Abstract: In a method of vacuum treating metal melts, especially steel melts, a vacuum syphon vessel (1) is used with its suction pipe (2) dipping into the melt (4) in a ladle (3) so that a portion of the melt is drawn into the vessel (1) and is varied between levels (A) and (B), and oxygen surrounded by a protective medium is blown horizontally into the melt in the vessel (1) below the surface of the melt through one or more nozzles (6) immediately above the bottom (5) of the vessel (1) and/or in the upper part of the suction pipe (2).

Abstract: A plurality of distributing pipes arranged in a circular pattern around a central pipe are selectively interconnected with the central pipe by a rotary pipe switch which includes a pipe elbow having a rotary joint at one end thereof connecting the elbow to the central pipe to enable rotary motion of the elbow relative to the central pipe and an axial compensator at the other end of the elbow with a connector attached to the axial compensator for effecting connection and disconnection of the other end of the elbow with each of the plurality of distributing pipes. A driving device is provided to effect compression and expansion of the axial compensator in order to effect selective connection and disconnection of the connector with the various distributing pipes.

Abstract: A method for producing steels within a very close analysis tolerance in which the raw materials are melted down in a first vessel, the melt is then tapped into a second vessel in which deslagging is accomplished, and thereafter the melt is subjected to treatment under a vacuum. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A method for producing steels within a very close analysis tolerance in which the raw materials are melted down in a first vessel, the melt is then tapped into a second vessel in which deslagging is accomplished, and thereafter the melt is subjected to treatment under a vacuum. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.