Abstract: Sliding closure for a receptacle containing molten metal includes a housing frame that can be fastened to a spout of the receptacle, a first refractory base plate and a sliding unit having a refractory sliding plate that is sealingly pressed against the first base plate by spring elements and a contiguous refractory spout sleeve contained in the housing frame. The case has a second base plate juxtaposed to the first base plate and displaceable inside the housing frame at a right angle to the direction of movement of the sliding unit from an initial position in which the first base plate is in an operating position towards a final position in which the second base plate is in the operating position. It is therefore possible to replace the base plate, which wears outs quickly, by a new base plate in a rapid and convenient manner without interrupting the casting operation.

Abstract: Monitoring device for sliding closures, casting tube changers or the like on a foundry ladle or a similar metallurgical vessel, wherein the device has an electronics system for detecting parameters of the monitored device that are functionally important during casting. In order to ensure trouble-free functioning of the electronics system, the system is housed in a unit fastened to the foundry ladle. The unit has thermal insulation and is provided with an air cooling system which is operated with purified cooling air and can be electrically driven both by an energy source supplied by the waste heat of the foundry ladle and by an external energy source.

Abstract: A closing plate for a sliding closure on the spout of a receptacle for molten metal, especially of a converter, includes an elongate refractory plate and a sheet metal jacket surrounding the same. The refractory plate has a sliding surface which can be braced with a sliding surface of a refractory closure plate interacting therewith or with a sliding surface of a refractory head part. The refractory plate has at least one tapering section which forms an angle with the sliding surface on at least one side delimiting the sliding surface, each tapering section being associated with a section of the refractory plate that projects beyond the sheet metal jacket. The closing plate reduces the risk of damage to the front faces of the refractory parts reduced during bracing of the parts with each other and/or during a relative adjustment of the refractory parts that are braced with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring device for sliding closures, casting tube changers or the like on a foundry ladle or a similar metallurgical vessel, wherein the device has an electronics system (4) for detecting the parameters of the monitored device that are functionally important during casting. In order to ensure trouble-free functioning of the electronics system (4), according to the invention said system is housed in a unit (3) fastened to the foundry ladle. Said unit has thermal insulation (8) and is provided with an air cooling system (10) which is operated with purified cooling air and can be electrically driven both by an energy source (15) supplied by the waste heat of the foundry ladle and by an external energy source (16).

Abstract: Arrangement for the maintenance of a sliding closure mounted on the spout of a container for molten metal. The arrangement includes at least one tool magazine, at least one replacement part magazine and a system for opening and closing the sliding closure. The robot includes an automatic grip changing system and is operationally connected to a control unit to enable it to automatically detect the exact position of the container or of the sliding closure. Thereafter, the robot can control opening and closing of the sliding closure and, depending on the condition of the individual components to be replaced, it can grip tools or replacement parts from the magazines surrounding the robot and can perform cleaning operations, dismantle components and replace or reinstall the same. In this way, personnel can be saved and the occupational safety is thus increased.

Abstract: A closing plate for a sliding closure on the spout of a receptacle for molten metal, especially of a converter, comprises an elongate refractory plate (11) and a sheet metal jacket (12) surrounding the same. The refractory plate (11) has a sliding surface (14, 16) which can be braced with a sliding surface of a refractory closure plate interacting therewith or with a sliding surface (21?) of a refractory head part (21). The refractory plate (11) has a tapering section (26, 28, 29) which forms an angle (a) with the sliding surface (14, 15) on at least one side delimiting the sliding surface (14, 15), said tapering section being associated with a section of the refractory plate (11) that projects beyond the sheet metal jacket (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding closure (1) for a receptacle containing molten metal, comprising a housing frame (3) that can be fastened to a spout of the receptacle, a refractory base plate (5) and a sliding unit (7) having a refractory sliding plate (8) that can be sealingly pressed against the base plate by means of spring elements (11) and a contiguous refractory spout sleeve (9) being contained in said housing frame. The case (4) has a second base plate (6) juxtaposed to the base plate (5) and can be displaced inside the housing frame (3) at a right angle to the direction of movement of the sliding unit (7) from an initial position in which the base plate (5) is in an operating position towards a final position in which the second base plate (6) is in the operating position. It is therefore possible to replace the base plate, which especially in converters wears outs very quickly, by a new base plate in a rapid and convenient manner without interrupting the casting operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the maintenance of a sliding closure (20) mounted on the spout of a container (10) for molten metal. Said arrangement comprises at least one tool magazine (65, 66), having at least one replacement part magazine (67) and means (30) for opening and closing the sliding closure (20). As a novelty, a robot (60) comprising an automatic grip changing system (61) and operationally connected to a control unit (75) is provided, the robot being able to automatically detect the exact position of the container (10) or of the sliding closure (20). Thereafter, it can actuate the means (30) for opening and closing the sliding closure (20) and, depending on the condition of the individual components to be replaced, it can grip tools or replacement parts from the magazines (65, 66, 67) surrounding the robot and can perform cleaning operations, dismantle components and replace or reinstall the same. In this way, personnel can be saved and the occupational safety is thus increased.