent the outlet end, and the last row includes a plurality of spaced apart non-adjustable diverters make a last division of the slurry before it is discharged onto the filter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dynamic control system that maintains an inert gas feed at a constant target gas flow rate sufficient to prevent or reduce alumina or alloy plugging within a slide gate discharge opening. The dynamic control system includes a gas feed line extending between an inert gas supply and the slide gate discharge passageway, a gas flow regulator, a pressure gauge; and a gas feed flow control that detects an amount of incoming inert gas lost through leaks in the system and adjusts the gas flow regulator in response to the detected amount of incoming gas flow loss so that the adjusted incoming gas feed continues to deliver the target inert gas flow rate to the discharge passageway.

Abstract: A method of coating of steel products such as plate and sheet using an aluminum-zinc coating alloy includes modifying the coating bath with a particulate compound constituent in effective amounts to control the spangle facet size of the coated product, improve tension bend rust stain performance, improve coated surface appearance when brushed, and coated product paintability. Constituents include borides such as titanium boride and aluminum borides, carbides such as titanium carbide, and aluminides such as titanium aluminide. The method produces a coated steel product that does not require temper rolling for painting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oxygen lance crane assembly that includes a measuring device positioned to take measurements to a target area within a BOF vessel. The measuring device includes an optical head for receiving and directing an energy beam to the target area within an associated metallurgical vessel, and for receiving and directing a reflected energy beam to a processor that converts the reflected energy beam into a distance measurement. A drive means, provided within a housing fastened to the lance crane assembly, is attached to the optical head so that when the drive means is operated the optical head is either extended through an opening in the housing to a remote measuring position at a line of sight to the target area within the metallurgical vessel, or retracted back through the opening to a stored position within the housing.

Abstract: A dual phase high strength cold rolled steel having controlled amounts of carbon, manganese, and molybdenum is used as a starting material in a galvanizing/galvannealing process. Conditions in a multi-zone furnace of the galvanizing line can be controlled in a conventional manner while still effectively coating the high strength steel. A dual phase high strength steel product is made having a uniform coating of zinc in spite of the high manganese content of the steel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the diameter of a measured object including a frame having a quick disconnect fitting that demountably couples to a sensor selected from a collection of different length sensors so that the measurement range for determining diameters is increased. Each different length sensor includes a sensor probe tip that is biased in an outward direction therefrom so that when a selected sensor is coupled to the quick disconnect fitting, the probe tip contacts the measured object. The sensor includes means to generate a signal indicative of its probe tip position, and a microprocessor is programmed to receive the generated signal and provide an output display that corresponds to the diameter of the measured object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and removing water from a surface of a moving metal sheet in continuous treatment line to prevent the formation of water stains thereon. A selected surface area of the moving metal sheet is illuminated with infrared radiation having a wavelength substantially absorbed by water, and an optical sensor system is employed to view images reflected off the selected surface area. An optical bandpass filter limits transmission of infrared light to within a specific range of wavelengths known to be strongly absorbed by water. The sensor assembly produces a signal representative of the intensity of the reflected light. If the intensity signal is lower than a predetermined level, water is detected and the signal may be used to trigger a control device that sounds alarms, records the event, or otherwise controls the environment of the object so that detected water may be removed to prevent the formation of water stains.

Abstract: A slag conditioner for extending the life of a BOF vessel lining utilizing recycled blast furnace filter cake dewatered by contact with a hot slag; its process of production, and method of use.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and a method of using the apparatus to deep draw a blank into a manufactured article. The apparatus includes a die having a cavity to receive the blank being drawn into the product, a clamp adapted to apply an adjustable force against the blank during the drawing operation, and a mandrel comprising a plurality of nested tool segments, the tool segments independently extendable to engage and draw different portions of the blank into the desired product within the cavity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for operating a steelmaking furnace including the steps of charging steelmaking materials into the steelmaking furnace, blowing oxygen into the steelmaking furnace, discontinuing the oxygen blow when the charged steelmaking materials are reduced to a liquid steel product, determining the temperature of the finished liquid steel product, blowing a nitrogen gas coolant into the steelmaking furnace to reduce the temperature of the finished liquid steel product to an aim tapping temperature, discontinuing the nitrogen gas coolant blow when the finished liquid steel product temperature is lowered to the aim tapping temperature, and tapping the finished liquid steel product at the aim tapping temperature for downstream processing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and a method for determining the diameter of an object and comprises a measuring apparatus having a frame adapted to receive an interchangeable sensor assemblies and a centering head adapted to engage then object being measured. The interchangeable sensor assemblies include a sensor probe that is biased in an outward direction therefrom so that its tip end contacts the measured object, and the probe includes means to generate a signal indicative of its tip end position. The frame portion of the measuring device also includes a microprocessor capable of receiving the sensor probe signals, and the microprocessor is programmed to provide an output display that corresponds to the diameter of the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of water on a surface of an object using infrared radiation. A surface area to be detected is illuminated with infrared radiation having a wavelength substantially absorbed by water. An optical system is employed to view images reflected from the surface area. An optical bandpass filter is disposed between the surface area and the sensor to limit transmission of infrared light to within a specific range of wavelengths known to be strongly absorbed by water. The sensor assembly produces a signal representative of the intensity of the reflected light. If the intensity signal is lower than a predetermined level water is detected and the signal may be used to trigger alarms, record the event or otherwise control the environment of the object. The present invention is particularly suited for detecting the presence of water on a moving sheet of metal during a manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method of coating of steel products such as plate and sheet using an aluminum-zinc coating alloy includes modifying the coating bath with a particulate compound constituent in effective amounts to decrease the spangle facet size of the coated product, improve tension bend rust stain performance, and coated product paintability. Constituents include borides such as titanium boride and aluminum borides, carbides such as titanium carbide, and aluminides such as titanium aluminide. The method produces a coated steel product that does not require temper rolling for painting.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and a method of using the apparatus to draw a blank into a product. The apparatus includes a die having a cavity to receive the blank being drawn into the product, a clamp adapted to apply an adjustable force against the blank during the drawing operation, and a mandrel comprising a plurality of nested tool segments, the tool segments independently extendable to engage and draw different portions of the blank into the desired product within the cavity.

Abstract: A method of coating of steel products such as plate and sheet using an aluminum-zinc coating alloy includes modifying the coating bath with a particulate compound constituent in effective amounts to decrease the spangle facet size of the coated product, improve tension bend rust stain performance, improve coated surface appearance when brushed, and coated product paintability. Constituents include borides such as titanium boride and aluminum borides, carbides such as titanium carbide, and aluminides such as titanium aluminide. The method produces a coated steel product that does not require temper rolling for painting.

Abstract: A method of coating of steel products such as plate and sheet using an aluminum-zinc coating alloy includes modifying the coating bath with a particulate compound constituent in effective amounts to decrease the spangle facet size of the coated product, improve tension bend rust stain performance, improve coated surface appearance when brushed, and coated product paintability. Constituents include borides such as titanium boride and aluminum borides, carbides such as titanium carbide, and aluminides such as titanium aluminide. The method produces a coated steel product that does not require temper rolling for painting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oxygen lance crane assembly that includes a measuring device positioned to take measurements to a target area within a BOF vessel. The measuring device includes an optical head for receiving and directing an energy beam to the target area within an associated metallurgical vessel, and for receiving and directing a reflected energy beam to a processor that converts the reflected energy beam into a distance measurement. A drive means, provided within a housing fastened to the lance crane assembly, is attached to the optical head so that when the drive means is operated the optical head is either extended through an opening in the housing to a remote measuring position at a line of sight to the target area within the metallurgical vessel, or retracted back through the opening to a stored position within the housing.

Abstract: Continuous bath or curtain processes for the thermal deposition of a coating from a coating solution onto a moving metal web are used to apply a coating onto the web. The compositions that result from the processes are substantially free of defects relative to batch processes. The continuous process is particularly applicable for priming zinc and zinc-alloy coated steel webs.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining in-blow % carbon content and/or the First Turn Down Carbon of a BOF heat includes a light sensor housed within a temperature regulated case having a sighting window including air wipe means to shield the light sensor from steelmaking dust and fume. The apparatus also includes a means to generate a signal that corresponds to the amount of oxygen blown into the BOF during a heat, and a programmable logic controller. The logic controller is programmed to continuously process oxygen blown signals from the signal generating means, and light intensity signals received from the light sensor. The program calculates continuous in-blow % carbon content of the heat based upon the difference in light intensity from a point of maximum light intensity emitted from the BOF vessel in relation to the amount of oxygen blown into the BOF vessel during the same period of time.