Abstract: A sliding gate valve for a vessel containing molten metal is provided which includes a housing and a lid pivotally mounted thereon. A sliding plate is sandwiched between two fixed plates and the three are received within the housing. Clamping elements are provided and are used in conjunction with the lid to secure the plates. A lock is provided to prevent movement of the lid in a direction parallel to movement of the sliding plate while allowing movement of the lid in a direction perpendicular to movement of the sliding plate. The lock is designed to assume a locked position whenever the sliding gate valve is mounted onto the vessel.

Abstract: A discharge assembly for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a vessel includes a stator member mounted to extend through the vessel and a rotor member coupled to the stator member to be rotatable relative thereto. A lateral opening in the rotor member is brought into and out of alignment with a lateral opening in the stator member, thereby opening communication to a longitudinal discharge passage through the stator member. One of the members has a projection fitting into a recess in the other member, with complementary sliding sealing surfaces therebetween. The projection comprises an insert formed separately from the respectively member and fixed thereto to be non-rotatable relative thereto.

Abstract: A refractory plate unit for use as a sliding plate or as a stationary plate in a sliding closure unit at an opening of a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory plate having therethrough a discharge opening. A metal member is rigidly attached to the refractory plate and has an annular surface centered radially outwardly of the discharge opening and mating with substantially no free play with a complementary surface of a metal frame supporting the refractory plate unit.