Abstract: The present invention concerns a submerged entry nozzle for use in the continuous casting of liquid metal. The nozzle comprises a central bore and a plurality of pairs of discharge outlets. The cross-sectional area of the central bore decreases between pairs of discharge outlets, such that ratio of height to width of any outlet is one or less.

Abstract: The present invention concerns stopper rod system for use in a metallurgical vessel, comprising a stopper rod and a nozzle. At least one of the stopper rod nose and the internal surface of the nozzle bore comprise a plurality of ripples that are arranged such that the size of a flow channel between the stopper rod nose and the internal stopper rod when the stopper rod system is in an open position discontinuously increases in size as a function of the distance downstream from the point of contact between the stopper rod and the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention describes a submerged sensor for use in a metallurgical vessel, such as a tundish. The sensor is positioned so that in use it is below a surface of a molten metal bath within the vessel. The sensor conveniently extends through the vessel wall and projects into the volume of the vessel. An upper end of the sensor is encased in a protective assembly. The protective assembly of the invention can be shaped so as to control the pattern of molten metal flow in the vessel or measure more accurately the molten metal exiting the vessel. Advantageously, the invention can combine the functionality required for flow pattern modification such as provided by a dam, impact pad or baffle, with the functionality required for a sensor. This combination reduces cost and complexity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns stopper rod system for use in a metallurgical vessel, comprising a stopper rod and a nozzle. At least one of the stopper rod nose and the internal surface of the nozzle bore comprise a plurality of ripples that are arranged such that the size of a flow channel between the stopper rod nose and the internal stopper rod when the stopper rod system is in an open position discontinuously increases in size as a function of the distance downstream from the point of contact between the stopper rod and the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a submerged entry nozzle for use in the continuous casting of liquid metal. The nozzle comprises a central bore and a plurality of pairs of discharge outlets. The cross-sectional area of the central bore decreases between pairs of discharge outlets, such that ratio of height to width of any outlet is one or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ladle block for use in a bottom of a molten metal ladle. The ladle block reduces the amount of contaminants, particularly slag, exiting the ladle during casting operations. The ladle block includes a floor defining an outlet and sidewalls substantially orthogonal to the floor. The floor and sidewalls define a channel having dimensions of length, width and height. Channel dimensions are determined from the Froude number, which is based at least partially on the casting flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pour tube for casting molten metal. The pour tube is adapted to reduce turbulence and mold disturbances, thereby producing a more stable, uniform outflow. The pour tube includes an exit port with at least one tongue to provide at least two slots on either side of the tongue. The slots generate counter-rotating flows, which result in a more diffusive and more homogeneous outflow. Advantageously, such an outflow can reduce detrimental asymmetry and alumina clogging in the pour tube.

Abstract: A tundish impact pad for use in the continuous casting of molten metal is described that includes a base plate having an upper impact surface surrounded, at least in part, by a sidewall defining passageways. The impact pad is adapted to receive and deflect an incoming stream of molten metal, and permit outflow of the deflected stream through the passageways and the open top surface of the pad. Vaulted-stepped features surrounding the passageways and/or weir-like walls assist in directing the outflow. The division and distribution of the outflow facilitates the development of plug flow in the molten metal between the impact pad and the tundish outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metallurgical ladle and more particularly to the bottom of the ladle having an outlet through which the molten metal can drain. An object of the present invention is to increase the efficiency of a ladle draining operation, including reducing the amount of discarded metal, avoiding the premature flow of slag through the outlet, and reducing the contamination of slag in the molten metal effluent. The ladle bottom comprises a plurality of terraces and flow channels, ultimately directing the stream of molten metal to an outlet of the ladle. The terraces are described as capturing slag and the channels permit molten metal to flow preferentially through the outlet.

Abstract: A tundish impact pad for use in the continuous casting of molten metal is described that includes a base plate having an upper impact surface surrounded, at least in part, by a sidewall defining passageways. The impact pad is adapted to receive and deflect an incoming stream of molten metal, and permit outflow of the deflected stream through the passageways and the open top surface of the pad. Vaulted-stepped features surrounding the passageways and/or weir-like walls assist in directing the outflow. The division and distribution of the outflow facilitates the development of plug flow in the molten metal between the impact pad and the tundish outlet.

Abstract: A security sheet includes a viewable security feature on or in a substrate (1). A print receptive coating (3-5) is provided on the substrate, the coating being registered relative to the security feature (2, 10) so that it does not overlap the security feature.

Abstract: Self-adhesive stamps comprising: a layer (2) of stamp paper bearing a printed stamp design on its front and having perfoated edges (6), a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive (5) on the back of the stamp paper, and a peelable backing sheet (7) covering the adhesive, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is patterned such that there is little or no adhesive adjacent to the perorated edges of the stamp paper. Preferably, the pressure-sensitive adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive, and preferably the adhesive is applied by printing. Also a method of making such stamps comprising the steps of: providing a sheet or web of stamp paper having lines of perforations defining stamps therein, followed by coating the back of the stamp paper with a patterned layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive and a peelable backing sheet.