Abstract: A gas injection stone is manufactured by embedding in a refractory compound a plurality of adjacent and abutting nets. Thereby, when the refractory compound is solidified and when the nets subsequently are removed by burning or melting, the result will be the formation within the stone of plural interconnected layers of interlinked gas channels.

Abstract: A refractory gas permeable injection device for introducing gas into a metallurgical vessel containing molten metal has a surface to be exposed to and progressively worn away by the molten metal during operation of the vessel. The device includes an outer body and an inner body within the outer body, at least the inner body being formed of a fireproof refractory material. A gas permeable space extends through the device in the direction of wear thereof, and the space has a plurality of different geometric shapes spaced in such direction. Upon the metallurgical vessel being emptied, and with the device still relatively hot, gas is caused to flow through the space such that the gas will create on the surface an optically recognizable image in a particular geometric shape as a function of the relative degree of wear of the device.

Abstract: A gas flushing apparatus for use with a metallurgical vessel is disclosed which is operable to allow for adjustment of the flow rate of gas through the gas flushing apparatus into molten metal contained in the metallurgical vessel. Such adjustability is provided according to the invention by providing at least a pair of discrete gas-permeable portions extending through the gas flushing apparatus from a bottom end thereof to a top end thereof. The discrete gas-permeable portions are individually connected to a gas supply by a gas distribution mechanism. The gas distribution mechanism is operable to distribute gas from a supply line to either or both of the at least two discrete gas-permeable portions of the gas flushing apparatus. The gas-permeable portions can be formed with cross sections which differ in shape from the lower portions of the gas-permeable portions to the upper portions thereof. Also, the two discrete gas-permeable portions can be provided with differing cross sectional areas.

Abstract: A gas flushing device includes a ceramic refractory perforated brick extended through a refractory lining of a wall of a metallurgical vessel. The perforated brick has an outer end having therein a recess opening outwardly of the vessel. A ceramic refractory gas flushing stone is fitted within such recess. The perforated brick has a portion that covers an inner end of the gas flushing stone and that projects therefrom inwardly beyond the vessel lining toward the vessel interior. The projecting portion of the perforated brick has a gas permeable region confronting the inner end of the gas flushing stone. As a result, gas passing through the gas flushing stone to the inner end thereof then passes through the gas permeable region of the projecting portion of the perforated brick into molten metal within the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a gas washing sink in a centered manner within an opening through a perforated brick in a wall of a metallurgical vessel and for removing the sink from the perforated brick includes a support assembly to be fixedly mounted on the exterior of the wall of the metallurgical vessel adjacent the opening in the perforated brick. A fastening assembly supports the sink and is mounted with respect to the support assembly for movement relative thereto between an operating position, whereat the sink is pressed into the opening throgh the perforated brick in a centered manner, and a maintenance position, whereat the sink is withdrawn from the opening through the perforated brick. Structure moves the fastening assembly relative to the support assembly to the operating position. A withdrawal apparatus moves the fastening assembly relative to the support assembly from the operating position to the maintenance position.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a gas washing sink in a centered manner within an opening through a perforated brick in a wall of a metallurgical vessel and for removing the sink from the perforated brick includes a support assembly to be fixedly mounted on the exterior of the wall of the metallurgical vessel adjacent the opening in the perforated brick. A fastening assembly supports the sink and is mounted with respect to the support assembly for movement relative thereto between an operating position, whereat the sink is pressed into the opening through the perforated brick in a centered manner, and a maintenance position, whereat the sink is withdrawn from the opening through the perforated brick. Structures moves the fastening assembly relative to the support assembly to the operating position. A withdrawal apparatus moves the fastening assembly relative to the support assembly from the operating position to the maintenance position.

Abstract: A gas washing sink for use in introducing gas through a metallurgical vessel into molten metal therein includes a gas permeable refractory inner brick portion and a gas impermeable refractory outer brick portion surrounding the inner brick portion. The inner and outer brick portions define a first sink end to be exposed to the molten metal. The outer brick portion has an end face defining a second sink end to be directed away from the molten metal. A gas distribution chamber has a first end open to the inner brick portion and a second end opening onto the end face of the outer brick portion and defined thereat by an opening. A sealing surface extending concentrically of the opening has pressed thereagainst, at a pressure sufficient to achieve a seal therebetween, a closure member for closing the second end of the gas distribution chamber and having a gas inlet connection for introducing gas into the gas distribution chamber.