Abstract: The disclosed methods and systems for inspecting and repairing vessels include a laser used to project a laser beam into a hot furnace or vessel, a laser reader to measure a point cloud formed when the laser light reflects from the wall of the furnace, means for selecting those points in the cloud that are more relevant, and using the points to produce a 3D image that corresponds to the geometry of the interior of the furnace or vessel. The disclosed systems and methods further include means for comparing the 3D geometric data corresponding to the interior of the vessel with 3D geometric data provided as a reference, generating a 3D repair trace based on the comparison, and controlling a spray gun for applying refractory material according to the trace by taking into account a set of physical variables related to the vessel and the refractory material.

Abstract: An injection nozzle for the addition of an agent in wire form directly into the interior of a molten material includes a tip having an axial bore with a terminal opening through which the wire exits the nozzle, the terminal opening having a cross section in the form of a star.

Abstract: An apparatus for adding wire-form processing elements directly into a molten material, comprising: a heat resistant nozzle positionable relative to the surface of the molten material such that an inlet is disposed above the surface and an outlet is disposed beneath the surface; a mechanism for feeding the wire through the nozzle directly into the molten material; and a system for injecting a substantially inert gaseous medium into the molten material together with the wire, whereby the inert gas substantially prevents closure of the nozzle by solidified molten material and promotes mixture of the processing elements with the molten material through gas bubble agitation. The apparatus further comprises a substantially gas-tight conduit connected to the nozzle inlet, through which the wire and the inert gaseous medium are delivered to the nozzle. A pressure-driven seal prevents atmospheric contamination and prevents loss of inert gas.