Abstract: A method is provided for operating a sliding closure for a metallurgical vessel. The sliding closure includes two tensionable fireproof closure plates opposing one another, with each of the two closure plates being slideably positioned within a corresponding housing part. Spring elements are provided for tensioning the closure plates, wherein one of the closure plates, along with its corresponding housing part, is slideable and can be moved into a closed or open position by a drive member. The method comprises: performing an offline and/or an online diagnosis of an operating condition within an area of the closure plates, by measuring at least one of size, temperature, pressure and force associated with the sliding closure so as to obtain at least one measured value, and evaluating the at least one measured value either directly or together with additional relevant process parameters; and based upon the diagnosis, either continuing use of the sliding closure or discontinuing use of the sliding closure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a sliding gate for metallurgical vessels in which the sliding gate (10) has at least two fire-resistant gate plates (21, 22), which can be tensioned against one another and which are each arranged inside a respective housing part (17, 19) in a manner that enables them to slide relative to one another. Spring elements (23) are provided in at least one of the housing parts (17, 19) in order to tension the gate plates (21, 22). One gate plate (22) can, with its housing part (19), be slid into a closed or open position by means of a drive element.

Abstract: A stopper drive mechanism is removably mounted on a molten metal vessel having a discharge opening and is adapted to move a stopper into and out of closing engagement with the discharge opening. A piston and cylinder unit of the stopper drive mechanism is operably connected with the stopper and has a valve unit connected thereto for controlling the piston and cylinder unit. The piston and cylinder unit comprises a cylinder that defines a working chamber with a piston slidably disposed therein. The piston has the same effective working area on opposite sides thereof. The valve unit comprises a control valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the opposite sides of the piston and a bypass valve that is adapted to selectively communicate opposite sides of the piston with each other for manual movement of the stopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating by electromagnetic means the level in metallurgical vessels means with transmitting and receiving coils which combined into a measuring unit having a transmitting coil which extends in the direction of the fill height and at least two receiving coils assigned thereto and staggered vertically. This simplifies and facilitates the assembly work.