Abstract: A method for deciding objectively whether a refractory plate of a slide gate valve used to control the flow of a molten metal during the pouring of the metal from an upper vessel to a lower vessel can be reused or should be discarded. Values of parameters measured during pouring or proper to the plate are determined during successive uses of the plate. The values are compared to threshold values to reach a decision. Also, a device for making decisions according to this method.

Abstract: According to a first of its object, the present invention a thus for object a method allowing to decide objectively whether a refractory plate of a slide gate valve used to control the flow of a molten metal during the casting of said metal from an upper vessel to a lower vessel can be reused or should be discarded. According to another of its aspects, the invention relates to a device intended for carrying out the above described method. The invention allows the taking of objective decisions as to the reuse or reject of the plates.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a clamp for clamping device for a refractory plate in a seating of a slide valve in a casting installation, the said clamp having on one hand a thrust zone whereon it can receive a clamping force tending to push the clamp against a refractory plate located in the seating and, on the other hand, two ends of which each is capable of being applied against one edge of the refractory plate. The clamp is characterised in that it is capable of being elastically deformed in that each of its two ends is conformed such that it bears against the corresponding edge of the refractory plate when a clamping force is applied to the clamp also bears against the wall of the seating under the effect of expansion of the plate or a greater clamping force.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a clamp for clamping device for a refractory plate in a seating of a slide valve in a casting installation, the said clamp having on one hand a thrust zone whereon it can receive a clamping force tending to push the clamp against a refractory plate located in the seating and, on the other hand, two ends of which each is capable of being applied against one edge of the refractory plate. The clamp is characterised in that it is capable of being elastically deformed in that each of its two ends is conformed such that it bears against the corresponding edge of the refractory plate when a clamping force is applied to the clamp also bears against the wall of the seating under the effect of expansion of the plate or a greater clamping force.

Abstract: A method for controlling a flow rate of a liquid in particular of a molten material between a maximum flow and a zero flow, in a valve (1) comprising at least a fixed plate (2) and a mobile plate (3) which are superposed and maintained constantly in contact, each one having at least an opening (4, 5), said method, consisting of placing said openings (4, 5) more or less opposite each other by displacing said mobile plate (3) and wherein said mobile plate (3) is displaced according to at least two secant directions (6 and 7) which are determined for placing said openings (4, 5) of said fixed (2) and mobile plates (3) at least partly opposite each other when said valve is opened, and a valve for the application of said method.