Abstract: The continuous refining of molten metal is carried out in a refining apparatus having communicating first and second refining stage spaces. Refining gas, such as oxygen, is blown into the molten metal in the presence of a slag layer on the molten metal. The molten metal and the slag are conveyed as two separate non-intermingled streams through the refining stage spaces, as distinguished from a slag-metal emulsion. The slag in the second refining stage space is caused continuously to flow back into the first refining stage space to form a slag layer on the molten metal in the first refining stage space. Refining gas is blown into the molten metal in the first refining stage space below the slag layer, and the molten metal is conveyed from the first refining stage space to the second refining stage space while preventing the flow of slag from the first refining stage space to the second refining stage space.

Abstract: A process for continuous refining in which liquid pig iron is supplied to a pig iron melt which is at least partially refined while said melt is being intensively agitated, the refining means (preferably oxygen) is introduced into the pig iron melt by means of tuyeres mounted in the refining vessel, and discharging the refining means beneath the surface of thepig iron melt, the tuyeres being positioned and the refining means being furnished so that the kinetic energy of the refining means contributes to the bath agitation. The tuyeres are preferably composite tuyeres like those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,706,549 issued Dec. 19, 1972 and 3,771,998 issued Nov. 13, 1973, for discharging oxygen surrounded by a gaseous and/or liquid hydrocarbon, and possibly lime or other solid powder into the bath.

Abstract: The disclosed process of continuously refining molten metal is carried out in a refining apparatus having communicating first and second refining stage spaces. Refining gas, such as oxygen, is blown into the molten metal in the presence of a slag layer on the molten metal. The molten metal and the slag are conveyed as two separate non-intermingled streams through the refining stage spaces, as distinguished from a slag-metal emulsion. The slag in the second refining stage space is caused continuously to flow back into the first refining stage space to form a slag layer on the molten metal in the first refining stage space. Refining gas is blown into the molten metal in the first refining stage space below said slag layer, and the molten metal is conveyed from said first refining stage space to said second refining stage space while preventing the flow of slag from said first refining stage space to said second refining stage space.

Abstract: A method of preventing slag from escaping when emptying a pouring vessel with a bottom outlet. The vessel contains steel and slag. During the end phase of the emptying of the pouring vessel, between the discharge opening and the interior space of the vessel a barrier of liquid steel is built up by passing the steel through a system of communicating flow paths surrounding the discharge opening. Thus the steel is caused with the remainder of its content in the vessel prior to the discharge of this remainder from the vessel, due to its greater specific weight automatically to prevent the lighter slag from entering the system and to reach the discharge opening. The vessel for practicing the above mentioned method has its discharge opening surrounded by a groove-shaped recess, the lowermost portion of which is located below the level of the upper edge of the discharge opening. A wall annularly extends from above into the recess without contacting the lowermost portion of the recess.