Abstract: Thin cast strip is produced in a twin roll caster by delivering molten steel between the rolls to form a casting pool confined between the rolls by a pair of side dams adjacent the ends of the casting rolls. Steel strip is delivered downwardly to the nip through a metal delivery system having a tundish and core nozzles. One or more of the refractory components, including the tundish, core nozzles and side dams, or portions thereof, are replaced by first preheating the refractory component(s) being replaced at a removed location, and then rapidly transferring the preheated component(s) from the preheating position and installing the same in the operating position by a transfer device. The desired refractory component is rapidly removed and the preheated replacement refractory component rapidly transferred and installed in the operating position in an amount of time that avoids thermal shock to the refractories that are not replaced.

Abstract: Thin cast strip is produced in a twin roll caster by delivering molten steel between the rolls to form a casting pool. The casting pool is confined between the rolls by a pair of side dams adjacent the ends of the casting rolls. Steel strip is delivered downwardly to the nip through a metal delivery system having a tundish and core nozzles. One or more of the refractory components, including without limitation the tundish, core nozzles and side dams, or portions thereof, are replaced by first preheating the refractory component(s) to be replaced at a removed location, and then rapidly transferring the preheated component(s) from the preheating position and installing the same in the operating position by a transfer device. The desired refractory component is rapidly removed and the preheated replacement refractory component rapidly transferred and installed in the operating position in an amount of time that avoids thermal shock to the refractories that are not replaced.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing cross-linked cellulosic fibers. A sheet of cellulosic fibers treated with a caustic solution under non-mercerizing conditions is cross-linked with a solution containing polymeric polycarboxylic acid cross-linking agents. The treated cellulosic fibrous material is dried and cured in sheet form to promote intrafiber cross-linking. Cross-linked fiber products of this method, which is economic, that possess good absorption and wet resiliency properties are also disclosed.