Abstract: An assembly wherein inexpensive and essentially maintenance-free disposable sensors may be used in conjunction with a metal making lance. The assembly contemplates the use of disposable sensors that are accommodated by a sensor feed tube disposed interiorly or exteriorly of a conventional metal making lance. The sensors may be selected to detect one or more characteristics of the metal being treated and/or operating conditions of a metal treatment vessel.

Abstract: A fully automated system and method for rapidly and reliably detecting the ingestion of slag within the tip of a metal making lance. The system utilizes a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the inner wall of a metal making lance tip. The sensor is in communication with a control station. The control station is preferably in operative communication with a valve for shutting off gas flow to the lance and, optionally, at least one alarm, a coolant fluid shut-off valve, and any other lance operation mechanisms as may be desired or necessary when slag is detected by the sensor. The inner wall of the lance tip is also preferably formed with a slag collecting reservoir for collecting ingested slag and directing it toward the temperature sensor for quick and reliable slag detection.

Abstract: A lance tip assembly for a water-cooled lance as well as a method for constructing same. The lance tip assembly includes a first component of solid cast metal which is secured to a second or lower component of forged metal. Each active material discharge nozzle of the combined forged and cast lance tip assembly is constructed in part of the first cast component and in part of the second forged component. Only a single bond is required to join the first and second component at each nozzle site. The first and second components are fabricated to include structural features which individually and collectively promote high coolant water flow velocity through the lance tip and substantially uniform cooling of face of the lance tip.

Abstract: A steelmaking furnace is cleaned and maintained using a lance which includes an elongated lance body including at least one first nozzle opening proximal to an end that extends into the furnace and at least one other second nozzle opening spaced upwardly from the first nozzle opening. Structure defines at least one passageway extending through the body to the first nozzle opening and to the second nozzle opening. Gas supply means selectively introduces different gases into the passageway. The lance apparatus can be operated to emit either different gases or the same gas from the first and second nozzle openings at the same time. The gases emitted include an oxygen-containing gas and a gas that includes an inert gas.

Abstract: An improved oxygen blowing/fuel burner lance assembly for introducing, at selected times, a flow of oxygen and/or carbonaceous fuel material, such as fine-grained carbon or hydrocarbon gas (e.g., natural gas and the like), into an electric furnace vessel. The lance assembly includes a housing portion, a straight barrel having a first and connected to the housing portion and a second end connected to a lance tip. The lance tip includes a nozzle structure having at least one oxygen injection nozzle and at least one carbonaceous material injection nozzle which together define a burner assembly for dispensing a combined flow of carbonaceous fuel and oxygen from the lance which may be ignited to produce a flame for preheating a scrap charge in an electric furnace vessel.

Abstract: An oxygen/carbon blowing lance assembly for directing a supersonic flow of oxygen and a flow of graphite against the surface of molten bath in a steelmaking electric furnace. The two flows impinge upon the slag surface at discrete separate areas in the slag and the supersonic oxygen flow acts to emulsify the slag. The lance assembly includes a coolant shut off valve to prevent loss of coolant upon failure of the nozzle. The housing of the lance assembly includes a modular design for ease of maintenance.

Abstract: A water-cooled lance is supported above the mouth of a steel-making vessel for vertical reciprocating movement and includes a slurry pipe which is rotatably positioned to spray repair material against the inner lining of the vessel, or to place a new lining on the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: An oxygen lance tip or nozzle for Basic Oxygen Furnace Operations includes a body having an oxygen discharge means. The tip or nozzle is connected to a central oxygen pipe and two outer concentric pipes provide water inlet and outlet passageways communicating with an outer annular water chamber in the tip or nozzle. The tip or nozzle which may be a forging, includes water cooling channels individually isolated with respect to the central walls of the lance tip or nozzle, each of the channels being arranged in essentially a U-shaped configuration to provide a directional change of water flow from the water inlet passageway to the internal cooling area. Walls of the channels formed with essentially flat surfaces which consists of inserts or baffles supported on an outer ring which regulates by-passing water and separates the water inlet and outlet passages.