Abstract: A shielded pressure probe for measuring the pressure within a metallurgical vessel includes a tubular housing extending through and spaced from an opening in the vessel's refractory lining. The housing has an opening at its external end for receiving a probe therein and its interior end is closed. A plurality of perforations are formed in the housing and open toward the refractory defining the vessel opening to expose the probe to the vessel's interior while eliminating any straight line paths therebetween.

Abstract: A metallurgical vessel supported on a trunnion ring includes a plurality of bracket assemblies, each having a bracket plate which slidably engages a shoe for movement during vessel expansion and contraction. A replaceable wear shim is interposed between the sliding shoe and the upper surface of the vessel trunnion ring. A gib assembly is mounted adjacent the lateral ends of each sliding shoe. Each gib assembly includes a gib block secured to the trunnion ring for clamping engagement with the wear shim, the sliding shoe, and the bracket plate. Tapered spacers are interposed between each gib block, bracket plate and sliding shoe to accommodate relative movement of the block and the bracket plate during vessel expansion and contraction. The vessel may also include a second plurality of bracket assemblies disposed adjacent the lower surface of the trunnion ring and engaging a lower sliding shoe.