Abstract: Molten steel containing an undissolved alloying ingredient denser than molten steel (e.g. Pb and/or Bi) flows from a tundish to a continuous casting mold. Various expedients are employed to prevent large globules of undissolved alloying ingredient from flowing out of the tundish into the mold. Another expedient prevents large quantities of undissolved alloying ingredient from accumulating on the bottom of the tundish.

Abstract: An improved melt drag metal strip casting apparatus and process in which molten metal is delivered from a supply thereof into contact with a cooled casting surface driven at a predetermined linear rate to quench and withdraw a continuous strip of metal from the molten metal supply. An air knife is employed to direct an elongated narrow jet of gas into contact with the top surface of the strip and with the molten metal supply as the strip is withdrawn to impart the desired shape and finish to the top surface of the strip and to control the amount of liquid metal adhering to the top surface as it is withdrawn to thereby control the thickness of the strip.

Abstract: Device to handle ladles in cooperation with the casting zone (45) in continuous casting, casting into ingot moulds or forms or mixed casting, such device providing independent, coaxial arms able to rotate by a continuous 360.degree. rotation and to support the ladle (14), such rotary arms (27) also handling the ladle (14) in a tapping station (43) in cooperation with a smelting furnace (11).

Abstract: Metal strip 3 may be cast directly from molten metal in an open tundish 2 onto a chill roll 1. Strip thickness is controlled by contouring the tundish lip 14 with an offset 10 near the casting wheel. This can be used remedially to offset the natural tendency for the strip to be thicker near the edges, which is undesirable for cold rolling, or it may be used creatively to produce contoured strip.

Abstract: A gas-blow casting nozzle has an annular gas-blowing hollow chamber with a gas-permeable part which is provided between the hollow chamber and the pouring hole of the nozzle body, and a number of joint parts for integrally joining the inner wall and the outer wall of the hollow chamber, which are provided in the radial direction of the annular hollow chamber. The total of the vertical section of the cylindrical area of the joint parts is about 30% to 70% of the cylindrical area of the hollow chamber. The gas-blowing hollow chamber which has the function of a heat-insulating layer is so constructed that the inner wall and the outer wall of the hollow chamber are partially and uniformly joined with the joint parts, and the joint parts are made to have the function of a heat-transfering layer, whereby the temperature difference in the radial direction of the nozzle body may be made small and the occurrence of thermal stress in the casting nozzle may be prevented.

Abstract: A stopper rod which has a plug at one end fits snugly into the inside of the nozzle having multiple ejection orifices. The plug is provided with at least one slot or opening which can be located directly over a selected orifice to allow passage of molten metal therethrough. When erosion occurs, the plug is indexed to locate the opening over a different, uneroded orifice.

Abstract: A continuous casting tundish has a horizontal baffle intermediate its height. The baffle has a hole therethrough, to receive the downward flow of molten steel from the snorkel of a ladle, which flow educts steel through the hole and with it any desired additives such as alloying and/or refining agents. The space below the baffle is of lesser cross sectional area than the space above the baffle, and at least one end of the space below the baffle communicates with the space above the baffle, so that circulating flow of steel through the hole, below the baffle, and back over the baffle and again through the hole, is induced, that flow being turbulent below the baffle and laminar above the baffle. The tundish has the usual casting holes in its bottom.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating intermediate ladles or tundishes, for example, in continuous casting processes. The apparatus comprises at least one coil having an iron core, which is disposed adjacent the ladle or tundish. The ladle or tundish and the coils are arranged so as to be movable with respect to each other. The ladle or tundish is adapted to be placed in a heating position adjacent to the coil, which is thus closely connected with the bottom or lower parts or corners of the ladle or tundish, in order primarily to heat the lowermost parts of the melt stored in the tundish.

Abstract: An outlet valve for a melt-containing vessel includes a lower insert piece mounted in the base of the vessel having an outlet bore passing therethrough from the inside to the outside of the vessel, and an elongate shaft located above and pressed down upon the lower insert piece. The shaft has a lower face mating with an upper face of the lower insert piece and is rotatable relative to the lower insert piece about a generally vertical axis. The bore through the lower insert piece is offset, at least at its upper end, from the axis of rotation. The shaft has a side opening at the lower end thereof capable of aligning with the top of the bore through the lower insert piece in at least one rotational position.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the surface characteristics of a continuously cast metal ingot comprises: a skim dam having outer lateral edges which diverge downwardly into an upper molten surface of the ingot during casting in a mold; and means for suspending the skim dam in the upper molten surface. Preferably, the outer lateral edges intersect the upper molten surface at an angle between about 105.degree. and 150.degree., and more preferably at about a 120.degree. angle. The outer lateral edges maintain an acutely angled meniscus inwardly of the meniscus between the upper molten surface and the side surfaces of the ingot. A method for inhibiting the formation of vertical folds and oxide releases on a metal ingot continuously cast in an electromagnetic mold comprises suspending a skim dam in an upper molten surface of the ingot during casting, said skim dam having outer lateral edges which are not wetted by the upper molten surface and diverge downwardly into same.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously casting metal for obtaining a substantially flat casting includes a vessel having a bottom opening defined by side walls and by a rear wall and a tiltable front wall, the rear and front walls ending at different levels so that the bottom opening has a horizontal as well as a vertical component; a planar metal, endless belt is disposed underneath the opening and defines a casting gap together with the front wall, the more downwardly extending rear wall in conjunction with that casting gap deflects casting material from a down flow directly into the horizontal; a meniscus seals the rear wall against the belt; the belt is spray cooled from below.

Abstract: A roll caster feed tip comprising a top member, a bottom member, a pair of fixed side members positioned between the top and bottom members to define a molten metal passageway having at least one inlet and an outlet adjacent the roll caster, said outlet having an adjustable width, and means between the side members for adjusting the width of the outlet during casting. The adjustment means preferably comprises at least one spacer adapted to slidably extend through the inlet and to the outlet of the passageway, said spacer extending adjacent one side member. More preferably, the adjustment means comprises a plurality of spacers adapted to slidably extend through the inlet and to the outlet of the passageway, said spacers extending either adjacent the side members and each other or through channels defined by a plurality of guides extending between the top and bottom members intermediate the side members.

Abstract: A continuous caster tundish having refractory wall dams formed as part of a portion of the lining of the interior of the side walls, where each refractory wall dam is characterized by a flange projecting substantially horizontally inwardly to prevent turbulent surface flow as molten metal is poured into the tundish.

Abstract: In casting thin metal strip or foil by dynamic casting in which molten metal is teemed from a crucible 13 onto a moving belt or wheel, the invention provides an outlet orifice control assembly arranged to define a slot of controlled width through which the metal flows from the crucible outlet 20. The assembly comprises opposed shut-off plates 28,29 extending between edge strips 26,27, and underlying these are opposed slot plates 32,33 extending between second edge strips 30,31 with opposed support strips 34,35 extending beneath the strips 30,31 and supporting the edges of the slot plates 32,33. The sets of plates are aligned and arranged so that one plate 29 and 33 is movable relative to the other respective plate 28 and 32 between closed and open positions for controlled flow of metal through a sized slot defined between the slot plates 32,33.

Abstract: A sleeve formed of one or more parts of a size to fit closely around the depending shroud of a hot metal ladle through which the hot metal is delivered to a receptacle, such as a tundish, protects the shroud which is a tubular member formed of metal, ceramic or a composition including graphite or silica from the rapid erosion which occurs whenever the shroud is partially immersed in a pool of molten metal in the receptacle.

Abstract: A molten metal pouring cup is provided communicating with a transfer means for transferring molten metal from the pouring cup to a casting station. Vent means is provided on the pouring cup at the interface between the pouring cup and the transfer means to permit release of entrapped gas downstream of the pouring cup.

Abstract: In a dual roll type continuous casting machine, molten-metal-pouring passages for feeding molten metal into a molten bath or pool are so disposed and oriented that molten metal is fed toward the side seal plates in the directions tangential to a pair of cooling rolls, whereby only solidified shells formed on the side seal plates at the so-called triple points are effectively melted.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous casting of a thin metallic plate which includes a movable mold 2 arranged for movement in a specified direction, and a melt receiver 5 disposed on the movable mold 2 for storing molten metal in coopertion therewith, whereby molten metal within the melt receiver 5, through its contact with the surface of the movable mold 2, will be cooled and formed into a casting shell, the casting shell being drawn by the movable mold 2 in the form of a thin metallic plate, wherein at least the lower end portion of the melt receiver 5 is movable along the withdrawal path of the casting shell, and wherein a mover mechanism 7 is provided for moving the lower end portion of the melt receiver 5.

Abstract: An immersion nozzle for continuous casting includes a nozzle body and a conduit extending longitudinally through the nozzle body. At least a portion of the interior surface of the nozzle which surrounds the conduit is made of a refractory material including 40-92 wt. % ZrO.sub.2, 5-40 wt. % C and 3-20 wt. % of an oxide admixture of (1) RO and RO.sub.2, wherein RO is at least one member selected from the group consisting of CaO, MgO and MnO; and RO.sub.2 is at least one member selected from the group consisting of SiO.sub.2 and TiO.sub.2 ; or (2) RO, RO.sub.2 and R.sub.2 O.sub.3 wherein RO and RO.sub.2 are as defined above and R.sub.2 O.sub.3 is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: In the horizontal continuous casting of metal, an upper contact part and a lower contact part of the metal body are horizontally displaced with the inner wall of the tubular chilled mold relative to one another, so that the lower contact part is psoitioned downstream relative to the upper contact part.

Abstract: A submerged continuous casting nozzle consists of a tubular element having an axial passage terminating in an end part having terminal conduits extending laterally and downwardly from the vertical axis of the nozzle. The lower end of each of these terminal discharge conduits has a lip protruding toward the axis of the associated conduit, this lip having a height between 0.3 and 0.6 times the diameter of the outflow port. The lip makes an angle of about 90.degree. with the axis of the associated terminal conduit.

Abstract: A device for introducing and exchanging a casting tube in a bottom-pour casting vessel allows a worn tube to be replaced without interrupting the casting operation when a movable plate casting tube assembly is mounted in a sliding manner on guides which are suitable for transmitting upward thrust pressure. If the replacement tube is introduced by pivoting in the well of the ingot mould, the exchange of the tube can be carried out without raising the distributor.

Abstract: A submerged nozzle for use in introducing molten metal below the surface of a molten metal pool in a flow-through continuous casting mold. The nozzle is tubular and has an upper end connected to a source of molten metal to be introduced to the mold for casting. The lower end of the nozzle is closed and adjacent this end are two molten metal outlet ports of equal diameter and in opposed relation with each being axially inclined upwardly at an angle of about 15.degree.. Four additional equal diameter molten metal outlet ports with a diameter of each being larger than the diameter of the said two molten metal outlet ports are positioned adjacent said lower end of the nozzle in diametrically opposed pairs with each pair being nonradial at an included angle of 30.degree. and inclined upwardly at an angle of about 15.degree..

Abstract: An apparatus for casting metal strip includes a nozzle having an orifice for depositing a stream of molten metal onto a casting region of a moving chill surface. A conditioning shoe is located generally upstream from the nozzle in a direction opposite to the direction of chill surface movement to delimit a conditioning chamber. The conditioning chamber communicates directly with the nozzle orifice and borders at least three sidelines of the chill surface casting portion. A shield for minimizing an intrusion of ambient atmosphere into the conditioning chamber and for deflecting an entrained gas boundary layer carried along by the chill surface is cooperatively connected to the conditioning shoe. Gas control provides a selected, low density atmosphere, such as a partial vacuum, within the conditioning chamber.

Abstract: A molten metal feed tip assembly comprises independently replaceable upstream and downstream units. The upstream unit comprises a pair of upstream plates spaced apart by one or more spacers. The downstream unit is preassembled and comprises a pair of spaced-apart downstream plates, each comprising two or more segments. The downstream unit also comprises spacers for maintaining the spacing between the plates and a brace, which extends across the upstream edges of the downstream plate segments to maintain the segments in edge-to-edge abutment.

Abstract: Continuous casting facilities generally including a pair of moulds with a rail on each side thereof. Self-propelled tundish cars each carrying a tundish with a detachable immersion nozzle ride on the rails. The apparatus includes a truck running on the rail opposite the operator's side of the moulds connectable with one of the tundish cars and carrying an immersion nozzle exchanger. A connecting piece feeder, a powder feeder, and an immersion nozzle preheater are also mountable on the truck. Equipment interferences are eliminated by the specific structures and the operator's view of the moulds is not obstructed.

Abstract: An apparatus, for use with a metallurgical vessel for the continuous casting of molten metal through a discharge opening thereof, prevents solidification of the first charge of molten metal in the discharge opening. A first overflow pipe is mounted above the discharge opening, and a second overflow pipe is mounted about the first overflow pipe and defines therewith an annular recess. Within the recess is provided a material capable of effecting the flow characteristics of the first portion of the molten material to be discharged.

Abstract: A refractory conduit assembly for the transfer of molten steel from a discharge vessel to an ingot mold of a horizontal continuous casting plant includes a replaceable spout member adapted to be removably connected at a predetermined location to the refractory lining of a vessel. The spout member has therethrough a discharge channel to receive from the interior of the vessel a flow of molten steel. A shut off device is provided to interrupt the flow to the discharge channel. A casting tube has therethrough a flow passage with inlet and outlet ends. A coupling device connects the inlet end of the flow passage to the discharge channel, such that the flow of molten metal passes through the casting tube. The outlet end of the flow passage has an altered cross-sectional configuration adapted to that of the ingot mold. A nozzle has an inlet end connected to the casting tube and an outlet end having thereat a portion to sealingly contact walls of the ingot mold.

Abstract: A nozzle which can be used repeatedly for the supply of liquid metal is made up of individual, hollow, refractory sections fitted together side by side in a metal frame. The hollow elements of the nozzle may feature, in addition to at least one longitudinal channel for the supply of liquid metal, channels to accommodate heating elements also running in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method for continuously casting strip material onto a casting surface moving past a nozzle in a molten metal holding tundish is disclosed comprising the steps of pouring molten metal into the tundish at a rate sufficient to establish a metallostatic head pressure of at least one-quarter pound per square inch at the nozzle within one second after pouring is initiated, and pouring additional molten metal into the tundish at a rate sufficient to maintain a substantially constant operating pressure at the nozzle throughout the casting operation. A tundish for holding molten metal to be cast into strip material onto a casting surface moving past a nozzle in the tundish, is also disclosed comprising a front wall having an inside surface, a rear wall having an inside surface and sidewalls enclosing a molten metal holding area defined between the inside surfaces of the front and rear walls.

Abstract: Material is supplied from a pressure hopper made to have an inert gas atmosphere to each of a plurality of melting furnaces one after another in a predetermined amount each time. The interior atmosphere of each melting furnace is replaced by an inert gas, and the material is melted in the melting furnace by heating. The resulting molten metal is supplied from one of the melting furnaces after another to a discharge container having a discharge nozzle and made to have an inert gas atmosphere, and is continuously discharged from the discharge nozzle against a rapid quenching device.

Abstract: A device for electromagnetically regulating the pouring rate in continuous casting, including a cylindrical molten steel container having a molten steel inlet formed in a peripheral section of an upper surface thereof and a molten steel outlet formed in central section of a lower surface thereof to pour the molten steel into a mold, and electromagnetic coils disposed around the side wall of the molten steel container so as to generate a rotating magnetic field perpendicularly to the side wall. The pouring rate is determined by the interactive function of the head of the molten steel in the tundish disposed above the molten steel container with the outlet thereof joined to the inlet of the molten steel container, the intensity of the rotating magnetic field, namely, the magnitude of the electric current supplied to the electromagnetic coils, and the size of the molten steel outlet, namely, a replaceable pouring nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuous casting of amorphous or polycrystalline metal strip from a melt. The molten metal is delivered from a reservoir (2) to a moving chill surface, preferably a cylindrical roll (1) through an orifice (3) in the reservoir (2). The gap between the reservoir (2) and the chill surface (1) is not fixed as in prior methods but is variable due to a resilient bias on the reservoir toward the chill surface. A pivot (10) and counterweight (11) are convenient apparatus for resiliently biasing the reservoir. The small portion of the reservoir (2) therefore rides lightly upon the molten metal film delivered to the chill surface or upon the solidified metal strip. The variable gap allows better control over the process and better quality surfaces on the metal strip.

Abstract: Cold-hearth melt-spinning apparatus for adapted improved continuous casting of refractory and reactive alloys possesses (1) a cold crucible having a selectively grooved surface operative to reduce both melt "freezing" at the melt/crucible interface and input heating power requirements, and (2) a replaceable nozzle of a refractory material that is friction-fit in an aperture provided therefor in the crucible. The confronting nozzle/crucible walls define a thermally impeding interface which maintains the nozzle at a temperature sufficient to substantially eliminate melt "freezing" in and across the nozzle orifice. The melt is ejected as a molten jet from the crucible by pressure, rapidly quenched on a suitably configured spinning disk into either filaments or flakes, and passed to an environmentally protected processing compartment. Arc heating of the melt is provided by a water-cooled and selectively movable electrode.

Abstract: Chill-cast metal foil is produced by an apparatus having a flexible gas permeable valve which provides a means for retaining the molten metal prior to processing it into a chill-cast metal foil and simultaneously providing a gas purging of the reservoir and the orifice in the reservoir to prevent formation of detrimental oxides of the molten metal by the exposure of the molten metal to air or oxygen containing atmosphere.A method for producing the chill-cast foil is also described.

Abstract: A support machine is provided for a ladle in a continuous casting. A rotatable column is positioned on a bearing on a foundation base. A ladle support arm is pivoted around a horizontal axis, includes a yoke surrounding the rotatable column and has a U-shaped planar projection, and two lever legs running about in parallel and each extending an end of the yoke. A ladle support is disposed near an end of each lever leg. A support provision for each lever leg is disposed between the ladle support and the yoke for supporting the lever leg on the side of the column disposed toward the corresponding ladle. A position adjustment provision is attached to the column, is disposed at the side of the column opposite to the corresponding support provisions and engages the yoke. A ladle support is disposed near the free end of the support arm and can be pivoted around a horizontal axis provided by a hinge mechanism. An inclination measurement sensor is disposed at the ladle support of the ladle support arm.

Abstract: A method for continuously pouring molten metal in an initially substantially unfilled tundish having a channel-type inductor having a channel opening into the bottom portion of the tundish, is done by starting the pourings and the continuous sequential steps of applying power to the inductor when its channel is first covered by the poured metal to form a melt level and the static pressure of the metal is low and while increasing the power rapidly so as to cause incipient pinching in the channel and then momentarily rapidly reducing the power so as to prevent pinching; as the metal level further increases so that the metal's static pressure further increases, again increasing the power rapidly so as to again cause incipient pinching in the channel and then again momentarily rapidly reducing the power so as to prevent pinching; and continuing these sequential steps until the tundish is filled.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing amorphous metal ribbons by ejecting molten metal through a nozzle attached to a tundish onto a rapidly moving cooling body, the molten metal is suppled to the tundish by first pouring the molten metal from a ladle into an intermediate vessel and then by supplying the molten metal from the intermediate vessel to the tundish through a gas-lift pump. An apparatus for supplying molten metal to a tundish comprises an intermediate vessel adjacent to the tundish and a gas-lift pump to supply the molten metal from the intermediate vessel to the tundish. The molten metal is poured from a ladle into the intermediate vessel. The gas-lift pump has a pump proper that is placed over the intermediate vessel and tundish so that its inlet and outlet open in the intermediate vessel and tundish, respectively. Bubbles are suppled into the pump proper through its inlet.

Abstract: A nozzle for continuous casting which is capable of uniformly supplying a required amount of gas to the inner wall surface thereof by providing a plurality of communication holes inside the nozzle body between the inner surface thereof and a gas pressure balance chamber disposed inside the nozzle body so as to communicate the chamber with the inner surface, the communication hole having a square measure corresponding to that of a circular hole having a diameter of 1.0 mm or less, and preferably between 0.03 and 0.5 mm. The nozzle body is comprised of a material having 20% or less porosity and containing 50% or more open pores, each having a diameter of 5 .mu.m or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides a refractory tube through which a stream of molten metal is passed during continuous casting which includes an inner refractory member of relatively low thermal expansion and thermal conductivity characteristics and an outer refractory member of high erosion resistance. The cooperation of the inner and outer refractory members results in an end product with a prolonged useful casting life and which does not require preheating prior to use. In a preferred embodiment, the inner refractory member is formed of fused silica and the outer refractory member is formed of alumina graphite and/or zirconia graphite.

Abstract: A closure mechanism includes a conical discharge nozzle and a shielding tube fitted over the exterior of the discharge nozzle. A snug conical joint is formed by closely complementary conical surfaces of the discharge nozzle and the shielding tube. At least one ring-shaped seal is provided in such joint to prevent exterior air from entering between the discharge nozzle and the shielding tube into the interior of the shielding tube. The ring-shaped seal comprises an annular recess formed in one of the conical surfaces, thereby defining an annular chamber, and an inert gas filling such chamber.

Abstract: A tundish for use in casting a ribbon of crystalline or coarse grain polycrystalline material, having a support for a hopper containing molten material, the hopper having a bottom plate and three side wall plates and a top plate, each made of a material which will not interact with the molten material contained within the space defined by the bottom plate, side wall plates and top plate, to impart any significant impurity into the molten material, and wherein the top plate slants downwardly towards the bottom plate to form an elongated orifice through which molten material is extruded onto a cool surface where crystallization of a ribbon of material occurs. As disclosed, the top plate is movable with respect to the bottom plate to change the thickness of the orifice. Also as disclosed, the top plate slides in a slot in each of two opposed side walls and is of a length such that it forms with the third side wall an opening into which molten material is added to the tundish.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and supporting a shroud tube in a metal teeming operation includes a boom assembly having one end pivotally mounted on a rigid structure for movement about a vertical axis and is articulated intermediate its ends to permit universal movement of its other end in a horizontal plane, and an elongated shroud tube support arm is mounted intermediate its ends on the universally movable end of the boom assembly for movement therewith, for limited pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, and for limited rotational movement about its longitudinal axis. A bifurcated yoke at one end of the support arm engages and supports a shroud tube, and power drive is provided at the other end of the support arm for rotating the support arm about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for permitting long-term continuous casting provides a plurality of orifices. By temporarily casting simultaneously from two adjacent orifices, it becomes possible to replace orifices without interrupting the casting process. Thus, the duration of continuous casting is not limited by the useful lifetime of a single casting orifice. Among the applications of the invention is the long-term continuous casting of metallic ribbon, such as amorphous metal ribbon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pouring molten metal in a neutral atmosphere into an ingot mold, a trumpet funnel for bottom poured ingots or a tundish box for a continuous caster or like vessel is disclosed wherein the receiving vessel is closed about a ceramic sleeve through which the molten metal is poured and wherein the normal atmosphere is replaced by vaporized hexamethylene or cyclohexane as it is sometimes called. The closure about the ceramic sleeve through which the molten metal is introduced into the receiving vessel is positioned on top of the receiving vessel and supports the ceramic sleeve and is provided with break lines or scores that permit the edge portions of the sheet-like closure to be moved in hinged relation thereto when the sheet-like closure is pushed downwardly into the receiving vessel to a point on or near the surface of the molten metal.

Abstract: The particular pipe is provided with a system of blind bores being gas conductively interconnected and an inert gas is fed to this duct and channel system to traverse the gas permeable material of which the pipe is made to emerge particularly from surfaces in contact with molten steel to thereby prevent the precipitation of deposits, particularly on the inside of the pipe, but also on the outside surface thereof where being submerged in the bath of molten steel.

Abstract: A shrouding sleeve for removable insertion between a tundish and an underlying mold to vertically enshroud a liquid stream issuing from the tundish to the mold wherein the shrouding sleeve consists of upper and lower substantially rigid sleeve portions. The upper sleeve is removably secured to the underside of the tundish and the lower sleeve is removably insertable for vertical alignment between the upper sleeve and the underlying mold. An annular flange is annularly secured to the bottom of the upper sleeve, and in a similar manner, annular flanges are also secured to the top and bottom of the lower sleeve. Another annular flange is also secured to the top of the underlying mold. At least one of these annular flanges is under continuous bias in the vertical direction so that when the lower shrouding sleeve is transversely inserted into vertical alignment between the upper sleeve and the mold, all of the annular flanges engage adjacent mating flanges to form a continuous shrouding sleeve under seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for shielding a stream of molten metal during teeming comprises a housing (106) and a ceramic ring (105). The ceramic ring (105) is made of compressible material and is tapered so that on insertion in the housing (106) it readily forms a seal with lips (107) and (113) which project inwardly from the outer wall (111) of the housing (106).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for alloying continuously cast steel products wherein a wire of alloying material, e.g. lead, is fed through the center of the stopper rod to its nose where the wire melts and dissolves into the stream of liquid steel flowing out of the tundish. The guide passage for the wire and a cooperating hole in the nose of the stopper rod are temporarily closed by heat meltable means which prevents steel from entering and clogging the hole in the passage before a steady-state flow condition is achieved.

Abstract: A strip casting apparatus is disclosed comprising a tundish for receiving and holding molten metal and an orifice passage defined between two spaced lips through which the molten metal is delivered to a casting surface located within about 0.120 inch of the orifice passage and movable past the orifice passage at a speed of from 200 to 10,000 linear surface feet per minute. In the apparatus of the present invention at least one lance is disposed with a tip of the lance directed toward a cavity in the tundish adjacent at least a portion of the material defining at least one of the lips of the orifice passage. Equipment is provided for delivering reactive gases through the lance and into the cavity, and at least one aperture is provided through which combustion products from the reactive gases escape the cavity in the tundish. One lip defining the orifice passage of this invention may comprise a molten metal resistant plate.