Abstract: An improved vortex inhibitor 20 for separating slag from molten metal during the discharge of molten metal through a nozzle 14 includes a generally uniform castable refractory body 22 having a generally hemispherical or hemi-ellipsoid shape having a plurality of generally triangular shaped projection elements 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40) defining a plurality of generally constant dimension grooves 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52 extending downward from the top side 26 toward an apex 41 of the vortex inhibitor 20.

Abstract: An improved vortex inhibitor 20 for separating slag from molten metal during the discharge of molten metal through a nozzle 14 includes a generally uniform castable refractory body 22 having a generally hemispherical or hemi-ellipsoid shaped body 22 having a plurality of generally triangular shaped projection elements 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40) defining a plurality of generally constant dimension grooves 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52 extending downward from the top side 26 toward an apex 41 of the vortex inhibitor 20.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for enhanced metallurgical processing of molten metal includes an enclosable ladle chamber (23) for reducing the escape of heat during transport of the ladle from a manufacturing vessel such as a furnace (13) to an intermediate processing (15) or refining station or during processing or transport to a receptacle vessel such as a tundish (17). The method comprises introducing a refractory body into the ladle chamber (23), the body having an adjusted specific gravity having a reduced steel ballast to refractory material ratio that is less than required for a specific gravity required to buoyantly support the body in the molten metal. Preferably, the ratio provides a specific gravity greater than the specific gravity required to buoyantly support the body entirely in the slag layer.

Abstract: An improved vortex inhibitor for separating slag from molten metal during the discharge of molten metal through a nozzle includes a uniform castable refractory body with a generally tapering shape, a hollow chamber within the body and an elongated sacrificial member. The hollow chamber receives the sacrificial member or a mount for the sacrificial member. The refractory body and the sacrificial member combination in molten metal has a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of molten metal and is positioned narrow end downward when supported in molten metal. The hollow chamber can fill with molten metal to form a core that aids in orienting the body in a narrow end downward position. The sacrificial member align the with the area in which the vortex forms and minimizes interference with the flow through the discharge nozzle. The body preferably includes swirl obstructing surfaces.

Abstract: An improved vortex inhibitor for separating slag from molten metal during the discharge of molten metal through a nozzle includes a uniform castable refractory body with a generally tapering shape, a hollow chamber within the body and an elongated sacrificial member. The hollow chamber receives the sacrificial member or a mount for the sacrificial member. The refractory body and the sacrificial member combination in molten metal has a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of molten metal and is positioned narrow end downward when supported in molten metal. The hollow chamber can fill with molten metal to form a core that aids in orienting the body in a narrow end downward position. The sacrificial member align the with the area in which the vortex forms and minimizes interference with the flow through the discharge nozzle. The body preferably includes swirl obstructing surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to improve the metal yield by adjusting the tilt angle of a tilting vessel having a submerged tap hole. The tilt angle is adjusted in response to parameters inherent in the pouring process, i.e. the proximity of the vessel contents to the vessel lip, the age of the tap hole, the liquid head over the tap hole, etc. Additionally, methods are disclosed to enhance the metal yield by advancing or moving back the furnace without knowledge of the tilt angle. Moreover, such methods and apparatus can be implemented through the use of computer based algorithms. The methods can also be used to archive pouring parameter information for future uses such as training and reviewing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to improve the metal yield by adjusting the tilt angle of a tilting vessel having a submerged tap hole. The tilt angle is adjusted in response to parameters inherent in the pouring process, i.e. the proximity of the vessel contents to the vessel lip, the age of the tap hole, the liquid head over the tap hole, etc. Additionally, methods are disclosed to enhance the metal yield by advancing or moving back the furnace without knowledge of the tilt angle. Moreover, such methods and apparatus can be implemented through the use of computer based algorithms. The methods can also be used to archive pouring parameter information for future uses such as training and reviewing.

Abstract: An improved vortex inhibitor for separating slag from molten metal during the discharge of molten metal through a nozzle includes a uniform castable refractory body with a generally tapering shape, a hollow chamber within the body and an elongated sacrificial member. The hollow chamber receives the sacrificial member or a mount for the sacrificial member. The refractory body and the sacrificial member combination in molten metal has a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of molten metal and is positioned narrow end downward when supported in molten metal. The hollow chamber can fill with molten metal to form a core that aids in orienting the body in a narrow end downward position. The sacrificial member align the with the area in which the vortex forms and minimizes interference with the flow through the discharge nozzle. The body preferably includes swirl obstructing surfaces.

Abstract: Clean metal pour form a tilting, side-tapped furnace containing metal and slag is maximized by determining metal residuum remaining in the furnace from measuring the liquid metal poured into the receiving ladle and adjusting the furnace tilt angle to minimize vortex formation and minimize slag entrainment. Measurement of the necessary parameters avoids the use of operator judgment. In a preferred embodiment, adjustment of the tilt angle is computerized based on data received from appropriate sensing devices, avoiding both operator judgment as well as operator control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for rapidly and accurately processing the chemical composition of a molten metal bath within a furnace. The apparatus includes a robotically-controlled probe which operates to obtain a sample from any predetermined depth of the vessel. The probe is moved from the vessel to a thermostabilized atomic emission spectrometer in nearby proximity to the vessel wherein a part of the probe containing the sample is joined with an upper chamber housing to form an excitation chamber. Within the excitation chamber, the optical emission spectrum of the sample is excited by an excitation source. The optical spectrum is transmitted to an analyzer where the elemental concentration of the sample is determined. Immediately responsive to this analysis, adjustments are made in processing to achieve the target grade of steel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the yield of molten metal discharged from a metal production vessel limits the slag carryover by reducing turbulence of metal pouring through a discharge opening by inhibiting a vortex over the discharge opening, automatically sensing the presence of slag in the discharge opening, and terminating discharge through the opening in response to the detection of changing content through the discharged opening passage. Preferably, the inhibiting function includes inserting a slag reduction device, preferably a refractory body and maintaining the position of the device over the discharge nozzle. Preferably, the sensor is an electromagnetic coil that determines the change in content of the flow through the opening passage without direct contact with the contents of the opening. The combination of the slag vortex inhibitor and the flow content sensor is substantially improved metal pouring yield as demonstrated by actual slag reduction results.

Abstract: An improved vortex inhibitor for separating slag from molten metal during the discharge of molten metal through a nozzle includes a uniform castable refractory body with a regular pyramidal shape. The tapered body includes swirl obstructing surfaces extending along its length and is geometrically proportioned so that the center of gravity is closer to the apex than the center of buoyancy of the body. Preferably, the outermost parts of the base intersect a circle whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the nozzle opening and defining a base length dimensionally fixed with respect to the base length within a predetermined range. Preferably, the longitudinal height is in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 times the diameter of the circumscribed circle. A modified, spherically configured body which can be rolled into position also is geometrically proportioned to keep the center of gravity spaced from the center of buoyancy and closer toward the apex of the modified shape.

Abstract: An improved vortex inhibitor for separating slag from molten metal during the discharge of molten metal through a nozzle includes a uniform castable refractory body with a regular pyramidal shape. The tapered body includes swirl obstructing surfaces extending along its length and is geometrically proportioned so that the center of gravity is closer to the apex than the center of buoyancy of the body. Preferably, the outermost parts of the base intersect a circle whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the nozzle opening and defining a base length dimensionally fixed with respect to the base length within a predetermined range. Preferably, the longitudinal height is in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 times the diameter of the circumscribed circle. A modified, spherically configured body which can be rolled into position also is geometrically proportioned to keep the center of gravity spaced from the center of buoyancy and closer toward the apex of the modified shape.

Abstract: A vortex inhibitor for use in tundishes, ladles, or metal making furnaces prevents the contamination of high quality molten steel by the slag layer which rides atop the surface of molten metal within such receptacles comprises a tapered polygonal body of castable refractory material whose specific gravity is less than the specific gravity of the molten metal but greater than the specific gravity of the slag. The refractory body is buoyantly supported at the interface of the layer of slag and the molten metal and includes a weighted apex so that the apex depends toward nozzle opening within receptacle. Thus, the body centers itself within the swirl of fluid generated during discharge of the fluid through the nozzle, and the inertia of the body substantially deenergizes the vortex so as to avoid formation of a suction funnel which typically draws the slag layer into and through the nozzle with the molten metal below the previously known critical level within the receptacle.

Abstract: An improved vortex inhibitor for separating slag from molten metal during the discharge of molten metal through a nozzle includes a uniform castable refractory body with a regular pyramidal shape. The tapered body includes swirl obstructing surfaces extending along its length and is geometrically proportioned so that the center of gravity is closer to the apex than the center of buoyancy of the body. Preferably, the outermost parts of the base intersect a circle whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the nozzle opening and defining a base length dimensionally fixed with respect to the base length within a predetermined range. Preferably, the longitudinal height is in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 times the diameter of the circumscribed circle. A modified, spherically configured body which can be rolled into position also is geometrically proportioned to keep the center of gravity spaced from the center of buoyancy and closer toward the apex of the modified shape.