Abstract: A method and device are described for preventing the atmospheric contamination of molten metal during the transfer thereof from one vessel to another. The device includes a first metal ring releasably connected to a molten metal receiving vessel and second metal ring connected to a vessel containing the molten metal to be transferred. A viewing port is provided to allow observation of the molten metal as it is being transferred. A ceramic fiber blanket which encloses the molten metal stream as it is being transferred interconnects the two rings. During operation, an opening of the molten metal containing vessel attached to the second ring and the ceramic fiber blanket are aligned concentrically above the opening of the receiving vessel and the first ring. In the preferred embodiment, the ceramic fiber blanket is then mated to the first metal ring to form an enclosure around the path defined between the molten metal containing vessel and the receiving vessel for the transfer of molten metal therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the atmosphere above the bath of an electroslag remelting furnace, including sealing the atmosphere of the furnace directly above the crucible by employing a shell secured to the crucible and a shroud secured between the shell and the movable furnace ram to encapsulate the atmosphere, and analyzing the oxygen content of the atmosphere and controlling the amount of oxygen therein by introducing an inert gas in the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing gas into a molten metal bath contained within a refractory-lined vessel by the distribution of gas bubbles in the metal bath. The distribution is disbursed and covers a wide areas and mixing within the bath is improved. This is accomplished with the use of a tuyere having a plurality of passageways which cause gas passing through the tuyere to exit into the bath as a series of gas jets which exit from the tuyere at an angle to its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the passageways in the tuyere are spiral so as to produce a swirling or vortical gas motion within the bath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing gas into a molten metal bath contained within a refractory-lined vessel by the distribution of gas bubbles in the metal bath. The distribution is disbursed and covers a wide areas and mixing within the bath is improved. This is accomplished with the use of a tuyere having a plurality of passageways which cause gas passing through the tuyere to exit into the bath as a series of gas jets which exit from the tuyere at an angle to its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the passageways in the tuyere are spiral so as to produce a swirling or vortical gas motion within the bath.

Abstract: A method for refining a molten metal bath is provided including introducing a refining gas containing substantially a combination of oxygen and nitrogen to the molten bath to reduce the carbon content of the bath to a selected level; thereafter an inert gas, such as argon, is introduced to the molten bath from a lance adapted to direct the inert gas onto or beneath the bath surface, whereby the inert gas serves to efficiently remove nitrogen from the bath.

Abstract: A method for producing steel in a top-blown molten metal vessel having a hot metal charge to form a bath. The method comprises top blowing from a lance oxygen gas onto or beneath the surface of the bath while introducing an inert gas to the bath from beneath the surface thereof during said top blowing. The rate of inert gas is increased progressively during top blowing of oxygen and the rate of oxygen is decreased progressively during said top blowing.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for refining molten metal in a top-blown vessel, particularly, by removal of the carbon content. The system includes various means for selecting, regulating the composition and controlling the rate of flow of the top-blown gases. The system further includes various means for introducing an inert gas from beneath the molten bath surface during top blowing and regulating the composition and controlling the rate of flow of the inert gas as a function of the top-blown gas composition and flow rate.A method for introducing the gases is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing stainless steel in a top-blown molten metal vessel having a hot metal charge to form a bath. The method comprises top blowing from a lance oxygen and/or a mixture of oxygen and inert gas onto or beneath the surface of the bath while introducing a low flow rate inert gas to the bath from beneath the surface thereof during said top blowing. The ratio of oxygen-to-inert gas is decreased progressively during top blowing. The relative flow proportion of top-blown gases and bottom-blown gases remains substantially the same throughout the process.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for electroslag remelting an electrode of an alloy containing at least one oxide forming ingredient, including melting such electrode in a novel flux composition containing about 1-35% boron oxide, by weight.

Abstract: A manganese-copper-nickel alloy is remelted to form high quality ingots or slabs which are capable of undergoing hot-working in the "as cast" form by electroslag remelting the alloy under a flux composition prepared by fusing a mixture consisting essentially of from about 50% to about 85% barium fluoride and from about 15% to about 50% calcium fluoride, by weight.

Abstract: A copper-nickel alloy is remelted to form high quality ingots or slabs which are capable of undergoing hot-working in the "as cast" form by electroslag remelting the alloy under a flux composition prepared by fusing a mixture consisting essentially of from about 35% to about 75% barium fluoride and from about 25% to about 65% calcium fluoride, by weight.