Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently managing bulk material are provided. The disclosure is directed to a portable support structure used to receive one or more portable containers of bulk material and output bulk material from the containers directly into the blender hopper. The portable support structure may include a frame for receiving and holding the one or more portable bulk material containers in an elevated position proximate the blender hopper, as well as one or more gravity feed outlets for routing the bulk material from the containers directly into the blender hopper. In some embodiments, the portable support structure may be transported to the well site on a trailer, unloaded from the trailer, and positioned proximate the blender unit. In other embodiments, the portable support structure may be a mobile support structure that is integrated into a trailer unit.

Abstract: A cover for preventing the unwanted discharge of concrete mixer chute residues from the chute, has a water impermeable cap with side panels which are gathered at the one end with an elastic band for retaining he cap in place, and which has a strong elastic retention means for holding the entire cap in place on the chute against the force of dislodging concrete particles.

Abstract: A ladle having a hydrocarbon-free, expendable refractory insulating lining that is chemically compatible with the molten metal to be placed in the ladle.

Abstract: A tundish consisting essentially of a rigid metallic outer casing having walls and a bottom at least one permanent layer of heat insulating material adjacent said casing, and a unitary, integrally formed expendable inner lining made of a hydrocarbon-free refractory composition and having at least one liquid metal flow control device integrally formed therewith, the lining being chemically compatible with the molten metal to be placed in the tundish. The invention also comprises the unitary integrally formed expendable lining and the method to form the same.

Abstract: A pressurized tundish for controlling a continous flow of molten metal characterized by having a pair of principal compartments, one being essentially unpressurized and receiving molten metal introduced thereto, and the other being adapted for maintaining a controlled gaseous pressure over the surface of the fluid metal therein, whereby, by controlling the pressure within the pressurized chamber, metal exiting from the tundish is made to flow continually and at a controlled rate.

Abstract: A feed system is provided for conveying molten metal to a thin section caster having mold surfaces moving exclusively in the direction of casting. The feed system has a passage of circular cross section adjacent to one end thereof for receiving molten metal and a rectangular cross section at the delivery end thereof adjacent to the caster. The feed system is designed for supplying molten metal to the caster at low pressure for "closed-pool" type caster operation. The point of highest elevation in the metal flow passage of the feed system is on the upper surface of a transition portion where the cross section changes from circular to rectangular adjacent to the nozzle. The level or height of the high point above the centerline of the nozzle exit is selected so as to be less than the pressure of the metal measured in inches at the nozzle exit. This feature enables the maintenance of positive pressure in the metal within the feed system so that ingress of air into the metal is prevented.