Abstract: An inner nozzle is capable of being mounted onto a tube exchange device for holding and replacing an exchangeable pouring nozzle for casting molten metal out of a vessel. The tube exchange device is constructed of a frame with a casting opening. The frame is configured to be fixed to the lower side of a metal casting vessel and has a first, upper portion and a second, lower portion, joining at a middle section plane defining the plane where an inner nozzle and an exchangeable pouring nozzle form a sliding contact. The upper side portion of the frame receives and clamps in place a bearing surface of an inner nozzle at its pouring position. The lower portion comprises elements for loading and moving along a first direction (X) into casting position an exchangeable pouring nozzle. At least two clamping elements are arranged transverse to the first direction (X).

Abstract: An inner nozzle for casting molten metal from a metallurgical vessel incorporates a substantially tubular portion with an axial through bore, and an inner nozzle plate comprising a bottom flat contact surface and a second surface opposite the bottom contact surface and joining the wall of the tubular portion to the side edges of the plate. The inner nozzle incorporates a metallic casing cladding at least a portion of some or all of the side edges and second surface but not the sliding plane of the inner nozzle plate. The cladding is provided with a metallic bearing surface, facing towards and recessed with respect to the contact surface and extending from the cladded portion of the side edges beyond the perimeter of the contact surface. The bearing surface is defined by the ledges of at least two separate bearing elements distributed around the perimeter of the plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying dry material for a gunning application make use of a rotary air lock in communication with a material source and an inductor. The material is supplied through the rotary air lock to the inductor under a pressure greater than the outlet pressure of the inductor.

Abstract: A tundish assembly, including an element, for preventing or limiting steel reoxidization in the continuous casting of molten steel, is used in combination with a refractory nozzle. The element has an orifice engaging the outer surface of the nozzle, a main surface surrounding the main orifice and having a lowest level lower than the top outer edge of the nozzle inlet portion, and a periphery having an upper face surrounding the man surface of the element. The upper face of the periphery of the element is higher than the main surface of the element and is higher than the surface of the bottom well of the tundish. The main orifice of the element is off-center with respect to the main surface and the upper face of the periphery may have various heights. The main surface of the element is arranged so as to contact molten steel in a tundish.

Abstract: A protective coating is prepared for, and applied to, crucibles used in the handling of molten materials that are solidified in the crucible and then removed as ingots. Crucibles containing this protective coating may be used for the solidification of silicon. The coating has a specified oxygen content and contains a mineral binder and silicon nitride or silicon oxynitride.

Abstract: A casting element for a casting installation for transferring liquid metal comprises a plurality of casting elements in successive contact and forming a canal along which the metal can flow, the casting element comprising a tube, notably a ladle shroud, the axis of which corresponds to the axis of the canal. The casting element is able to make contact with an upstream element of the installation and comprises means for controlling the angular orientation of the tube about its axis with respect to the upstream element, these means being capable of giving the tube at least three distinct orientations.

Abstract: A tundish assembly, including an element, for preventing or limiting steel reoxidization in the continuous casting of molten steel, is used in combination with a refractory nozzle. The element has an orifice engaging the outer surface of the nozzle, a main surface surrounding the main orifice and having a lowest level lower than the top outer edge of the nozzle inlet portion, and a periphery having an upper face surrounding the man surface of the element. The upper face of the periphery of the element is higher than the main surface of the element and is higher than the surface of the bottom well of the tundish. The main surface of the element is arranged so as to contact molten steel when the tundish is in use.

Abstract: A cement free refractory mixture contains aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, fumed silica, aluminum metal, an anti-oxidant, reactive alumina, and a carbon-bearing material. The mixture can be formed by conventional techniques to create refractory articles to contain or direct the flow of liquid metals. Refractory articles formed by the mixture do not require firing to achieve an initial cure.

Abstract: A crucible and method for the crystallization of silicon utilize release coatings. The crucible is used in the handling of molten materials that are solidified in the crucible and then removed as ingots. The crucible does not require the preparation of a very thick coating at the end user facilities, is faster and cheaper to produce, presents an improved release effect and allows the production of silicon ingot without cracks. The crucible includes a base body, a substrate layer containing silicon nitride, an intermediate layer containing silica, and a surface layer containing silicon nitride, silicon dioxide and silicon.

Abstract: A pouring nozzle for a device for nozzle insertion and/or removal has a shape that is adapted so as to better resist the stresses imposed by their use and notably the stresses linked to the maintenance of the nozzle in the device. The pouring nozzle is provided with two exposed bearing faces forming with the pouring channel an angle ? of 20° to 80°. A pushing device applies thrust force to the nozzle. A casting installation embodies the nozzle and the pushing device.

Abstract: A device for driving a regulation valve for casting liquid metal contains a main rod controlling the opening and closing of the valve, and a coupler linking the main rod and the valve. The device also contains a coupler controller able to activate and deactivate the coupler, enabling linkage and detachment of the main rod and the valve.

Abstract: A cement plant refractory anchor (10) comprising a body formed of stainless steel, wherein external surfaces of said body have a surface diffusion coating of an iron aluminide phase formed by a high temperature pack cementation process.

Abstract: A manipulation device for a shroud for casting liquid metal comprises holding means for the shroud, downstream of a metal flow control valve, this valve being able to assume an open configuration and a closed configuration under the action of drive means. The manipulation device comprises fixing means affixed to the drive means for the valve. A ladle shroud for the flow of liquid metal from a casting ladle to a metal tundish has a longitudinal axis and comprises a shroud gripping head at one end. The gripping head is fusiform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ladle shroud (10) for casting liquid metal, comprising a canal (11) along which the metal can pass, extending essentially along an axis, and a metallic jacket (17) positioned at an end portion of the shroud that corresponds to an end of the canal, characterized in that the jacket (17) comprises at least a belt (18) of a thickness greater than or equal to 10 mm, preferably of 14 mm, and in that the shroud (10) comprises means (20) of attachment to driving means, the attachment means being formed on the jacket (17), notably on the belt (18) thereof.

Abstract: One subject of the invention is a device for transporting and storing at least one ladle shroud (18) for a liquid metal casting plant, the ladle shroud (18) having a channel through which liquid metal passes and essentially extending along an axis. The device also includes a rack (22) designed to store the ladle shroud (18) in a use position wherein the axis of the channel is vertical, the rack (22) providing an access (33) from the outside to a lateral face of the shroud when the latter is in its use position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support head (20) capable of supporting a ladle shroud (12) for casting liquid metal, comprising a canal (40) along which the metal can pass, extending essentially along an axis, the support head (20) being designed for a tube handling device (10). Such a head (20) comprises control means (36a, 36b) for controlling the angular orientation of the shroud with respect to the head, about an axis corresponding to the axis of the canal. The invention also relates to a ladle shroud capable of collaborating with such a support head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a casting element (30) for a casting installation for transferring liquid metal comprising a plurality of casting elements in successive contact and forming a canal along which the metal can flow, the casting element (30) comprising a tube, notably a ladle shroud, the axis of which corresponds to the axis of the canal. The casting element is able to make contact with an upstream element of the installation and comprises means (42) for controlling the angular orientation of the tube about its axis with respect to the upstream element, these means being capable of giving the tube at least three distinct orientations.

Abstract: A device for connecting a fluid circulating line to a refractory element having a wall provided with a cylindrical bore comprises a gasket intended to be located into the bore and a first supporting element compressing the gasket from the outside of the bore. A second supporting element which can be introduced into the bore sandwiches the gasket together with the first Supporting element and a rod brings the two supporting elements closer so as to compress the gasket. Also, a refractory element, notably a nozzle or pouring shroud, is provided with a cylindrical bore size to receive two supporting elements and a tightening gasket sandwiched by these supporting elements.

Abstract: Conveyor rolls used in high temperature applications, and an end cap assembly for such rolls. The conveyor roll comprises a ceramic spool, an end cap and a tolerance ring. The end cap contains a metal ferrule and has an internal circumference adapted to fit over an end of the ceramic spool. A tolerance ring is interposed between each end of the ceramic spool and the end cap. The tolerance ring is composed of resilient metal having a plurality of circumferentially arranged corrugations. The conveyor roll can resist temporary overheating or blockage without damage.

Abstract: A crucible for the treatment of molten silicon includes a basic body with a bottom surface and lateral walls defining an inner volume. The basic body comprises at least 65% by weight of silicon carbide, and from 12 to 30% by weight of a constituent selected from silicon oxide or nitride. Moreover, the basic body comprises at least one silicon oxide and/or nitride coating, at least on the surfaces defining the inner volume of the crucible.