Abstract: A method for tapping of steel from a steelmaking furnace to a receiving vessel comprising the steps of providing a steelmaking furnace comprising a tapping hole, and means for angular positioning of the furnace to vary the depth of molten steel and slag contained in the furnace above the tapping hole; determining a guidance profile for the tapping of the furnace, the guidance profile including the parameters of minimum tapping angle, maximum tapping angle, and time of rotation from the minimum tapping angle to the maximum tapping angle; performing an initial angular rotation of the furnace from an initial position to the minimum tapping angle; beginning the transfer of molten steel from the furnace through the tapping hole to a receiving vessel; rotating the furnace to the maximum tapping angle in accordance with the guidance profile; and ceasing the flow of molten steel through the tapping hole.

Abstract: Microwave transmission and reception, and analysis thereof, are used to monitor the level of molten metal, paradigmatically steel, in a tundish receiving molten metal (steel) from a ladle or other vessel and passing it to the head of a continuous caster, while the steel in the tundish is covered with slag. The control factors may include level, weight or volume limits in the tundish derived from historical or real-time data, including data representing a predictable or developing vortex in the well feeding the continuous caster. The system is particularly useful in minimizing transition mix during change from one metal specification or grade to another.